Top Tips for Wedding Dress Shopping as a Petite Bride
We're often asked how to shop for wedding dresses as a petite bride. Finally, the wait is over! We spoke to our bridal consultants and expert alterations staff to learn how to approach shopping for your special day as a shorter bride, and these are the tips you definitely don’t want to miss. Get the scoop, below.
Certain silhouettes are better than others.
Large ballgowns can be overwhelming on a small frame, and mermaid styles can be tough as well. Mermaid styles include a join line (where the flared skirt meets the fitted bodice)—keep in mind that it may shorten you depending on where the join line hits. With that, we suggest a-line, sheath and fit and flare styles, as these silhouettes can help to elongate your frame.
Opt for a shorter bodice.
Some aspects of a wedding dress can shorten your body proportions, and therefore make you appear smaller. For instance, if the waistline is sat too low or too high, this can lengthen or shorten your torso too much. Rather than shorten the waistline in alterations (and therefore lose some of the bodice’s construction), we suggest trying to find styles with your consultant that have a shorter bodice, especially if you have a long torso and short legs. Shorter bodices can help to balance out your proportions.
Pay attention to seaming.
Vertical seaming, like princess seams (think no waist—instead, replace with two long lines starting from the breasts down the bodice) will elongate the body. Horizontal lines can have a shortening effect, so try this waist style instead.
Make sure to take photos on and off the pedestal.
We all love the way wedding dresses look when you’re standing on a pedestal, but keep in mind this may alter the way your dress will look and fit on your big day, especially as a petite bride. Make sure to take photos in your gown off of the pedestal too, so that you can be sure you are happy with how it looks before purchasing.
Think about fabrics.
Bigger prints and larger lace fabrics can be overwhelming on a small frame. With that, we suggest smaller patterned laces, intricate sequins and beading, or better yet, simple, minimalistic satin and crepe.
