It can be overwhelming to think about what kind of dress you want to wear on your big day, especially in the time of COVID-19, where your options may be limited. You have to take into consideration your body shape, height, personal style, location, and so many other factors. The easiest way to cut down your choices to a few different styles, especially when it comes to gown silhouettes, is to take a look into your closet and determine what type of silhouette you usually wear. Of course, every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day, so we typically go for gowns we feel will highlight our most loved assets. But, don’t be afraid to try a few gowns and wedding dress shapes outside of your comfort zone as well - you never know what you could find! Every bride has a different shape and proportions, so you may not fit into any one body shape category, you could have a blend of two body types, and that’s perfectly okay. Above all, we want every bride to feel confident on her big day, so we’ve put together a general wedding dress shapes guide below on what dress styles will pair well with each kind of body frame!
If you have an hourglass shape and want your wedding gown to show off your curves, go for a more flirty and feminine style like a mermaid/ trumpet, A-Line princess, or column/sheath silhouette. These styles with fitted bodices will put your curves on full display by cinching in at the waist and then flowing out below the knee, subtly bringing attention to your curves.
Those hips don’t lie, and it’s glorious! If you happen to be slimmer on top with a fuller bottom, find a gown that will accentuate your lower half. Mermaid/ trumpet, ball gown with an empire waistline, and A-Line princess styles will flatter your figure. With a fitted bodice that cinches at the waist, your gown will define and shape your midsection, but still provide a romantic look with a fuller skirt.
For our smaller framed ladies, gowns with heavier bodices can make you feel weighed down or hidden behind the dress itself. If you’re looking for a gown that will lengthen your frame, opt for a style like a column/sheath, A-Line princess, or ball gown with an empire waistline. These styles will draw the eyes upward by heightening and emphasizing your natural waist.
If you’re rocking an apple shape, find a gown that will be narrow at the top and flare out at the waist, accentuating your natural shape. An A-Line princess, ball gown, or ball gown with an empire waistline will flatter your lower half, as well as create the illusion of an elongated frame.
If you desire curves but have a thinner frame, you can create them by choosing a gown that accentuates your natural body shape and hugs it in all the right places. With a mermaid/trumpet, column/sheath, or a ball gown, the fitted bodice of these styles will emphasize your natural waist, while the fuller skirt creates an hourglass illusion.
Celebrate those curves, ladies! If you have a fuller figure, try a ball gown with an empire waistline, mermaid/trumpet, or A-Line princess silhouette that will highlight your waist. No matter what style you choose, be wary of the support your neckline will provide for your bust. You don’t want to have the pain of adjusting your gown all night - it can be a total drag!
This is the first thing to consider when deciding on a wedding dress. If your wedding is held in the summer, a lightweight dress that emphasizes your feminine figure can give you a sense of effortless beauty. Scroll further down to learn about some popular wedding dress fabrics.
If you're getting married at a house of worship, you will be expected to dress up modestly without baring too much skin. On the other hand, a long-sleeve dress with a cathedral train will not fare well in a beach wedding.
Will it be held indoors or outdoors? Is it going to be an intimate or grand reception? Questions like these play a great deal in determining the kind of dress you should wear. It's your wedding day and you have the right to wear anything you want, but we're sure you agree that a dramatic ball gown won't fit in an intimate al fresco wedding.
Financial constraints play another major role. An extravagant wedding gown with hand-embroidered beads and crystals will not come with a cheap price tag. If you're on a budget, keep on reading as we have some great tips on cutting the cost of your wedding dress.
Last but not least is your body type. A mermaid-style dress might look flawless on your favorite celebrity, but it might not fit your figure or make you feel comfortable. There are no limits on what you can wear on your big day, but you can check out our body shape guideline to get started.
Choosing a that suits your body shape and personality is the most important step in finding the right dress. Get to know the most popular dress styles and find out which one will make you look stunning on the big day.
Traditionally thought of as a length rather than a silhouette, the ballerina dress is great for showing off your ankles and legs. This quirky dress will look great in a vintage-style wedding.
The classic choice for a formal wedding, the ball gown has a boned bodice and a full skirt supported by crinolines. If you are very short, make sure that your ball gown is perfectly tailored to fit your size.
If you want a dress that clings to your hourglass figure, this might be it. This dress hugs the torso, then flares out from around the knee. It will be too tight for kneeling or dancing, however.
Also known as the column, this is a sleek and sophisticated dress with a close-fitting shape that outlines every curve. You need to be very confident about your body, as this dress can be a little unforgiving.
The waistline is another essential element that determines the overall look of a wedding gown. The right waistline will enhance and emphasize your natural silhouette. Go through the most popular waistline styles below and consult your wedding dress designer to find the best fit.
Next, choose the type of neckline for your wedding dress. Be inspired as you get to know the 12 most popular neckline types and find your perfect match.
Best Place To Buy Wedding Dress In HalifaxOne thing that affects the shape, texture, and sheen of your wedding dress is the fabric. Thus, it's important to know what kind of fabric you should be looking for. Aside from the fabric, embellishments like beads and lace will determine the comfort and consequently, the price of the dress. Whether you are heading to a bridal salon or designing your wedding gown from scratch, learning about some basic fabric types will surely help you along the way.
The wedding day is the only chance for you to wear a train, so you need to think carefully before choosing one. Aside from the formality of your wedding, location is something you should consider when determining the train length. For example, an outdoor wedding at a garden or by the beach wedding will not suit a long train. To find out which train will fit you best, check out the infographic below.
The wedding dress is one of the things that many brides splurge on, as isn't it only natural for a pretty dress to come with a hefty price? However, we believe that being on a budget doesn't mean that you can't wear the wedding dress of your dreams. All you need is a little know-how, and we've prepared some handy tips for you below.
This is a good time to open your address book and skim through your contacts. If you have friends who are dressmakers or fashion designers, try contacting them to get a special price. Even if you don't intend to use their services, you can always ask them for references and advice on picking the right vendor.
A second-hand dress isn't always a bad idea. There are many websites and shops that rent out good quality wedding dresses. Just remember to pay attention to any spots or stains that the dress might have. Your mother might even have an heirloom wedding dress that she can pass down to you. Just remember to tweak the dress a little so that it fits your preferences and body type.
You don't really need to buy a wedding dress if you don't want to. Renting a dress is a more budget-friendly and practical alternative. For some tips on renting a wedding gown, scroll further below.
If you're a crafty bride, this is an option for you. Find a plain wedding dress, then sew in the details yourself. If you're experienced in sewing, go make your own dress! Your wedding dress will be especially yours and wearing it will make you proud.
There are special times when wedding dresses go on sale. Do pay attention to these seasons to get the best deal on your dress. Also, when shopping for a dress, don't overlook vintage shops and trunk shows. Don't be afraid to shop around! Your might find your dream dress when you least expect it.
As a bride, it’s natural to want to look your absolute best on your wedding day – and that starts with the gown! Aside from you and your soon-to-be husband, your wedding dress will be front and center on the big day. Shopping for the wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. However, we all know that bridal gowns are never one style fits all. Everyone has different body types and preferences. Plus, with the abundance of dress styles on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed at the prospect of finding your wedding dress.
Today, we’re breaking down the five most popular styles in a user-friendly wedding dress silhouette style guide so that you can get a grip on the industry’s terminology and figure out which look you like best before stepping into a bridal boutique to try on gowns! After all, the silhouette is the gown’s most prominent feature, and you want it to both flatter your shape and make you feel beautiful.
Check out the graphic below to determine what silhouette you believe suits you, and read further for an in-depth description of each style. Be sure to check out our previous post about wedding dress neckline styles, too!
An A-line, or princess gown, is fitted at the bodice and has vertical seams that flow out from the shoulder all the way to the ground in an unbroken line, creating a flared skirt that resembles an “A” shape. A modified A-line has a slightly more fitted skirt that a traditional A-line gown, giving you a more defined shape. A-line gowns are incredibly popular because they are almost universally flattering for every body type.
A ballgown is fitted at the bodice and features a (very!) full skirt that begins at the natural waist. It’s a very traditional wedding gown style — think Cinderella! Ballgowns are great for brides who are pear-shaped, as they highlight the waist and minimize the lower body.
A sheath dress is a sleek gown that fits very closely to the contours of the body. The narrow shape of the gown flows straight from the neckline to the hem with no defined waist, and is great for thin, silky fabrics and summery beach or destination weddings. Sheath gowns are for confident brides who want to show off their shape!
A mermaid gown fits closely to the body from the chest all the way to the knee and then flares out dramatically to the hem, resembling a fish tail. This silhouette is perfect for an elegant evening wedding or black tie affair. Mermaid gowns are a wonderful choice for brides with an hourglass figure who want to accentuate their curves.
Trumpet gowns fit closely to the body until mid-hip, where they then gradually widen to the hem, resembling the mouth of a trumpet. A trumpet gown features a tight bodice and a drop-waist, which highlights the bride’s every curve. The trumpet silhouette is often confused with the mermaid because each features a fitted bodice and flared skirt, but trumpet gowns flare from the hip while mermaid gowns flare from below the knee.
.jpg)
