Tall, small, fruity apple or pear, your body shape will dictate the style of wedding gown you ultimately choose. Where to start? Right here, with our handy hints and tips!

It’s not everyday you get to wear a wedding dress, so looking comfortable and feeling confident is of utmost importance for brides.

Before you think of heading to a bridal salon, understanding what flatters your proportions and figure shape will give you a big advantage during your ultimate shopping experience.

Just like the fruit, you will be smaller on top than the bottom, with hips wider than your shoulders.

To emphasize your best features, a princess style gown with fuller skirt will disguise fuller hips and draw focus to your narrower shoulders, balancing your torso and bust. Empire line gowns will also highlight the smallest part of your frame, whilst fishtail and mermaid, trumpet or sheath gowns will not work, only drawing attention to your bottom half.

by Ronald Joyce,

www.ronaldjoyce.com

With a more voluptuous shape, you have a fuller chest, a bit of a tummy and a rounder bottom and hips.

Draw attention away from your middle by choosing an empire line gown that will skim your middle and give you a leaner look. Princess line or sheath style dresses will make you look heavier so are best avoided.

A full ball gown will cover up those areas you aren’t so keen on, but steer clear of spaghetti straps, as they can cut into your shoulders – not a good look!

by Mori Lee,

www.morilee.co.uk

Triangle shapes tend to have wider shoulders with narrower hips.

You want to balance out your frame, so choose a V-neck gown with wide straps which will give the illusion of narrower shoulders. Scoop, cowl and wide necklines work great, but puffed sleeves, halter and off the shoulder will draw attention to this area and make you look top heavy.

If you need the security of a sleeve, these are not only bang on trend and practical for winter brides but will work beautifully.

by True Bride,

www.truebride.co.uk