The right wedding dress can do wonders for your figure. It can cinch you in at the waist, create the illusion of a flat tummy, hide big hips and much more – if you choose the right style for your body shape. Not sure what shape you are? Let the bridal gown experts at
We can also recommend an Opulence Bridal design called Cadillac. This dress has a tie-back fastening which allows for the gown to be more flexible on the sizing and it can also ensure that the dress fits every inch of your figure. Once again, the ruched bodice helps to camouflage the stomach area and the full A-line skirt helps to balance out an ‘apple’ shape and the pick-up detail adds that additional eye-catching feature making it the perfect choice for a glamorous theme.
Pear – weight mainly around the hips and thighs
Brides with a pear-shaped figure tend to have ‘more junk in the trunk’ and so carry more weight around their hips, bum and thighs. When balanced correctly a pear shape can look like a screen siren, take J-Lo for instance, a woman famous for her junk! For this shape we can recommend the following dresses…
Olivia Grace bridal might be pretty new on the bridal scene but their stunning design, Dream, is perfect for a pear figure. The full skirt can hide and balance the figure by flaring out from the middle and highlighting a tiny waist. The sweetheart neckline helps to draw the eye to a defined décolletage and toned shoulders, typical of those lucky pear-shaped ladies. The beaded belt adds an element of bling for that J-Lo factor.
Another perfect selection for a pear shape is the stunning design by Pure Bridal, PB4618. This gorgeous organza number is wonderfully floaty and disguises a pear figure by skimming over the silhouette. The fitted bodice helps to draw the eye upwards to the torso and the banded waist helps to define and exaggerate an enviable waist. The floral detailing across the bodice helps to add a feminine feel, which is favoured by fellow celebrity pear, Kristin Davis.
Hourglass – Fuller bust and hips, small waist
The hourglass figure can suit many styles of dress. The key to an hourglass figure is to accentuate the waist as this is your main asset. Many people believe the hourglass shape to be the perfect figure and this is embodied by Kelly Brook who is famous for her womanly curves. The following styles would be perfect for this heavenly body shape…
Olivia Grace bridal’s design, Arabesque, is pure perfection for an hourglass figure. This gown embodies all the glamour of the red carpet with a classic fishtail skirt and form fitting bodice. Hourglass stars such as Dita von Teese often favour this dress shape as it helps to show off a tiny waist but also highlight desirable assets, which an hourglass will possess. The sweetheart neckline will also help to define the bust whilst drawing the eye to a woman’s most treasured assets.
Another show stopping design for an hourglass would be the stunning Romantica Bridal design, Haley. This dress has a figure-hugging, pleated bodice with statement tulle, fishtail skirt. The fishtail is encrusted with delicate sequin detailing and an enchanting jewel motif for that extra bling factor on your big day. This exaggerated shape helps to balance out your faultless curves and the fitted bodice will help to highlight that defined waist.
Reverse Pear – Larger bust with smaller hips and legs
The key thing for a ‘reverse pear’ figure is to balance out the silhouette. Dresses with a fitted bodice and fuller skirt tend to work better as they help to even out the figure and create more of an hourglass shape. Celebrities such as Eva Mendes really rock this shape by following these simple rules.
The Romantica Bridal design, Bali, would work perfectly for a reverse pear. The fitted bodice helps to define the waist and the lace shoulder straps help to keep the bust secure and the bride comfortable. The full skirt adds volume to smaller hips and balances out a heavy top. This design is also knee length and so this will show off slender legs, which reverse pear shapes tend to have. Shorter dresses are also fab for weddings abroad.
This design by Phil Collins bridal, PC1918, is also a perfect choice for a reverse pear shape. This fabulous chiffon design cascades out from the empire line and so will skim gracefully over the hips and balance out the silhouette. The ‘V’ which is created by the cap sleeve detailing will help to draw the eyes away from wider shoulders and is a trick often used by celebs.
Athletic – Slim all over
With an athletic build you need to create the illusion of curves as this body type is toned and sculpted to perfection. This build tends to look best in form-hugging dresses as they do not have the worry of looking top or bottom heavy. Celebrities such as Cameron Diaz can look amazing in practically any dress due to her enviable athletic shape…
Opulence Bridal design, Bari, is perfect for those with an ‘athletic’ figure. This slinky design skims over the body with a belted definition at the waist to help create the illusion of womanly curves. The cowl bust helps to emphasise a smaller chest and the beaded straps help to secure the dress and show off toned shoulders. The column skirt helps to keep the silhouette even and elegant.
We can also recommend Pure Bridal design, PB4624. A princess design might seem a bit strange for those with an athletic figure but it works wonders to add those desired curves. By choosing a princess skirt this dress will give the impression of a tiny waist and the soft tulle fabric can add an element of softness to a more sculpted, angular figure. This dress style was worn by the likes of Portia de Rossi and it gave her a real ‘wow’ factor.
Discover why Romantica of Devon are a favourite with our real brides, and discover even more dreamy Romantica dresses take a look at their latest collection.
