Style & Trend
A wedding dress style guide for tall brides
If you’re lucky enough to be a little bit taller than average then you’ve come to the right place.
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. Below our Bridal Experts have put together 10 top tips to help you find the perfect wedding dress style to suit both your look and your stature…
1. Choose your shoes first
Choose your heel height before shopping for your dress, so you can see how much extra length you will need on the skirt. If possible, take a pair of shoes that are the right height when you go dress shopping. If you’re not sure, err on the long side, as dresses can always be taken up but not usually let down.
2. Balance your figure
If you’re tall and slim try a wedding dress style that creates shape where it’s most flattering. Elegant fishtail dresses with princess seams are great, as they define the waist and skim the hips, creating curves, before flaring out.
Try… Brixton
Stunning Brixton does all that and more. This fishtail silhouette features a mix of embroidered and Chantilly appliqués and hugs curves beautifully. At the back, there’s also contemporary illusion lace and a magnificent train with elaborate lace detailing. Did we mention that it comes in the most delicate blush colour, too?
3. Draw the eye up the body
Detailing on the bodice, such as glittering beads and embroidery, will draw people’s eyes up and away from the length of the dress. And, if you can’t sparkle on your big day, then when can you?
Try… Violette
Violette just exudes glamour and is perfect for brides who want stunning embellishment. The bodice has flattering Bardot-style straps and is covered in embroidered lace appliqués that continue onto the tulle skirt. Each appliqué is also embellished with tiny white beads and ornate pearls to create beautiful sparkle from every angle. Meanwhile, the lightweight tulle skirt has been designed to drape beautifully while still holding its ballgown shape. Wear it with our ballgown underskirt too, for even more height-balancing volume.
4. Break up the length with accessories
A sparkling Amixi belt will help to break up the length of your dress, while a bold choker or statement chandelier earrings will look amazing on taller brides.
5. Try a big and beautiful ball gown
A big skirt is easier to manage if you’re tall, as petite brides can often be swamped by the volume. Wear your ball gown with confidence and height and you’ll look like a model, with beautiful fabric swirling around your long legs.
Try… Cambridge
Cambridge is a traditionally elegant ball gown that is as timeless and classic as it gets. Made from crisp Mikado fabric in a soft ivory shade, it’s an understated shape that flatters taller figures. The pleated bodice helps to define the waistline, while the horsehair hem means the sleek skirt keeps its shape all day long. The off-the-shoulder straps are also the perfect way to frame beautiful shoulders and a long neck. You can add one, or even two, underskirts to this look to achieve just the right amount of volume. Why not try a touch of glitz at the waistline, too?
6. Show off perfect pins
Alternatively, make the most of those long legs with a tea-length gown in a pretty vintage style!
Try… Ida
Ida is a charming tea-length dress with a sweetheart neckline, delicate three-quarter-length sleeves and a beautiful flouncy skirt. It has added bounce from the structured petticoat, a woven ivory lining and layer upon layer of soft, floaty tulle. The illusion sleeves give delicate coverage and are finished with tiny floral appliqués and light-catching iridescent sequins for plenty of movement and understated sparkle. We think it looks amazing with a sparkling Estella belt and, for even more volume, our short underskirt. Plus, celebrate your height and wear it with a fabulous pair of heels - the higher the better!
7. Tiers of joy
Tiered dresses look gorgeous on tall women, providing extra shape and depth to your bridal outfit. Ruffles, ruching, feathers and frills all work beautifully!
8. Not one but two tones
Tall brides can also work a two-tone wedding dress brilliantly, and the change of shade at the waist can help to break up the length of the dress.
9. Ones to avoid…
Most styles look great on brides with height but a dropped waist can elongate your torso and may narrow your shoulders, as will a high neckline. Also, watch out for designs with lots of vertical lines that will add more length.
10. Go Grecian
Finally, Grecian-style wedding gowns look gorgeous when they're long and flowing, meaning they're perfect for taller brides. Try teaming one with pretty sandals for a summer wedding and leave your hair loose and flowing too.
Try… Ashley
Beautiful A-line Ashley is deceptively simple. The understated styling and whimsical feel hide a multitude of clever design features. The stylish pleated waistband is bang on trend but also highlights and defines the waist, while the draped shoulders are great for softy covering and flattering the upper arm area. Just wear with a delicate halo and maybe even bare feet, for a look that’s gorgeous, unencumbered and totally free!
So, we hope we’ve inspired you to throw your shoulders back, hold your head high and embrace your height, in one of these stunning designs. Then you really will be the star of the show on your big day!
Click here to find your ideal wedding dress style then try on your favourite at your nearest WED2B store. Also, for more inspiration, check out our Instagram, Facebook or Twitter pages.
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