Montagu Meadows, a charming barn wedding venue in Carroll County, Maryland, has been a part of couples' special days for nearly a decade. Before founding Montagu Meadows, owner Christina gained incredible experience in the bridal industry while working at her mother's bridal salon in Montgomery County, MD. She has found memories of helping hundreds of excited brides find their dream wedding gown. For many brides, the moment they get engaged, they start imagining themselves in a beautiful wedding dress. But with so many silhouettes to choose from, how do you know which one will flatter your figure best? The key is selecting a dress shape that highlights your best features and makes you feel confident and beautiful. Fortunately, Carroll County is home to some of the best bridal salons in Maryland, where expert stylists can help you find the perfect gown for your body type. Here's a helpful guide to choosing the most flattering dress silhouette for you:
1. Hourglass Figure: Mermaid or Trumpet
If you have an hourglass shape, your bust and hips are well-balanced with a defined waist. The best dress shapes for you:
• Mermaid or Trumpet: These silhouettes hug your curves and flare out at or below the knee, emphasizing your natural shape. Make sure you can move freely in this style.
• Fit-and-Flare: A slightly less dramatic version of the mermaid style, it highlights your waist while offering more movement. This has more of a gradual flare than a mermaid style and usually a little easier to move around throughout the night.
• Ball Gown: If you want a more princess-like look, a ball gown will accentuate your small waist while balancing your curves.
Avoid: Boxy or shapeless dresses that don’t define your waist.
2. Pear Shape: A-Line or Ball Gown
If your hips are wider than your bust, you have a pear-shaped figure. The goal is to balance your proportions by drawing attention upward.
• A-Line: Fitted at the bodice and flaring out gradually, this silhouette creates a balanced look.
• Ball Gown: A full skirt will gracefully skim over your hips while emphasizing your waist and upper body. If you are looking for a fairytale style, this might be it.
• Off-the-Shoulder or Embellished Necklines: These details bring focus to your upper body and balance your shape.
Avoid: Mermaid or trumpet styles, as they may emphasize the hips more than desired.
3. Apple Shape: Empire Waist or A-Line
If you carry more weight around your midsection and have a fuller bust, an empire waist or A-line gown will be your best friend.
• Empire Waist: This style flows from just below the bust, elongating your torso and drawing attention upward.
• A-Line: A classic choice that adds definition without clinging to the waistline. This style has a fitted waist and then flares out.
• Deep V or Sweetheart Necklines: These create a slimming effect and add balance to your frame. This design gently curves down in the center to create a romantic and flattering look.
Avoid: Tight-fitting or heavily Ruche bodices that draw attention to the midsection.
4. Petite Frame: Sheath or A-Line
If you’re on the shorter side, you’ll want a dress that elongates your figure rather than overwhelming it.
• Sheath: A slim, straight silhouette that lengthens your body.
• A-Line: Provides shape and flow without too much volume, making you appear taller. This style has a fitted waist and then flares out.
• High Waistlines (Empire Waistlines): Dresses with waistlines slightly above your natural waist create the illusion of longer legs. The skirt starts right under the bustline.
Avoid: Oversized ball gowns with excessive layers, which may overpower a petite frame.
5. Tall and Slender: Ball Gown or Sheath
If you have a taller frame, you can pull off a variety of styles, but some silhouettes will enhance your shape best.
• Ball Gown: A dramatic, voluminous skirt adds curves and creates a striking look.
• Sheath: Accentuates your long, lean figure for an elegant, modern feel.
• High Necklines or Dramatic Sleeves: These elements add visual interest and balance.
Avoid: Dresses that are too simple or shapeless, as they might not showcase your proportions well.
6. Athletic Build: A-Line or Ball Gown
If your body is more straight and less curvy, you can create the illusion of curves with the right silhouette.
• A-Line: Adds gentle shape to your figure. The chic and classy look will accentuate an athletic figure.
• Fit and Flare: Will show off your shoulders, arm and waist while adding flattering angles to your tone figure.
• Ruche or Detailed Bodices: These details create curves and add femininity.
Avoid: Column or sheath dresses that don’t define the waist.
We hoped you enjoyed this blog about searching for your dream wedding bridal dress. The perfect wedding dress is the one that makes you feel the most confident and beautiful on your big day. While these guidelines can help you find a flattering style, the most important thing is to choose a dress that you love and envision yourself being married in. If you’re planning your wedding at Montagu Meadows, we’d love to see how your dream dress complements our scenic barn venue! We have seen all style dresses at Montagu Meadows and every style reflects each bride’s vision and personality.
Some amazing wedding dress salons & tuxedo rentals in Carroll County that we recommend:
Love It At Stella’s Bridal & Fashion in Westminster, MD
Déjà vu Boutique in Mt. Airy, MD
Country View Tuxedo and Wedding Accessories in Westminster, MD
Amelia Symone Couture Bridal Evening Wear in Hanover, PA
Montagu Meadows Wedding Venue
Looking for a stunning barn venue? Consider touring Montagu Meadows located in Carroll County, MD. Our venue offers a breathtaking setting with a team dedicated to making your wedding day perfect. If you are looking for an elegant, rustic, and unforgettable wedding near Baltimore or Southern, PA, Montagu Meadows is a must see. Reach out today to learn more about how we can bring your dream wedding to life!
Contact us today to start planning your dream wedding or intimate wedding ceremony and discover how Montagu Meadows can transform your special day into a warm, timeless celebration!
Visit our Website: www.montagumeadows.com
Visit our gallery for additional photos: GALLERY | Montagu Meadows
Email us at: crkrone46@gmail.com
Location: Westminster, Maryland in Carroll County
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A shout out to other independently owned wedding venue owners around the country that offer their support and encouragement on a daily basis:
Thank you so much for the shout out! We so appreciate it, neighbor! - The Love it at Stella's Bridal Team
Love this! I'm a mermaid-style lover forever and ever. Check out our venue in Texas! www.talulamesa.com