With so many stunning bridal gowns Auckland brides can find both online and in bridal shops, it can feel overwhelming to pick just one! Whether you’re dreaming of a bohemian gown, a bold colourful dress, a high-fashion couture design, or something more classic and romantic, the best place to start is by understanding which dress shapes highlight your body beautifully. If you’d like to explore these styles in person, we’d love to welcome you to our bridal boutique in Auckland and guide you through the options.
At the end of the day, the gown you fall in love with no matter its shape or style is the perfect one for you. Every bride looks amazing in the dress that feels right for her! Still, if you’re just beginning your dress search, you may notice that some gowns look perfect on the hanger but don’t feel the same when tried on. That’s often because certain styles are designed with different body types in mind. To make your search easier, we’ve put together a guide to some of the most popular wedding dress shapes and which figures they usually suit best.
1. Mermaid Wedding Dress – Best for Hourglass Shapes
If you have an hourglass body or want to highlight a smaller waist, the mermaid wedding dress is a stunning choice. This body shape is curvy and balanced, with a fitted waist, fuller bust, and hips that match your shoulders. A mermaid gown is designed to follow those natural curves, fitting closely through the bodice and hips before flaring out near the knees. It’s a style that feels glamorous and adds a touch of drama, perfect for brides who want a bold, confident, and elegant look on their special day.
2. Ball Gown Wedding Dress – Perfect for Pear Shapes
A ball gown wedding dress is a true fairytale style that makes any bride feel like royalty. This design works beautifully on many body types, but it is especially flattering for brides with a pear-shaped figure. If you have a smaller waist with hips wider than your shoulders, the fitted bodice and full skirt of a ball gown highlight your waist while balancing your curves. Brides with a straighter or boyish figure can also use this style to add the illusion of curves. And if you have a fuller bust that you’d like to soften, a ball gown helps shift the focus away from the chest, creating a lovely balanced look overall.
3. Trumpet Wedding Dress – Best for Inverted Triangle Shapes
The trumpet wedding dress is often compared to the mermaid style but offers more comfort and freedom to move. This gown gently follows your curves and flares out just below the hips or around the knees, creating a soft and elegant shape. Brides with broader shoulders, also called the “inverted triangle” body type, will find the trumpet style especially flattering. It draws the eye toward the hips, adds balance to the figure, and highlights curves in a graceful way.
4. Sheath Wedding Dress – Perfect for Straight Figures
Also known as a column gown, the sheath wedding dress is a beautiful choice for brides with a straight body shape. In this figure type, the shoulders, waist, and hips are quite similar in width, creating a balanced and lean silhouette. A sheath dress gently skims the body, following its natural lines and giving a sleek, elegant look. Because the design is simple and minimal, it allows you to highlight other details of your bridal style like statement jewellery, a chic hairstyle, or special accents on the dress itself.
5. Empire Wedding Dress – Great for Petite Brides
The empire wedding dress is easy to recognise by its fitted bodice and high waistline that sits just below the bust. This style is especially flattering for petite brides or anyone who wants to create the illusion of extra height. The long, flowing skirt draws the eye downward, making the body appear taller and more graceful while softly minimizing the legs. At the same time, the fitted top highlights the chest, making it a lovely option for brides with a smaller bust who want a little extra definition. To explore this elegant style in person, visit our Auckland bridal boutique and let us help you find the perfect gown.
6. A-Line Wedding Dress – Flattering for Apple Shapes
The A-line wedding dress is one of the most classic and versatile styles. Fitted at the top, it gently defines the waist before flowing out into a soft, wide skirt that creates its signature “A” shape. This design is flattering on almost every body type, but it’s especially ideal for brides with an apple-shaped figure or those with shorter torsos, as it gives the illusion of a slimmer waistline. Another reason brides love the A-line is its comfort and ease of movement perfect for walking, mingling, and dancing the night away in style.
Finding Your Perfect Wedding Dress
Which wedding dress styles caught your eye? It’s helpful to know how different shapes can highlight your best features, but don’t limit yourself trying on a variety of styles that might surprise you! If you’re searching for more ideas for your dream gown, explore our wedding dresses online or book a free appointment at our Auckland bridal boutique to see our beautiful collection in person. Don’t forget to check our Instagram for the latest inspiration and style updates!
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