THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BRIDAL GOWN shopping FOR EVERY SHAPE AND SIZE part 1

do you know your shape?

As exciting as bridal gown shopping should be, many brides are more hesitant because they have no idea where to start. It’s really not complicated if you understand some basic fundamentals. Brides come in all shapes and sizes, that’s why our inventory does as well. How to accurately determine your particular body shape, actually has a science to it. For all intents and purposes, we will go over basic body shapes to help you determine which bridal gown shape, often known as silhouette, or style will work best for your body shape.

Inverted Triangle or Apple Shape

An inverted triangle or apple shape’d bride is when your chest and waist measurements are fairly close, but your hips are about 6 inches smaller than your waist. Your best features are typically your curves, slim legs and a fuller bust.

Avoid: With halter or high neck gowns you run the risk of drowning yourself out in the chest area and giving your other areas little or no definition. Stay clear of dresses that draw attention to your waist and pleat patterns as they are less flattering for your figure.

Look for: Look for styles that have a subtle or straight shape such as an A-line dress. This style, with flared skirts that flow through the waistline, will give the illusion of a curvier and more balanced shape. Dresses with lower necklines and more detail on the chest area will also draw the eye upwards and away from the fuller midsection area of your body.

Pear or Triangle

If your shoulders and upper body are proportionally bigger than your lower body, then you probably have a triangle shape. You may have broad shoulders with a slimmer waist and smaller hips, giving you a column/straight shape.

Avoid: Stay clear from strapless, off-the-shoulder or halter neck dresses as this can highlight your wider shoulders and may have you looking out of proportion.

Look For: A symmetrical or v-neck style works perfectly with the inverted triangle shape. Fuller straps and sleeves also flatter your figure and make your shoulders look more subtle. You may also want to look for dresses with more detail such as lace or embellishments as this will help you appear broader and more fully balanced.

Rectangle

Brides who have a rectangle body type, which is also called the banana shape, have a straighter figure with shoulders, waist and hips being all within the same width. You may also be tall, have little waist definition and a smaller bust.

Avoid: Try to avoid figure hugging dresses such as a mermaid style, as this may highlight your straight shape and give you less definition. Also, high necklines may make you appear longer and less balanced in shape.

Look for: A-line, empire, ball gowns and princess-style dresses are your go-tos – these styles with a fuller bottom will help bring more definition to your shape and create the illusion of a curvier figure.

Hour Glass

Brides with an hourglass body shape normally have a more defined waist, wider hips and a bigger bust.  You’re very curvaceous and have one of the most desirable body shapes there is, so let’s look at the best styles to show off your curvaceous assets.

Avoid: Your bust and hips are already perfectly balanced, so it’s best not to add any extra weight to these areas. Stay away from ball gown, empire or princess-style dresses with fuller skirts, as this may make you appear bigger in these areas and will be less flattering to your shape.

Look for: Instead, look for dresses that hug and show off those gorgeous curves such as a silhouette or mermaid style. Also, a sweetheart or plunge neckline may work better for you than a halter or high neck dress, as this will keep you balanced out and flatter your bustier assets.