FT NEWS

During your wedding dress appointment, one of the first things you’ll be asked by the bridal stylist is which type of wedding dress or silhouette you’d like to wear. You might already have an idea of how you want your dress to look—comfortable and flowy, well-fitted and so on - but knowing exactly how to describe your dream gown can go a long way when working with your stylist. Most importantly, once you've narrowed the choice down to one or two dress shapes, we recommend trying on at least one dress that's the total opposite, just to be sure of what you are going to wear on your big day. Here's what you need to know about types of wedding dresses and silhouettes.

Ball gown wedding dress

If you’ve ever dreamed of having your own fairytale moment, then this is the silhouette for you. Ball gowns are one of the most classic wedding dress shapes and will instantly give you the Cinderella effect on the big day. A ball gown features a fitted bodice (often with a corset) and a wide, full skirt, most often achieved by using crinolines or layers of tulle. Since the full skirt glides over your lower torso, this silhouette is great for brides who want to cinch in their waist, prioritize bust support, or create the illusion of wider hips. The ball gown is one of the most regal silhouettes, when paired with strings of pearls it givens a defined royal structure along with flowers in your hair.

​Trumpet wedding dress

At the first glance, the trumpet wedding dress shape looks very similar to the mermaid silhouette, but there are a few subtle differences. For starters, pay close attention to where the skirt begins to flare out. The trumpet silhouette is less fitted through the hips and gradually gets wider at the lower thigh, while the mermaid silhouette doesn't flare out until just above or at the knees. As a result, a trumpet wedding dress gives you a little more freedom to move around while still creating a dramatic look. This is another silhouette that's ideal for creating or enhancing curves, no matter your body type. Paring this look with gorgeous Kundan or polkis will do the trick.

Mermaid wedding dress

The mermaid wedding dress shape is known for being one of the most flirtatious silhouettes, since it’s extremely fitted throughout the bust, waist, and hips—almost like shapewear. A mermaid gown will create the illusion of an hourglass figure if you're naturally slim. This attention-grabbing silhouette flares out at the knees and is often paired with tulle, rouching, or ruffled skirts for added wow factor. It's guaranteed to give you a red carpet-ready look with beautiful soft curls and dash of highlighter along with beautiful stone jewels or single pendants.

​A-line wedding dress

Consider the A-line as a halfway point between sheath and ball gown silhouettes. An A-line skirt, which is named for the way it creates an “A” shape on the body, flares out from the waist more than you’d see on a sheath gown, but not as dramatically as the ball gown. This universally-flattering silhouette is ideal for all body types and wedding styles, whether yours is bohemian, classic, beachy, or something in between. A-line wedding dresses often feature organza, lace, or tulle, but you’ll also see them made from structured fabrics, such as Mikado silk.

​Fit-and-flare wedding dress

Brides who want to show off their figure without committing to the dramatic mermaid or trumpet silhouettes should consider a fit-and-flare wedding dress instead. This toned-down version still hugs your body through the bust and waist, while being a little more forgiving through the hips, bottom, and thighs. The skirt flares out mid-thigh, giving you plenty of freedom to walk, sit, and dance as you please. Fit-and-flare gowns are flattering on many different body types, which is why they're among the most popular wedding dress shapes. This silhouette looks incredible when paired with a sweetheart or deep V-neckline.

No matter which wedding dress shape you choose, the gown should be one that makes you feel confident, beautiful, and comfortable—don't worry about being trendy or only choosing the silhouette that's "right" for your body type. The dress you choose might end up being different than what you originally envisioned or what you thought you would like, and that's perfectly okay, too! The best approach when shopping for your wedding dress is to understand enough of the basics to know what you're looking for, while also keeping an open mind.