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How to Choose The Perfect Wedding Dress Style

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Getting the Perfect Wedding Dress for Your Dream Wedding

If you have a secret lifetime dream of wearing the most beautiful wedding gown on your wedding, you are certainly not alone. For most women, the wedding dress is the most important outfit they would ever wear. Hence, choosing the right wedding dress style and finding the perfect bridal gown can be a very, very significant mission for many brides-to-be.

Fortunately or unfortunately, there are more and more wedding dress styles and designs coming to the market every year. The good thing is as consumers, we are getting more exciting options. The down side is, for many first-time brides who have no knowledge of the bridal fashion industry, the wide variety of styles and strange terminology used to describe them make the task of choosing the best wedding dress a very challenging one.

There are many factors involved in the decision, including personality of the bride, wedding theme, wedding budget... For a start, we will focus on the most basic but most important factor, ie. choosing the right wedding dress style that will complement your body shape.

Photo credit: Audrey Hepburn Funny Face Ball Gown Bateau Tea-length Satin Tulle Celebrity Wedding Dress (WSM0363)

Understand Your Body Shape Before Finding the Right Wedding Dress Style

4 Common Female Body Shapes

Before we get excited about choosing the perfect wedding dress, it is useful to understand our own body shapes first so that we can make a wise choice later. Here are the 4 most common female body shapes:

Banana Body Shape
Banana body shape is also known as rectangular or straight body shape - less curvy and relatively evenly proportioned.

Pear Body Shape
A pear-shaped body takes the shape of a triangle - where the hip size is relatively bigger compared to the bust.

Apple Body Shape
The apple body shape is opposite to the pear body shape. It takes the shape of an inverted triangle - broad upper body and narrow hips.

Hourglass shape
The body that many women desire - a narrow waist with somewhat equally sized bust and hips.

What is Your Body Shape?

Image source: Female Body Shape

It is important to be aware of our own body shape and honestly acknowledge any physical flaws. As you read on, try to visualize the shape of your body in the various wedding dress styles. This way, you can easily identify the best silhouette that will flatter your body and cover up your flaws.

Without further ado, let's take a look at some of the most popular wedding dress styles in the bridal fashion market right now.

Princess Wedding Dress

A Wedding Dress Style Suitable for Most Brides

A-lineWeddingDressThe princess wedding dress has fitted vertical seams running from shoulders down to a flair skirt with no seam across the waistline. The skirt looks like the shape of the letter "A" and is called an A-line skirt. Therefore, some people refer princess wedding dress as A-line wedding dress.

This style is suitable for most brides as A-line is the most "forgiving" dress shape. It can help to enhance small waist and hide broader hips. For brides with narrow hips, a hooped petticoat may be worn beneath the skirt to create a fuller look.

Photo credit: Stunning A-line Strapless Floor-length (Maxi) Satin Wedding Dresses for Bride (YCF123)

Ball Gown Wedding Dress

Solution for Brides with Wide Hips

type=textThe name "ball gown wedding dress" is self-explanatory. If you have absolutely no clue, think of what Cinderella wore to the ball. Some people called it the "fairy-tale" style.

The silhouette of ball gown wedding dress and princess wedding dress can be quite similar, especially when the princess wedding dress is boosted by the petticoat hoop. The main difference lies in way the seams run. Ball gown wedding dresses have horizontal seam at the waistline where the skirt starts to grow fuller.

Ball gown wedding dresses are usually paired with fitted bodice line. They look fabulous on brides with slim waistline and is perfect for hiding full hips - good disguise for pear body shape. Note that brides with large body frame should think twice about this style as it may make them look bigger. On the other hand, very petite brides may also find it overwhelming to carry too much extra fabric for their small frame.

Photo credit: Ball Gown Sweetheart Chapel Train Taffeta Wedding Dresses for Bride (HSX1251)

Sheath Wedding Dress

Wedding Dress Style that Flatters Balanced Body Shape

type=textSheath wedding dresses are also known as column wedding dresses. Like princess wedding dresses, the seams runs vertically from the shoulders down to the floor but the hem is not as flair. In fact, sheath wedding dresses are usually body-hugging and reveal the body shape easily.

This style work best for tall, slim brides with balanced figures. It is also suitable for petite brides as it creates an elongated illusion. Brides who dislike their body shape should avoid sheath wedding dresses no matter how beautiful the dresses are. You won't want to end up hating the way your body look in your wedding photos, do you?

Photo credit: Sheath / Column Spaghetti Straps Ankle-length Chiffon Tulle Wedding Dresses for Bride (HSX1225)

Empire Wedding Dress

Excellence Choice for Brides with Small Bust

type=textAn empire wedding dress style has a high waistline. The seam is just underneath the bust where the skirt starts and falls all the way to the floor. The empire line is normally straighter than the princess line but is not as body-hugging as sheath wedding dress.

Empire line is best for slim brides with small-bust. Because of its long, straight silhouette, petite brides will appear taller in empire wedding dress. This style is also a good option for pregnant brides as it provides comfortable room in the waist compared to wedding dresses with lower waistline.

Photo credit: Empire Strapless Cathedral Train Chiffon Elastic Silk-like Satin Wedding Dresses / Reception Dress (HSX227)

Mermaid Wedding Dress

For Brides with Curves to Show Off

The mermaid wedding dress is also known as trumpet wedding dress dress. It is close-fitting until the knees where the skirt starts to flair out, creating the shape of a fishtail or a trumpet. This is a relatively modern design which is gaining popularity.

The narrow bodice design is great for showing off a body with nice, balanced curves. Mermaid wedding dresses are not only fantastic for tall, slim brides, they are also great for petite brides who wish to look taller. However, this wedding dress style is rather "unforgiving", brides who dislike their body shape should avoid it.

Photo credit:
Trumpet / Mermaid One Shoulder Court Train Satin Taffeta Wedding Dresses (WSM0481)

Personal Tips for Choosing Wedding Dress

From A Real Bride-to-be Like Yourself

As I am a real bride-to-be like yourself, I understand exactly how it like to be in your shoes. There are too many tips and advice dished out by professionals out there, sometimes I am not even sure whether they are saying things just because they want my sales. I am writing this based on my personal experience of choosing my own wedding gown. Here are some of the tips that I find most useful:

  1. Comfort - You may have your favorite wedding dress style or found your dream wedding dress or but if you feel uncomfortable wearing it, then it is better to continue searching for better options. When you feel uncomfortable in what you are wearing, you will not look confident and behave naturally. When you cannot present your best self, you will not look beautiful, no matter how stunning your dress is.

    In my case, I really love mermaid wedding dresses. I have tried on a few and the feedbacks are great. However, I find it very difficult to move around in a mermaid gown (it's just me) and I want to go around mingling with my guests on my wedding day. So I choose a A-line wedding dress instead because I feel most comfortable and carefree in this wedding dress style.

  2. 2nd or 3rd opinion - It is helpful to bring along another friend or two when going to a bridal studio. If you are like me, you will be changing in and out of so many wedding dresses that it hard to remain as clear-headed as you like. Your friends, on the other hand, will be able to tell you objectively how you come across in the different bridal gowns. (Note: it is also not good to have too many people with you - "too many cooks spoil the broth". My suggestion is just your groom and your best girl friend. A female friend can be very helpful when it comes to stuff like zips and ribbons on the back.)

    From what I know, most bridal studio do not allow photography. But if they do allow, ask your friend to take photos of you in the different wedding dresses. Then you will be able to see for yourself how you look in each wedding dress after the shopping trip and make better decision without the stress from the salesperson from the bridal studio.

  3. Rely on your woman's instinct - although other people's opinions are helpful, remember that you are the bride, you are the person wearing your wedding gown. If you really fall in love with a wedding dress, honestly feel comfortable wearing it and think you look great in it, then go for it.

    Personally, I am a fan of pink wedding dresses. I know many brides are hesitant about choosing color wedding dresses just because too many well-meaning "experts" are strongly advocating the conventional white bridal gown. In my opinion, if a shocking pink wedding dress is what you'd love to wear on your wedding day, please follow your heart. Your wedding is probably once in a lifetime, leave no regrets.

Exclusively For Brides Who Loves Pink

Pink Wedding Dresses and Brides Maid Dresses

Specially for brides who love pink wedding dresses and like their bridesmaid to wear pink on their wedding.
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How to Choose A Wedding Gown

The Latest Bridal Gowns

An interview with an expert on how to choose a wedding gown and the latest bridal gowns. Do you agree with what she says?
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Need More Help?

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The above list of wedding dress styles is certainly not comprehensive. There is a limit to how much I can squeeze in here. These books go into greater details and will provide you with more information to help you make the right choice.
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Help! I Feel "Burnt-out" by All the Wedding Planning!

You Are NOT Alone

The task of preparing for your own wedding can be very overwhelming. With so much new things to learn, all the costs to budget and numerous details to be to keep in mind, the stress can be tremendous, especially when we still have a full-time job. After a while, many brides actually forget why they are doing all these and undergo an emotional roller-coaster ride.

The special thing about "Your Day, Your Way: The Essential Handbook for the 21st-Century Bride" is that the book actually takes the brides through the emotions that they have been experiencing and put them into perspective. Unlike other wedding planning books that dish out cold hard practical advice, this book also hit home with its discussion on relationship and emotional issues. If you agree with me, the bride is not the only person that experiencing the stress. The groom, the parents and in-laws are equally involved. Sometimes, raw nerves may be stepped on and feelings may be hurt. These are certainly issues to be taken care of delicately.

As one of the reviewer puts it, "This book hits it on the head in a very even way."
Your Day, Your Way: The Essential Handbook for the 21st-Century Bride

Your Day, Your Way: The Essential Handbook for the 21st-Century Bride

by: Sharon Naylor, Michelle Roth, Henry Roth

Amazon Price: $1.97 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

This savvy guide helps you embrace your individuality and develop the confidence to plan the ceremony and celebration of a lifetime. This day is all about you. Now you can navigate the inevitable dilemmas and family politics and breeze through the whirlwind of wedding planning.

Do You Have Other Tips for Choosing Wedding Dress Style?

Share Your Wedding Dress Selection Experience

How do you choose your perfect wedding dress? Feel free to let me know if I have missed out any information you like to know.

  • bridesdressesca Jun 8, 2011 @ 1:51 am | delete
    cool lens. I love it. however, I hope you can see my lens and we can be a good friend. I love all about the wedding.
  • janices7 Dec 22, 2010 @ 11:22 am | delete
    Great selection of gowns here with useful info on choosing one!
  • tssfacts Nov 10, 2010 @ 2:34 pm | delete
    Great article filled with lots of valuable information. Every bride should stop by here before going to the bridal shop.
  • Waxing-Lyrical Nov 8, 2010 @ 11:16 pm | delete
    I don't know much about wedding dresses, but you have put together a great selection here :)
  • arncyn Nov 8, 2010 @ 10:03 pm | delete
    Back to give this excellent wedding dress lens a well-deserved ~angel blessing~
  • WordCustard Sep 28, 2010 @ 12:29 pm | delete
    I think you've got it all covered! Wonderful guide to getting a flattering look, and after all every bride wants to look her best. Thanks for showing us how!
  • Tipi Sep 21, 2010 @ 6:45 pm | delete
    Well, I found out that I have a banana shape, never knew that before.
    Very interesting lens, I learned from you! Thanks so much...
  • EasyW May 23, 2010 @ 4:43 pm | delete
    Awesome lens - gave you 5 stars ;) Keep it up!
    Please stop by and check my lens Designer Wedding Dresses.

    Thanks!
  • arncyn Dec 14, 2009 @ 4:33 am | delete
    Hi Irene! What a wonderful lens, chockfull of easy to digest information and advice for people planning their weddings! I really enjoyed this, having come from the wedding industry myself. Will lensroll to some of my wedding-related lenses. Great work! (:
  • AddaptAbilities Nov 4, 2009 @ 7:23 pm | delete
    Great stuff. The body-type information is great. What I like most is your all-too-rare inclusion of the OTHER people the wedding is about (like the oft-forgotten groom). Any wedding is as much about the bride's and groom's community of family and friends as it is about them.
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dancerene

I come from the lovely sunny island, Singapore. Due to my upcoming wedding, I have been researching feverently on topics related to wedding and weddin... more »

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