WEDDING GOWN STYLES 101
We have had some recent feedback from newly engaged girls wanting to know more about looking for a wedding gown: What style would suit me, and what styles are there available? So here is a little Wedding Gown Styles 101 class for the new brides to be 
Wedding Gown Styles
- A-line • Princess
- Ball Gown
- Mermaid/Trumpet
- Sheath/Slimline
- Empire Line
Within those styles, you then have choices like : Drop Waist, Strapless, Sleeves (cap, short, long, poet, bell), Spaghetti Straps, Tank Straps, Halter Neck, Sweetheart Neckline, Boat Neckline, Straight Neckline, Square Neckline, Cowl Neckline, V-neck, Low Cut, Low Back, Backless, Collared, With a train (dip, sweep, chapel, cathedral).
A-line:
The A-line style is very simple but elegant and is flattering on most body types. The A-line skirt can be narrow or wide with the only rule being the base of the skirt should be wider than your hips. If you have a fuller figure the best silhouette is the A- Line as it lengthens the whole body without drawing attention to your waistline.
Princess:
You don’t have to be a princess to wear this style! In fact, it gives most body types a simply gorgeous silhouette. The Princess style is all about the skirt which is full and high waisted, best suited to figures with hips wider than shoulders. You can create a balance by drawing attention up to your shoulders, bust and face. If you are very petite with a small bust, this is not the gown style for you.
Ball Gown:
The Ball Gown style has a fitted waist and full skirt, most commonly tulle or heavy satin. Worn with a hoop underneath this style is again NOT suited to petite smaller frame and bust figures, as you would be lost in the gown. Considered a younger style but has always been a classic feature of most designer collections.
Mermaid/Trumpet:
The Mermaid/Trumpet style is generally more flattering on an average height to tall slender woman. This is a very fitted style to below the lower thigh/knee region then flares out into a wider flowing skirt. Being a more fitted style, this will emphasize the bottom and bust areas which can make them appear larger. If you are on the shorter curvy side, mermaid/trumpet gowns can often help make you appear taller, if they are kept simple.
Sheath/Slimline:
A Sheath style gown or column dress is very straight slimline style; it sits simply/loosely fitted at the hips and falls straight down to the floor. Very popular style in the 80’s and early 90’s – it’s now making a comeback. This style of gown can be worn by petite frames of average to tall height. Long and fitted – the sheath flatters and elongates the body.
Empire line:
This is a great style for petite figures and those who have a small bust as the dress starts below the bust line which gives the illusion of a bust and elongates the body to give the illusion of height. It’s also good for those with wider hips as it helps to conceal them especially if you choose a floaty fabric like silk chiffon. This is a style that suits most body types and will both enhance your assets and conceal parts that you aren’t so keen on.
Key To Finding The Perfect Gown:
Know what flatters your body type. With so many different styles and cuts of wedding dress, there will always be something to suit your body shape. The key is to choose something that will accentuate your best features, while drawing attention away from the parts you aren’t so keen on. Make sure you have plenty of time to try on as many different styles as possible, as this will help you to choose the best gown style to accentuate all your best features.
A Line Gown
Princess Gown
Ball Gown
Mermaid/Trumpet Gown
Sheath/Slimline Gown
Empire Line
A big thanks to I Do Gowns for their expertise and being our guest blogger.
- Happy Planning xx
