Find the Ideal Wedding Gown for Your Body Type

Sometimes having lots of options can actually make things even more challenging. There are so many gorgeous wedding gowns on the market, but the key to getting it right is finding the ideal silhouette for your body. If you know what's your body shape, then wedding dress shopping becomes a dream.

All bodies are beautiful so work with your shape to find the dress of your dreams, and the one that fits your body type perfectly.  

WHAT BODY TYPE ARE YOU?

Grab a measure and ask your mother or friend to measure the widest part of your hips, bust and shoulders and then the smallest part of your waist to find out what your natural body type is. Once you've wrote down the measurements, see which of these categories are most representative of you:

HOURGLASS. If you've got an hourglass body type then your shoulders, hips and bust are roughly the same size, but your waist is at least 25% smaller than your hips.

PEAR. You've got a pear body if your hips are wider than your shoulders or/and bust.

INVERTED TRIANGLE. You have an inverted triangle body type if your shoulders or/and bust are larger than your hips.

ATHLETIC OR STRAIGHT. If your hips, bust and shoulders are roughly the same size and your waist isn't much smaller you've got a straight or an athletic body type.

TIPS TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT DRESS FOR YOU

If you are SMALL-CHESTED look for a ruched bodice. Extra fabrics up top will create the illusion of curves. Lightly padded halter is also a great option. Although the right bra may provide a nice boost, many wedding designs are backless or strapless which limits your undergarment options.

If you are PETITE look for modified A-line, sheath, and trumpet A-line gowns. To make the lower half of the dress appear longer, choose a design with a waistline above your waist. You can choose any fabric you want, but the detailing should be small. Avoid calf-length designs, because they will make your legs look short. And keep in mind that you may also get lost in a voluminous skirt too.

If you are PEAR-SHAPED look for a skirt that gradually flares out in an A formation from your waist to the floor. Taffeta and duchesse satin are great options, as they won't cling. A-line designs are ideal for formal weddings, but they can also be made form a more casual fabric, like raw-silk shantung or eyelet lace.

If you are TALL look for a simple wedding gown to emphasize your natural shape. If you want to wear a long sleeve-dress, then make sure they go past the wrist, otherwise you will look like you've borrowed the dress.

If you are APPLE-SHAPED look for a dress with a lot of texture to it. The best neckline for apple-shaped girls are ones with a deep V.