For your wedding day, you might already have an idea of how you want your dress to look? But knowing exactly how to describe your dream gown will come in handy as you’re working with your stylist. Here are some popular wedding dress silhouettes that you’ll definitely want to know about. And while we recommend trying on more than just one type of silhouette during your bridal appointments, this guide will help you narrow down your options.
1) A sheath wedding dress skims the body and falls straight to the floor below the hips. It requires less fabric than other silhouettes and is therefore very easy to move around in. The sheath silhouette works well with nearly every type of fabric, including lace, satin, and crepe. Sheath wedding dresses are a great option for slim and petite brides.
2) The mermaid wedding dress is extremely fitted throughout the bodice, waist, and hips. A mermaid gown will create the illusion of an hourglass shape for brides with slimmer figures. This attention-grabbing silhouette flares out at the knees and is often paired with beading, ruching, or ruffled skirts. Opt for an unembellished satin mermaid gown like and then add a bridal cape.
3) A fit and flare wedding dress is a toned-down version that hugs your body through the chest and waist while being a little more forgiving through the hips, derriere, and thighs. The skirt flares out above the knee, giving you a little bit more freedom with your legs. Fit and flare gowns are perfect for brides who want to let loose on the dance floor.
4) Ball gowns are one of the most classic wedding dress silhouettes. A ball gown features a fitted bodice with a wide, full skirt. Since the full skirt glides over your lower torso, this silhouette is great for brides who want to cinch in their waist.
5) Consider the A-line as a halfway point between sheath and ball gown silhouettes. An A-line skirt, which is named for the way it creates an “A” shape on the body, flares out from the waist more than you’d see on a sheath gown, but not as dramatically as the ball gown. This flattering silhouette is ideal for all styles. A-line wedding dresses often feature organza, lace, or tulle.
6) A trumpet silhouette is a straight-lined skirt that subtly flares from the knee toward the hem in a trumpet shape. It is an ideal wedding gown if you’re on the curvier side and looking for a formfitting dress that’s still easy to move in.
There are almost too many dress options out there but it is important to figure out what works for your shape. You can start with thinking about what type of dress silhouette will flatter your body type best and decide your kind of wedding gown for your big day.