Choosing a wedding gown can be a stressful experience for many brides. It is essential to select a timeless dress that will still look elegant when sharing wedding albums with children and grandchildren in years to come. The best way to start off the selection process is to understand your body type, the cuts and styles that best suit your figure. This can help you make the right decision. Here is our selection of the classic bridal gowns for you to decide which one is your style.
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Ball Gown
This classic bridal design has a fitted bodice, trim waist and a full, floating skirt. The waist is often accentuated with embellishments and multi-layered skirts in tulle or taffeta give it a fairy princess appearance.
Perfect Fit for
It best suits women with boyish figures as it can give the illusion of curves. It’s a very feminine design, and if you want to enhance this side of your personality, don’t hesitate going for it. However, it’s best for petite brides to avoid this silhouette type, otherwise they would risk disappearing in a fluffy gown.
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Mermaid
If you’re after a very sensual, stylish and sexy look, don’t miss this style. The mermaid cut closely hugs the bust, waist and hips and then flares out below the knees, accentuating natural body curves. This mermaid pattern can come in various styles from the strapless, to trumpet flare to even flamenco.
Perfect Fit for
Brides with an hourglass figure will look fabulous in mermaid dress as it contours and accentuates curves. However, This style does not always flatter the pear shaped woman as it can lead to an unbalanced silhouette. If you favor comfort more than the silhouette, than mermaid cut is also out of choice, as it can restrain movement.
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Column/Sheath
This elegant design naturally fits the bride’s figure and does not flare. The skirt is straight and does not contour the waist so for those who want to accentuate the waistline it’s better to avoid this design.
Perfect Fit for
It gives the illusion of a longer silhouette and is well suited for petite women. Column cut is also a perfect fit for women with a sleek figure. A svelte, lean body type is flattered by sheath dresses, whereas fuller figures should look for designs with flared skirts.
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Drop Waist
The elongated bodice of this dress hugs the bust, waist and hips and then flares slightly below the hips.
Perfect Fit for
Brides who want to accentuate a trim waist and full hips should consider this style. It’s a good choice for pear-shaped and hourglass figure types. Women with boxy figures should avoid this cut as it will not create additional curves.
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A-Line
This timeless style flatters almost any body shape. The bodice is fitted tightly around the bust and then flares into an A-shaped skirt above the waist. The line of the dress is unbroken, and the effect is flowing and graceful. The eye is drawn to the length of the dress, and it will slim almost any figure.
Perfect Fit for
Brides who want a classic, girlish style will be attracted to this dress while those looking for something sexier should seek a figure-hugging silhouette.
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Trumpet
Similar to the mermaid, this design is closely fitted through the bust, waist and hips and then flairs gradually from mid-hip to the floor.
Perfect Fit for
It suits full-figured women who want to flaunt their curves. It is slightly less constricting than the mermaid style, so brides who want to dance the night away might consider this option.
When shopping for a wedding gown, try to identify the features you want to accentuate and those you want to play down and choose a dress accordingly. A well-made dress can give a petite figure the illusion of height, a boyish figure a curvy silhouette or show off an hourglass shape to its full effect. Every woman wants to feel like a princess on her wedding day, and the right dress for her body type can make this a reality. So what will your wedding gown look like?
If you like this article, you may want to visit How to Be a Perfect Bride on your Wedding Day.
