There are numerous wedding gown styles and silhouettes to
choose from. Mindy Weiss, a celebrity wedding planner, discusses different
types of wedding dresses as well as wedding dress shopping tips.
6 Wedding Dress Styles
Different wedding gown silhouettes flatter various body
types. Consider the following wedding gown styles that are commonly found in
bridal boutiques:
1. A-line: This dress style has a tight bodice that flares
out at the waist and gradually widens at the bottom to form a "A"
shape. A-line wedding gowns look great on everyone, especially pear-shaped
women.
2. Ball gown: A ball gown is fitted on top and flares out
more than an A-line skirt, with a puffy skirt beginning at the waistline. The
full skirt of a ball gown wedding gown creates the illusion of a smaller waist,
which flatters most body types.
3. Column: A column dress, also known as a sheath gown,
has an elegant silhouette that is a straight line from top to bottom,
emphasizing the waist and hips. Sheath wedding gowns look great on tall brides
and those with curves.
4. Empire: Dress like a character from a Jane Austen novel
with an empire waist dress that hugs the bust and has a skirt that begins below
the bustline. For petite brides and pregnant brides, the empire waist is a
flattering silhouette.
5. Jumpsuit: A great way to look modern and chic, jumpsuits
are available in wide-leg versions that give the appearance of a skirt or
slimmer pants. Jumpsuits are also very comfortable and will allow you to
transition from the ceremony to the dancefloor on your wedding day.
6. Mermaid: A mermaid-style dress is reminiscent of a
fishtail, hugging the entire body before flaring out at the knees. Mermaid
gowns are flattering on curvier brides, particularly those with hourglass
figures. A trumpet wedding gown, like a mermaid gown, has a higher, softer
flare.
Silhouettes are available in a variety of hemlines, sleeve
lengths, and necklines. Strapless, long sleeves, cap sleeves, and one-shoulder
sleeves are available, as are boat neck, sweetheart neckline, halter neck, and
V-neck necklines. Dressmakers can also work with a variety of fabrics, such as
silk, lace, organza, tulle, and chiffon.
9 Tips on How to Choose a Wedding Dress by Mindy Weiss
Consider the following advice from expert wedding planner
Mindy Weiss when shopping for a wedding gown:
1. Think about the weather. Consider the weather on your
wedding day when choosing wedding dress styles and fabrics.
2. Establish a budget. Before looking for a dress, you must
first decide how much money you can spend on wedding attire. Include the cost
of alterations in your wedding budget and avoid trying on dresses that are out
of your price range. Consider borrowing, renting, or purchasing a used dress.
3. Choose clothing that reflects your personality. Look
through bridal magazines and bridal boutique websites before you try on dresses
to see what dresses appeal to you and fit your personality.
4. Get a dress with a bustle. Look for a bridal gown
with a bustle or have one added to your gown by a tailor. A wedding gown bustle
transforms a wedding gown into a floor-length gown for the reception.
5. Allow yourself time. Custom dresses and alterations can
be time-consuming.
6. Opt for ease. If strapless dresses make you feel uneasy,
choose a dress with sleeves. Knowing your body type and what style looks best
on you can help you choose the best wedding dress silhouette.
7. Keep an open mind. While you may have an idea of
what you want for your perfect wedding gown, be open to suggestions from bridal
consultants, friends, and family. You could try on a dress you like outside of
your field of vision. Find what speaks to you, and keep an open mind to all
styles”you might be surprised.
8. Consider the wedding theme. Your wedding gown should
complement the overall theme and tone of the event. A casual garden party
requires a different type of attire than a formal, black-tie event. For a
summer destination wedding, choose lighter, flowing fabrics, and for a winter
wedding at a country club, choose heavier fabrics.
9. Put on your wedding shoes. Wearing your wedding shoes to
dress shopping and fittings can help you get a sense of the overall look.
