Different Wedding Dresses for Different Body Types (Because Not Everyone Wants to Look Like a Walking Cupcake)

Let’s be real — wedding dress shopping can feel like speed dating, but with fabric. You’re slipping in and out of gowns, trying to find The One, while a bridal consultant smiles politely and your mum subtly pushes the poufy princess look “because it’s traditional.”

But here’s the thing: there’s no such thing as a “perfect” body — just the perfect dress that flatters your body, style and of course, how much nasi lemak you want to eat on your wedding day without suffocating.

So whether you’re a petite powerhouse, a curvy goddess, or someone in between, here’s your zero-fluff, brutally honest (but loving!) guide to wedding dresses for different body types — Singapore edition.

1. 👑 For the Petite Girls (Hi, fun-sized queens!)

You might be 155cm and below, lean or curvy — basically you’ve heard “so small” your whole life.

• A-line dresses: Elongate your frame without swallowing you up.
• Empire waist: Adds length to the legs (optical illusions FTW).
• Monochromatic details: Too much contrast = you disappearing like a magic trick.
• Avoid: Ball gowns with too much volume. You’ll look like you’re being eaten alive by chiffon.

🛍 Where to try in SG: The Gown Warehouse has great A-line options for petites that don’t overwhelm.

2. 🍑 For the Curvy Girls (Thicc with 2 Cs)

You might be hourglass, pear-shaped, or just blessed in all the right places.

• Fit-and-flare or trumpet silhouettes: They hug, they flatter, they slay.
• Structured corsetry: Gives amazing support and posture (we love a double win).
• Thicker straps or off-shoulder sleeves: Keeps the girls in check and looks gorgeous.
• Avoid: Super straight column dresses — they don’t highlight curves, they hide them.

💬 Karene says: If it zips AND you can breathe, it’s a winner.

3. 🧊 For the Athletic / Rectangle Girls (aka straight-line slayers)

You might be slim, broad shoulders, less defined waist, model vibes.

• Ballgowns and ruffles: Give volume where you want it.
• One-shoulder or asymmetrical necklines: Adds drama and breaks the straight lines.
• Peplum details or cinched waists: Create curves without needing squats.
• Avoid: Sheaths with zero waist detail. We’re not going for “chic sushi roll.”

🏛 Hot tip: Silhouette The Atelier can customise gowns to add dimension exactly where you want it.

4. 🌸 For the Pear-Shaped Queens (small on top, party at the bottom)

You might be petite up top, fuller hips/thighs and always struggling to find jeans that fit both.

• Strapless or halter necklines: Draws eyes upward.
• A-line or flowy skirts: Softly skims over hips, not fights them.
• Detailed bodices: Keeps focus on your beautiful upper body.
• Avoid: Mermaid silhouettes unless you want a full hips feature film.

👗 Boutique to check: Luna Bianca has lovely A-line pieces with beautiful lacework up top.

5. 🌹 For the Apple-Shaped Beauties (Tummy? So what.)

You might be fuller in the midsection, slimmer arms/legs, and always the first to dance at weddings.

• Empire waist gowns: Flowy, flattering and totally food baby-friendly.
• Draping or ruching: Adds structure without tightness.
• V-necklines: Elongates the neck and balances the torso.
• Avoid: Heavy embellishments right at the waist. That’s a no from me, love.

🥂 Real talk: It’s not about hiding. It’s about feeling good when you twirl, laugh and eat that second slice of cake.

Final Thoughts (aka Karene’s Sassy Wisdom)

💖 Your body isn’t the problem — the wrong dress is.

💖 Don’t let a boutique assistant gaslight you into something you hate.

💖 Sit, squat and walk in every dress you try. No use looking like a queen if you can’t pee without assistance.

💖 Comfort = confidence = hot bride energy.

In the end, the best dress is the one that makes you forget the rules and just feel like you. Strong. Radiant. Stunning. Whether it’s tulle or lace or a fully beaded extravaganza that costs more than your BTO [50. Is applying for a BTO the same as getting engaged?] deposit.

Go get ‘em, bride-to-be. 💅