This figure appears to be the same width at the shoulder, waist and hips.

 Strategies: Choose wedding dress styles that will make the focus of attention draw upward toward your face or down toward the hem and away from the mid-section.You want a wedding gown style that will give the illusion that you have a waistline. Also, the focus can be directed toward either the neckline or sleeve interest, not both equally.

Suggested wedding gown styles:

1.     A-line wedding dress,

2.     Princess wedding dress and

3.     Empire waist dress.  

The challenge is to add height or length to your silhouette. Look for dresses that have vertical lines. A-line wedding gowns and Princess wedding gowns are good choices if you "keep the flare moderate." The addition of princess seaming add length to the body. The empire waist wedding dress can give length in the torso. But be careful. If you have a prominent bust or very small busted, the empire waist style wedding gown direct the focus of attention to the bust area. The sheath style wedding dresses and mermaid wedding dress style are choices you can consider also.

Be careful thought of the mermaid style. If you are a petite bride, this is not an easy style to wear. This style is better for a figure that is 5’7” to 5’9”. Plus for most petite brides the flare might not start on your figure in the right place. Also when off a lot on the hem is cut off in a mermaid wedding dress style, you are cutting off a lot of the fullness in the flare, which may or may not be a good thing.

So if you want to wear this popular style and you are petite what can you do? First wear the highest heeled shoe you can manage. Try on different mermaid style wedding gowns. Note where the flare starts and how much hem will need to come off. I have seen this style work on some petite brides but the trick is to make sure the flare is minimal and start at your knee.

What about a ball gown? Experts say you should avoid this style. But if you must try it get a style isn’t very poufy in the skirt. Full poufy ball gown wedding gowns have a tendency to shorten the figure. Also, avoid long trains because this overwhelms your figure type and can make you look shorter. Details like appliqués, lace motifs and embroidery must be scaled down in size in proportion to your body. Large motifs and design details will be over powering for you.

The tall bride . . .

Most of the designers design their gowns to fit a bride that is 5’9” tall. Most wedding gown styles look flattering on you. But if you are concerned about not looking to tall or slender, there are a few guidelines I want to pass on to you.

Create width in the details on the dress. Some horizontal ruching, deep tucks and gathering, in the bodice can add width. Very full skirts like ball gown, a line gowns and princess line gowns can shorten your appearance. Especially when the silhouette almost appears wide in proportions to your height, makes you look shorter. Wedding gown styles with a basque waist---waist that forms a V-point at waist front--- and an off the shoulder neckline pared with a wide skirt has a shortening affect. Tiers of ruffles or layers in the skirt will shorten you.These are just a few suggestions to get you started when you are ready to design and shop for your bridal gown. 

For the fuller figure . . .

Plus size bridal gowns come in an array of styles. But which style will flatter your figure? Which styles should you avoid? These style details have been found by fashion experts to compliment plus size women.

You most likely want a dress that will not add width or weight to your figure. You want something that will be slimming to you. The basic wedding dress silhouettes that work on most plus size figures are the princess wedding gown style, a line wedding dress style.

Asymmetrical front details on plus size bridal gowns, work wonders for plus size brides. It directs a person’s focal point away from your trouble areas. "All of the plus size brides I have worked with have all liked the way this style instantly shapes and slims their figures!"

The empire style wedding dress is also good if you don’t have a prominent bust since this style focuses attention on the bust. This style is good for camouflaging a thick waist and is good for the short bride who wants to appear taller.

The sheath wedding dress will work on figures that are balance and have a waist line.

The mermaid style can work on your figure if you have the height, are balanced in proportions have a defined waistline and just a ‘little’ full figured. 

Wedding dress tips: Plus size wedding gowns that are strapless are not easy to wear and is not the best style choice for most plus size brides. The upper chest, back and armhole areas are not areas easily toned up whether you are plus size or not. But if you are planning on wearing a strapless, "What can you do about that?"

Even though you are a plus size bride... you still can wear a strapless gown. Just make sure the gown isn't fitted too tightly at the neckline edge, especially when your dress is altered. Wearing a jacket, shrug or wrap will provide coverage if you want to hide your back and upper arms.

For more advice please feel free to contact us.