If you’ve been planning your wedding up to the critical moment of choosing the right wedding gown, you’re likely aware of the dilemma of choosing the right style. 

Brides will always want to look their best, but picking a great-looking gown for your body might be a real challenge. Should the dress be fitted, emphasizing your body shape, or should it be flared and exposed? Or is it possible to find something in between to satisfy the most picky brides? 

In this article, we’ll help you make the right decisions by reviewing the pros and cons of bodycon and flared gowns. We’ll also tackle the eternal debate on which of the two down types is best.

Scroll down and find the right fit to wow your guests at your wedding!

What to Wear: a Bodycon or Flared Dress?

Choosing the right dress model and style is a bride’s never-ending dilemma. Should you go for something more fitted to emphasize your body shape or get something flared? There are endless options nowadays, which also means something should fit the most unique bride. 

In the end, it all comes down to the silhouette. Gowns with the same embroidery or hue can look entirely different if the gown’s shape changes. So, if you’re still having trouble choosing the right gown, our guide will help you decide. 

Bodycon Wedding Gowns

Bodycon is an elegant gown design that stands for ‘body conscious.’ It’s the gown for brides who are looking to impress. If you’ve experienced or lived through the 90s, you’ll likely know the popularity of the Bodycon gown. 

This gown type is all about showing off your body instead of hiding it. Fitted dresses, mermaid gowns, column gowns, and trumpet gowns are all considered bodycon gowns. They are mainly tight-fitted gowns that hug and complement your entire body. Bodycon dresses tightly hug your figure and are excellent for showing off your body. 

Pros 

• The bodycon gown will look great if you have an hourglass figure. 
• It’s a great choice if you’re a tall bride with a slender frame.
• It is made for you with an equal bust, hip size, and a narrow waist.
• These dresses have low cuts to show cleavage, which looks better on bustier brides.
• It’s an ideal choice if you want a neat and fitted look.

Cons

• This gown type isn’t suitable if your hip size is larger than your bust, as this will highlight the cons of your body instead of complimenting it. 
• It can be difficult to move in, especially on the dance floor. 
• Doesn’t offer the same dramatic look that a flared gown would. 

Flared Gowns 

Flared gowns are beautiful and dazzling and are the type of dress straight out of your favorite Disney fairytale. These gowns usually come with plenty of layers in the lower half of the dress. The dresses that fall into this category are A-line and princess ball gowns. They let you cover up your body as much as possible and are best suited for triangular or apple-shaped bodies. 

Flared gowns are also excellent if you have a larger bust size, as the dress will accentuate your figure by adding a deep V-neck or shoulder-less neckline. You can also enhance your entire bridal look by adding a belt on the waistline. 

Pros

• Flared gowns are best if you’re looking for a dramatic look.
• You get to relive your childhood fantasy as a Disney Princess with a flared gown.
• They are sophisticated yet perfectly elegant, which is the perfect combination for a wedding.
• They have empire waistlines that create a lengthening effect. 
• There’s no limit to adding more flare or puffiness. The dress will look great in a minimal and maximal flare.
• They are easier to move in, which lets you pull off your best moves on the dance floor!

Cons

• Flared gowns can get a little tacky if they aren’t designed and stitched right.
• They can make you look significantly bigger if you have a bustier or taller body.
• They may look overly extravagant and loud if they aren’t accessorized correctly. 

So, Which Dress Should You Choose?

In the end, the bodycon gown or fitted dress is best if you want to emphasize your curves and show off your hourglass body. You do not need to be slim, as this gown will further slim you down, emphasizing your figure and showing off your waistline. However, you can also optically enlarge your bust by choosing a dress with embroidery in the bust area, which will help elevate the entire look. 

On the other hand, the flared gown is mainly an option that lets you cover up any disproportionality in your body thanks to the many layers in the lower sections of the dress. Note that if you’re looking to hide your haunches, it’s best to avoid gowns with decorations around the hips, as this will naturally attract attention around that area. 

An Alternative Choice 

If you’re still undecided and looking for an alternative solution to adjust the outfit, we recommend attaching a skirt to your chosen attire. For example, you can combine a simple dress with a fastened skirt or a short dress with a longer skirt attached. This is a great alternative if you don’t love how you look in a long dress; this addition will also create the illusion of length with slightly exposed legs. 

If you’re unsure whether to choose a looser or tighter-fitting dress, add a skirt to it. Wear the full version of the gown at the ceremony, and then, at the reception or dance floor, you can unhook the skirt and play freely in a long or short dress.