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Weddings

Dreamy Dresses for Every Shape and Size

Whether you’re petite, tall, slim or curvy, be inspired by one of these ten amazing dresses.

Whether you’re petite, tall, slim or curvy, be inspired by one of these ten amazing dresses.

Tall BridesLike Nicole Kidman, Liv Tyler and Taylor Swift, ladies who stand tall at 5ft10 or over should avoid gowns with long vertical lines, high necks and long sleeves. A softly-shaped chiffon gown with a fluid cut, like this stunning dress by Pronovias, looks truly elegant, as well as fashionable.

Abril by Pronovias, approximately £1,430.

Short BridesBeing short never stopped Eva Longoria and Kylie Minogue from looking sensational — petite brides can look just as good. Huge skirts make smaller brides disappear into their dress, so opt for a gentle A-line to lengthen your figure. This divine Eternity design, with feminine shoulders and a fitted waist, is ideal for shorter brides.

Style D4061 by Eternity Bridal, approximately £375.

Hourglass BridesHourglass brides have the best of both worlds; an enviable bust and a shapely behind. Celebrities like Catherine Zeta-Jones, Drew Barrymore and Scarlett Johansson know exactly how to work their assets. Steal their style on your wedding day with a gown that clings to your curves. This sizzling mermaid style flatters your bust line and cinches at the waist before flowing out below the hips.

Lois by Madeline Isaac James, £1,499.

Slim BridesFor a slender figure, a dress exposing well-toned arms and shoulders, creating a frame for your bust line and clinging to a tiny waist, is perfect. Cheryl Cole chose a fitted, fishtail dress when she got married and this standout Parisian lace piece from Caroline Castigliano’s Relaxed Glamour collection brings the style right up to date.

Bordeaux by Caroline Castigliano, contact designer for prices.

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Boyish BridesIf you have a rectangular shape like Kate Moss, Alexa Chung or Sienna Miller, with a smaller bust and gently-shaped waist, you can enhance your enviable figure with a plunging V-neckline and an A-Line skirt. This sleeveless taffeta dress with a chapel length train will make you feel feminine and fantastic.

Style E231126 by Kathy Ireland at B2Bride, approximately £1,150.

Pear-Shaped BridesThis is the ‘classic’ British figure — celebrities including Heidi Range, Davina McCall and Lily Allen are all perfectly pear-shaped. Consequently, British brides with rounded hips and a smaller bust have a fantastic choice of dresses. Ball gowns look stunning, drawing attention to the bodice and waistline, balancing your bottom for a feminine shape.

Lydia by Hollywood Dreams, contact designer for prices.

Strawberry-shaped BridesA strawberry-shaped bride has a full bust with narrow hips — think Jennifer Hudson and Elizabeth Hurley. A strapless dress won’t give you the support you’ll need throughout the day, so consider a halter neck with a full skirt to give you a romantic look. With a beautiful bow embellishment at the waist, this dress balances top and bottom and allows you to wear a full cup bra.

Grace by Tobi Hannah, £550.

Long-legged BridesIf you have lovely, long legs like Victoria Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow, why hide them under a full-length skirt? This sensational dress by Cymbeline is cut well above the knee at the front, but with extravagant details at the bust line and waist — and a train — you will still sashay down the aisle like a fairytale bride.

Ecru by Cymbeline, approximately £1375.

Full-figured BidesIf you have a fuller figure, like Christina Hendricks or Ruth Jones, a sweetheart neckline works beautifully. Showing a hint of cleavage, without giving too much away, this classic wedding dress with a gentle sweetheart cut balances your fuller figure perfectly. The asymmetric detail at the waist adds grace and femininity.

Style SON9007 by Sonsie by Veromia, approximately £800.

Athletic BridesStrong, athletic and curvy, celebrities like Rihanna, Fergie and Cameron Diaz champion this womanly, ‘warrior-like’ body shape. With balanced hip and bust measurements, you can carry off a floor-sweeping, mermaid cut with bags of confidence. If you want some Hollywood pizzazz to match your fabulous figure, this dress is undoubtedly it.

Style 8480 by Justin Alexander, approximately £1,060.