Every woman wants to look stunning on her big day. While hair, makeup, and nails certainly contribute to the overall vibe, there's simply no substitute for finding the perfect gown. The good news is that there are plenty of gorgeous wedding dress silhouettes to consider.
While this means every bride will find designs that fit and flatter her body, approaching the search can feel a bit daunting. Knowledge is power, so let's start with a basic tutorial on the most popular wedding dress silhouettes. What are the different wedding dress shapes, and how can you pick the gown of your dreams?
8 Gorgeous Wedding Dress Silhouettes You Need to Know
You're intimately familiar with your own body, so it stands to reason that you know your size and what cuts of clothing look best on you. Right? Unfortunately, this isn't often the case.
Even if you know how a specific cut or drape impacts your silhouette, you might not be familiar with the designs and features of different formal dress styles. It's not like we all go to galas and balls every weekend.
There are several styles of wedding dresses you may want to consider for your special day, including:
- A-Line
- Ball Gown
- Mermaid
- Trumpet
- Column
- Sheath
- Slip
- Jumpsuit
In addition to finding a dress that fits and flatters, you also have to consider what you're comfortable with in terms of modesty and what makes you feel special and beautiful. Here's what you can expect from different dress shapes.
1. A-Line
This dress style is considered universally flattering because it's designed to nip in at the waist and flare out at the hips. This silhouette is also ideal for brides who are pear-shaped. Wedding dresses like this can accentuate a smaller waistline, creating the perfect frame.
If you want a classic dress designed to be simple yet elegant, an A-line silhouette is among the best options. Additional features like a sweetheart or deep illusion V-neck can help accentuate the bustline, balance hips, and create a longer neckline. A fuller skirt will emphasize the smallness of the waist.
Even so, you should always try on a range of dresses to see what works for you. While not every dress will suit every figure, the goal is to find a silhouette that flatters you and gives you the most confidence when you walk down the aisle.
2. Ball Gown
If you like A-line wedding dress silhouettes but you're looking for a gown with a bit more drama, a ball gown is a natural choice. Not only will this cut make you look and feel like a princess on your special day, but that added flare of the fuller skirt will create a waistline that appears even smaller.
Whether you want a fairytale dress featuring a bodice wrapped with layers of organiza and ball gown skirt with frothy tulle or you lean toward the volume and three-dimensional floral embroidery of a full, sequined tulle ball gown silhouette, you'll find endless options to explore when you choose a ball gown style.
3. Mermaid
The popular mermaid wedding dress style falls into the category of fit-and-flare cuts that conform to the natural curves of your body, to a point, before flaring out. In this case, the flare typically emerges at the knee or slightly below, as opposed to the flare of an A-line or ball gown, which starts at or near the waist.
This is a more bodycon dress style, which means it fits closely to the body to reveal your figure. Whether you love your slender silhouette or are keen to show off luscious curves, a mermaid style makes your shape the star of the show. This bold style is ideal for women who are confident and comfortable in their skin.
If you love the look of mermaid wedding dress cuts for your ceremony, but you're worried about the range of motion on the dance floor, you could always opt for a second-look dress for the reception that offers more freedom of movement.
4. Trumpet
Another fit-and-flare style, the trumpet cut closely resembles mermaid wedding dress silhouettes, but with the flare starting around mid-thigh. This means you'll still get the fitted look you love at the torso and hip but with less constriction around the thighs to enjoy more effortless movement.
Because the flare starts slightly higher on the leg, this dress style creates the elongated look of a trumpet resting upright on its bell — hence the name. Adornments like cut-out Chantilly lace can add a lot of drama to your look.
5. Sheath
If you like the idea of a fit-and-flare dress but want more movement and less flare, a sheath dress can give you the sleek silhouette you crave. This style is fitted through the bodice and hip, but the skirt falls straight down from the hip instead of hugging the thigh. It may flare slightly toward the hem.
Chic and streamlined, sheath dresses fall into the category of wedding dress silhouettes that elongate the body. With less volume in the skirt, you can get away with more embellishment, like lace motifs over Talin stretch crepe. A sheath also pairs well with a cathedral veil, which will stand out beautifully as it trails behind the hemline of the dress.
6. Column
When it comes to wedding dresses, styles can vary a little or a lot. Column dresses, in particular, can be challenging to differentiate from sheaths, but there are a few distinctions.
This dress style also falls straight from the hip, but while a sheath must be fitted through the torso, a column could be fitted or loose. In addition, a column dress is truly straight, from hip to floor, with no flare (although it could feature a train), so the hem tends to be narrower than a sheath. This long, lean silhouette is so named because of the architectural feature it resembles.
7. Slip
If you're interested in wedding dress silhouettes that show off your shape, you can't go wrong with a clingy slip dress that drapes every curve of your body. This style was hugely popular in the '90s and early 2000s, with plenty of brides clamoring for Vera Wang's signature creations.
While not every bride feels comfortable with minimal structure or bodycon styling, particularly when every eye is on her as she walks down the aisle, others enjoy supreme confidence in a dress that hugs the body and moves with you.
8. Jumpsuit
Although there's no shortage of different wedding dress styles to consider, you may find that you don't want a dress at all. In this case, a simple, elegant jumpsuit lets you enjoy your preferred comfort level. You can dress it up as much as you want with accessories like a beaded belt, jewelry, and an intricate veil, just for example.
You could also choose a style with a detachable skirt if you want a dress for the ceremony but pants for the reception. A quick change is made easy when all you have to do is pull off the skirt to reveal your second look.
Tips for Choosing Wedding Dress Silhouettes
Here are a few things to keep in mind when searching for your dream wedding dress:
Determine your body shape: Understanding your body shape is crucial to finding a dress that flatters your figure. You can be an apple, pear, hourglass, or rectangle shape. Knowing your body shape will help you find the dress that accentuates your curves and highlights your best features.
Consider your wedding venue and theme: Your wedding dress should complement your wedding venue and theme. For instance, if you’re having a beach wedding, a flowy and light dress may be more appropriate than a heavily embroidered ball gown.
Think about your personal style: You want to feel comfortable and confident in your wedding dress. If you’re more of a classic bride, a traditional ball gown or A-line dress may be a great fit. If you prefer a more modern look, consider a sleek and minimalist sheath or mermaid style.
Keep an open mind: While it’s great to have a vision of what you want in a wedding dress, don’t be afraid to try on different styles. You may be surprised by what you end up loving.
At Alexandra’s Boutique, their incredible selection of designer bridal dresses can accommodate a variety of personal styles, body shapes, and wedding themes. Whether you’re looking for a romantic ball gown or a chic and modern sheath dress, they have it all.
Find the Perfect Wedding Dress Style for You at Alexandra's Boutique
One of the best moments in the wedding planning process is finding the dress you'll wear when you say, “I do.” Along the way, you can have a blast with your favorite ladies, trying on different types of wedding dresses to find what works for you.
Alexandra's Boutique proudly carries an incredible selection of designer bridal dresses in every silhouette imaginable. No matter what look you seek, you can find a unique dress made just for you. Take a moment to peruse our inventory online to get a feel for what you'd like to try during your bridal appointment.