Spending tons of money on the wedding gown of your dreams won't ensure the most flattering fit. Instead, consider your body type and choose a dress, with the shape, drape and attention to overall symmetry, that hides figure flaws, highlights assets and makes you a beautiful bride whatever your budget.
Pear
This body type is very prevalent and sometimes known as a "triangle" shape. You have a slender elegant neck, a sloping narrow shoulder-line, smaller bust, delicate ribcage, defined waist, wider low hips and round thighs. Basically, you're a little bottom-heavy.
Emphasizing the smallest part of your frame is key. Princess wedding gowns will look gorgeous—they gently nip in at the waist and then gradually flare to an A-line shape. (Try a tea-length dress with this silhouette when you want to show off toned calves.) Spectacular ball gowns with either a basque or dropped waistline even out your proportions while supplying real "wow" power. Empire-waist cuts are fitted under the bustline then flow with flattering ease over the rest of your bottom half. We'd suggest avoiding sheath, trumpet, mermaid and other body-hugging dress cuts. Rich, weightier fabrics like taffeta and Duchess satin won't cling, but elegantly skim over areas you want to de-emphasize. Chiffon is a good choice when you desire something a little more ethereal, as it will float around your figure and provide dreamy flattery.
The best necklines are fitted and show considerable skin. Corset bodices are the sexiest, while V-necks are either modest or daring depending on the dip. Try a delicate spaghetti-strap top to show off slim shoulders. To visually de-emphasize your bottom half, consider bodices that feature lots of beading, ruching or embroidery, as this draws the eye upwards. Sleeve details help, too—lightly padded cap sleeves or volume-enhancing pouf and Juliet varieties balance your figure beautifully. Take a pass on bell and poet sleeves that widen out past the elbow.
Apple
Also known as the "round," your shape is quite common and not as hard to dress as you might think. Your shoulders are well-balanced with somewhat narrow hips, and you have an ample bustline, wide back, rounded midsection, relatively small posterior and slender arms and legs.
Since your upper body is a bit wider than your lower half, concentrate on minimizing a large bust and thick waistline and maximizing those slim hips and gorgeous gams. Fit-and-flare wedding frocks that flow in a gradual A-shape create waist definition and highlight a generous bustline. As with pear shapes, a snug fit up top adds visual interest, while a deep scoop or V-neckline also draws eyes up and away from a thicker middle. Babydoll and empire-waist dresses that feature relatively slender column skirts also emphasize the chest while sleeking over a wider waist area, and are really comfortable to boot.
Sidestep lightweight fabrics in favor of slightly heavier material that will follow the line of your body, not float away from it and create more volume. Weightier chiffons are lovely, as are damask and faille. Look for airy touches like featherweight overlays of tulle or lace to add decorative oomph. Lots of texture on the bodice helps balance your figure as well—beads, ruching panels, 3-D rosette details, lace—again it's all about striking a pleasing visual balance. Try to avoid really clingy fabrics or super-fitted gown silhouettes like mermaid or trumpet cuts. Do choose to show off shapely gams in tea-length or shorter hems for outdoor and destination weddings.
Straight
This shape is also known as the "rectangle" because your waist is undefined, with somewhat broad shoulders and square hips of equal width. You're most likely slim but toned, with a small-to-medium bust, flat stomach and bottom, and slender arms and legs. What you may want to do is coax a little more curve from your frame.
Let's start with a sheath dress cut on the bias. This style adds sensual movement and shape, yet it's a truly elegant wedding gown choice, too. Gleaming silk charmeuse matches beautifully with that slender dress shape (as well as in more fanciful ball gowns) catching the light for added visual volume. Classic princess styles work wonders, as their pulled-in midriffs and flared skirts create an hourglass silhouette on figures that lack waist and hip definition. Empire, babydoll and A-line wedding dresses flatter in the opposite way by simply and comfortably camouflaging the body below the bust. The right decoration up top helps with enhancing shape, too–ruched, pleated, beaded, lace-trimmed–any intricate embellishment adds volume to a smaller bustline. Sabrina and bateau necklines also flatter delicate décolleté.
Choose any sleek silk, satin or mid-weight jersey for a body-conscious effect, and chiffon, lace and velvet as more luxe choices to add attractive volume. Show off slender arms in three-quarter-length sleeves or curvy bell and poet sleeves. We'd suggest steering clear of drop-waist dresses and sweetheart, strapless and off-the-shoulder bodice styles, as they don't tend to flatter smaller bustlines or straight torsos.
Hourglass
Your shoulders are somewhat broad, with curvy hips of a similar width and a nipped-in, defined waist. You likely have a delicate bone structure, medium bust and a derriere that's definitely there. It's one of the rarest body types but also the most balanced and symmetrical.
Because you're well-proportioned you should strive to accentuate that classic waist-to-hip ratio. Wedding gowns that feature a body-skimming, side-shirred wrap silhouette show off a slender waistline and curvy hip, but in a relaxed way. For something more dramatic and theatrical, try the tight fit-and-flare of a trumpet or mermaid cut. Fitted waists are essential for bringing out the best in your hourglass figure. Dropped-waists can also be lovely, just don't go too loose. (A long-line, corset-style bodice can help greatly with the fit.) Gently dipping sweetheart necklines, as well as strapless and off-the-shoulder shapes, make the most of a generous bust without looking tacky.
Sheath shapes won't work as well on your body type, nor will crazy big ball gowns. Empire wedding dresses may create a top-heavy effect, while bateau and Sabrina necklines tend to do the same. Your fabric choices are pretty numerous, though—the ever-classic chiffon, light georgette, luxe organza, outdoorsy muslin and eyelet, and delicate lace concoctions. Just don't go thick or weighty on either the fabrication or beading as this tends to put a little too much emphasis on your curves. The dress won't easily cling to the slimmest part of your shape, leaving your silhouette a bit chunky.
