Finding your dream dress can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but it should also be a fun and exciting one! We understand that the pressure is on to find your perfect gown and we’re here to help you make your decision. Your dress sets the tone for the wedding and expresses your personal sense of style. We suggest checking out magazines, bridal boutiques online and Pinterest and trying to recognize a common theme of dresses that you love. Be open to dresses you may not have pictured but will look great with your body type. Also remember to shop early! Many gowns take months to be produced and you will need at least three alteration appointments to make sure your dress is the perfect fit. Here’s some advice from us to you about different types of wedding dress silhouettes and why they may be the perfect choice for you!
Ball Gown
The ball gown silhouette is the most traditional style of wedding dress. It has a fitted bodice and waistline that leads to a very full skirt. These dresses often have layers of fabric that make you look like you’re floating down the aisle. This type of dress is the most regal and timeless and is often described as the “fairy tale dress”!
Style Tip:
Ball gowns do a great job of balancing fuller bust lines!
Empire
An Empire-style gown has a high waistline that falls right under the bust and has a long, slim skirt. This Victorian style dress compliments most body types and takes attention away from the waistline and hips. The Empire-style gown makes women look longer and leaner and can be tweaked to fit your body size and shape perfectly no matter what size you are!
Style Tip: This style of dress is perfect for beach or garden weddings!
A-Line or Princess
An A-line or Princess dress is shaped very close to the hip with a small flare at the hem. An A-line dress has a classic silhouette and highlights your narrowest points. The gradual flare of the skirt creates the “A shape”. This style of dress has a universal appeal and can be structured or flow!
Style Tip:
This is the most versatile silhouette, which means you can use many different kinds of necklines and fabrics!
Sheath
A sheath dress is simple and hugs very close to the lines of the body. This type of dress follows your body’s natural shape and fits like a slip. Its long, straight lines create a lengthening effect. This sleek and modern look can be kept minimalist or dressed up with accessories. A sheath dress is a great choice for less formal celebrations!
Style Tip:
This type of dress is great for petite brides who don’t want to be overwhelmed and overshadowed by fabric!
Mermaid
A mermaid dress hugs the body and flares below the knee and is also known as a “fit and flare”. Mermaid dresses have a contoured cut that creates an hourglass shape. These gowns create a sophisticated and dramatic look and each have a different, unique twist!
Style Tip: This style of dress is great for brides with curves!
Trumpet
Trumpet style dresses are similar to mermaid dresses but are often more understated. They are a hybrid of the mermaid dress and a modified A-line silhouette. Trumpet dresses include a skirt that has a more gradual flare from the mid-thigh area. This type of dress has a classic and elegant style that’s also sexy!
Style Tip:
This type of dress is ideal for the bride who wants to feel sexy on the day of her wedding, but also wants to express her individual sense of style!
Here are some of our favorite bridal boutiques to check out!
When in doubt, ask your family or closest friends to come look at dresses with you to help you navigate the process. But remember, this is YOUR day so let the final decision be all yours! You should wear a dress that you love, makes you feel beautiful and expresses who you are. Don't forget to have fun and enjoy the experience! Good luck!
xo Emma & Sarah