Let’s imagine this: You’ve just said ‘yes’ to the love of your life. With the excitement of the proposal still in the air, it quickly dawns on you — it’s time to plan a wedding! Among all the decisions to be made, one stands out: finding your dream wedding dress.

Ever thought of a wedding dress made just for you? A bespoke dressmaker like Kirsty Couture can make your bridal gown dreams come true.

But before you delve into the world of bespoke dresses, it’s essential to understand your body type and what styles flatter it best. That’s why we’ve put together this easy-to-follow guide, to help you understand the body shapes and beautiful wedding dress styles that suit them.

Understanding Body Types

Every woman’s body is unique but can roughly fall into one of five main categories: apple, pear, hourglass, rectangle, and oval. Knowing which group you fall into can be incredibly helpful when shopping for everything, especially a wedding dress. If you opt to work with a bespoke wedding dressmaker, they can further tailor your dress based on these metrics.

• Apple Shaped: Apple shapes have broader shoulders and busts, narrower hips, and unaccentuated waistlines.
• Pear Shaped: Pear shapes have fuller hips and thighs, a well-defined waist, and narrower shoulders.
• Hourglass: An hourglass shape is defined by a narrow waist and balanced bust and hip proportions.
• Rectangle: Rectangle bodies feature similar measurements for the bust, waist, and hips.
• Oval: Oval bodies, also known as round bodies, have broader waistlines, with relatively balanced bust and hip sizes.

Which Dress Suits Which Body Type?

Having understood the different body types, let’s look at the best-suited dresses for each type.

Apple Shaped Bodies

Empire-line gowns, ball gowns, or A-line dresses that draw attention upwards and emphasise the bust while floating away from the waistline are perfect for apple-shaped brides. V-necks, sweetheart necklines or bodices with eye-catching details also flatter this body type.

Pear Shaped Bodies

A-line dresses, ones with structured bodices, and ball gowns work wonderfully for pear shapes. These styles draw attention to the waistline and flow outwards, balancing out the wider hip proportions. Opt for details on the upper body like embellished necklines or lace sleeves to draw attention upwards.

Hourglass Bodies

Mermaid or trumpet-style gowns are ideal for brides with hourglass shapes. These dresses echo the natural curves of the body, emphasising the balance between the bust, waist, and hips, showcasing the beautiful proportions. Sheath dresses also work wonderfully, as they tightly follow the contours of the body.

Rectangle Bodies

Add dimension with wedding dresses that create curves where there are few; ball gowns, which cinch at the waistline, or A-line dresses that gradually flare out to provide some additional shape, are ideal. Sweetheart necklines or off-shoulder designs can help create the illusion of a broader bust.

Oval Bodies

Empire-line dresses, A-line gowns, dresses with structured or corseted bodices, or those that define the bust do wonders for oval bodies. These styles help define the waistline and proportion the body beautifully.

Taking Your Measurements

Before heading out shopping, measuring yourself will help you accurately determine your body type and pick a dress quickly. You’ll need measurements for your bust, waist, and hips. 

At Kirsty Couture, we believe that choosing a wedding dress is about comfort and feeling your most beautiful. Try as many styles as you want and don’t let the ‘rules’ limit you. Reflect on your unique style and don’t be afraid to accessorise to highlight your best features.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect wedding dress for your body type is an important step towards looking and feeling your best on your wedding day. With a clearer understanding of body shapes and dress styles, and with the help of a bespoke dressmaker, you’re now equipped to find the perfect dress.

No matter which dress you choose, remember the importance of tailoring. Even the most suitable dress style can be improved with a little custom fitting. This is where Kirsty Couture excels – as a bespoke dressmaker, we ensure your chosen dress is fit and flared to perfection. Ultimately, choose a dress that makes you feel confident and beautiful — because that’s exactly what you are.

If you need more guidance, why not book a consultation? We’d be thrilled to help you find the perfect fit. Good luck on this wonderful journey to finding your dream wedding dress!