by Danielle Bouchat-Friedman

PEAR-SHAPED BODY TYPES

Typified by: Narrow shoulders and waist, with wide hips and thighs.
Think: Rihanna and Beyonce.
Try on: Show off your slender upper body with spaghetti straps, a V-neck or a ball gown. An A-line dress with a sparkly waist detail is also A-OK.
Tricky: A bride seeking proportionality and balance may want to avoid trumpet, mermaid and sheath silhouettes.

1. A fairytale princess ball gown brought to life with crystal beading and sparkling tulle.

Mori Lee, style Marigold, $1,499 at The Dress Matters, Media, Pa.

2. Polished and feminine, the delicate pearl beadwork glows throughout this striking, yet sophisticated ball gown.

Allure Bridals, style MJ369, $2,135 at Claire’s Fashions, Wilmington, Del.

3. Light and airy, this stunning organza ball gown with horsehair edging features a plunging V-neck and open V-back.

Mori Lee, style Milly, $1,210 at The Dress Matters, Media, Pa.

4. This vintage-inspired ball gown features lace appliqués over whimsical layers of dotted tulle and organza. Swarovski crystals and beading add shimmer and ethereal texture.

Maggie Sottero, style Meryl, $1,549 at Brides 2 Be By Hope Mitchell, Rehoboth Beach, Del.

EXPERT TIP: Don’t let your size determine your style. It doesn’t matter if a bride is a size 4 or size 24, they can both wear the same style. If a bride is very petite, some of our ball gowns can be ordered with a hollow to hem measurement so the dress is made to the proportions of the bride. —Mary Bowers-Johnson and Pam Leeson, owners, Louis Marie Bridal