Junior Rasmussen
Finding a wedding dress can be an overwhelming process, with many styles, silhouettes, and fits to choose from. Before shopping, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different options available, from A-line to mermaid styles, and determine your bridal style by compiling a visual file of your favorite wedding dresses. It's also important to consider your body type and the style you're looking for. For example, if you have an hourglass figure, a fitted style or a mermaid dress might highlight your curves, while a sheath gown is recommended for tall and slender brides. Keep in mind that you may have a set idea of your ideal gown, but it's beneficial to keep an open mind while shopping, as you may end up falling for a completely different style.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Familiarize yourself with different styles and silhouettes | A-line, mermaid, column, tea-length, empire, sheath, ball gown, trumpet, and more |
| Determine your body type | Hourglass, tall and slender, petite, pear-shaped, curvy, etc. |
| Compile a visual file of your favorite dresses | Tear pages from magazines, save Instagram posts, create a Pinterest board, browse online boutiques, etc. |
| Identify an overarching theme | Embellished, lacy, voluminous, open back, strapless, plunging neckline, etc. |
| Keep an open mind | Try on different styles and be flexible |
| Know your budget | Discuss with the person paying for the gown and be prepared to pay the difference if necessary |
| Consider the wedding design | Laid-back, garden-themed, formal, etc. |
| Be mindful of timing | Avoid shopping too early if you have a long engagement to ensure the dress suits your style closer to the date |
| Get measured | Consult a bridal stylist or friend/family member to get measured and determine your size |
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What You'll Learn
Know your body type
Knowing your body type is key to finding a wedding dress that makes you feel confident and beautiful. The first step is to get your measurements. You can ask a friend or family member to help, or book an appointment with a bridal stylist at an authorized retailer. Once you know your measurements, you can determine your body type. Common body types include hourglass, pear, rectangle, inverted triangle, and oval.
If you have an hourglass figure, characterized by balanced proportions between the bust and hips and a well-defined waist, you may want to consider a fitted style that hugs your curves. Fit-and-flare and mermaid wedding dresses are great options for this body type, as are gowns with plunging V-necklines, wrap styles, and strapless designs.
For those with a pear-shaped body, which is narrower at the top and wider at the hips, look for gowns that balance out proportions by emphasizing the upper body and drawing attention away from the hips. A-line dresses are a good choice for this body type, as they flare out gently from the waist, creating a balanced silhouette. Off-the-shoulder necklines can also help to draw attention to the upper body and create a more harmonious look.
If you have a rectangle body type, characterized by a straight silhouette with little waist definition, consider styles that define the waistline and elongate the body. Sheath dresses are a good option for this body type, as they are simple and elegant, adding sophistication while enhancing your figure. A-line dresses can also work for rectangle body types, especially if you add details like asymmetrical ruching or embellishments to accentuate the waistline.
If you have an inverted triangle body type, with broader shoulders than hips, select styles that balance your upper and lower body. V-neck dresses can help elongate the neck and balance out shoulder width, while dresses with fuller straps or sleeves can add visual interest to the shoulders and balance overall proportions.
For those with an oval body type, which typically features a rounded midsection with fuller busts, waistlines, and hips, empire waist dresses can be a good choice. These dresses have a high waistline just below the bust, which flows into a loose skirt, creating a flattering and romantic silhouette. Halter or high-neck gowns, however, may overwhelm your bustline, so it's best to avoid these styles.
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Compile a visual file of dresses you love
The wedding dress is often the most important part of a bride's wedding day, and it can be a magical experience to find the perfect one. However, with so many options available, it can be a daunting task. One of the first steps to take is to compile a visual file of dresses you love. This will help you to determine your bridal style and identify an overarching theme.
To do this, you can tear pages out of magazines, save Instagram posts, create a Pinterest board, browse online bridal boutiques, and make note of celebrity looks you love. You can also save images from runway shows and red-carpet events. If you prefer a more tactile approach, you can cut out and collect fabric swatches and textures that appeal to you.
When compiling your visual file, consider the different silhouettes available and which might suit your body type. For example, A-line dresses are universally flattering, while a sheath gown is recommended for tall and slender brides. If you have an hourglass figure, a fitted style will highlight your curves, and a mermaid cut is a good choice. If you have a smaller bust, a plunging neckline can be flattering, and a corseted gown will add shape.
It is also important to keep an open mind. You may have a set idea of your dream dress, but when you try it on, you may find that it doesn't suit you as you had imagined. By keeping an open mind, you increase your chances of finding your dream dress.
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Keep an open mind
Wedding dress shopping can be a magical experience, but the sheer number of options can make it overwhelming and stressful. It is important to keep an open mind while shopping, as narrowing your focus may cause you to miss out on beautiful options.
Before you start shopping, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different silhouettes available, particularly those that complement your body type and personality. However, do not be afraid to try on different silhouettes, even those you do not typically gravitate towards. The most important thing is that your gown makes you feel good and highlights your most flattering features.
If you are unsure about your body type, you can ask a friend or family member to help you take measurements. This will help you determine which silhouettes will be the most flattering for your figure. For example, if you have an hourglass figure, a fitted style will highlight your curves, while a sheath gown is a good choice for tall and slender brides.
To determine your bridal style, create a visual file of your favorite wedding dresses. You can tear pages out of magazines, save Instagram posts, create a Pinterest board, or browse online bridal boutiques. Look for commonalities in the styles you like and bring your ideas to your first appointment.
Remember, the right dress is out there, and by keeping an open mind, you will be able to find the one that makes you feel beautiful and special.
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Understand different silhouettes
Understanding the different silhouettes of wedding dresses is crucial when selecting a wedding gown that matches your aesthetic and complements your figure. Here is a detailed guide to help you understand some of the most popular wedding dress silhouettes:
A-Line
A-line wedding dresses are characterised by their fluid lines and balanced proportions, creating a universally flattering silhouette. The gown features a fitted bodice that cinches at the waist and flares out gently to form an "A" shape. This style is versatile and blends sophistication with simplicity, making it suitable for various wedding settings, from casual beach ceremonies to formal church weddings. It is often recommended for pear-shaped, curvy, or petite brides as it creates a slimmer waistline while flattering the bust and adding an overall slimming effect.
Ball Gown
Ball gowns feature a fitted bodice that trails into a full, voluminous skirt, creating a dramatic and classic fairy-tale look. This silhouette is perfect for brides dreaming of a regal and elegant wedding. The voluminous skirt balances the fitted top, accentuating the waist and gliding over the hips. While it complements most body types, petite brides may want to avoid this style as it can overpower a small frame.
Mermaid
The mermaid silhouette is designed to showcase curves and emphasise the waist and hips. This style hugs the body from the chest to the knee and then dramatically flares out, resembling a mermaid's tail. It is a captivating choice, especially when crafted in satin, enhancing its sleek and sultry appearance. While it is a stunning option, it is important to choose the right shapewear and ensure freedom of movement and ease of sitting.
Trumpet
Trumpet gowns are similar to mermaid-style dresses but offer a more toned-down version without an overly dramatic flare. The silhouette features a bodice that hugs the body from the chest to mid-thigh, where the skirt then flares out, resembling the shape of a trumpet. This style is popular among brides with slender or hourglass frames who want to flaunt their curves.
Column
Column dresses have a slim-fitting, straight-cut silhouette without much shaping or drastic seamlines. They are often made with structured fabrics like taffeta, brocade, organza, or corded lace to give the dress some structure. This fuss-free style is simple yet stunning and can be tailored to accentuate the figure, making it a good choice for brides with athletic frames.
Empire
Empire silhouettes feature a fitted bodice with a waistline that sits just beneath the bust, creating an elongated skirt that flows away from the body. This style is light and airy, giving it a whimsical feel, and is perfect for those who love a flowy, boho aesthetic. The higher waistline elongates the body, making it a flattering choice for petite brides or those who want to draw attention to their bust.
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Consider your wedding's aesthetic
Considering the aesthetic of your wedding is an important step in choosing your wedding dress. The dress you wear will speak volumes about your style and personality and will reinforce the affair's aesthetic. It is important to choose a dress that makes you feel like the most confident and beautiful version of yourself.
To determine your bridal style, start by compiling a visual file of your favourite wedding dresses. Tear pages out of magazines, save Instagram posts, create a Pinterest board, browse online bridal boutiques, and make note of celebrity looks you love. Then, identify an overarching theme. Are the gowns you've chosen embellished, lacy, or voluminous? Do they have open backs or strapless necklines?
Consider the level of formality of your wedding. If you're having a long engagement, be mindful that your style may change over time. If you find a dress you love early on, by the time your wedding comes around, the design might not suit your style anymore. Keep in mind that the size of your bridal outfit will likely be two to four sizes larger than your usual clothing size.
If you're tall and slender, a sheath gown could be a good option. The silhouette's light airiness helps play up your natural height. A flowy A-line gown can also add some romance to your shape. If you want to accentuate your curves, a tea-length dress with a cinched waist and a raised hemline might be a good choice.
If you're looking for something sexy and bold, consider a bombshell aesthetic with figure-hugging silhouettes, plunging necklines, and curve-enhancing details. For a dramatic, romantic, and mysterious look, a moody aesthetic incorporates rich, dark colours, unconventional fabrics, and intricate patterns.
Ultimately, the options are endless, and it's important to keep an open mind while shopping. By narrowing your focus, you might miss out on some beautiful options.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to find similar wedding dress styles. You can take a wedding dress style quiz, scour social media for inspiration, browse bridal salons, and make note of celebrity looks you love. You can also familiarise yourself with the different silhouettes available, such as A-line, mermaid, and sheath.
An A-line wedding dress is universally flattering and features a fitted bodice that cinches at the waist and then flares out to create a soft A-shaped skirt. This style is a good choice for pear-shaped, curvy, or petite brides as it creates a slimming effect.
A mermaid wedding dress is a fun and beautiful silhouette that is fitted from the bodice to the knee, where it flares out to resemble a mermaid's tail. This style is best suited for hugging slender frames, hourglass figures, and full-figured curves. It is perfect for those who want to show off their curves and accentuate their figure.
A sheath wedding dress is a sleek and sultry style that is form-fitting and follows the natural lines of the body with no extra material or flare. This style is best suited for those with a lean, slender frame who want to accentuate their waist.
When finding similar wedding dress styles, it is important to keep an open mind and consider your body type, personality, and the overall aesthetic of your wedding. You should also discuss your budget beforehand to avoid heartache later on.
