Your wedding dress is the most important dress you will ever wear in your entire life, so it’s pretty essential to get it right. There are so many things to consider when choosing the perfect dress for you, but there are two things in particular that are the most important: what suits your body type and knowing what wedding dress alterations you need. This post will be your essential guide to what to avoid, what to look for, and alteration recommendations you may want to make to your dress.

Wedding Dress Alterations

Before talking about body shapes, you may be wondering, why bother with dress alterations? Picture the situation: you may have bought the dress that makes you feel special, but perhaps there is something that just seems off. Either your dress is missing a detail, needs something taking away, or just does not seem to perfectly fit your body as a dress this special should. Wedding dresses come in standard dress sizes, which we of course do not all exactly match up with; whether it’s your bust, hips, or height, there will be some wedding dress alteration necessary. Your body type also factors into the alterations your dress may need, so we’ve put together this guide to wedding dress choices and alterations for hourglass, petite, and busty figures so you can make the best decisions for your big day!

Wedding Dresses for Hourglass Figures

Avoid: With your already perfectly balanced curvaceous figure, avoid adding any weight to your bust or hips that will throw your shape off. Dresses that feature princess style heavy skirts and empire waist bands will work against your figure, throwing your body shape off balance instead of complementing your curves.

Look for: Styles that are fitted around your waist, such as with a corset back where you can really pull it in as tight as possible, accentuating your gorgeous figure. Dresses to look out for: A-line, fit and flare, strapless or thin spaghetti straps.

Alteration recommendations: Wedding dress alterations perfect for this body shape will ensure your dress fits perfectly around your waist to show off the balance of your bust and hips. Also, if your dress does not already have one, adding a sweetheart neckline gives a feminine touch and will help keep the balance.

Wedding Dresses for Petite Body Types

Avoid: Petite woman should try to avoid wedding dresses with extremely voluminous skirts, such as ball gowns and princess style dresses. These are likely to overpower you and make you look a lot shorter than you actually are, instead of elongating your body.

Look for: Dresses that elongate your miniature figure, either giving the illusion that you have longer legs or a stretched out mid-section. Look out for dresses with an empire waist to stretch out your legs, or a trumpet skirt with a fitted top to elongate your torso. Also consider short or tea length dresses to show off your legs.

Alteration recommendations: The essential wedding dress alteration for petite brides is shortening your dress. There is nothing worse than feeling like you’re going to trip over your dress or drag it across the floor, turning your nice clean dress into a dusty mess, so make sure to get it altered to suit your height (while wearing your choice of shoes, of course).

The Best Wedding Dresses for Busty Figures

Avoid: Anything that doesn’t give you enough support – you want to look amazing, but you also want to be comfortable enough to enjoy your special day! Try and avoid strapless and backless dresses; these won’t provide the support you need or flatter your shape as much as other dresses can.

Look for: Dresses that feature high necklines or are fitted underneath the bust. These styles not only offer a lot of support, but also look extremely flattering on woman with a larger bust. If you would like a lower neckline, look out for an illusion that offers support while also showing off your chest.

Alteration recommendations: Wedding dress alterations you could consider are changing your neckline, possibly building it up more if you fall in love with a lower neckline dress. Another way to add support is to add straps or sleeves to your dress.

You may also be interested in other of our popular articles like Wedding Dress Patterns: A Dress Making Guide For The Modern Bride or Wedding Dress Alterations FAQs: Your Questions Answered.

Have you already got the best dress for your body type and are now looking for an alterations specialist to make sure it’s perfect for your wedding day? Contact Alterations Boutique to arrange an obligation-free consultation appointment today!