Wedding Dresses for the Fuller Figured Woman

There is an endless array of wedding dresses to fit the bony, skeletal type, but what about finding that ideal nuptial garb for the "real woman"? How can you be sure it is the most flattering dress and not just the one your friends like because they are weary of watching you try on dresses. Here are five suggestions to get you started.

1. Find out what silhouette is most flattering

More than the actual look of the dress (i.e. bedding, tulle, lace, etc) is the basic line of the dress over your body. Choosing the right silhouette makes all the difference. First you should go to your local formal wear shop and try on different styles. Don't just try on the ones you are sure will look good, try out the ones you are sure don't look good, and you might be pleasantly surprised. Many full-figured woman opt for the floor-length A-line which makes shorter women look taller and minimizes the waist. But if you are looking for a tea-length skirt, then the A-line might not be the best for you.

2. Flatter your best asset

Do you have nice legs? Don't hide them beneath a hugely tulle skirt. Large, billowing skirts may make your waist look smaller, but at the expense of making your hips and legs look bigger and formless. Are you an hourglass shape? Many full-figured women will stay away from 'clingy' looks; but if you have a nice hourglass figure, go for a mermaid skirt, which hugs your hips and legs and flares out at the shin. Do you have a large bust? Don't necessarily go for the plunging neckline unless you aren't afraid of spill-outs. Comfort is something we often believe is a reasonable exchange for Beauty; but it's your day, do you really want to be suffocated the whole time? And who says beauty can't be matched with comfort?

3. Choosing the material

Selecting the right material is key to comfort and beauty. I personally love velvets and they give a nice drape to any dress. But if you aren't into the medieval damsel costume, what's the best material for your body? If you have a rounded shape with lots of curves try a stiffer material than Silk or Charmeuse, that will stay along the curves you want to show and not stick to the ones you don't. Organza sleeves or skirt overlays that compliment silks or satins can give that feminine touch, but provide a stiffer outer layer that draws attention to your flattering shape, not your unflattering bulges.

4. Get it fitted to your shape

Don't be afraid to buy a bigger size than necessary and get it altered in all the right places. Who's going to read the tag anyway? Remember tailored is complementary to any figure. Dresses are made in basic forms, but we are all individually crafted and our clothing should be too.

5. Don't' be afraid to be Bold

Weddings are meant to be personalized. Don't go for a traditional white if white just isn't your color. This will also broaden your scope to find a color that complements you perfectly in addition to the right shape. But if you aren't ready to disturb the relatives until after you are married, try an ivory or white dress with colored accents matching your wedding colors. It's a nice compromise without causing a stir.