Budget Wedding Dresses for Every Body Type

Choosing the perfect wedding gown is one of the most important parts of planning your special day. If you’re on a tight budget, dress shopping can make you feel anxious and dread the entire experience. You want a dress that fits your budget and flatters your physique and worry you won’t be able to achieve both goals. 

Shopping for budget wedding dresses doesn’t mean you must compromise on the fit and style. It’s entirely possible to find a dress you can afford that makes you look and feel your best as you walk down the aisle. 

No matter what body type you have, this guide helps you find a complementary gown. 

Body Type 1: Hourglass Figure

An hourglass figure is characterized by a balanced bust and hips with a well-defined waist that creates a naturally curvaceous silhouette. Celebrated for its proportional curves, there is a downside to having this body type: finding one-piece clothing that fits. 

Since most wedding gowns fall into this category, hourglass-shaped brides may find budget wedding dress shopping challenging. Dresses that accommodate the waist might not always provide enough support or space for ample busts and fuller hips without extensive alterations. 

The best styles for this body type include:

• Mermaid/trumpet – accentuates your curves by hugging the body through the torso and hips, then flaring out around the knees. 
• Fit-and-flare – like the mermaid style, it’s slightly less fitted and emphasizes the waist while allowing freedom of movement. 

Budget-friendly tip: Look for off-the-rack options or budget wedding dresses that can be customized for slight alterations around your curves. 

Body Type 2: Pear-Shaped Figure

Pear-shaped figures are defined by hips and thighs that are wider than the bust and waist, creating a naturally tapered silhouette from top to bottom. This body type can present unique challenges for brides-to-be interested in budget wedding dresses. 

Many off-the-rack options may not provide the right balance between the upper and lower body. If it fits well in the hips, it might be too loose in the bust. The trick is to find a gown that emphasizes the upper body and waist while gracefully accommodating fuller hips. 

The best styles for this body type include:

• A-line – this classic silhouette flares out from the waist, balancing the hips while emphasizing a smaller upper body. 
• Ballgown – with a fitted bodice and full skirt, this style highlights a fuller waist and disguises the hips. 

Budget-friendly tip: Consider shopping at bridal boutiques that offer elegant A-line or ball gown styles at a fraction of the cost of designer dresses. Plan for minor alterations.  

Body Type 3: Apple-Shaped

Apple-shaped figures boast a fuller bust, waist, and upper body, often with slimmer hips and legs. The challenge in finding budget wedding dresses for this body type is that standard designs may not provide adequate support for the bust and emphasize the midsection more than desired. 

Dresses that fit the upper body can sometimes fit too loosely around the hips, resulting in an unbalanced look and feel. Look for styles that elongate the torso, draw attention to the upper body, and create a flatter silhouette that highlights your natural beauty. 

The best styles for this body type include:

• Empire waist – with a high waistline just below the bust, this style flows down into a loose skirt that camouflages the midsection. 
• V-neck – wedding gowns with a deep V-neck elongate the appearance of the torso and draw attention upward. 

Budget-friendly tip: Look for budget wedding dresses that flatter your figure in the clearance section of bridal shops to offset the cost of any alterations you may need to adjust to your shape. 

Body Type 4: Rectangular-Shaped Figure

Rectangular-shaped figures feature a balanced bust, waist, and hips with a hint of natural waist definition to create a straight, athletic silhouette. Brides with this body type might find it challenging to locate budget wedding dresses that add curves and definition in all the right places.  

Standard dress designs may not always enhance a rectangular figure’s natural lines, often making them look boxy. To achieve a more flattering look, choose styles that create the illusion of curves, accentuate the waist, and enhance your overall shape. 

The best styles for this body type include:

• Sheath – this slim silhouette follows the body’s natural line, creating an elegant and elongated look. 
• Belted or sashed – adding a belt or sash at the waist creates the illusion of curves to add definition. 

Budget-friendly tip: Opt for simpler designs you can dress up with accessories and look for minimalist sheath dresses in budget wedding shops. 

Body Type 5: Petite Figure

Petite figures have a shorter stature and smaller frame, with a height typically 5’4” or shorter. Brides with petite shapes face unique challenges when shopping for budget wedding dresses because standard designs can overwhelm their frames and require significant alterations. 

Dresses with too much fabric or elaborate designs make it difficult to find a gown that complements your size and proportions. The key is to find a bridal gown that elongates the body. 

The best styles for this body type include:

• Tea length – a shorter dress that hits between the knee and ankle is ideal for showcasing petite proportions without overwhelming the frame. 
• A-line – this style creates a universally flattering silhouette that elongates the body and adds height. 

Budget-friendly tip: Explore bridal shops that offer affordable gowns in tea length and A-line styles. Be prepared to alter the length of some dresses. 

Body Type 6: Tall Figure

Tall figures are characterized by longer limbs and an extended torso, often standing above the average height of 5’4”. Brides who fit into this body type can quickly discover that standard wedding dresses do not provide the right proportions, leading to issues such as too-short hemlines or sleeves. 

Dresses that fit in length may also need adjustments to accommodate your frame comfortably or stylishly. Select styles that complement a tall silhouette to ensure a balanced look. 

The best styles for this body type include:

• Column/sheath – these long and lean styles complement a tall frame by following the body’s natural lines. 
• Ball gown  - with a dramatic skirt, this style can balance out tall silhouettes and add a touch of grandeur. 

Budget-friendly tip: Consider sleeveless bridal gowns to eliminate the issue of too-short sleeves, choosing fabrics that are easy to alter to accommodate adjustments, such as satin, charmeuse, chiffon, tulle, and organza. 

Shop for budget wedding dresses that flatter your figure

Shopping for budget wedding dresses that flatter your figure shouldn’t cause more anxiety than joy. Whether you have an hourglass figure or are petite, there’s a wedding gown out there that will accentuate your natural beauty and make you feel radiant on your special day. 

Careful consideration – plus a few expert alternations – ensures your dream wedding dress will fit you like a glove. Cheers to finding the dress of your dreams and a lifetime filled with love and happiness!