A STYLIST’S GUIDE
How to Choose a Wedding Dress for Your Body Type
There’s no such thing as the “wrong” body for a wedding dress. Every bride deserves to feel beautiful, comfortable and completely like herself on her wedding day, and finding a flattering gown is about knowing what each silhouette can do for you, not changing anything about you.
Tap your shape below for our stylists’ favorite silhouettes, tips and gowns to try, or scroll through them all. Most brides are a mix of shapes, so borrow whatever feels like you.
EVERY BRIDE, EVERY SIZE
Your Size Is Never a Limit
Many of our gowns can be ordered in sizes 0–30, and our stylists pull samples in your size range whenever possible, so you can see the real fit instead of a dress clipped onto you. Your appointment happens in a private suite with one stylist, no crowds and no pressure.
HOURGLASS
The hourglass
Your bust and hips are balanced with a defined waist, so silhouettes that follow your natural shape are pure magic.
- Fit-and-flare and mermaid gowns that celebrate your curves
- Sheath styles for sleek, modern elegance
- Sweetheart and V-necklines that balance your bust
Stylist tip: Ask your stylist about corseted mermaids. They hug your curves while giving you support all night.
PEAR
Pear-shaped
If your hips are fuller than your shoulders, you’ll love gowns that draw the eye up and let the skirt flow.
- A-line and ball gown skirts that skim gracefully past the hips
- Off-the-shoulder necklines and statement sleeves
- Embellished bodices that highlight your upper body
Stylist tip: A softly structured A-line is a favorite here. Try one with lace or beading on the bodice.
APPLE
Apple shape and fuller midsection
If you carry more through your middle, structure is your best friend, and there are so many beautiful options.
- Corseted bodices and a basque waist that create shape
- Empire waists and A-line skirts that flow from the bust
- V-necklines and soft draping exactly where you want it
Stylist tip: Draped satin is incredibly forgiving and looks luxurious in photos.
ATHLETIC
Athletic or straight figure
If your shoulders, waist and hips are fairly similar, choose details that add curves and dimension.
- Ball gowns and basque waists that define your waistline
- Mermaid silhouettes that add shape through the hips
- Sculpted corsets, cutouts and 3D florals for texture
Stylist tip: Don’t shy away from volume. A full skirt can look stunning on an athletic frame.
PETITE
Petite brides
If you’re 5’4” or under, look for gowns that lengthen your frame without overwhelming it.
- Sheath and A-line silhouettes
- V-necklines and fitted bodices that elongate
- Delicate lace and trains in proportion to your height
Stylist tip: Hems are easy for our alterations team, so fall in love with the gown first and leave the length to us.
TALL
Tall brides
A long frame carries drama beautifully, so this is your moment to go big.
- Full ball gowns and cathedral trains
- Long sleeves and bold necklines
- A defined waist or belt if you want more balance
Stylist tip: Ask to see gowns with detachable trains or overskirts for two looks in one.
CURVY & PLUS SIZE
Curvy and plus-size brides
Curves are something to celebrate, and the right gown will make you feel incredible. Look for built-in structure and corsetry for support, A-line and fit-and-flare shapes that honor your curves, and necklines that frame your face. Sleeves, straps and illusion details are always an option if you want them.
- Corseted bodices with real support
- A-line, ball gown and fit-and-flare silhouettes
- Gowns available to order in sizes 0–30
Stylist tip: Tell us what you love about your body and what you’d like more support with. We’ll take it from there.
THE FINISHING TOUCHES
Necklines and the perfect fit
The right neckline frames your face and balances your proportions: sweetheart adds curves, V-necks lengthen, off-the-shoulder shows off your collarbones and high necks feel elegant and modest. Explore our guide to wedding dress necklines.
And remember, every gown is finished with alterations. Our in-house alterations team, led by our owner Suzanne, tailors hems, waists, bustles and straps so your dress fits your body exactly.
OUR FAVORITE ADVICE
Try the dress you think won’t work
Guides like this are a starting point, but the gown that makes you tear up might break every rule. We always encourage brides to try at least one silhouette they’d never pick for themselves. You might be surprised.
YOUR QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
What wedding dress style suits me?
Start with your proportions. Balanced curves suit fitted silhouettes like mermaid and sheath, fuller hips suit A-line and ball gowns, and a straighter frame comes alive with defined waists and volume. The best way to know is to try a few shapes in one appointment.
What is the most flattering wedding dress silhouette?
The A-line flatters nearly every body type because it defines the waist and skims the hips. But the most flattering silhouette is always the one that makes you feel confident.
Can I try on wedding dresses in my size?
Yes. Many of our gowns are available to order in sizes 0–30, and our stylists pull samples in your size range whenever possible so you can see how a gown really fits.
Can I try different silhouettes at my appointment?
Absolutely. Share your vision with your stylist and we’ll pull a mix of silhouettes so you can compare them side by side.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Find the gown that feels like you
Book a complimentary private appointment at Ohana Bridal in Gilbert, serving brides from Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek and across the East Valley.