If you are starting your search for that perfect gown for your wedding day, welcome! This post is a perfect place to begin. Maybe you’re the type who has already imagined what her dress will look like, or perhaps you’ve never thought about it before now. Either way, it’s no problem, because this post will get you started on your dress search. We’ll show you some wedding dress silhouettes, list a few pros and cons of each, and give you the terms you need to attend your first appointment with confidence!
Basic Wedding Dress Silhouettes
A-Line
The A-line wedding dress silhouette features a fitted bodice, a natural waistline, and a skirt that gently flares in an uninterrupted line. This easy-to-wear shape is equally perfect for standing, sitting, or dancing. A-line gowns are classic and versatile and look great on all body shapes.
Ball Gown
Ball gowns are nothing short of stunning. They feature a bodice that is fitted to the waist or hip and a spectacular full skirt. A ball gown is excellent for the drama of the ceremony but might be uncomfortable to wear at the reception. While most body types look good in ball gowns, they are especially good for women who either wish to downplay wide hips and heavy thighs or else have boyish figures and want to add some dramatic curves.
Trumpet & Mermaid
At first blush, trumpets and mermaids look very similar. They are both fit-and-flare wedding dress silhouettes: fitted through the bust, waist, and hips, flared from the thighs or knees. The difference? The mermaid is much more dramatic — a tighter, trimmer construction down the body culminating in a much more dramatic flare, while the trumpet features a gentler shape. Although all body types have the potential to look fabulous in either one of these styles, know that they do require a measure of confidence, since they are so revealing.
Sheath & Column
Again, at first glance, these two are very similar: both are wedding dress silhouettes that fall straight down the body in a clean, sharp line. And both result in an unforgettable, statuesque look! The primary difference is one of construction: the sheath is usually made with silky fabrics that will hug your curves, while the column is usually made with fabrics that have more structure, such as taffeta or brocade. These wedding dress silhouettes create the illusion of slender length, making them ideal for top-heavy or short brides.
Hemlines, Waistlines & Necklines
Now that we’ve introduced the basic wedding dress silhouettes, let’s review a few other style considerations.
Hemlines
Floor-length, with or without a train, is the classic look for a special dress — but many modern brides are opting for tea-length instead. “Tea-length” is defined as ending a few inches below the knees. It shows off shapely calves and fantastic footwear, and less fabric means you’ll be free to dance all night long!
Waistlines
A dress with a waistline that matches your natural one is a classic look, but empire and dropped waists have lots to offer. An empire waistline (one that cinches right under the bust) is great for plumping up small busts and slimming heavy hips and legs. A dropped waist (around the hips) creates the illusion of length in short-waisted brides.
Necklines
Plunging or strapless dresses are a great opportunity to showcase a gorgeous necklace. Many modern brides are opting to switch things up a little by choosing a dress with a high neckline in front and a low neckline in the back — and wearing jewelry that drapes down the back.
There’s so much more to say about necklines and jewelry — which is what we’ll talk about in our next post!
Since 1985, Le Marriage Couture has helped more than 45,000 brides find “the one” — the perfect gown for their special day. Our store buyers travel all over the world to shop for the latest and best dresses, veils, and jewelry and bring them back to our salon in West L.A. Request an appointment today!