Wedding Gown: The Best Fit For Your Body

No matter your size, there is a dress for every body type. When choosing your wedding gown it is important not only to determine what you'll look best in, but what you'll feel best in as well. Here's a handy guide to help get you started.

For Full Figures: Enhancing your assets is key, but so is making sure you're comfortable when you walk down the aisle. A dress that's too tight may hug your curves in an unflattering way. And a dress that's too loose may cause you to look larger than you actually are. It's best to choose a dress that will provide support and add flattering lines to your shape. If you've always dreamed of being Cinderella, this is your chance! A ball wedding gown with a fitted bodice and a full waist will compliment your upper half while concealing some of your more augmented areas underneath. Another tip for heavier hips is to try an empire gown. This dress features a small, scooped bodice with a high waistline and a slightly more slender skirt than the ball gown presents. This dress will buoy your bust while hiding your hips and other problem areas.

For Pear Shapes: If your figure is more of a fruit shape, flaunt it! As with full figured gals, the Cinderella ball wedding gown works wonders for your body also. By taking advantage of your more ample areas, this dress will fit well and flatter you. Or you may want to try the basque silhouette. Worn with or without straps, the bust of this dress is tighter on top and the torso drops down below the waist to form a "V". The bottom of the wedding dress begins at the "V" and billows slightly outward until it hits the floor. This cut will accent your waistline without creating unsightly lines.

For an Hourglass Figure: Your shapeliness allows for a fun and flirty fit! A dropped waist dress works best for your body. A variety of necklines are available to compliment this look- from halter to bateau and sweetheart to strapless. The bust of the wedding gown is more form fitting and continues through to the bodice, where it ends just below the waist. This elongates your torso, giving you a trim and tall silhouette. The bottom of the dress flows out and can be accented in an A-line look or the material can be draped for a cool, curtain-like outline.

For Tall and/or Slim Builds: Whether you're of super model stature or you're particularly petite, there are a number of dress designs that will look dazzling on you. The ball wedding gown works well for your figure, as it does with full figured and pear shapes. But you may also try the mermaid dress. This wedding gown looks spectacular when a v-neckline is incorporated, as it helps accent a small or large bust. The form-fitting bodice continues to the knee, giving you a slender, streamlined look. At the knee, the wedding dress flares out, for a flowy, fin-like finish. The sheath dress is another delightful design for your shape. A tight bust and empire waist compliment the form-fitting bodice at the torso and hips. The dress has a slightly outward flow at the bottom.