Wedding dresses by body type

Spending tons of money on a wedding gown won't ensure the most flattering fit. Consider its shape and drape to hide figure flaws, highlight assets and make you a beautiful bride whatever your budget. — Shannon McCarthy

Pear: This body type is very common and is sometimes also called "triangle.” You have a slender, elegant neck, a narrow shoulder-line, smaller bust, delicate ribcage, defined waist, wider, low hips and round thighs.

Bing: Princess dresses

Emphasizing the smallest part of your frame is key. Princess wedding gowns look gorgeous: They gently nip in at the waist and gradually flare to an A-line shape. Try a tea-length fit-and-flare dress when you want to show off toned calves.

Bing: Empire-waist dresses

Empire-waist cuts are fitted under the bustline and flow with flattering ease over your bottom half. Rich, weightier fabrics like taffeta, heavier chiffon and duchess satin won't cling, but will elegantly skim over any areas you want to de-emphasize.

Bing: V-neck wedding dresses

For a pear shape, the best necklines are fitted and show considerable skin. Corset-style bodices are the sexiest, while V-necks are either modest or daring depending on the dip. Try delicate spaghetti straps to show off slim shoulders.

Bing:Off-the-shoulder dresses

To visually de-emphasize your bottom half, consider bodices that feature lots of beading, ruching or embroidery, as this draws the eye upward. All this gorgeous decoration also happens to be a hot trend for this year’s wedding gowns.

Apple: Also known as "round," your shape is quite common. Your shoulders are well balanced with somewhat narrow hips, and you have an ample bustline, wide back, rounded midsection, relatively small posterior, and slender arms and legs.

Bing: A-line dresses

Consider minimizing a large bust and wider waistline and maximizing those slim hips and gorgeous gams. Fit-and-flare wedding frocks that flow in a gradual A-shape create waist definition and, if the bodice is slightly low-cut, highlight a generous bustline.

Bing: Tea-length dresses

Try to avoid really clingy fabrics or super-fitted gown silhouettes like mermaid or trumpet cuts. Do choose to show off shapely legs in tea-length or shorter hems for outdoor and destination weddings. On-trend versions feature illusion necklines and sleeves adorned with delicate embroidery.

Bing: Lace dresses

Sidestep lightweight fabrics in favor of mid-weight material that follows the line of your body, as floaty fabrics add volume. Chiffons, damask and faille are lovely, but lace is the biggest wedding-dress trend in ages, so if you love that elegant material you’re in luck.

Bing: Fancy-bodice dresses

Texture on the bodice helps balance your figure. Beads, ruching panels, 3-D rosette details or even small sequins are mesmerizing. A snug fit up top is super flattering, while a deep scoop or V-neckline also draws eyes up and away from a thicker middle.

Rectangle: This shape is also known as "straight," because your waist is undefined, with somewhat broad shoulders and square hips of equal width. You're most likely slim, with a small or medium bust, flat stomach and bottom, and slender arms and legs.

Bing: Sheath dresses

A sheath dress cut on the bias adds sensual movement and shape, yet it's a truly elegant wedding gown choice, too. Choose any sleek silk, satin or mid-weight jersey for a body-conscious effect, or chiffon, lace or velvet to add attractive, and luxe, volume.

Bing: Ball gown dresses

Spectacular ball gowns, with their emphasis on dramatic volume at the hips, supply real "wow" power. And while most of the visual interest is in that exuberantly layered skirt, delicate bustlines benefit from bodices decked out in texture or bling.