There are a lot of things to consider when shopping for a wedding dress; from the colour and fabric to the shape and length. Walking into a boutique and seeing hundreds of different dresses in an array of designs can be overwhelming and confusing, so we recommend that the first thing you tackle is choosing a silhouette.
Whilst you may have already looked online and decided which shape you like, you may be surprised to discover that a different style suits your figure better. Be open minded and try on a bit of everything and you’ll soon work out which silhouette is best for you!
In prep for your first bridal gown shopping experience, we take you through the UK’s most common bridal gown shapes that you’re likely to see in the shops.
Ballgown Wedding Dress
For many the ballgown is considered the classic ‘princess dress’ shape. With a fitted bodice and full skirt falling from the natural waist line, this style is great for accentuating a small waist and flaring over hips. It is also great for shortening a long torso and creating the illusions of a more curvaceous figure.
A-Line Wedding Dress
An A-line gown is another classic shape and suits most shapes and sizes. Most commonly corseted, this style will nip you in at the waist and will skim smoothly over the hips. This silhouette is less bulky than the ballgown and is particularly good for top heavy brides as the wide hem balances the figure.
Dropped Waist A-Line Wedding Dress
This silhouette is very similar to the regular A-line, however it skims further down over the hips before flaring out into an A-line shape, showing off more of the figure. This style is great for elongating the body, but be careful as it can sometimes make your legs look shorter if the dropped waist falls too far down. You will find that different dresses will vary slightly in cut.
Fishtail Wedding Dress
A great shape for showing off curves or creating them if you don’t have them! This silhouette hugs the figure flaring out just above, on or below the knee. Dresses that flair out above the knee tend to be more flattering if height is not on your side!
Empire Line Wedding Dress
This style fits over the bust and flairs out directly underneath it hiding the tummy and hips. It suits most figures but is particularly flattering for brides with a smaller bust as it accentuates this area! It is also fab for brides with a pear shape figure who want to draw attention away from their curvy hips. Pregnant brides will benefit from the loose fitting waist, however if you’re not pregnant some styles can look like a maternity dress! Avoid this look by opting for an empire line dress that doesn’t gather too much under the bust.
Sheath Wedding Dress
A sheath style wedding dress is a slim silhouette, which hugs the figure from top to bottom. Its elongating affects make it a great option for petite brides who want to appear taller. Due to the figure hugging nature slinkier fabrics won’t leave much to the imagination, so opt for a heavier fabric to streamline the silhouette. If you lack curves a belt or sash can help define the waist.
High-Low Wedding Dress
Whilst there have been the odd high-low wedding dresses in previous bridal gown collections, this modern shape is going to be one of the hottest trends for 2016. The short hem at the front allows you to show off a fab pair of shoes, whilst the longer back gives that illusion of a train, creating a bridal look!
Tea Length Wedding Dress
Inspired by the 1950s, a tea length wedding dress hem can hover anywhere between just below the knee and just above the ankle. If you are petite opt for a shorter length to avoid looking like a little girl in a prom dress! Add a petticoat to create a fuller flair and opting for a coloured one gives you a fun and unique look!
Mini Wedding Dress
Cut above the knee, the mini wedding dress is perfect for a bride with great legs and a fab pair shoes! This modern look is the perfect style for a contemporary wedding or for the bride who wants a dress which she can wear again.
