You'll hear plenty of rules about what curvy brides "should" wear. Most of them aren't worth much. Almost any silhouette can work on a curvy body when the gown is well made and fits you properly.
What helps is knowing how each shape feels, so you can walk into your appointment with a few ideas and an open mind.
A-line
An A-line gown fits through the bodice and gently widens from the waist to the hem, like the letter A. It's one of the most popular silhouettes for good reason. It's comfortable, easy to move in, and works at nearly any venue, from a ranch to a ballroom.
A great choice if you want a classic look that's easy to wear all day.
Fit-and-flare
Fitted through the bodice and hips, then flaring out around mid-thigh. It celebrates your curves while giving you more room to walk than a full mermaid.
A great choice if you love a fitted gown but want freedom to move and dance.
Mermaid
Fitted all the way to the knee before it flares out dramatically. It's glamorous and very much a statement. A well-built mermaid with good structure can look stunning on a curvy bride.
A great choice if you want a showstopping moment and love a body-skimming fit.
Ball gown
A fitted bodice with a full, voluminous skirt. It's the classic princess silhouette, made for a big entrance.
A great choice if you've always pictured yourself in a full skirt, or your venue calls for something formal.
Sheath
A slim line that follows your shape from top to bottom. It's simple, modern and elegant. On curvy brides, sheaths look best in fabrics with some weight and stretch.
A great choice if you love minimalist style or you're planning a smaller, relaxed celebration.
What matters more than the silhouette
Structure. Built-in support, boning and good lining make a big difference in how a gown fits and how it feels at the end of the night.
Fabric. Heavier satins and crepes smooth and hold their shape. Lighter tulle and chiffon add movement and softness.
Designers who plan for curves. Gowns designed for fuller figures from the start, like Essense of Australia's EveryBody/EveryBride collection, often fit better right away than gowns that were simply scaled up.
Your comfort. You'll wear this dress for hours. If you can't sit, breathe or hug your grandmother in it, it isn't the one.
Try more than you think you need to
Many brides fall in love with a silhouette they almost skipped. Try at least one style you wouldn't have picked from a photo. You might surprise yourself.
At Belle Femme Bridal, our samples run from size 4 to 28, so you can try these silhouettes in your size instead of imagining them. Book your bridal appointment and your stylist will pull a mix of shapes for you to try.
