Junior Rasmussen
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but The Knot is here to help you find your dream wedding dress. The Knot offers a comprehensive guide to wedding dress styles and terminology, so you can walk into your bridal appointment with confidence. From A-line to trumpet, mermaid to ball gown, The Knot has a wide range of styles to choose from. You can browse through their selection of trending wedding dresses, with options for every budget, and even get a sneak peek at upcoming collections from Bridal Fashion Week. The Knot also provides a handy chart of popular dress styles, so you can save or print it out and circle your favorites. With The Knot's help, you'll be one step closer to finding the perfect wedding dress that suits your unique style and personality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Website | The Knot® Wedding Planning Website |
| Website address | www.theknot.com |
| Main features | Tools, Inspiration, Planning, Budgeting, Gallery, Vendors, Venues, Registry |
| Dresses | A-line, Ball Gown, Column, Empire, Fit-and-Flare, High-Low, Jumpsuit, Mermaid, Midi, Mini, Pantsuit, Separates, Sheath, Slip, Tea Length, Trumpet |
| Price range | $500 - $4999 |
| Designers | Vera Wang, Justin Alexander, Stella York, Allure Romance, Wilderly Bride, Moonlight Tango, Disney Fairytale Weddings, Martina Liana, Simply Val Stefani, Ivoire by Kitty Chen, AW Bridal, Ricca Sposa |
| Tips | Learn the terminology, understand your favorite styles, use the wedding dress style chart, get inspiration from Bridal Fashion Week, buy your dress 8-10 months before the wedding |
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What You'll Learn
Understanding bridal gown styles and silhouettes
Understanding the different bridal gown styles and silhouettes can help you sort through all the options available and communicate your preferences clearly to your bridal consultant. It can also help you determine which dress will be the most flattering for your body type and suitable for your wedding venue and theme.
A-line silhouettes are known for their universal appeal, with a fitted bodice through the waist that cascades out towards the ground, resembling the outline of an uppercase "A". They are slightly more flowy than ball gowns and are ideal for all body types, offering a comfortable yet elegant fit.
Ball gowns are the quintessential choice for brides dreaming of a fairytale wedding. They feature a fitted bodice and a full, dramatically voluminous skirt that cascades from the waist, creating a grand, romantic look. While they are ideal for most body types, they can be overwhelming on petite frames.
Fit-and-flare silhouettes, also known as trumpet styles, are fitted through the body and flare out mid-thigh. This style is between a modified A-line and a mermaid cut, accentuating the waist and adding a touch of modern sophistication. Mermaid silhouettes are similar but flare out dramatically at or below the knee, creating a distinctive "mermaid tail" effect.
Sheath or column silhouettes have a narrow shape that flows straight down from the neckline to the hem, closely skimming the body without flaring out. They offer a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that is elegant and understated, ideal for modern brides who prefer a lightweight, easy-to-move-in gown.
There are several other bridal gown silhouettes to consider, including high-low, mini, midi, and slip styles, each offering a unique look and feel for your special day. Understanding these styles and silhouettes will help you navigate the sea of white dresses and find the perfect one for you.
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Learning the terminology
When it comes to wedding dress shopping, learning the terminology can be incredibly helpful. Knowing the names of different bridal gown styles and silhouettes can make sorting through the many options much more manageable. This knowledge will also assist your bridal consultant when it's time to try on gowns.
Dress Types and Silhouettes
The most popular wedding dress types include:
- A-Line: A fitted bodice that flares out at the skirt, resembling the letter "A".
- Ball Gown: A fitted bodice with a cinched waist and a very full skirt.
- Column: Similar to a sheath gown, it can be fitted at the bodice but is straight and narrow to the hem.
- Empire: Characterised by a very high waist, just under the bust, with a slim skirt.
- Mermaid: A slim-fitting dress that is tight to the knees, with a skirt that expands from the knees down.
- Trumpet: Similar to the mermaid style, but the skirt expands from the knees or calves.
- Fit-and-Flare: A fitted dress that flares out at the skirt.
- High-Low: A dress with an uneven hemline, usually shorter in the front and longer in the back.
- Midi: A dress that ends several inches above the ankles.
- Mini: A short dress that ends above the knees.
- Sheath: A modern style with a form-fitting silhouette, usually with a flare at the bottom.
Necklines
The neckline of a wedding dress is an important feature, and there are many styles to choose from:
- Boat (Bateau): Straight across the shoulders with a slight dip in the front.
- Band: Similar to a mock turtleneck, this high neckline circles the neck.
- Decolletage: A revealing, deep, plunging neckline.
- Halter: The neckline scoops in the front and ties at the back, leaving the arms bare.
- Illusion Yoke: Features transparent fabric from the neckline to the bust line.
- Jewel: A high neckline that follows the natural shape of the shoulders and neck.
- Keyhole Back: A tear-shaped opening, either small at the nape of the neck or larger at the back of the gown.
- Queen Anne: A high-standing collar with a sweetheart-style cut in the front.
- Scoop Neck: A low, curved neckline cut deep in the back, front, or both.
- Square: Forms a half-square shape around the neck.
- Strapless: A neckline design that reveals the shoulders, often paired with a coordinating jacket or wrap.
Trains
The train of a wedding dress can be an integral part of the gown or a detachable accessory. Here are some common train styles:
- Sweep: The shortest train, barely touching the floor.
- Chapel: A popular choice, extending about one to four yards from the waist.
- Semi-Cathedral: Extending 4.5 to 5.5 feet from the waist.
- Cathedral: A dramatic and formal style, extending 6.5 to 7.5 feet or more from the waist.
- Monarch: The longest train, measuring up to eight feet long.
Fabric
Wedding dress fabrics come in a variety of textures, weights, and materials:
- Batiste: A fine, sheer, and delicate cotton or cotton/linen blend.
- Brocade: A heavy, woven fabric with a raised design, typically worn in cooler seasons.
- Chantilly: A fine mesh lace with floral designs outlined in silk threads.
- Chiffon: Sheer mesh fabric made from silk, cotton, or polyester.
- Crepe: Lightweight and soft fabric with a slightly crinkled appearance.
- Crepe de Chine: A thinner variety of crepe.
- Crinoline: A stiff foundation fabric used as an underskirt with ball gown styles.
- Organza: A sheer, fine, translucent, and textured fabric made from silk, polyester, or nylon.
- Satin: Smooth and densely woven fabric with a shiny appearance, available in various weights and colours.
- Shantung: Rough-textured woven silk or synthetic fabric.
- Voile: Lightweight, semi-transparent fabric woven from cotton, linen, synthetics, or blends.
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Browsing wedding dress inspiration
The Knot has a handy chart of the most popular dress types and style names, which you can save to Pinterest or print out and use as a reference while wedding dress shopping. The chart includes pictures of the different styles, along with pointers to help you choose the right dress for you. You can also browse galleries on the website to find your look and discover top-rated vendors for any budget and style.
The Knot also keeps you up to date with the latest wedding dress trends, showcasing designs from New York Bridal Fashion Week and other bridal fashion events. You can get inspiration from the runway and plan ahead, as the dresses featured at these events will be available in stores and online around a year later. So whether you're looking for a classic ball gown or a trendy detachable sleeve, The Knot has you covered.
In addition to style guides and trend forecasts, The Knot also offers practical advice for wedding planning, including timelines for buying your dress and tips for trying on gowns. With all these resources, you can confidently browse wedding dress inspiration and take one step closer to your dream wedding.
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Viewing trending wedding dresses
If you're looking to view trending wedding dresses, The Knot is a great place to start. The Knot offers tools, inspiration and more to help you plan your wedding. You can browse galleries to find your dream wedding dress, discover top-rated vendors, and explore unique wedding venues.
To get a sense of the latest trends in bridal fashion, you can refer to The Knot's content on wedding dress trends. For instance, they cover the top 10 upcoming wedding dress trends for 2026, including Basque waists, cat-eye necklines, bubble hems, lace-up detailing, and more. They also provide insights from Bridal Fashion Week, giving you a sneak peek at the latest styles and innovations in the world of wedding dresses.
Additionally, The Knot offers a comprehensive guide to different wedding dress styles and silhouettes. This can be extremely helpful when you're starting your search, as understanding the terminology and various options available can make the process much easier. From A-line to trumpet, ball gown to jumpsuit, and everything in between, you can explore a wide range of styles to find the one that speaks to you.
To make your dress search more organised and efficient, The Knot suggests saving your favourite dress styles to Pinterest or printing them out to create a physical collection. This way, you can easily compare and contrast different silhouettes and start to narrow down your preferences.
Lastly, The Knot also provides a list of wedding dresses with price ranges, designers, and styles to help you find your dream dress within your budget. With all these resources at your disposal, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect wedding dress that reflects your unique style and personality.
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Knowing when to buy your wedding dress
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to timing. Firstly, it is recommended that you start with one to three dress appointments to avoid getting overwhelmed. If you have a specific designer in mind, check if they're having a trunk show near you. Secondly, it's a good idea to do some research beforehand. Understanding the different bridal gown styles and wedding dress silhouettes will help you communicate your preferences to your bridal consultant and make the process smoother. You can use resources like The Knot's wedding dress shape guide and chart of dress styles to familiarise yourself with the terminology and save your favourites.
Additionally, consider the lead time for ordering and alterations. It can take 6-9 months to order a dress, and another 2-3 months for alterations. So, while you don't want to purchase your dress too early, you also want to ensure you leave enough time for these steps.
Finally, keep in mind that buying a dress too early may result in some last-minute stressors. Your body size or taste may change, or the dress may be discontinued. A good rule of thumb is to purchase your dress no more than 8 months before the wedding. This timeframe minimises the risk of returns or alterations due to body or taste changes.
In summary, the ideal time to buy your wedding dress is 6 to 15 months before your wedding. Start by researching styles and trends, and then book appointments with designers or salons. Leave enough time for ordering and alterations, but avoid buying your dress too early to reduce potential stressors closer to your big day.
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Frequently asked questions
You can view your favorite wedding dresses by saving them to Pinterest or printing them out and circling your favorites.
You can start by familiarizing yourself with the different bridal gown styles and wedding dress silhouettes. Knowing the names of different styles and understanding your favorite types can help you sort through all the options out there.
Some popular wedding dress styles on The Knot include A-Line, Ball Gown, Mermaid, and Fit-and-Flare.
The Knot offers trending wedding dress ideas from Bridal Fashion Week and New York Bridal Fashion Week, showcasing the upcoming collections of designers from around the world.
Yes, The Knot offers a selection of wedding dresses for purchase, with prices ranging from $500 to $4999. You can explore dresses from various designers and within different price ranges to find your favorite.
