There are numerous stunning wedding dress styles and silhouettes for brides. Because of the many choices, making the choice is difficult! Each style emphasizes different features and consequently sets the tone for the event. We help our brides understand and find the perfect silhouette that will fit their figure and wedding style. As a result, their entire look is cohesive and perfectly fits their design. To help navigate this difficult task, we created a guide to wedding dress styles and silhouettes. This will help you figure out which style may best suite your body, wedding, and personal style!
Ball Gown Silhouette
A Ball Gown Silhouette is the most traditional wedding dress style. It is perfect for a fairytale wedding day. This style emphasizes a small waist (natural or dropped) and a voluminous skirt. A Ballgown style dress flatters many body types with its’ sloping cut and classic feel. Therefore, it is the obvious choice for a traditional, timeless bride. Poor tailoring can drown out a petite figure so tailoring is important! We love this example of our bride Kenzie in a tulle skirt with lace bodice!
A-Line Silhouette
This dress silhouette is a classic fit perfect for an elegant formal wedding. The A-line gown has a fitted bodice with the bottom flaring out therefore creating an A shape. This dress is silhouette is simple and ideal for a bride seeking something regal yet modern. Our very own Rachael Ellen opted for a Galia Lahav A-line style for her Paris wedding. As a result, her look was timeless, regal, and fashion forward. Another look to consider is the overskirt, seen in the photo below. This takes an A-line dress and gives the option of added full gown for the best of the ballgown and a-line looks.
Trumpet/Fit & Flare Silhouette
Trumpet or Fit & Flare gowns are similar to the A-line gowns but also combine the lustrous glamour of a mermaid gown. This dress style flatters because of the flared skirt and leaner profile. While is is probably the most sensual bridal style, it can be done tastefully. Whether a bride is curvy or is more straight, this dress can accentuate the best part of any shape. Our sculpted bride, Cassidy, rocked this low-back, trumpet style for her Dominican Republic destination wedding.
Sheath Silhouette
Sheath silhouettes have a slim shape that follows the line of the bride’s body. This style is perfect for the petite figure or bride wanting to show off the curves. A simple cut such as this can certainly draw focus to other bridal details. For that reason, we love sheath dresses paired with bold accessories. Gorgeous Caroline looks stunning in an off the shoulder sheath from Jil Sander. This look is paired with crystal hair pieces and a statement bouquet for a total modern look.
Tea Length Silhouette
In contrast to these traditional styles, a tea length dress is both cute and practical! If a bride is looking for a sweeter and unique look, a tea length silhouette is the perfect choice. The dress ends between the ankle and knee making it an excellent choice for brides who wish to show off a little leg. Showing off her individual style, Rachael’s dress has a fun and flirty feel. Tea length dresses are perfect for pre-wedding occasions as well as your actual wedding day. Finally, a wedding dress you can actually wear again!
We can’t wait to see what all of our gorgeous client’s choose for the coming wedding seasons! We are hoping to see even more texture, some two piece bridal sets and halter styles as worn by Megan Markle to her reception.
Written by Lyndsee Anderson for Rachael Ellen Events
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