Rhiannon Hendricks
There are many different styles of wedding dresses, and it can be challenging to select the perfect dress for your big day. One of the most important parts of a wedding dress is the skirt, which dictates the silhouette and overall aesthetic of the ensemble. Another important part of the dress is the bodice, which can come in many different styles. One timeless feature of a wedding dress bodice is the corset, which features a ribbon that laces up the back and a boned bodice that creates structure and defines the waistline. Other popular styles include the sweetheart neckline, which is timeless and romantic, and the V-neck, which provides support through straps and elongates the torso.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Silhouette | A-line, Mermaid/Trumpet, Sheath, Fit-and-flare, Ball Gown, Drop-waist, Basque, Princess Line, Empire |
| Neckline | Sweetheart, V-neck, Bateau, Strapless, Off-the-shoulder, Halterneck, High Neck, Illusion |
| Bodice Support | Boning, Corset |
| Waistline | Natural, Drop, Basque |
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What You'll Learn
Sweetheart, V-neck, strapless, off-the-shoulder, and other neckline styles
The neckline of a wedding dress is an important feature, as it sets the tone for the overall aesthetic and impacts the sight lines of the dress. Sweetheart, V-neck, strapless, and off-the-shoulder are among the most popular styles.
Sweetheart necklines are shaped like the top half of a heart and are considered classic, timeless, and romantic. They flatter all body types, particularly accentuating the bust area and elongating the neck. Sweetheart necklines are often paired with strapless designs but can also be found with straps or sleeves, offering versatility and different style options. This neckline is ideal for showcasing a statement necklace.
V-necks feature a V-shaped cut, with varying depths. This design provides support through straps and elongates the torso. A deep plunging V-neck is a sexy take on this classic style.
Strapless wedding dresses accentuate the collarbone, neck, waist, and skirt. They are perfect for brides with a fuller bust, especially when paired with a sweetheart neckline. A straight strapless neckline is better suited for brides with a smaller bust.
Off-the-shoulder necklines are romantic and feminine, highlighting the shoulders and collarbones with draped sleeves. This style is suitable for "pear-shaped" brides with narrow shoulders.
Other neckline styles include the round neck or boat neck, perfect for romantic brides with narrow shoulders and a small bust. The boat neckline creates the illusion of wider shoulders. Another option is the Queen Anne neckline, which usually has a heart-shaped or straight-across neckline with cap sleeves or shoulder straps.
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Basque waist, natural waist, drop waist, and other waistline styles
The waistline of a wedding dress is typically where the bodice meets the skirt, usually at the natural waist. However, there are several styles of waistlines that deviate from this standard.
Basque Waist
A basque waist is a dramatic style that extends slightly beyond the natural waistline, often incorporating a subtle peplum detail to enhance the silhouette. It is identified by a V-shaped or pointed waistline that dips in the centre and extends over the hips, creating a structured bodice that accentuates the waist and hips. This style first emerged during the Edwardian era and has been popularised by designers like Dior in the mid-20th century. It is known for its regal appeal and versatility, flattering a multitude of body types.
Natural Waist
Natural waist dresses emphasise the waist and create an hourglass silhouette. They typically fit tightly at the smallest part of the torso and flare out from this point. This style universally flatters and elongates the torso, providing ample room for movement.
Drop Waist
The drop waist style has a waistline that is lowered a few inches below the natural waist, sometimes extending to the hip area. This style can be paired with an off-the-shoulder bodice for a vintage-inspired yet modern look.
Other Waistline Styles
Other popular wedding dress silhouettes include the A-line, which is fitted at the waist and gradually flares out to create an "A" shape, and the ball gown, which features a full, voluminous skirt with a fitted bodice and a dramatic flare at the waist. The mermaid silhouette is another popular choice, with a fitted bodice that hugs the body from the chest down to the knee, where it flares out dramatically. For a simple and elegant look, the sheath style follows the natural body shape from top to toe, giving petite brides an elongated appearance.
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Boned or corset bodices
Corset bodices are known for their incredible structure and waistline definition. The traditional lacing mechanism allows for an adjustable fit, ensuring optimal comfort and accommodating any size fluctuations. Corsets can complement a diverse range of body shapes, proportions, and necklines, which is one of the reasons they are so widely adored. Corset bodices are usually accompanied by boning, creating optimal structure and a defined waistline. The style exudes a feminine, couture, and tastefully sexy aesthetic.
Corset wedding dresses can be customised with intricate lace appliques, beading, or hand-painted details to make it a masterpiece that reflects your personal style and taste. You can also experiment with different fabrics and textures. Corset bodices can be strapless, off-the-shoulder, or even have long sleeves. Some feature an exposed lace-up back or sheer bodice, while others have a hook and eye closure.
A-line silhouettes are a great option for a fairytale charm without overwhelming volume and drama. This style features a fitted bodice that flares out gently to create a flattering "A" shape, accentuating the waist. The fitted bodice highlights the upper body, while the flared skirt creates volume and movement, helping to balance out the figure.
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A-line, ball gown, and other silhouettes
When it comes to wedding dresses, the silhouette is the main feature that makes each dress different. Here are some of the most popular silhouettes:
A-Line
A-line wedding dresses are fitted at the bodice, cinching at the waist, and then gradually flaring out to create a soft "A" shape. This silhouette is universally flattering, elongating the torso, defining the waist, and providing ample room for movement. A-line dresses are a good choice for pear-shaped, curvy, or petite brides, as they can make the wearer appear taller and create a slimming effect. They are also suitable for hourglass or apple-shaped bodies, as they can slim down rounded figures and create the illusion of a curvier, balanced shape.
Ball Gown
Ball gowns, also known as princess gowns, feature a fitted bodice that flares out dramatically into a full, voluminous skirt. This silhouette is perfect for brides who want to make a grand entrance and feel like a princess. The voluminous skirt creates a sense of movement and fluidity and can help to hide the hips and lower body. Ball gowns are known to flatter every body type, but their full silhouette may overpower a petite frame.
Mermaid
Mermaid wedding dresses feature a fitted bodice that hugs the body from the chest to the knees, where it flares out dramatically. This silhouette showcases the wearer's curves and emphasizes the waist and hips. It is a good choice for those with an apple-shaped figure, but the fitted style may restrict movement, so it is important to choose the right shapewear.
Trumpet
Trumpet gowns feature a bodice that hugs the body from the chest to the mid-thigh, where the skirt flares out in a trumpet shape. This silhouette is similar to the mermaid style but offers a more toned-down version without an overly dramatic flare. It is a popular choice for brides with slender or hourglass frames who want to flaunt their curves while still being able to move around with ease.
Fit-and-Flare
Fit-and-flare silhouettes feature a fitted bodice that extends at or below the hips before gradually flaring out toward the hem of the skirt. This style is often mistaken for mermaid and trumpet silhouettes, but its gradual flare provides more movability and comfort. It is a beautiful way to accentuate a bride's curves without much movement restriction.
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Trumpet, mermaid, and sheath styles
The trumpet style is known for its sleek and sculpted silhouette. It hugs the body through the chest, waist, and hips, with a gentle flare that starts around the mid-thigh, resembling the shape of a trumpet. This style provides a beautiful blend of elegance and drama, with a slightly more subtle flare than the mermaid style. Trumpet gowns offer more freedom of movement, making them a practical choice for brides who want to dance and mingle with ease. They elongate the frame and provide a structured look with a hint of flexibility, accommodating various body types.
The mermaid style, on the other hand, is bold and dramatic. It hugs the body tightly from the chest down to the knee or slightly below, before flaring out into a voluminous skirt, resembling a mermaid's tail. This style accentuates curves and creates an unforgettable red-carpet moment for the bride. Mermaid gowns offer maximum shape emphasis, often featuring beaded corsets, couture bodices, and flared skirts in luxurious fabrics. While the mermaid style makes a powerful statement, it requires careful consideration of fit to ensure comfort and ease of movement.
Sheath styles, in contrast to trumpet and mermaid, offer a simple and elegant look. Sheath dresses follow the natural body shape from top to toe, providing a snug fit. This style helps petite brides appear taller, elongating their silhouette. Sheath gowns are a subtle way to showcase curves, as they gracefully emphasise the natural form. They are a sleek and modern choice for brides who want a streamlined look.
Both the trumpet and mermaid styles can feature various necklines, such as off-the-shoulder, V-neck, or sweetheart, and can be customised with removable skirts, sleeves, or other unique touches to create a one-of-a-kind wedding ensemble.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several wedding dress bodice styles to choose from, with the most popular being sweetheart, V-neck, strapless, and off-the-shoulder. Other styles include halter neck, long sleeve, and corset.
A sweetheart neckline dips slightly in the centre, resembling the top half of a heart. It is a timeless and romantic style that flatters all body types, especially those looking to accentuate their bust.
A corset bodice is a timeless feature of a wedding dress. It features a ribbon that laces up the back and is accompanied by a structured, boned bodice. This style is universally flattering and provides optimal comfort and waistline definition.
Both styles feature a fitted bodice, but differ in the shape of their skirts. A ball gown has a very large skirt, often requiring a hoop skirt or layers of tulle to create volume. An A-line skirt, on the other hand, flares out gently from the waist to create a subtle "A" shape, providing a universally flattering silhouette.
