The process of finding your dream wedding gown can be stressful. After all, some of you must have been dreaming of your wedding dress since you were five and you want it to be perfect down to the last embellishment. To make wedding dress shopping more exciting than stressful, it's always good to go prepared and do your research beforehand.
Things you need to know about Women's Wedding Dresses
Below we've explained the differences between popular wedding dress shapes, including the best women's wedding dresses for your body type.
What are the different types of women's wedding dresses and silhouettes?
1. Ball gown wedding dress: Ball gown wedding dresses will dramatically make your fairytale dreams come true. They feature a fitted bodice (often with a corset) and a wide, full-length skirt, achieved by using crinolines or layers of tulle. Ball gowns make a beautiful choice for traditional brides who want to feel like a princess on their wedding day.
2. Fishtail/Mermaid wedding dress: The mermaid wedding dress shape is known for being one of the sexiest silhouettes. These are glamorous gowns are fitted throughout the bust, waist, hips and flare out at the knees. This wedding dress silhouette is one of the more restrictive ones since you can't move your legs as freely in it.
3. Trumpet wedding dress: The trumpet wedding dress shape is very similar to the mermaid silhouette, but with a few subtle variations. The silhouette of this dress is less fitted through the hips and gradually gets wider at the lower thigh, while the mermaid silhouette flares out just above or at the knees. As a result, trumpet wedding dresses give you a little more freedom in movement.
4. Column/Sheath wedding dress: Column or sheath wedding dress shape is slim-fitting and features a narrow and straight shape from top to bottom. It has a silhouette that is fitted in the waist and falls straight to the floor below your hips, with minimum flare. If you're a bride who wants a minimalistic and effortless gown, this wedding dress shape is perfect for you.
5. A-line wedding dress: The A-line wedding dress shape features a fitted top and a skirt that gradually become wider toward the bottom, like the shape of the alphabet ‘A’. Due to their classic and chic style, A-line wedding dresses can easily be incorporated with different necklines, waistlines and fabrics to bring out your best features.
6. Tea-length wedding dress: Tea-length dress shape has a skirt that stops mid-calf, about six inches above the ankles. They are retro and playful and have long been the go-to for elopements, civil weddings, and mini ceremonies. If you're a bride who simply doesn't want to fuss over a floor-length gown and wants to flaunt her shoes, this dress is for you.
7. Empire wedding dress: Empire wedding dresses feature a raised waistline that sits just below the chest and the rest of the dress flows down to the hem. They are great if you want to lengthen the appearance of your legs while defining your bust. Empire gowns also make a lovely maternity choice for mom-to-be brides.
Which women's wedding dresses are best for my body type?
An A-line dress is a good option for many ladies, especially those with pear bodies.
The Ball gown, due to its large skirt, can make your waist appear tiny. It suits all body types.
The Column dress, in particular, looks stunning on tall and lean brides. However, if you have a straight body type, you can define your waist with a waistline or cincture.
The Fishtail gown is ideal for confident brides with an hourglass figure. You can also consider the trumpet variation, which looks equally stunning.
The Empire gown is perfect for petite brides and brides with small busts who want to appear taller.
The Tea-length dress is flattering on curvy and petite brides alike.
Can you wear short women's wedding dresses?
Short wedding dresses can be just as appropriate as more traditional gowns. Whether you're throwing a casual celebration or just want to make a fashion statement, a short dress can be modern, trendsetting and just what you're looking for.
Summary
So, after reading this guide, we hope you can sit back, relax and sip some champagne knowing you’re ready to pick the right gown. No matter which wedding dress shape you choose, it should make you feel confident, beautiful, and comfortable. Remember, you should know what you are looking for, while also keeping an open mind. Browse through our collection of beautiful women's wedding dresses that will make you feel like the best version of yourself on the big day!
Image source: Photo by Damir Spanic on Unsplash