Selecting A Bridal Gown For Your Body Type By Geneva Grainger Choosing your bridal gown is one of the most important fashion decisions you will ever make so be sure that it is the right one. It is hard enough to find that perfect gown for your wedding day, but to add to the frustration you must find something that works with your body type so that you will not only look amazing, but feel comfortable in. Brides come in all different shapes and sizes so we must choose a gown accordingly that will be flattering to our specific shape. The following are examples of body shapes and gowns that work according those figures. Pear shaped - The pear shaped figure is a figure that is smaller at the top and fuller at the bottom, hence in the shape of a pear. (go figure!) A full ball gown is always a great choice with an accented waistline because it will minimize the hips and bring focus to the smaller upper bodice. This can be a gown that has pleats (including box pleats). A pear-shaped bride should stay away from sheath gowns (a gown that is straight up and down) as the fuller bottom will be pronounced in such a style . Broad Shouldered brides should choose a gown that has spaghetti straps or a scoop neckline which to the eye shortens the width of the shoulders. An elongated bodice with a dropped waist also elongates the bodice and narrows the shoulders. Broad shouldered brides should stay away from oversized sleeves or off the shoulder sleeves with ruffles or accents. Think less is more when it comes to accents on the shoulders. Short/Petite brides should stay away from gowns that are �too much� meaning gowns with too much fabric that �swallow up the bride.� Full ball gowns with many pleats usually do not work well with petite brides. Modified A-line or Princess A-line with natural waistlines gowns are great choices for petite brides. Dropped waistlines tend to make short brides look shorter. Tall/thin brides look great in sheath gowns which are gowns that are straight up and down. This will show off the figure and make a bride seem thinner than for example a very tall girl in a huge ball gown. Tall/thin brides are usually the only ones that can pull off such a gown so show it off if you can ladies! Hourglass figure are brides that have curves like an hourglass. An A-line (modified or princess) gown with a dropped waist works the best with hourglass figures. It shows off the figure while accenting the appropriate areas of the body. Also, a sweetheart neckline will accent the bodice if it covers enough of the full bustline. Thick waisted brides look the best in empire gowns which are gowns that have a high waistline. Empire waistlines are usually right below the bustline and gradually fade to an A-line skirt. Thick waisted brides should stay away from natural waistline gowns that emphasize the waist. Best of luck gown hunting! Remember always choose something that you feel most comfortable in and never be persuaded to buy something you do not want! By Geneva Grainger www.BrideCouture.com Article Source: www.wedalert.com Back to Volume 31 � COPYRIGHT 2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED WASATCHBRIDE.COM