Fishtail or A-line skirt? Ballgown or sheath? Satin or stretch lace? The search for the perfect wedding dress to suit your shape can be overwhelming and exhausting.
However, according to Lili Rich from Bella Victoria Bridal in Robina, Queensland, it’s worth spending the time to unearth a gown that fits well and flatters your shape.
“A bride wants to make sure she emphasises her best features on her day and is comfortable in the gown she will be wearing for many hours. For me, the best part about helping brides choose their dress is providing them with a gown that lights up their face and makes them feel beautiful and magical,” says Lili, who launched Bella Victoria Bridal last year.
Even though the store is just a few months old, Lili is already helping up to 20 brides a week in their search for the perfect wedding dress.
Here, Lili offers up her best advice on how you can find a beautiful dress that suits your figure.
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Be open to other styles
It’s time for a reality check. Not everyone suits big princess ballgowns or slinky dresses with fishtail skirts.
“The biggest mistake brides make is not being flexible around their vision of what they think they should look like on their day. It is important to keep an open mind to other potential styles and fits,” gently advises Lili.
Rather than trying to fit your body into the dress that you’ve always dreamt of, find one that actually suits your shape and flatters your figure.
A dress to suit everyone
If you’re not sure what to wear and where to start, Lili suggests going for an A-line dress, which is universally flattering on almost all body shapes. It’s fitted at the hips and gradually widens to the hem. Another option to try is a strapless gown with a romantic sweetheart neckline, she adds.
Cover up in style
If your wedding is being held during the chillier months or you’d just like to cover up, there are many sophisticated dresses that have a half or full sleeve that you can choose from, says Lili. Alternatively, you may want to consider wearing a matching bolero-style jacket.
Control your ladies
Busty brides might feel the urge to hide their chest by wearing higher necklines, but this will only make you look even more bosom-y, warns Lili.
“With a busty bride, it is all about the neckline. V-necks, sweetheart and scooped necklines will complement a bride with a larger bust,” she suggests. “Halter necklines can look great on some who have a prominent bust and off-the-shoulder necklines can be an asset for those who have narrow shoulders.”
The perfect gown for petites
If you’re a smaller bride, a strapless mermaid or trumpet gown would work really well on you.
Create a slimming effect
To create the illusion of a slimmer body, diagonal pleats are a great choice for more voluptuous ladies, as well as ballgowns, but stay away from sheath gowns and stretch lace.
Add some vavavoom
To make the most of your curves or to create some, a mermaid dress or a fit-and-flare gown would help to define a beautiful hourglass shape.
“If you have a smaller bust, a sweetheart neckline or a deep V-neckline will add volume to your bust. Try to avoid a straight neckline,” offers Lili.
Be gone, belly
“Empire or A-line dresses work best to make the waist and tummy area look smaller. Try to avoid stretchy lace gowns,” says Lili.
