Wedding Dresses Styles
One of the most exciting and daunting things about being newly-engaged is the wedding dress search. It's a bit overwhelming making a choice that you've probably thought about since you were 5, but we will transform it into pleasure. A little preparation can go along way.
Make your favourite drink ... take a sip ... and ENJOY!
Ballgown
or Princess style
The Ballgown wedding dress is classic princess style, featuring a nipped in waist with a very large and voluminous skirt. The skirt usually features plenty of underskirts and tulle below to keep the shape, so can be quite heavy.
If you're going to wear a ballgown make sure you have a great corset on top to help you support the dress, and also to give you a good bust.
The ballgown is like the hourglass in overdrive so looking flat on top will make it look unbalanced.
Petite ladies should avoid ballgowns in general, as the skirts are so huge they will make you look smaller and can overwhelm you. Ballgowns are great for mid-height or taller brides who can carry all the volume in the skirt.
A-Line
There's a thin line between ballgowns and A- Line dresses, it's really about how big the skirt is. An A-Line skirt has a lot less volume than a ballgown but still gives that classic princess dress shape.
A-Line gowns are great for all body types, and give a classic hourglass shape. Like a ball gown a corset or some structure in the bodice is imperative.
or Princess style
Empire
Empire line dresses gather just under the bust and fall gently over the hips. These are perfect for ladies who don't love their tums, bum or legs. They are very flattering and feminine. Recently empire dresses have been adding in more volume in the skirt adding to the camouflage effect. Ethereal, pretty and very elegant. But brides with really large busts should probably avoid empire lines dresses.
Sheath
Sheath dresses are for the tall, slim and willowy, essentially because they're the most unforgiving of all wedding dress styles. Usually made of clinging silk or satin. If you're not a supermodel there are ways to cheat - great underwear to even out any bits you're not comfortable with, and high shoes will add height and give you a great posture.
The other thing is that in the last couple of seasons more column wedding dresses are coming in stiffer more sculpted fabrics.
Mermaid
or Fishtail/Trumpet
One style, lots of versions and even more names, fishtail or mermaid wedding gowns are a very feminine and sexy shape, clingy to all the curves with a big kick out of fabric at the hem, usually with a train to give a wider arc of fabric on the floor. The kick out can be sharp and voluminous or soft and sweeping. If you've a great bum - this could be the look for you! If going for a mermaid style dress make sure you get a great fit - nothing should sag or bulge.
There are, of course, also short dresses, but they're such a diverse bunch
So which wedding dress style is for you?
FITTED
For a figure with broader shoulders, you’ll want to opt for a wedding dress that balances your silhouette by bringing attention to your hips.
You can also try out the Trumpet wedding dress. This types of dress are also quite popular, and it is pretty much the same as the Mermaid wedding dress. However, the top of the trumpet dress is tight, and the dress starts flaring from the hips and thighs instead of the knees.
Back detailing is a great way to add a touch of personalization and romance to a trumpet gown. Since most eyes will be locked on your statement-making train, you can draw eyes upward by adding buttons or feminine lace detailing.
