Bridal gown shopping is one of the most exhilarating yet exhausting aspects of the wedding planning process. It can be thrilling to try on and find the perfect gown to wear on your wedding day. Some brides may know exactly what they want and select the first dress they try on. For other brides, choosing a bridal gown can take months of searching. No matter what your best assets are or what flaws you may want to hide, there's a dress out there that will accentuate all your positive features. The perfect dress is a matter of individual taste, but there are still fashion rules that do apply. Here's our guide to finding the perfect dress for every body type.

The Sleek Physique Bride

An hourglass figure you don't have, but slim physique you do. For showing off a lean frame, nothing is better than clean lines with feminine details. Try an elegant simple silk gown with a pleated bust line to add some curviness while highlighting features like graceful shoulders and toned arms. Details like an embellished empire band and bubble hem skirt will balance out a trim figure. Or try a bias-cut halter-strap gown. An athletic bride can afford to wear a bias-cut gown, which emphasizes the femininity of her shape. For another option to show off a toned body, try a pleated bodice that will add curviness, and a flowing skirt, which has a flirty, romantic appeal.

The Petite Bride

The petite bride might be small in stature and frame, but can still make a big impact with the right type of gown. The key to balancing out a petite body is keeping things simple. The pouf dress may be fairy tale for some, but not for you. Look for details on bridal gowns like empire waists that elongate the body and shirred bodices that add details and shape in a subtle manner. Try a fitted, ruched gown that ends in a dramatic swirl of fabric with a trumpet hem. For a modern variation on the full skirt that will suit your petite figure, go for a fitted bodice that descends into a sweep of body-lengthening diagonal folds. Dress details like embellished waistlines and delicate banding and bows all add to the allure of a gown without becoming overpowering.

The Full-Figured Bride

Whoe said those curves weren't meant for showing off? If you're a full-figured bride, you can wear a gown to highlight your best features while getting coverage where you want it. Look for details like strapless gowns that show off the shoulders and neckline without giving away too much. Pair a plunging neckline with draped sleeves to show a little décolletage, without being too revealing. Look for an empire waist to give the illusion of length. Bias-cut bridal gowns are great if you get one with a flared hemline that will provide the right sense of balance to your full-figured form. If fitted bridal gowns are more your style, one with an overlay of lace will be flattering to your curves.

The Pear-Shaped Bride

Your frame is slimmer on top and curvier on bottom. Emphasize your slim torso with a fitted bodice that minimizes attention to your hips with a pleated, full skirt. Or try a fitted waistline with a ruched bodice and simple train that draws the eye upward. Another trick to make the best of your shape is by steering towards A-line gowns with a plunging neckline and flowing hemline.

The Top-Heavy Bride

If you're curvier on top and slimmer below, look for a number of bridal details that make the most of your shape. A V-neckline bodice will minimize a top-heavy bust. Width at the shoulders of your gown and a nipped-in waist with ruching will give you a more balanced form. Look for boning in the bodice to help give you support. You'll also find a flattering look in gowns with trumpeted hems.

The Expecting Bride

For the bride who has a little one on the way, choices for bridal gowns are now greater than ever. Fashion-forward bridal gowns are no longer the exception. Choose a gown with an empire waist to accommodate a growing belly. Crisscross bodices and straight necklines can minimize a larger chest. Soft, flowing fabrics or draped layers of tulle on top of a silk underlay make for a flattering silhouette. Details like ruffled layers at the bodice will add feminine appeal to a bridal gown while accommodating a mother-to-be. A-lines also make for complimentary silhouettes on expectant brides, as do full skirts paired with an empire waist.

When you're looking for the perfect dress, keep in mind that gown trends are important, but so is a flattering fit. Every bride should wear a gown that radiates her sense of style while enhancing her natural beauty.

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