Oh, for the love of the perfect wedding gown! There are so many beautiful designs out there, but where exactly does one start? Well, here are a few questions before we go to the dress silhouette guide:
Where are you getting married?
The venue affects everything in a wedding—from theme and décor, down to the gown you’ll wear. A cathedral, for example, demands for a big skirt and a long train or else you’ll be dwarfed by the immense size of the church. A beach, meanwhile, will not do well for heavy ball gowns.
What is your body type?
Your body will dictate the shape of your dress. A soft belly will look best in an A-line dress. A big bosom will be set off by a cinched waist and a big ball skirt. A small bride will be drowned by a huge ball gown while a tall woman will look gigantic in an empire gown.
What is your budget?
The bigger the dress, the more material it will need, so the more expensive it will be. Of course, a simple sheath need not mean cheap since beadwork and the cloth and lace used may add to its cost. As a general guide, the bigger your budget, the bigger your dress.
There are five main silhouettes a bride can consider:
A-Line
This style flatters all shapes and heights. The skirt hugs the waist then flares out gently down to the hem, making the waist look tiny while hips and thighs are hidden.
Best for: straight (thin, small-chested, small hips); pear-shaped (hips are wider than chest/shoulders); apple-shaped (mid-section is wider than shoulders and hips)
Empire
The waist is cinched high, just below the bust. The skirt flows long and skims the body.
Best for: straight (thin, small-chested, small hips); pear-shaped (hips are wider than chest/shoulders); short women
Ball Gown
This is a big dress! A full skirt supported by layers underneath makes for a romantic look. Its volume also makes it the best gown to feature a magnificent train.
Best for: curvy (busty, generous hips, small waist); pear-shaped (hips are wider than chest/shoulders); inverted triangle (wide shoulders, slim hips); tall brides
Mermaid
Fitted closely to the body from bodice down to the knee, the skirt then flares out dramatically. Perfect for those who have curves and a flat tummy because this silhouette is for one confidently sexy bride.
Best for: curvy (busty, generous hips, small waist)
Sheath
Simple and sophisticated, this style of dress is cut close to the body yet also skims it. Perfect for the modern, unfussy bride.
Best for: slender, athletic brides
Text by: Frances Sales