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Wedding dress shapes and styles

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Aline wedding dress A-Line or Princess Line Dress

The ideal dress, most popular because its suits everyone.

This is a fitted bodice shape with an A-line skirt. It hugs the waist, so it creates a slimmer waistline and flatters the bust. If you have wider hips, the A-Line will cover them up effectively and if you have narrower hips the cut of the skirt will give you some shape.
(Dress featured is by Victoria Jane by Ronald Joyce Collection)

Full Skirt or Ballerina Dress

Sometimes known as Ballgown or Fairytale, if you want a “Big” dress then this is the one for you, lots of volume and thoughts of Cinderella!

If you have a slim-hipped figure and a full bust, the Full Skirt shape will balance top and bottom perfectly, giving you that "fairytale bride" look. This style and the Princess are generally thought of as the most romantic shapes.

If you are petite, avoid this option because you will disappear into the dress! If you have wide hips, avoid the Full Skirt because it will over emphasize them.
(Dress featured is by Angel Gowns)

Column Dress

Fitted but with a straight skirt, this can be soft and floaty as in a Grecian style or fitted and structured with a straight skirt.

The Column dress hugs the figure and looks great on tall, willowy women. This is the one to give you that catwalk look! It will also work well on a more petite figure.
The Column shape sits quite close to the body, so if you have fuller hips, this will tend to emphasize them, and is quite clinging so avoid it if you do not have a smooth outline.

Empire Line Dress

Underbust detailing and seaming with an unstructured waist so that it falls in a virtually straight line past the hips and into the skirt.

The body of the wedding dress falls from beneath the bust, which is great if you have a broad waist and a small bust. The long line makes petite brides look taller. Thinking of Jane Austen, then this is the one to create the perfect romantic look.

What to avoid
The long line makes tall brides look taller. Avoid it also if you have a heavy bustline because it will make it appear bigger.

Fishtail / Mermaid Dress

Also known as hourglass or figure-hugging, the mermaid shape is tightly fitted to the body and flares out from mid thigh or knee.

The mermaid shape is ideal for curvy girls with balanced hip and bust measurements - this dress will bring out the Marilyn Monroe in you. If you want Hollywood glamour, this is undoubtedly it.

What to avoid
Just make sure you can sit down in it before you buy it or you may spill out, and if it is not boned then make sure that you have good supportive underwear. Careful if your curves are all in your bottom as it will emphasis it, and avoid if you are straight up and down, apple- or pear-shaped.
(Dress featured is Jane by Ronald Joyce Collection)

Spaghetti Straps

Spaghetti straps create a frame for a pretty neck and minimise big shoulders. if you are heavy busted then opt for a thicker strap as thin ones can create an unsightly red mark.

Show off well-toned arms and beautiful shoulders and neck by choosing spaghetti straps.These have a young and modern look and are very attractive. Use a strapless bra with spaghetti straps so that there are no distractions.

V Neckline

Stunning if you have a little cleavage to flaunt, and provides an opportunity to emphasize pretty jewellery.

The V-Line style plunges to the bust and is particularly complimentary if you have a larger bust and would like a little cleavage. Small busts can be uplifted and padded, so make sure you have a good bra to emphasise what you have got. The angle of the V-Line varies and may be on or off the shoulder, so expose beautiful shoulders but cover them up if they are angular.

Sweetheart Neckline

This is probably second-most popular after a straight strapeless.

This is a pretty and romantic neckline, forming a natural heart shape and giving you a sweet and innocent look. It also works with larger busts as a sexier style, showing a hint of cleavage.

A Sweetheart can lend you the romantic look you seek, with a pretty item of jewellery as an accessory to improve the look of your neck.
(Dress featured Victoria Jane by Ronald Joyce Collection)

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