Wedding dress shopping is one of the most anticipated aspects of a wedding, and many individuals love to think about their dream wedding dress. However, when this task finally rolls around, it can be overwhelming to navigate through the many different styles of wedding dresses to find the perfect dress for you. Our article gives you an overview of the types of wedding dresses out there so you have a better idea of what might fit you best and what to ask for the next time you go to try on wedding dresses.
Why Your Wedding Dress Style Is Important
Your wedding dress style is important, as your wedding dress is something that should make you feel comfortable and beautiful on your big day. Many individuals will want a dress that makes them feel like a princess and one that they will remember for years to come.
It’s also important to find a dress that flatters you and one that you will enjoy looking back on in the many pictures that are likely to be taken during your wedding ceremony. The wedding dress is a vital part of your complete wedding picture, and it’s important for many people to find the perfect dress to complement their wedding day.
Types of Wedding Dresses
There are a wide variety of wedding dresses, and certain individuals may feel more comfortable in one style or appear more flattered in a specific type of wedding dress. We list all of the types of wedding dresses below with a brief description so you can think about which style you look best.
- A-Line – fitted bodice, cinches at the waist and flares softly to create an A-shape
- Trumpet – straight and fitted bodice to the hips with a flare starting at mid-thigh
- Mermaid – fitted and contours around the body past the hips, flares around the knees or mid-calf
- Ball Gown – fitted bodice with full and voluminous skirts that start at the hip
- Fit-and-Flare – fitted bodice that is tighter through the waist to the hips with a gradual flare starting at the hips
- Sheath – contours along the entire body, but not as tight as a mermaid dress, and has a flowy skirt
- Slip – loose and airy fabric, glides along the outline of the body
- Column – structured silhouette that appears like a straighter column on the body
- Tea-Length – hemline stops at the knee or mid-calf, may have a full skirt or a flowy skirt
- Empire – waistline starts at the mid-chest, full and elongated skirt
- Mini – the hemline of the skirt stops above the knee
- Midi – hemline falls between the knee and the ankle, similar to tea-length except the skirt may not be as full
- High-Low – the front of the skirt is raised, typically around the knee area, and the back hemline touches the ground or has a train
- Drop Waist – fitted bodice that extends the waist below the natural waistline where the skirt starts, creating an elongated torso silhouette
It’s important to keep in mind that any of these dresses can have sleeves or no sleeves, varying necklines, and other embellishments and fabrics. Mixing and matching your favorite elements of a wedding dress and finding this dress in stores or having it altered to fix your perfect wedding dress image is possible if you are having trouble finding a dress you love.
How Do I Pick the Best Wedding Dress for My Figure?
Selecting the best wedding dress for your figure can be complex, as a variety of necklines and wedding dress types may look the best on you.
The best way to select a wedding dress that flatters you is by trying on a selection of wedding dresses that you enjoy the style of. From there, you can start to tell which wedding dress appears the best for your figure and flatters you in all the right places.
Where Do I Buy a Wedding Dress?
Wedding dresses can be purchased in local wedding dress stores, large chain or department stores if you’re looking for a higher-end but more affordable option like Sherri Hill, or online. When buying online, make sure you leave ample time for shipping and alterations and always have a backup plan if your online dress doesn’t go to plan.
You can also consult a specific wedding dress designer’s website for details on where to find a specific style of dress that you wish to try on or purchase.
Choosing the Perfect Wedding Dress for You
Choosing a wedding dress is often a long process, and you may be overwhelmed as you start your search and encounter a variety of different dress styles. It’s important to think about your body type, the type of dress you are comfortable in, and the type of wedding dress you see yourself wearing as you start this search.
Make sure to review our list of the types of wedding dresses available to help you narrow down the kinds of styles you would be interested in, making your next wedding dress fitting session smoother and more tailored to your wedding dress desires.
