How to find the perfect wedding dress for your figure

Find the Kindest Cut for Your Figure
Even though we ladies come in every size and shape, many of us face similar figure challenges when trying to find our dream dress. Find your match-up below and see what the pros suggest…

If you’re pear shaped, want to conceal a not-so-flat tummy, or have full hips and thighs… “The best cut to look for when trying to cover this area is something with a natural waist such as soft A-line skirt or ball gown, which gives an amazing fit in the upper torso area while hiding anything from the waist down,” according to Francesca.

This structured bodice not only shows off a fabulous upper-half, the A-line skirt conceals a larger bottom creating the illusion of a more proportional silhouette.

If you’re tall or especially slender… Look for something with a simple and clean silhouette. Column dresses with a nipped waist are a nice choice. Just be sure to avoid anything that is overly embellished as these dresses can come off as kitschy on a taller frame.

The wrapped bodice, draped waist and slit-open back provide detail in the actual construction of the dress as opposed to beading or other embellishments.

If you don’t have curves or have an athletic build… Look for a silky gown that’s cut on the bias with a trumpet skirt. The combination of the curved side seams and the flared bottom will provide you with a sultry silhouette. Pitera also recommends mermaid style gowns as they “will add shape and curves.”

The combination of angles at the necklace, waist and just below the hips will create the illusion of an hourglass figure.

Planning a wedding? Take a peek at this helpful Wedding Planning Timeline.

If you’re petite… Most styles work, however it’s best to look for something that hits above your natural waist in order to create the illusion of an elongated stature. Francesca suggests an empire cut. Another insider tip to keep in mind: Embellishments should be justas tiny as you are—big bows and adornments will overwhelm your small build.

Embrace your inner fairy princess and go for an A-line skirted ball gown where the waist nips in at the midsection of your ribcage.

If you’re busty… A sweetheart neckline is a lovely choice since it doesn’t create a blunt line across your décolletage (which can make it look shelf-like), plus this neckline won’t show too much cleavage either. It’s also important to look for a matte fabric as shiner blends like organza and satin can create the illusion of an exaggerated bust. Another attractive option to consider when dealing with a larger bust is an “illusion neckline,” which happens to be very on-trend for 2013 according to Francesca.

Show off your best assets and your fabulous curves in a strapless trumpet skirt gown such as the above by JLM Couture.

If you have a small chest… Dresses with wrapped or ruched bodices are your best friend as are halter gowns with v-fronts. Don’t forget that you can add some light padding to this area as well—that’s what cutlets were created for!

If you have an hourglass figure… Lucky for you, nearly any cut will work with your figure (you can thank your mother later). If you want to play up your curves, Pitera suggests looking for a mermaid style silhouette with a fitted bodice or a ball gown to show off your well-defined waist.

Select a shape that will show off your favorite asset—whether it’s your back, your neckline or your derrière.

If you’re plus-sized or very curvy… Search for something with an empire waist and a wrapped bodice. Styles that come to a v in front and gather just below the bust-line can be incredibly flattering as well, especially when they have a tempered floor length A-line skirt.

Every woman has beautiful collarbones and the wide shallow-scooped neckline on this JLM Couture gown is a wonderful way to show off that area.

The Golden RuleWhen I asked Francesca what the biggest mistake brides-to-be make when selecting a wedding dress, she replied, “Not being true to your own personal style. Brides should stay true to what makes them feel beautiful and captures their individuality. Brides-to-be should wear something that they are comfortable in, something that captures their story and something that they can look back on many years later and still love.”