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Weddings require a lot of planning and details to get everything just right. From the location, to the photographer, to the decor, to the food, to the music, and the list goes on. It seems all so hard to plan and determine so it can come out as you envision it. Not only are you planning things to your taste but you also have to consider that of your bridesmaids who each have a unique silhouette that requires a custom approach.
Main Body Types
A one size fits all bridesmaid gowns may not be the best option for each lady as each one has a different shape. While you can opt for the same cut for all of them and adjust the dresses accordingly, consider having each one having the same dress in a cut that suits her body shape.
Pear-shaped
The shoulders are narrower than the hips and the bust is on the small size. The waist tends to be defined as the hips are large. Thighs and bum are full or muscular.
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Apple-shaped
This body shape has rounder, wider shoulder line and flattish bottom. The bust size is between average to big and the mid-section is full. There is little to no definition to the waistline, and the hips are narrow and legs are narrow.
Hourglass
The shoulders are slightly rounded, with a bust and hips that are the same width defined by a small waist. Bottom and hips are rounded and thighs are fuller.
Rectangle
The shoulders are straight and about the same width as the bust and hips. The waist is undefined and this body type is characterized by little to no curves.
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Inverted Triangle
The shoulders are noticeably wider than the hip-line and are squared and prominent. The bust ranges from small to big, with little to no waist definition. The hips are straight and the bottom is flat, though the legs are nicely shaped thanks to the athletic physique.
Bridesmaid Gowns Silhouettes
Start by surveying what each one’s body shape is and noting it down. Most companies will offer custom sizes and tailoring for bridesmaid gowns so take advantage of that option to ensure each dress fits like a glove, especially if you opt for similar cuts for each but that may fit each one differently.
A-Line
This silhouette run like an A from top to bottom. The A-line dress is a simple and classic look suitable for every body shape. Women with a larger bust would benefit the most but it’s also helpful to conceal a wider lower body or give women with a narrower frame some curve. Satin fabrics work well with A line dresses. It’s a flexible cut that requires minimal changes to the bodice.
Ballgown
Ball gowns are fitted at the top with a full skirt. It’s reminiscent of princess dresses. This cut fits all body shapes well though may not be suitable for apple type bodies. It may also fit slim or pear-shaped figures best because it accentuates the waist and covers the lower half. Women with rectangular shaped bodies can benefit from the ballgown as it can create the illusion of curves.
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Column
A column silhouette is great for short women as it adds height. It’s a trendy look that’s more on the simple side. The column suits hourglass figures given that it doesn’t hide unfavourable areas in the body and does not give the illusion of curves.
Mermaid
The mermaid silhouette resembles the trumpet but is more fitting at the top all the way to the knees where it starts to expand. This is style is very feminine exposing curves. As the trumpet cut, this shape is more suitable for the pear and hourglass figures. As a rectangle figure, it may be worth a try to create illusion of curves.
Trumpet
The trumpet dress progressively flows to get to its widest at the hem, creating a trumpet effect. If you’re a pear shaped or hourglass, you can definitely benefit from this look as it will accentuate your curves.
Empire Line
Empire style is an elevated waistline that sits under the bust, while the rest of the dress flows down to the bottom. Just like the A-Lin, this cut suits all body types, it is particularly suitable for women with a small chest since it attracts the neckline. It also has the ability to hide a big chest by limiting the bust’s height thanks to the square neckline.
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Hemlines
Different body shapes look better in different hemline lengths. Below is a list of the hemlines and which body type they suit best, and the type of wedding.
Floor Length
Floor length is a forgiving length as it hides body flaws. Whether you’re tall or petite, wearing floor length will elongate your figure. This is especially important for petite women as it works in their favour.
Maxi Length
Maxi length usually have hemlines that end near the ankles but not sweeping the floor. A maxi hemline looks good on all body types, tall, petite, curvy or slim. It creates an elongated visual proportion which is ideal for petite women.
Tea-length
The tea-length goes below the knees and often ends up at the widest part of your calf, which results in a truncated silhouette. It is becoming trendier. This look is great for a casual ceremony and a bride who likes to display some beautiful heels.
It falls inches below the knee, and often ends up at the widest part of your calf, which results in a truncated silhouette. Midi length flattering for tall women as it defines their height. Avoid wearing midi if you’re petite or curvy on the bottom.
Knee Length
Knee-length end around the knee. It’s a safe choice for all types of weddings. It works well for ladies who are tall as it shows just the right amount of your legs. Petite women should avoid it as it does not elongate the figure.
Mini Length
Mini dresses are cute and one of the most flattering hemlines. They may not be the most appropriate to wear for formal weddings. They’re great for all height and are especially short ladies.
Necklines
To make sure the bridesmaid gowns fit well, considering necklines and sleeves are important as each body shapes respond differently to the various cuts.
For The Hourglass
Accentuating the hourglass bust with a scoop, V, or either variations of sweetheart necklines work flawlessly. Boat necks show lots of collarbone and cleavage. High necklines cover your bust so they are not the best look for that body shape. A sleeveless top, like a halter neckline can be a good compromise.
For Apple Shapes
A plunging, square, or sweetheart necklines are best. Strapless necklines work well with full skirts to balance the amount of skin showing with a big ball gown. Though square necklines aren’t popular gown dress necklines, they emanate a princess look.
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For Pear Shapes
Look for wide sleeves, boat necks, and necklines that expose the collarbones and shoulder width. Bust-enhancing dress necklines look good for pear shapes like strapless sweethearts.
For Inverted Triangle Shapes
Dress necklines that are perfect for an inverted triangle body shape are halter, wide straps, and V-necks- even deep V-necklines. The idea is to slim the shoulders while creating vertical lines to even out the width of your shoulders with your hips. Steer clear from ruffles on the neckline, spaghetti straps with tighter dresses, and boat neck styles. These enhance your broad shoulders, not slim which is what you want. If you absolutely must wear spaghetti straps, choose a ball gown, fuller A-line gown or fit-and-flare.
For Rectangle Shapes
Dress necklines best for this type are scoop, illusion sweetheart, off-the-shoulder, and V-neck. Don’t bother with boxy shoulder dresses or anything with shoulder pads and peplums, create a more boxy look.
The Gist of it
Choosing your bridesmaid gowns based on the body type of your bridal party ladies is ideal so it can emphasize their looks. The hemline and neckline also play a big role. Take note of their body type and check the styles that will fit your theme and see if the styles you like can be customized to each ones dress. What tips do you have to ensure your bridesmaid gowns fit like a glove?
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