Bridal Style Guide

A Quick Guide to Wedding Dress Styles

        A-Line / Princess Dress

The is the ideal dress and the most popular because its suits almost every figure.

The Fit


The A-Line Dress has a fitted bodice shape with an A-Line skirt. It hugs the waist, so that it creates a slimmer looking waistline and it flatters the bust. If you have big hips, the A Line will cover them very well and if you have narrow hips, the cut of the skirt will give you some shape.

Consider ...


The tighter bodice will draw attention to a smaller bust so it will be more flattering if you add a little padding to balance the look. This can be with secretive padding added to the dress or a good bra. A heavy bust will need some structure. In most cases, this support is already built in to the bodice, but if not then boned corsetry is a must.

        Ballgown / Ballerina Dress

Also known as Fairytale or Full Dress. If you want a “Big” dress with lots of volume and thoughts of Cinderella, then this could be the one for you.

The Fit


If you have a slim-hipped figure and a full bust, the Ballgown shape will balance top and bottom perfectly, giving you that "fairytale bride" look. This style and the Princess are generally thought of as the most romantic shapes.

Consider ...


If you are petite or small busted, best to avoid the Ballgown as it will make your bust look even smaller and you could almost look "lost" in the big dress. Also, if you have wide hips, the Ballgown will over emphasize your big hips.

        Sheath / Column Dress

The Column or Sheath dress has a narrow shape that flows straight down from the neckline to the hem. This dress, also referred to as a sheath, tends to hug the body and show any and all of your curves. The column is appropriate for all types of weddings, especially causal occasions on the beach, or intimate evening events at a banquet hall.

The Fit


The Column dress hugs the figure and looks really great on any tall, willowy women. This is a dress style to give that catwalk look! It can also work very well on a more petite figure.

Consider ...


The Column shape sits quite close to the body. If you have big hips, this dress will emphasize them and it also clings to the body so best avoided if you do not have a smooth outline.

        Empire Dress

An empire dress is defined by the raised waistline that sits just below the bust, from which the rest of the dress flows down to the hem. This style is usually paired with a square neckline and wide set straps or sleeves. Like the A-line, the empire style is very versatile and can accommodate a wide range of formality.

The Fit


The body of the dress falls from beneath the bust, which is great if you have a broad waist and a small  bust. The long line makes petite brides look taller. This is a dress to create the perfect romantic look.

Consider ...


The long line makes tall brides look even taller. Avoid it also if you have a heavy bustline because it will make it appear bigger.

        Mermaid Dress

Also known as hourglass or figure-hugging, the Mermaid silhouette contours to the body from the chest to the knee, then flares out to the hem. This is a very sexy look that highlights the curves of a woman’s body. For this reason, you must be confident and comfortable in your skin to pull off this dramatic style.

The Fit


The Mermaid shape is ideal for curvy girls with balanced hip and bust measurements. This Laila Monroe dress will bring out the Marilyn Monroe in you.  If you want Hollywood glamour, this is undoubtedly it.

Consider ...

The mermaid cut is not for everyone. This daring design is best worn by slender figures. Since the mermaid dress is made to hug the body and show every curve, it is not suited for brides with full figures. Careful as if your curves are all in your bottom it will emphasis it and avoid if you are straight up and down, apple or pear shaped. Clingy slip dress such as the mermaid often reveal embarrassing underwear lines and can take away from the elegance of your overall look. It is important to keep this in mind when considering a tight fitting or body hugging dress since it may restrict what items you are actually able to wear underneath the dress.

Visit Wedding Dress Trains for our easy to understand guide