As a bride, it’s important to choose a wedding gown that provides both ease and elegance. The key is to look for a dress that makes you feel beautiful, while giving you enough comfort to show off your dance moves. Before saying “yes to the dress,” the styles below provide helpful hints in choosing a dress that is best for your body type, which will allow you to focus on selecting the perfect dress designer and materials/fabrics for your big day.
A-line
Also known as the Princess style wedding dress, the A-line gown has a narrow upper portion and widens out towards the bottom, creating an uppercase A-shape.
Good for brides who: have any body type! The A-line of the dress also creates an elongated image for shorter brides and a slimming image for brides with more of a rounded figure.
{ Left: Eden Bridals, Right: Maggie Sottero }
Ball Gown
Also known as the fairy tale or Cinderella gown, the ball gown is the most formal of all dress styles. The dress is fitted from the shoulder to waist and then flares out into a full skirt, creating a long dramatic look.
Good for brides who are: pear shaped (more bottom heavy), average/tall stature, have a larger frame, brides that want the fairytale princess look.
{ Left: Alfred Angelo, Right: Demetrios }
Empire
Empire style gowns are differentiated by their waistline, which are positioned directly below the bust line. Most empire style dresses are designed with a square neckline and wider set sleeves or strap, generally at the shoulders. These dresses are versatile, allowing for a range of options from simple to intricate, flowing to form fitted from the hem down.
Good for brides who are: petite, with a smaller bust, plus size brides, brides who are early in their pregnancy or post-pregnant, for extra comfort.
{ Left: Birnbaum and Bullock, Right: JS Boutique }
Sheath/Column
The sheath or column style dress falls straight down from neckline to hemline. Generally they are form fitting and are popular for more casual or destination weddings.
Good for brides who are: slender (both tall and petite), brides with slimmer hips.
{ Left: J.Mendel, Right: Sue Wong }
Mermaid/Trumpet
Mermaid/Trumpet style dresses are conformed to the body from the chest to the knee and then flare out to the floor. This style dress provides a sexy look for brides that are comfortable in their own skin.
Good for brides who are: slim figured, but also good for brides that are confident in showing off their curves.
{ Left: Allure Bridals, Right: Alfred Angelo }
Short Gown
Short or tea length style wedding gowns are less traditional and usually fall to slightly above or below the knee. This style dress is a good option for brides that may be celebrating a second or third marriage and are looking for something less formal. Shorter gowns have also become quite popular recently for brides that desire a long, formal gown for a church or ceremony setting and a short gown to be worn at the reception.
Good for brides who are: planning an outdoor wedding (in a warmer climate), comfortable showing off long-slender legs, prefer to highlight chic heels or other accessories.
{ Left: Maggie Sottero, Right: Monique Lhuillier }