For many brides, choosing a wedding dress is the most exciting part of planning a wedding. Some will make finding their dream wedding dress a top priority, rushing to the store before the date is even set. For others, the process of choosing a wedding gown is overwhelming right from the start.
Learning some commonly used terms in bridal fashion can make wedding dress shopping easier for every bride. Not only will it provide a means of clearer communication between the bride and the wedding dress consultant, it can help describe the overall look and feel of the wedding to other vendors.
About Wedding Dress Styles
The names of the various styles of wedding dresses typically describe the overall shape of the skirt, not the dress itself. To distinguish where the bodice of the gown ends and the skirt begins, most, but not all, wedding dresses will have a seam.
While there are various guidelines that can help a bride pre-determine the type of bridal gown that will make her look her best, it is always advised that a bride-to-be try on a variety of bridal gown styles. While fit and the general appearance are important in choosing a wedding gown, it is also important that the dress be comfortable and practical for the bride. Many brides report purchasing a dress they didn't think to consider at first.
The A-Line Wedding Dress
An A-line wedding gown is a gown without a seam to distinguish where the bodice ends and the skirt begins. Rather, the seams run from under the arms along the side of the wedding gown to the hem. A popular wedding dress style, the A-line gown is considered to be universally flattering for most body shapes.
The Ball Gown Style Wedding Dress
Ball gown style dresses, sometimes referred to as "ballroom style" dresses have a fitted bodice and full, round skirt. Ball gown wedding dresses generally begin flaring out at the waistline, making the bride's waistline look slim while camouflaging large hips or thighs. The ball gown style wedding dress is suitable for most body shapes.
The Basque Waist Wedding Dress
Wedding gowns with a basque waist generally have a fitted bodice and a full skirt. However, at the waist, there is a downward-pointing "V", which emphasizes the hip area of the dress. Basque waist dresses are suitable for tall brides or brides with a short torso and longer legs. Short brides or brides with a long torso should avoid basque waist style wedding dresses.
The Column or Sheath Wedding Dress
The column-style wedding dress is just as the name would suggest. Instead of using several pieces of fabric, the column-style dress is made of only one piece of bridal fabric, without a seem to distinguish the bodice from the skirt. This style of wedding gown is not suitable for pear shapes or those with significant curves. The column or sheath wedding dress style is ideal for tall and thin brides who want a simple and sleek appearance.
The Empire Waist Wedding Dress
Empire waist wedding gowns typically feature a scoop neckline, high waist and a full A-line skirt. Empire waist dresses are flattering on full figured women or women with a small bust line.
The Mermaid and Trumpet Wedding Dress Styles
Similar to one another, the mermaid wedding dress and the trumpet wedding dress styles are both fitted along the bodice and the hip area with a flared skirt. A mermaid style wedding dress features a skirt that flares between the knee and the ankle, while a trumpet wedding dress will flare just above or below the knee. These two shapes are flattering on women with proportionate curves, and women who would like to provide the illusion of having curves.
Because other wedding dress styles exist, often with two of the aforementioned styles merged together, it is always a good idea to ask bridal consultant about the design features of the dress. Doing so can help identify which features are the most flattering and unflattering. Understanding the style of the wedding dress creates a foundation for knowing what wedding dress accessories will be most complimentary, as well.
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