Which wedding dress suits which body shape?

The long-awaited day has finally arrived: your beloved has proposed, and you’re getting married! You’ve often envisioned your ideal dress, so you know what you want. But is it truly made for you? So, are you more of a fairy-tale princess or boho chic? We’ll give you all the tips to help you find the dress that will make you shine on the big day.

Different Body Types in Women

Every woman's body is unique, with its strengths and weaknesses. Knowing your body type is essential to accentuating your best features. There are 6 different body types, so it’s up to you to find out which one you belong to. Other criteria come into play as well, such as your height.

A-Shape

	The A-shape, also known as a pyramid shape, has a lower body that is more developed than the upper body. Typically, she has a smaller bust and generous hips. This body type is regarded as one of the most feminine, symbolising fertility. To balance the body, one should add volume to the top and keep the lower part simple and straight.

H-Shape

	With an H-shape, the shoulders, waist, and hips are aligned. This is also referred to as a slender silhouette. Many women in New Zealand fit this profile. Avoid overly tight clothing that accentuates the waist. Instead, opt for low-waisted cuts and flowing materials.

V-Shape

	The V-shaped woman is often quite athletic, with muscular shoulders. The upper body is wider than the lower. In this case, one should cover the upper body and highlight the legs, perhaps with an asymmetrical or side-slit skirt.

O-Shape

	The O-shape features very generous curves. If you belong to this voluptuous category of women, you can enhance your figure by showcasing your best assets without compressing them. The O-shape is feminine.

8-Shape

	The 8 shape is considered the perfect body type. It features a defined waist and feminine curves. This shape can pull off any fashion style. However, overly voluminous dresses are not recommended as they may hide these curves.

X-Shape

	An X-shaped woman is less voluptuous than an 8-shaped woman. She is slender, even skinny, with a small bust. Her shoulders and hips align. Although she can wear anything, she should still avoid overly baggy cuts.

Wedding Dress: What Style to Choose?

Aside from being suited to your body type, your wedding dress should also represent your personality. It's vital to feel comfortable on the most important day of your life. It should also align with your chosen theme, if you have one. For styles, you have a multitude of options. Here are some examples of the most popular styles, ranging from classic to unique. You can also check out our collection of wedding dresses that specialise in bohemian style.

Princess Dress

The princess style is the most beloved among brides-to-be. What woman hasn’t dreamed of being a queen for just one day?
The princess dress typically consists of a fitted bodice, often strapless, which accentuates the bust and cinches the waist. Its puffed skirt adds a royal feel to the outfit. All materials are possible: tulle, taffeta, organza—it's up to you to choose. This model is ideal if your shoulders are broader than your hips, as it balances your silhouette. However, be cautious if you are petite, as this model can make you appear shorter. The bodice doesn’t suit smaller busts.

Sheath or Mermaid Dress

The ultimate feminine dress! But to wear a sheath dress, one must possess a flawless, slim figure. Indeed, this dress highlights every flaw in the silhouette, which is not ideal for the big day. It’s best avoided if you have wide hips. A variation of this dress is the mermaid style, which hugs the body with a flared lower half, resembling a fish tail.

Empire Dress

The empire dress is fitted just below the bust and flows out for the remainder of the dress length. It's perfect for showcasing curves without compressing them. Timeless, this dress symbolizes femininity and elegance. This cut suits curvier women exceptionally well.

Bohemian Dress

The bohemian style is very trendy, especially for weddings. Made from lace, guipure, or crochet, the bohemian dress is simple, offering a romantic and rustic vibe to the bride. It will look stunning with an open back or a deep neckline, highlighting smaller busts.

Coloured Dress

Why not dare to wear colour on your wedding day? More and more specialty stores are offering coloured dresses. Indeed, not every bride's preference is white; why not showcase your personality?

Short Dress

A wedding dress doesn’t necessarily have to be long with a train trailing behind. Nowadays, you have options, so why hold back? A short dress is modern and flattering for petite women. You could opt for a short dress for the civil ceremony at the registry office.

Paper Dress

If you want to be original on your wedding day, why not choose a paper dress? Yes, it’s possible! Several designers have taken on the challenge of creating wedding dresses from paper, and the effect is astonishing. Guaranteed surprise!


As you can see, the choice of your wedding dress depends on various criteria. Don’t forget to accessorise to perfect your outfit. Now, you have all the information you need to choose the model that best suits your body type and to look your absolute best on your wedding day.