Junior Rasmussen
Wedding dress shopping can be an overwhelming experience, with a wide variety of styles, silhouettes, and designs to choose from. Whether you're looking for a modern twist on a classic design or a fairy tale-inspired ball gown, the options are endless. The process often begins with a silhouette in mind, from the coveted A-line cut to the dramatic trumpet style, and the details that adorn the dress, from vintage lace to modern coloured sashes. With considerations such as bust size, hemlines, and necklines, there are numerous factors to ponder when choosing a wedding dress.
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress silhouettes
Wedding dress shopping can be an overwhelming process, but knowing the different wedding dress silhouettes can help you narrow down your options.
One of the most popular styles is the ball gown, which has a fitted bodice and a dramatically voluminous skirt that flares out at the waist, creating a fairy-tale look. This style is known for its grandeur and timeless elegance, and it complements most body types, emphasising the waist and gliding over the hips.
The A-line dress is another universally flattering silhouette, characterised by fluid lines and balanced proportions. This style hugs the waist, creating a slimmer waistline while flattering the bust, and it can make a petite bride appear taller. The skirt flows softly in an A-shape from the hips, blending simplicity with sophistication, making it versatile for various wedding settings.
The trumpet silhouette is fitted from the chest to the mid-thigh, where the skirt flares out like a trumpet. This style is popular among brides with slender or hourglass frames who want to flaunt their curves.
The mermaid silhouette is ideal for those who want to showcase their curves, as it contours the body from the chest to the knee, then flares out dramatically like a mermaid's tail. This style emphasises the waist and hips rather than narrowing them and is a good choice for apple-shaped bodies.
The sheath silhouette is sleek and elegant, following the body's natural lines. It is ideal for lean and petite frames as it elongates the body without overwhelming it with excess fabric.
Other wedding dress silhouettes include the empire, which is fitted at the bust and flares out to create a long, flowy skirt; the drop waist, which has a longer bodice that elongates the torso; and the tea-length, which has a tapered skirt that flares out above the knee to lengthen the figure.
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Wedding dress necklines
One popular style is the sweetheart neckline, which is shaped like the top half of a heart and gives the illusion of a longer torso and neck. It can be modified to be more or less revealing, with some dipping lower to expose more of the upper body, and others cut higher on the chest for a more modest look. A similar style is the straight neckline, which is often seen on strapless dresses and accentuates the décolletage and collarbones.
Another classic choice is the bateau, or boatneck, neckline. This style stops at the collarbone and features a wider opening that skims the tops of the shoulders, allowing the décolletage to shine. It is a demure and elegant choice and is a favourite among royalty.
For brides who want to show off their collarbones, an off-the-shoulder neckline is a romantic option that suits every body type. This style can also be paired with a ball gown silhouette for an extremely romantic look.
The V-neck is a timeless and versatile option, perfect for those who want to elongate their torso. It can be as daring or modest as desired, depending on how low the neckline is cut. A plunging neckline is a more daring version of the V-neck, elongating the torso and flashing some skin.
For brides who want an edgier, less traditional look, an asymmetrical neckline is a great choice. This style features one side that is higher than the other, covering more of the collarbone and shoulders. It can also be designed with one strap that drapes diagonally across the chest.
There are many other neckline styles to choose from, including the cowl, halter, scoop, high neck, illusion, portrait, and more. Each style offers a unique look and feel, allowing brides to find the perfect dress that flatters their body type and complements their personal style.
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Wedding dress hemlines
One popular hemline style is the asymmetrical or high-low hemline, which is shorter in the front and longer in the back. This design offers versatility, allowing brides to show a little leg while still maintaining a traditional look. It also pairs well with statement shoes, as it draws attention to your feet. A high-low hemline can be found on various gown styles, from romantic boho dresses to fun sequined party looks.
For brides who want a more conservative option, a floor-length or full-length hemline is considered formal and elegant. This hemline reaches the ground and is perfect for creating a dramatic effect, especially with ball gowns or princess-style dresses.
If you're looking to showcase your legs, a mini hemline that stops above the knee is a bold choice. Alternatively, a tea-length hemline, which falls between the mid and lower calf, can elongate your figure and create a stylish silhouette.
Other hemline options include the ballerina hemline, ending just above the ankle, and the street hemline, which falls just below the knees. Ultimately, the choice of hemline comes down to personal preference, and you can choose the style that makes you feel confident and comfortable on your special day.
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Wedding dress bodices
The bodice of a wedding dress is an important feature, with the potential to flatter and complement all shapes and sizes. A fitted bodice will showcase the waist, while a corset bodice will define the waist and exude a feminine, couture, and sexy aesthetic. A strapless, corset bodice is the most popular due to its versatility. Corset bodices can also accommodate different body shapes, with adjustable fits that ensure comfort and allow for any size fluctuations.
For brides with a fuller bust, a simple bodice with a structured off-the-shoulder design is a good choice. Those with a smaller bust might opt for an embellished bodice or a sweetheart neckline to add emphasis. A square or scoop neckline is a great option for all body types. For a vintage theme, consider a delicate lace bodice with cap sleeves, while a coloured sash is perfect for a modern theme.
The Amelia Bodice, for example, is made from soft silk satin and features a snug fit with built-in bust cups and boning. It has a low, soft square neckline accentuated by adjustable shoulder bows.
The ball gown wedding dress is a popular style, with a fitted bodice, cinched waist, and full skirt. This style highlights the bust and defines the waist. For a more dramatic look, a corset bridal gown will add even more shape.
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Wedding dress fabrics
Wedding dresses are made from a variety of fabrics, with the choice of fabric depending on factors such as the desired silhouette, style, season, and budget. Here are some of the most popular wedding dress fabrics:
Tulle
A stiff, transparent netting made from nylon, silk, polyester, or a blend of fibres. Tulle is often used to create voluminous skirts and is commonly paired with lace, sequins, beading, or horsehair trim. It has an airy and romantic vibe and is often used as a lining or veil due to its delicate nature.
Chiffon
A thin, sheer, and simple-weave fabric with a soft and slightly silky finish. Chiffon is made from woven silk or rayon and is known for its lightweight, airy, and ethereal qualities, making it perfect for bohemian-style weddings or outdoor ceremonies in warm weather.
Crepe
A mid-weight silk-blend fabric with a smooth, slightly stretchy, and flowy-yet-striking appearance. Crepe is distinguished by its ability to cling to the body and drape beautifully, making it a popular choice for brides who want to accentuate their curves. It is commonly used for sheath or fit-and-flare silhouettes and is also favoured for its versatility in minimalist designs.
Silk
A luxurious and elegant fabric, silk is often used for dramatic ball gowns and fit-and-flare styles. It is valued for its smooth and sleek texture, which drapes luxuriously. Different types of silk include faille, gazar, shantung, dupioni, and charmeuse.
Lace
A timeless and versatile fabric, lace offers both traditional elegance and contemporary edge. It adds intricate texture and is perfect for romantic, detailed gowns. There are dozens of types of lace, including Chantilly, Alençon, Guipure, laser-cut, point d’esprit, and cotton, each with unique characteristics. Lace is often accented with sparkly beading.
Other popular wedding dress fabrics include organza, satin, velvet, brocade, and taffeta. The choice of fabric depends on the desired look and feel of the dress, with some fabrics being more suitable for structured designs and others for flowing, light, or voluminous silhouettes.
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Frequently asked questions
Beach weddings call for a dramatic gown. A short wedding dress is perfect for brides who want to show off their legs or are preparing for a beach wedding. A tea-length wedding dress is also a good option to elongate your figure.
Princess wedding dresses exude elegance and grace, characterized by intricate lace detailing, flowing silk fabrics, and a voluminous skirt that trails behind like a cascade of clouds.
Garden themes are perfect for dresses with whimsical details like tulle or lace overlays. Chiffon wedding dresses are also a good option for brides looking to create more curves.
