One of the most exciting and daunting things about being newly-engaged is the wedding dress search. It's a bit overwhelming making a choice when there are so many gorgeous dresses to choose from. But a little preparation can go a long way. So we thought we'd give you some food for thought before you start the search for a wedding dress. This post is about wedding dress shapes and styles - giving a basic overview of the six main wedding dress shapes, as well as the pros and cons of each.
Which is the Dress Style for You?
The six traditional styles of wedding dress are defined by the shape of skirt, these are: Ballgown, A-Line, Empire, Fishtail, Sheath and Mini. Bear in mind that they might have other names you might be more familiar with, so we've tried to include them all below. This beginner's wedding dress guide is really just a way to help you start thinking about what you like and what could work best for you. But as we always say, when wedding shopping, it's always better to keep an open mind. We haven't even gone into necklines, detailing, materials, etc. So the sky and your imagination really are the limits!
The Ballgown or Princess Style
The ballgown wedding dress is a classic princess style, featuring a nipped-in waist with a very large and voluminous skirt. The skirt usually features plenty of underskirts and tulle below to keep the shape, so can be quite heavy.
If you're going to wear a ballgown make sure you have a great corset on top to help you support the dress, and also to give you a good bust (if you need any help, or control it if you don't!) The ballgown is like the hourglass in overdrive, so looking flat on top will make it look unbalanced.
Petite ladies should avoid ballgowns in general, as the skirts are so huge they will make you look smaller and can overwhelm you. Ballgowns are great for mid-height or taller brides who can carry all the volume in the skirt.
The A-Line Style
There's a thin line between ballgowns and A-line dresses, it's really about how big the skirt is. An A-line skirt has a lot less volume than a ballgown, but still gives that classic princess dress shape.
A-line gowns are great for all body types, and give a classic hourglass shape. Like a ballgown, a corset or some structure in the bodice is imperative.
The Empire Style
Empire line dresses gather just under the bust and fall gently over the hips. These are perfect for ladies who don't love their tums, bum or legs and are very flattering and feminine. Ethereal, pretty and very elegant, brides with really large busts should probably avoid empire lines dresses.
The Sheath or Column Style
Sheath dresses are tend to be favoured by the tall and willowy bride, essentially because they're the most unforgiving of all wedding dress styles. They're usually made of silk or satin tha thugs the body, but of course there are ways to cheat. Great underwear to even out any bits you're not comfortable with, and high shoes will add height and give you a great posture.
Column wedding dresses can also be stiffer coming in more sculpted fabrics.
The Fishtail, Trumpet or Mermaid Style
One wedding dress shape, lots of versions and even more names, fishtail or mermaid wedding gowns are a very feminine and sexy shape, clinging to all your curves, with a big kick of fabric at the hem. These usually also come with a train to give a wider arc of fabric on the floor.
The kick-out can be sharp and voluminous or soft and sweeping. If you've a great bum - this wedding dress style could be the look for you. If going for a mermaid-style dress make sure you get a great fit, as nothing should sag or bulge.
The Mini Style
The short dress doesn't need to be confined to the afters or a day two event, it can be the star of the show on the big day in its own right! There's such a diverse range of styles on the market so every kind of bride will be able to find their dream mini wedding dress. It goes without saying, if you love your legs flaunt them, and though these dresses are smaller in scale, they can certainly bring the drama. Celeb brides like Kourtney Kardashian and Lily Allen have put this wedding dress shape in the spotlight with more brides opting for shorter styles. Interested? Here are 40 mini wedding dresses we love!
Want more wedding dress inspiration? Check out these wow-factor illusion gowns or floral bridal gowns. We even have fabulous wedding dress ideas for mature brides.
