In short: pear shapes shine in A-line and ball gowns, hourglass figures in mermaid and fitted dresses, apple shapes in empire or A-line dresses with a V-neck, rectangles in anything that creates a waist, and petite brides in clean lines without too much volume. These are guides, not rules: the dress you love, cut to your measurements, will always look better than the "right" dress that fits badly.

Pear: hips wider than shoulders

Balance the hips by drawing the eye up. A-line and ball gown skirts skim the hips; off-shoulder, sweetheart or embellished bodices widen the shoulders visually. Avoid very clingy skirts. See our A-line wedding dresses.

Hourglass: bust and hips balanced, defined waist

You can wear almost anything; the question is how much you want to show. Mermaid and trumpet dresses follow the curves; a fitted A-line keeps them softer. Keep the waist visible. See our mermaid wedding dresses.

Apple: fuller around the middle

Lengthen the torso with a V-neck, and choose an A-line or empire waist that flows from under the bust. Structured fabrics and a corset back define the shape; long lace sleeves add elegance without volume.

Rectangle: shoulders, waist and hips similar

Create a waist: a belt, a ball gown skirt, a peplum or beading concentrated at the waist. Sweetheart necklines and off-shoulder styles add curve. Mermaid dresses can also create a silhouette where there is less.

Petite: under 1.60 m

Keep lines clean and vertical: sheath, slim A-line or a mermaid that flares at the knee. Avoid too much volume and very long trains; a V-neck adds height. The hem must be exact, which is why your hollow-to-floor and heel height matter. See how to measure yourself.

Tall: over 1.75 m

Tall brides carry drama: cathedral trains, full ball gowns, long cathedral veils. Check that standard lengths are long enough; a made-to-measure dress solves it.

Questions brides ask

What wedding dress is most flattering for every body type?

The A-line: it defines the waist and skims the hips, so it suits nearly every figure.

How do I know my body shape?

Compare your shoulder, bust, waist and hip measurements. If hips are clearly wider, you are pear; if bust and hips match with a defined waist, hourglass; if the middle is fullest, apple; if all are similar, rectangle.

Should I ignore body shape rules?

Use them to start, not to decide. Fit matters more than shape: a dress cut to your measurements flatters whatever your figure.

Read our silhouette guide, our plus size guide, or browse all wedding dresses.