Everyone comes in a different shape and size. Here are some tips for getting the right bridesmaid dresses to fit each bridesmaid’s body just right.
• Pear Shaped
o Halter bridesmaid dresses draw the eyes up and broaden the shoulders to minimize the appearance of full hips.
o Skirts should be A-line bridesmaid dresses or slightly flared to skim over large hips.
o Flowing dresses drift over curves without emphasizing their size.
o If skirts have pleats or if they are gathered, the detailing should be on the front or back, but never on the sides.
o Pretty details on the neckline help distract from a heavy bottom.
o Sport a cinched sash at the waist to give it more definition.
o Shawls and jackets fill out the top to balance the weight of the lower body, especially in a long dress.
• Tall
o Sashes, satin belts, and other details at the hips or waist help break up a long line.
o For ultra-long legs, tea length bridesmaid dresses balance out the body well.
o Strapless bridesmaid dresses help minimize the appearance of a long torso.
o Pretty ruffles and gathered fabric helps to add curves to narrow figures.
o Long, floor-length dresses help hide a tall girl wearing flats.
o Column shapes and sheath bridesmaid dresses look great on long, lean ladies.
• Petite
o Pairing a light sweater with a knee-length or tea-length bridesmaid dress helps elongate the body.
o Short bridesmaid dresses show off legs, lengthening them to their fullest.
o Dropped waist bodices make a stumpy torso look longer and leaner.
o Sheaths and fitted dresses with an uninterrupted flow to them are best because they keep a long line.
o Avoid dresses that end right before your feet. They make a petite person look shrimpy.
o Higher necklines elongate the torso.
• Large on Top
o Supportive seams and straps are crucial to keeping a bridesmaid dress comfortable.
o Wide straps and sleeves allow busty women to wear a full-coverage bra.
o A strapless style neckline can create a uni-breast, which doesn’t do anyone any favors! More flattering necklines dresses include halter bridesmaid dresses, V-neck bridesmaid dresses, and sweetheart bridesmaid dresses 。
o Higher necklines are sometimes more appropriate and less risque.
o Pretty accents on the waist or hips help balance a bigger bust.
• Full Figured
o The dress and the detailing should all be as close to one color as possible to create a longer silhouette.
o Slim a wide waist with a darker colored sash.
o Avoid fluff and ruffles and stick to sheaths. The less fabric, the more slimming the dress.
o Pair a puffy skirt with a cute shrug or shawl to balance out the volume.
o Crossover necklines enhance cleavage, but provide support and keep you covered.
o Halter and empire waist bridesmaid dresses draw the focus up to the face. They also help slim the torso.
o A-lines, skirts cut on the bias, and flowing fabrics work nicely to flow over problem areas.
Timeline
Start browsing for dresses early on and once you have selected who you attendants will be, make sure that they come to get their measurements taken as soon as possible. This takes place within the first few months of wedding planning. Usually, you should order the dresses no later than six months in advance of the wedding. The same goes for the shoes and accessories.
• When ordering the shoes, make sure to get them all dyed at the same time so that there are no color anomalies.
• Fittings should start no later than three months prior to the big day. When going for fittings, the bridesmaids should bring their shoes, hosiery, proper lingerie, and other accessories that they might need.
• Final fittings take place no later than one month before the wedding, after which they’ll need to be picked up.
• Have the ladies do a dry run without makeup about two to three weeks before the wedding to make sure that everything is in place.
