11 Wedding Dress Ideas and Recommendations for a Pear-Shaped Body

Let’s be honest here - shopping for your wedding dress is a daunting task. But truth be told, there’s only one rule of thumb: stick to what works best for your body shape. And speaking on body shapes, I’ll dedicate today’s wedding topic to one of the most common body figures- a pear body type. 

Many pear-shaped women are insecure about their wide hips, and they have no clue how to highlight the perks of their physique. So, finding wedding dresses for a pear-shaped body might appear tricky, but it’s actually super-easy if you follow some key fashion tips.

So, without further ado, let’s look at these recommendations, along with some wedding dress ideas for your inspiration.

What Is a Pear Body Type?

A pear-shaped body features wide hips and big thighs compared to small shoulders and busts. In short, the upper body is slim, while the most weight is around the lower body. So, the main characteristics of pear bodies are:

• A defined waist due to the big hips.
• Fuller or muscular legs.
• Sloped shoulders.
• Thighs and hips carry the most weight. 

Pear body type is often confused with an apple shape, which has a wide waist. Opposite that, pears boast of a slim waist. 

Now when we know more about pears, let’s discuss the best tips for picking up the perfect wedding dress for pear-shaped brides. 

5 Tips to Choose Wedding Dresses for a Pear-Shaped Body

It’s time to take a pencil and write down all the following recommendations to hunt down the ideal wedding dress. Ahead, my tips and recommendations will help you find wonderful and suitable dresses for pear-shaped figures.

Tip #1: Consider wide shoulder straps

To balance your petite pear shape, consider a dress featuring wide shoulder straps. It will emphasize the minimal waist, achieve an hourglass silhouette and visually lengthen your figure. For the same purpose, bolero, cap sleeves, and a fuller skirt also work equally impressive. 

Take a look at this lovely gown:

Above, we can see a stylish V-neck dress with wide shoulder straps, flounce ruffle organza, a long A-line, a ruched satin bodice, and an open back. This modern gown comes with a zipper at the back, and it’s literally breathtaking!

Tip #2: Experiment with puffy sleeves

Fashion is nothing without nostalgia, including an ’80s trend that emphasized puffy sleeves. This trend consists of puffed-up shoulders, removable puffy sleeves, balloon cuffs, and much more. The over-the-top sleeves aim to add definition to your slim shoulders, so that’s why these will be the perfect option for you.

But compared to the old-school versions worn at your parent’s or grandparent’s weddings, today’s designers have reimagined this timeless trend. Take a look at one great design below:

If your fashion sense exudes maximalism, these uber-poofy sleeves can make a much-needed statement on your big day. A floor-length gown made of satin and exaggerated bishop sleeves will keep turning everyone’s heads. The 3D lace strikes a powerful WOW moment too.

Tip #3: Go for a V-neck

Nothing works better for wedding dresses for a pear-shaped body than a good ol’ V-neck. 

You can make the deep V-neck serve as a focal point or a subtle accent to the overall look. I adore this style as it goes well with all aesthetics - from minimalistic to boho, not to mention that it’s a great way to reveal some skin in a poised manner. Pears can divert attention from the hips to the upper body in this way.

Graceful and feminine, this crèpe fit and flare gown showcases a plunging V-neck with an open back. A flawless touch is added by the sparkling, sequined appliquès, while the shimmering chiffon godets soften the ensemble. With this type of dress, you’ll visually lengthen your figure and put all focus on your attractive upper body.

Tip #4: Choose fuller skirts

In my opinion, nothing looks better than fuller wedding skirts. Voluminous and bold skirts offer a perfect outfit for pear shape at a wedding ceremony as they completely hide the hips and balance your figure. Check out this beauty:

With its classic bridal style, this ball gown displays a wholesome skirt with a fitted bodice and a natural waist. This gorgeous bridal silhouette is ideal for all pears who dream of a princess moment at their weddings without being conscious about their wide hips.

Tip #5: Emphasize the waistline

For some brides, plain and simple wedding gowns are sufficient to feel wedding-ready. But for others, adding some classic finishing touches and accessories seals the deal. 

Whether you want to highlight your waist or add oomph to your outfit, a jeweled wedding dress belt is a great tool to customize your gown. 

Wedding dress belts rule the bridal scene and are suitable for pears because they highlight the best of their body - a slim waist.

The dress suits a pear shape better when paired with a good piece of jewelry. As we can see in the example above, this shiny belt brings your waist into the limelight thanks to sparkling silver crystal, a detailed lace floral center, and beaded flowers.

Top 11 Wedding Dresses for a Pear-Shaped Body

We’ve finally arrived at the main part of my guide - flattering dresses for my beautiful pears! In the following sections, you’ll see the 11 fabulous bridalwear outfits that will make your pear figure look stunning.

So, these are the top 11 wedding dresses for a pear-shaped body:

• A-line dress
• Tea-length
• Empire waist
• Mermaid style
• Trumpet dress
• Ball gown
• Slip dress
• Sheath gown
• Column style
• Two-piece dress
• Bridal pantsuit 

Ready to look like a million dollars and make your wedding dream come true? Let me present you with the best options that will fit you flawlessly!

1) A-line dress

If you ask me, A-line wedding gowns for pear-shaped bodies are the most suitable option. No matter what your aesthetic is, this all-rounder dress will professionally de-emphasize your bottom half because the skirt skims over the thighs and hips. 

This well-loved silhouette hugs your upper body and billows out on the lower half. While shopping for an A-line dress, I advise my pears to opt for a high waistband and avoid a gown that cuts you off at the lower abdomen. 

The below A-line dress is what pears should go towards:

This romantic dress fronting floral lace will make you look like a princess. The shiny lace bodice, floral straps, and plunging neckline bond well with delicate boning and illusion tulle.

2) Tea-length

A tea-length wedding dress for pear-shaped figures is another superb option. It’s a shorter version of an A-line dress and serves as a comfy and laid-back choice for weddings in the warmer months. 

The fullness of the skirt disguises the prominent thighs and hips. If you’re having a small, intimate wedding, this dress is an excellent piece of clothing. 

To give a traditional twist, consider a tea-length veil as Audrey Hepburn wore with her Givenchy wedding dress.

I am personally not a fan of this type of dress, but the following example totally won my heart. Take a look:

These feminine sleeves are breathtaking! A cowl, off-the-shoulder neckline leads to adorable billowing sleeves, graced with pink pearls at the waist and lace flowers at the shoulders.

You can also consider wearing two dresses on your wedding day. For instance, you can wear this short tea-length dress during the receiving line and then get changed into a long one for your ceremony.

3) Empire waist

Empire waist gown is a tried-and-tested style appreciated in ancient Greece, aristocratic Jane Austen era, and mid-century mod fashion. The high waist, fitted bodice, and loose skirt are ever-forgiving and universally flattering. 

The raised waistline sits below the bust, from which the dress flows down to the hem. This silhouette is ideal for pears as it skims over the tummy and hides the hips. 

The high waistline and skirt create a stellar illusion of length and flawlessly camouflage the voluptuous bottom.

The romantic gown above screams sophistication. The square neckline highlights the delicateness of collarbones, while puffy sleeves add volume to the shoulders.

4) Mermaid style

For the pears who wish to flaunt their bottom assets, a mermaid style is ideal as it literally hugs your hips. These wedding dresses for a pear-shaped body create a striking silhouette that’s all about the curves. 

With a name to match the mythical sea-dwelling creature, the mermaid style is whimsical and loved by many pears. Take a look at this beauty:

Where do I even begin with the description of this satin gorgeous dress? Bows are trending hard currently, and the massive bow on the back redefines class. I love how the bowstrings serve as an extra train to the gown. 

For those who desire something unabashedly chic, this rare strapless gown is the one. 

5) Trumpet dress

When it comes to the best wedding dresses for a pear-shaped body, a trumpet gown works similar to the mermaid style. It sits fitted at the waist, going the same way to the hips, and bells out around the mid-thigh area. 

Even women with an opposite body shape opt for trumpet gowns to achieve an hourglass figure. But since pears already have powerful bottom assets, it’ll work better in their favor.

A romantic bride’s dream comes true with this textured trumpet gown with a deep V-neck. Tulle and lace on silk zibeline create a sultry silhouette with a scalloped lace edge. Sophisticated cutouts around the waist are hidden in textured beading. 

From elegant tulle, silk zibeline, and irresistible white tonal beading, this picturesque trumpet gown has everything to make you shine. Additionally, the charming, fabric-covered buttons and long train seal the deal. 

The only thing I want to point out is that removing the garter can be a bit demanding in these dresses since they are very tight on the hip area. But let your husband put a bit of effort in, and I am sure he’ll succeed!

6) Ball gown

Who doesn’t want to feel like a queen on their big day? If you strive to achieve that goal, you should consider buying a ball gown. These dresses for brides usually have a lot of beads, sparkles, and embellishments that make them look royal. 

Ball gowns are cinched at your waist to highlight your curvy thighs. The skirt covers the hips by flaring over them. I suggest a ball gown with a corset bodice and an embellished top part. 

This way, you will draw attention to your neckline and waist rather than the lower half. Take a look at this lovely design:

This brilliant dress will fit the bravest pear brides who want to look spectacular on their big day. The romantic sweetheart corset covered with 3D lace patterns gives volume to the upper body, while the lush skirt perfectly covers the hips. A lot of shiny sparkles all over the dress make it look so stunning!

7) Slip dress

The pared-back design of slip dresses is the most elegant trend in the bridal industry. While most of the slip dresses are designed with a straight figure in mind, some are cut in a way that offers more space on the lower half to suit pears. Pear brides-to-be should look for a slip dress that is wider at the bottom with a cut at the waist.

Whether you’re searching for a bridesmaid dress for a pear shaped-body or for your ceremony, lots of chic slip gowns are available on the market, like the one below:

Steal everyone’s attention with this smooth satin slip dress with an open back. Tailored from fluid satin, the dress boasts a simple slip silhouette with a low-cut back, spaghetti straps, and a draped neckline. Since it’s very simple and plain, you can pair it with some elegant accessories.

8) Sheath gown

While trendy and modern wedding gowns are fun, there’s something to be said for a more classic touch. If you want to go down the traditional route while showing off your curves, sheath dresses are perfect for pear-shaped figures. 

This style presents a gracefully tailored silhouette with a fitted look that also gives room for movement. The result is a glamorous frock that embodies a sophisticated and minimalist feel. Take a look at this amazing piece:

If you are looking for a top-tier choice for wedding dresses for a pear-shaped body, consider this unique design with lace and a bow on the back.

Chantilly lace inserted with a fancy bow tie brings all the attention to the upper body, which is the goal of many pears. 

9) Column style

A column dress fits through the bodice, with the skirt falling straight. Some column outfits have skirts that flare below the knee, but the straight skirt distinguishes them from a mermaid style. 

If you are a pear lady, remember that a column style accentuates all your body parts, including wide hips. But this style also adds the definition to the waist, so that’s the right way of achieving balance. For instance, check out this lovely wedding dress:

This embroidered tulle gown is inspired by pressed flowers and is chock full of dimension and texture. Extrafloral appliquès climb the slender straps for a fanciful touch. This is a work of art befitting your love story. 

Isn’t this the best wedding dress for plus-sized women as well? As we can see in the example above, it looks brilliant on this beautiful lady!

10) Two-piece dress

Break tradition with a two-piece dress. There are many reasons why pears should choose a dress like this. These ensembles are adept at highlighting your tiny waist while flattering your physique simultaneously. 

Apart from that, it’s versatile for the less decisive bride. Bridal two-pieces allow you to have multiple looks on your special day. For instance, most brides pair flouncy skirts with long sleeves, crop tops, pants, and luxe sweaters. 

Also, if you are planning to have a long wedding, this will help you to easily get changed into some comfy pants or a short skirt.

Plus, you’ll be able to wear your bridalwear repeatedly in the future.

Resemble spring blossom in this dreamy gown featuring floral 3D embroidery, a long train, and a tulle skirt. Long lace sleeves give dimension to the upper body, and the waist is perfectly highlighted. I would personally choose this lovely dress for a boho wedding!

11) Bridal pantsuits

We’ve covered almost all the perfect wedding dresses for a pear-shaped body. Let’s go over the last unconventional outfit - a bridal pantsuit.

Not everyone wants to wear a wedding gown, and that’s completely fine. Replace your wedding dress with a lovely bridal pantsuit. 

You can feel confident wearing this outfit as long as the details and style match your physique. For comfort, choose a detachable train with the pantsuit so that you can dance the night away. Take a look at one excellent choice for pear brides:

This combination is a fantastic option because the belt around the waist area creates a nice hourglass figure. At the same time, the short-sleeved blazer goes over the hips and thus makes them visually slimmer.

On the other hand, if you like dresses, but the white color is too boring for you, and you want something different, consider wearing dresses in different colors or even go with ombre wedding dresses, why not?

Wedding Dresses to Avoid for a Pear-Shaped Figure

Now, it’s time to see the wedding dresses for a pear-shaped body to avoid at all costs. Unfortunately, not all styles can work well for a particular physique.

• Avoid thin materials that cling to your hips because they will give a disproportionate look.
• Avoid gowns having a lower waistline as it will make you look shorter. 
• Likewise, drop-waist gowns are a big NO. They will emphasize your hips to a great extent. But if you want a figure-hugging dress, select the one with a bold detail on the neckline to draw attention from the hips. 
• As much as some pears want to flaunt their wide hips, it’s important to have some flexibility. Don’t pick tight-fitting skirts — comfort matters on your big day. 
• Avoid any dress that cuts off at the lower stomach area. This detail will emphasize the hips. 

Keep these tips in mind while shopping for your dream dress, and you definitely won’t make a mistake!

Over to You

This concludes my guide on fashion-forward wedding dresses for a pear-shaped body, tips, recommendations, and the dresses to avoid. To sum up, these are the key tips:

• Opt for wide shoulder straps and puffy sleeves.
• Experiment with a V-neck.
• Go for a fuller skirt.
• Emphasize the waistline.

I hope that pear brides-to-be have gained considerable knowledge and inspiration to select their wedding dress. 

Impressed with this guide? Many more articles related to fashion are waiting for you on my blog. Happy shopping!