The question has been popped, but another big one remains - which dress? Before you get caught up in your beading and lace trimming, consider the body basics and let your assets do you proud...

The easy part has been accomplished – you’ve got your man. Now you need to pick the dress to match. This is no mean feat, but with a few practical hints and some careful consideration you’ll have him busting out of his tux with pride as you strut towards him. And the trick resides with body shape.

Now is the time to celebrate your shape and maximise its features of glory. The easy secret to looking your best is to emphasise your strengths and match style to shape.


Ella, Vu's Bridal

Follow our simple guide on how to achieve your best look by shaping up against a number of styles to find one that fits, flatters and boasts. All eyes will be fixed on you – for all the right reasons…

Step 1 - To begin with, think about undergarments. An all-in-one body shaper will give you a smooth line but never substitute comfort for shape – there’s no point in squeezing yourself into a smaller size if you’re going to pass out or not be able to utter your vows through the wincing pain of crushed organs. Instead, opt for something that feels supportive, fits like a second skin and that you can actually move in with ease (not to mention grace). An easy way to accomplish this is for your underwear to be built into the dress via a seamstress, so it’s more seamless and natural feeling.

And don’t forget to wear your intended underwear to all dress fittings: it’s never attractive to have too much lacy brassiere on show or to create a loose-fitting dress as a result of stomach-sucking pants.

Step 2 - The next aspect to think about is your neckline. A square or princess neckline really opens up your chest and provides a great way to showcase your cleavage (and detract from a thicker waist or a generous posterior).


White Rose, The Wedding Company

Décolletage is always a sensual thing to accentuate. Often overlooked, it can provide a place to showcase some statement jewellery or alternatively house a delicate necklace or jewelled bodice. Exposure really is best - so long as it’s not distastefully gaping - your neck, shoulders and cleavage can be an absolutely stunning feature.

Step 3 - Beyond the underwear and neckline, the single most important thing to consider is your whole body shape. Once that is attended to, all other details can be coordinated accordingly. It is the equivalent of a good base coat of paint and the point from which all else follows and agrees.

Step 4 - Once you’ve sussed out your style, you have to remember that there’s more to bridal best than merely donning the dress. You have to wear your gown, and the only way to do that is with attitude. Looking your best is feeling your best, so remember your posture and pride. It may seem like a sound bite from a motivational coach, but your wedding is one of the rare occasions where you are the star of your own show, so play the part with pride.


Cosmobella, Lavender Rose

Body Type:
SHORT/PETITE

Desired Effect: To appear taller

Style Suggestions: A dress with an empire waist combined with a high or off-the-shoulder neckline works well. Short sleeves/sleeveless dresses with long gloves are elongating.

Avoid: Something busy like ruffles or large veiling with too much fabric will overwhelm your figure. Mid-calf length hemlines will only shorten your frame.

Trend Tips: Fitted, ‘50s/prom style dresses (just above knee length) with killer heels and long gloves, or body-con with long (vertical) lines for petite forms.


Essense, Vu's Bridal

Empire – Slender skirt starting from just beneath the bust

Body Type:
TALL

Desired Effect: To deduct height

Style Suggestions: Open, low, off-the-shoulder necklines are ideal. A drop waist, thick belt, or ruffle detail will detract from your height. If you are also slim, mermaid and sheath shaped dresses will complement your figure.


Justin Alexander

Avoid: Amazonian styling such as accentuated shoulder padding, or high hats/veiling will only serve to make your height an imposing factor.

Trend Tips: Flared silhouettes (fluted/tulip), asymmetric cuts, mini skirts (or any hemline for that matter), tiered skirts.


Ellis, County Cream


Benjamin Roberts

Mermaid – Fitted as far as the knee, flares out at the bottom

Body Type:
SLIM

Desired Effect: To appear fuller


Charlotte Balbier

Style Suggestions: Fitted, padded bodices encrusted with sequins/diamante detail adds dimension. A body-hugging dress such as the sheath style, or dresses with heavier fabrics such as satin, velvet or moiré will visually add a little volume. A gathered waist and narrow sleeves will have a similar effect.


Eternity Bride, County Cream

Avoid: Swamping your figure within volumous layers of fabrics i.e. origami/architectural styles and overly big ball gowns. Also, clingy columns and sheaths are best avoided by those with more boyish figures.


Cosmobella, Lavender Rose

Trend Tips: Opt for lingerie-inspired designs, backless numbers, monochrome/metallics/colour and patterning such as embroidery, paisley or floral prints or brocade. Ruffling and gathered fabrics add an illusion of curves.


White Rose, The Wedding Company

Sheath – Narrow, body-hugging style that shows off the bust, hips and waist

Body Type:
FULL FIGURED

Desired Effect: To appear slimmer


Bonny Bridal, Little Anne Maids

Style Suggestions: Scoop necks can work well. Vertical lines are the classic narrowing technique that can be incorporated into the style. High waistlines, such as with the princess style or an A-line dress will suit you well. Sheer fabrics are very forgiving, especially on the arms. A bolero jacket over a strapless/spaghetti-strapped dress is a classic, flattering look.


Art Couture, County Cream

Avoid: Anything with too much fabric or fuss will appear frumpy, so avoid ruffles, bunching and puffed sleeves. Something that clings unforgivingly to your body will not compliment your figure so avoid body-conscious styles.


Charlotte Balbier

Trend Tips: Classic ball and goddess gowns with a subtle twist such as pleats, bows or ribbons for self-tailored ‘New Romance’ (including black, gothic inspired designs).


Pure by Romantica, Little Anne Maids

Body Type:
BIG BUSTLINE

Desired Effect: To minimise cleavage

Style Suggestions: A scoop neck, V-neck or high neck with keyhole detail is best. Straight or full skirts with a fitted bodice are highly becoming, as is the A-line dress.


Cosmobella, Lavender Rose

Avoid: Empire or cinched waists. Flimsy, unstructured and unsupported bust lines are a risky business.


White Rose, The Wedding Company

Trend Tips: Flaunt a fitted bustier with boning (vintage elegance, old school glamour). Experiment with corsetry – try different contours such as baby doll.


D'Zage, Little Anne Maids

A-line – Slim fitting at the top and widening towards the hem, forming a shape which resembles the letter ‘A’

Body Type:
WIDE HIPS

Desired Effect: To minimise hips


Ronald Joyce

Style Suggestions: A-line, princess, flared and ball gowns all look great with your figure. Concentrate on your upper body and waist with details such as lace, beading or a bodice.


Essense, Vus Bridal

Avoid: Body conscious styling, especially fitted on the hips/derriere.


Hollywood Dreams

Trend Tips: Mermaid, Grecian/maxi dresses (boho) and 80s style shoulder-enhanced/asymmetric silhouettes.


White Rose, The Wedding Company

Ball Gown – Fitted bodice and waist with full skirt


Words Hannah May

Copyright WED Magazine 2010