The Best Wedding Dresses for Tall Brides

Key takeaways

• Tall brides benefit most from dresses with a defined waist to balance proportions.
• A-line, fit and flare and ballgown styles are the most universally flattering silhouettes.
• Midi and mini wedding dresses work particularly well on taller frames.
• wed2b long wedding dresses have a 47-inch waist-to-hem measurement, suitable for brides up to around 6ft.

For many women being tall is the dream. However, if you’re blessed to be above average height, it can also make it difficult to find clothes that fit well. Luckily, at wed2b we know our brides come in all shapes and sizes and we have plenty of designs that look absolutely fabulous on taller brides. Drop into your nearest store and you’ll find hundreds to choose from, whether you want to accentuate your height or minimise it. But, before you visit, check out our bridal experts’ top tips on the perfect wedding dresses for tall brides and our pick of the best designs to suit both your style and your stature… 

What Makes a Wedding Dress Flattering for Tall Brides?

The best wedding dresses for tall brides balance the silhouette and structure it, enhancing your beautiful height and defining the waistline. Also, do you want to accentuate or play down your height? If it’s the first option, then slim straight dresses with a contemporary train and skyscraper heels are the ones for you, along with a sexy split to show off long legs. Alternatively, a dress with a low neckline and flared skirt will help to break up the length of your figure, adding more balance and shape.

Top Wedding Dress Styles for Tall Brides

A-line Wedding Dresses

A-line gowns are a great choice for almost every figure, including taller brides. The wide base of the skirt adds balance, mirroring the width of the shoulders, and creating attractive proportions. A lines (like this one) often have a well-defined waistline too, which acts as a natural break in the outline of the dress, and is especially great if you have a long torso.

Fit and Flare/Mermaid Dresses 

Similarly, fit and flare and mermaid designs, like this stunning style by Sofia Cruz, that flare below the knee and have a distinct waist are a good choice if you’re 5ft 9in or taller. They’ll enhance your natural shape, pulling in at the waist, fitting snuggly over the hips and then flaring out again to create the illusion of beautiful curves while taking nothing away from your stature.

Ballgown Wedding Dresses

Alternatively, if you’d rather not accentuate your height, then dresses with volume that add more shape and dimension are ideal. A ballgown will nip you in at the waist, shortening your body and disguising long legs with a wow-factor skirt. A neat bodice that ends at your natural waistline, like this one here, will also add structure to your silhouette. 

Sheath Dresses 

Sheath styles will absolutely enhance your beautiful height, thanks to the ‘straight up and down’ nature of the shape, but we say go for it! Try one with a delicate short train for its figure balancing properties and also an on-trend split for a sexy glimpse of those striking long legs.

Midi or mini dresses

Lastly, there are midi (tea-length) or mini wedding dresses. Midi styles that fall below the knee look amazing on tall figures, because they generally feature a defined waist that shortens the torso. The length of the skirt also visually shortens the legs while still revealing them in an elegant way. This off-the-shoulder style by Anna Sorrano is a great example. Although, if you’d prefer to highlight gorgeous pins this mini dress and a pair of striking heels is going to be hard to beat!

Flattering necklines for tall brides

V-neck

A V neckline draws the eye downwards, elongating the neck and shortening the torso. Plus, you can choose a modest dip or a deep plunge depending on the coverage you want.

Off-the-shoulder

An off-the-shoulder neckline adds width to the upper body, balancing proportions and beautifully framing the collarbones. 

Square neckline

A square neckline does a similar job to an off-the-shoulder, as it also adds width to the upper body creating lovely balance in a contemporary way.

Halterneck

If you want to celebrate your height, then a halterneck will draw eyes upwards and show off toned shoulders and arms. 

Scoop or sweetheart neckline

A sweetheart or scoop will accentuate your bust line and décolletage rather than adding length.

Necklines Tall Brides Should Avoid

High necklines

A high neckline adds extra length between the top and bottom of your dress, elongating your figure.

High necklines with full length sleeves

Designs with long sleeves and a high neck have a lot of material across the collarbones and shoulders, which will add even more length to your figure.

Styling Tips for Tall Brides

Choose the right fabrics

Think about what kind of look you want to create and then choose the fabric to match. For example, stiffer fabrics, such as Mikado, will add more dimension and texture, giving you a fuller look and more balanced proportions. However, a sleek soft fabric will flow beautifully, accentuating long legs, making you look slender and taller. Alternatively, to add curves, try a full-skirted ballgown in a floaty fabric, like tulle. 

Embrace alterations

Consider custom alterations for the perfect fit and length. Most wedding dresses are designed to be a touch longer than average, to allow for changes, so speak to our bridal experts in store. They can give you a list of great alterations specialists in your area.

Choose the right shoes

Make choosing your wedding shoes a priority. Whether you want towering heels, something more mid-height or flats, they will influence the look and length of your dress. However, if you wear three-inch heels you won't necessarily need an extra three inches at the front of your dress. Our bridal experts can help you work out if alterations are needed.

Go for a defined waist

Choose a design with a structured waistline or add a sparkling belt, which will break up the line of your silhouette and define your waist.

Accentuate long legs

Long legs are a gift, so definitely try on a sexy split skirt. You might discover you love showing them off!

Incorporate detailing

Lace, beading or embroidery will add visual interest and dimension. Just make sure the design complements rather than overwhelms your stature. Smaller patterns will add depth and interest without segmenting your height.

Try an open back

Celebrate your beautiful proportions with a low-scooped back, which is a dream for highlighting the graceful curve from a long neck to the small of the back. Plus, it’s much less revealing way to show a little skin than a plunging neckline at the front.

Add a jacket or wrap

If you’ve gone for a strapless style, a lace jacket, wrap or faux fur bolero will add extra width at the shoulders, balancing a longer torso without being bulky.

Try our size calculator

Check out our size guide and our online calculator. Generally, wedding dress sizes are different to high street clothing, so it’s common to find yourself a different size to your normal fit. Sizing up is always a good idea if you’re unsure. Your seamstress can make a dress up to two sizes smaller if needed but making a dress bigger is very tricky. Also, at wed2b, all of our long wedding dresses have a waist to hem measurement of 47 inches, which is long enough for brides who are around 6ft tall, with room for alterations, too.

Common Mistakes for Tall Brides to Avoid

• Not checking you can alter your hemline: Don’t forget to check that your hemline can be extended, if need be, before you buy.
• Not factoring in your underskirt: If you want an underskirt, remember to try it on with your dress so the length is accurate.
• Choosing a design with lots of seams: Watch out for too many vertical lines that will lengthen your silhouette.
• Picking an empire waistline: If you don’t want to accentuate your height, avoid an empire waist that sits just under your bust, as this will elongate your figure. A straight sheath will also add the illusion of extra vertical inches.
• Choosing an oversized top: A billowing bodice or top that stretches below the waistline will make your torso look longer.

Real Bride Inspiration

Our real brides' section is full of beautifully styled wedding dresses for tall brides. For example, the lace sheath that Kirsty chose was perfect for her height. The long sleeves were offset by a pretty V neckline and a flattering dipped back, while the fitted skirt highlighted her long legs. 

Ellie wore a princess-style ballgown in luxurious Mikado with a face-framing, off-the-shoulder neckline, which she paired with an ornate Fillipa veil to elevate her look. Catherine and Jackie also went for a dramatic off-the-shoulder designs, which added width to their shoulders, balancing out their A-line skirts at the bottom. A chic Mikado belt was also the perfect choice for adding more definition to Catherine’s waist.

Lastly, Abbie went for a classic A-line with a defined waist, simple flattering V neckline and slim spaghetti straps. The beautifully rippled train covered in florals was the perfect finishing touch. 

Read more: Discover more styling inspo in our Real Weddings

How wed2b Can Help You Find the Perfect Fit

So, where should you start when it comes to wedding dresses for tall brides? Well, at wed2b, we really are the experts when it comes to matching brides of every shape and size with their dream dress. You only need to read a few of our real weddings to see how many go home with the ‘wild card’ dress that our staff suggested.

You also don’t need an appointment, so drop into your nearest store today and chat to our bridal experts. They can advise you on everything from the right silhouette to the perfect neckline, and suggest accessories to match. You can also chat to them online right now. Our bridal experts are available on Live Chat, WhatsApp, Facebook and more, every day of the week. 

Embracing your height

Hopefully we've inspired to start your dress search. However, these are just ideas. The perfect dress for you is the one that makes you feel amazing, whatever the silhouette or neckline. And, remember, your height probably means you can carry off looks others can only dream of, so stand tall, embrace your height and wear it with confidence!

FAQs

What is the best wedding dress shape for a tall bride?

A-line, fit and flare and ballgown silhouettes are some of the most flattering wedding dresses for tall brides. They help create balance through a defined waist and proportionate skirt shape. A sheath can also work beautifully if you want to emphasise your height.

Can tall brides wear short wedding dresses?

Yes, tall brides can look incredible in short wedding dresses. A mini highlights long legs, while a midi or tea-length dress with a defined waist can create more balanced proportions. Choose shoes early so the hemline sits exactly where you want it.

How can I make my wedding dress look more proportionate?

Look for a defined waist (or add a belt) to break up the length of your silhouette. Necklines that add width across the shoulders, like off-the-shoulder or square, can also help create balance. If you want less emphasis on height, choose volume in the skirt such as an A-line or ballgown.

Do tall brides need custom alterations?

Not necessarily, many wedding dresses are designed with extra length to allow for alterations. Always try your dress on with your wedding shoes (and an underskirt if you’re wearing one) to check the hemline. If adjustments are needed, a seamstress can tailor the fit and length for a perfect finish.

What neckline suits tall brides best?

V-neck, scoop, square and sweetheart necklines are popular choices for tall brides. They frame the neckline and shoulders without adding extra vertical length. Off-the-shoulder styles can also add width at the top for a more balanced look.

Click here to check out all our wedding dresses for tall brides, then try on your favourites at your nearest wed2b store. Here’s what to expect when you visit, too. Lastly, for more inspiration, check out our Instagram, Facebook or TikTok accounts.