Wedding shopping is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for the special day.

Brides have a chance to spend more time with their maids, mother, and mother-in-law, trying on gorgeous wedding gowns and enjoying their fittings when the perfect dress is found. And don't forget about buying the right shoes, undergarments, and accessories. These minor details matter a lot, as they set the tone for the whole look and bring out the design of the dress. 

Wedding shopping is a unique and unforgettable experience, but it is easy to get overwhelmed if you don't know exactly what you're looking for. Before you set the appointment at the bridal salon, you need to do some research. The choice of wedding dresses is huge and each model is beautiful and unique. But you need to find one that will accentuate your individuality and show off your assets. If you don`t know exactly what suits your body type, you will waste time and grow quickly disappointed.

To start, you should define the shape of your body. The most commonly used system includes these types:

• rectangle;
• apple-shaped;
• pear-shaped;
• inverted triangle;
• hourglass.

Each of the body types has its unique traits, which describe certain features. Pear-shaped women have narrow shoulders and wider hips. Their lower body looks heavier than the top. They should choose silhouettes of wedding attires that can visually balance their proportions. Classic A-line, ball gown, and empire dresses are perfect. They have a fitted top part and a fuller skirt. An accent on the waist creates an hourglass shape and looks feminine.

Petite and plus-size women need to choose dresses carefully. The former have a small frame, which is why they should avoid excessive decoration and embellishments near the top of the dress. For these ladies, a mermaid style would be the perfect variant. It has a fitted corsage that hugs the thighs, and a fuller bottom. This silhouette visually divides the body and elongates it. The latter group of brides should opt either for a restricting silhouette with a bodice or a flowy empire dress. In the first case, the dress can be made from thick fabric. In the second, lighter fabrics such as chiffon are preferable.

Best wedding dresses for pear-shaped women: don't forget about the details

Brides with pear-shaped bodies have a wide range of silhouettes to choose from. They don't have to feel restricted because their body looks the way it does. The only thing they should stay away from is short gowns. Mini or low-high wedding dresses draw attention to the legs and lower part of the body, which is undesirable if you want to have a balanced silhouette.

If you feel comfortable and want to show off your curves, you can choose a dress with a more fitted skirt, such as a trumpet or a sheath. Keep in mind that if you choose one of these silhouettes you are likely to have more fittings and alterations. Pear-shaped women have small shoulders, chest, and waist as well as fuller thighs and hips. It makes it hard to find perfectly fitting clothes because ladies with this body type are usually a split size. If they go for a smaller size, that fits well the upper part of the body, the bottom doesn't look quite right. If they go a size up, they get an unflattering gap at the waist.

To balance your proportions, choose dresses with details and decor around the neckline, such as voluminous flowers, embroidery, floating lace, and shiny crystals. Gowns with wide straps, puffy sleeves, deep V-neck, and boat necklines are perfect for pear-shaped brides. This decor will draw attention to the upper part of your body. Fuller skirts that skim over the thighs emphasize the waistline and hide curvy hips. You can choose a stunning wedding dress with a frothy train instead.

A general tip for brides with pear-shaped bodies is to avoid tight and fitting skirts. Choose dresses with an interesting top and neckline, a flowy skirt, and defined waist. This will create a balanced silhouette and let you feel confident and comfortable on your special day.