The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Dress Silhouettes
One of the most exciting moments you will experience as a bride is when you start looking for your dream wedding dress! At Luxe Redux Bridal, we want to ensure you have an incredible bridal shopping experience. We’re here to teach you the basics so you feel confident + prepared for your bridal appointment.
We understand - beginning the search for your dream wedding dress can be a bit overwhelming! It's best to start with the basics + know the different types of wedding dress silhouettes to begin to nail down your bridal style. It will save you time as you try on your favorite gowns and help your Luxe Redux stylist easily find wedding dresses that genuinely match your vision. Be sure to screenshot your favorites for inspo at your bridal appointment!
A-Line Wedding Dresses
A-line dresses are known for their fitted bodice and flowy skirt. These dresses are cinched at the waist and delicately flow out into a full skirt. This gives the dress the “A” shape [hence the name].
You might love an A-line dress if you love the ball gown effect, but want something a bit softer, romantic, and modern. A-line wedding dresses are universally flattering, complementing all body types! This silhouette works perfectly for bigger busted brides as the more dramatic skirt will balance out your upper area.
Ball Gown Wedding Dresses
What could be more classic than a ball gown? A ball gown wedding dress consists of a form-fitting bodice with a very large skirt. Normally, the skirt of a ball gown will have layers of tulle or crinoline underneath or require a hoop skirt to be worn for added volume.
You might love a ball gown wedding dress if you want to stride into your happily ever after like a princess! Ball gowns will accentuate your waistline and make it look tiny by contrasting the small, fitted look of the bodice with the larger skirt. This silhouette brings the volume, drama, and classic elements that can be styled in a vintage or modern way!
Drop Waist Wedding Dresses
Here's the scoop: drop waist bridal gowns are trending! This is a unique silhouette where the waistline of the gown is lowered several inches down from the natural waist. This style is available in a variety of silhouettes, including ball gowns, A-lines and sheaths and can be very similar to fit-and-flare styles, which also hug the upper body and flare near the hips. While a natural waist silhouette will have a skirt that begins at the narrowest part of the waist, the skirt of a drop waist wedding gown starts at the hips, which accentuates the entire torso and your curves.
You might love a drop waist wedding dress if you want to depart from more traditional styles with a fresh, cool factor. Leveraging the drop waist's elongating effect gives the body a smooth, beautiful shape. Drop waist wedding gowns highlight the curves and elongate the torso, making them stunning for those with an hourglass shape or a shorter torso.
Fit and Flare Wedding Dresses
Fit and flare encompasses many distinct silhouettes, including trumpet and mermaid, all sharing that they have a fitted bodice that flares out at the hips and thighs, creating a dramatic silhouette. This form-fitting silhouette hugs the body’s natural curves, making it a style that truly works for every body type. Fit and flare bridal gowns come in a variety of fabrics – from satin to crepe to lace, offering brides endless style options. Trumpet wedding dresses typically flare at the thigh, while mermaid bridal gowns flare at or below the knee.
You might love a fit and flare wedding dress if you If you want to accentuate your curves and create a feminine, romantic look! Fit and flare dresses are universally flattering by accentuating the bride’s curves and creating a balanced silhouette. They also can come in a variety of necklines, such as sweetheart, V-neck, and bateau. While sleeve options include strapless, off the shoulder, and long sleeves, to suit the bride’s taste and wedding theme.
Sheath Wedding Dresses
Short Wedding Dresses
Once reserved for courthouse nuptials or elopements, short wedding dresses are perfect for brides who dare to defy convention and showcase their personal style. LWWDs (little white wedding dresses) come in various lengths and styles, catering to different aesthetics and body types.
You might love a short wedding dress if the classic full-length wedding dress just isn’t your vibe, or you want something fun to wear as your second dress for the wedding reception! Short dresses have gained popularity for their modern and chic appeal, offering brides a unique alternative to traditional floor-length gowns. This shift reflects a desire for versatility and comfort, as brides embrace the freedom to move and dance with ease. With an array of styles to choose from, short wedding dresses provide brides with the opportunity to express their individuality and showcase their personal style on their wedding day.
Now that you know the basics, you’re ready to start shopping for your wedding dress! Out expert bridal stylists will have you try on each silhouette at your bridal appointment, so if you’re not exactly sure what you’re looking for, we’ll help you narrow it down!
