This article is part of our Ultimate Wedding Dress Shopping Guide.
One of the most exciting moments you will experience as a bride is when you start looking for your dream wedding dress. At True Society, we want to ensure you have an incredible bridal shopping experience. Our talented True Crew pulled together some tips and advice to help you narrow down your search and find the ideal silhouette for your big day.
Knowing some basic wedding dress silhouettes will be helpful during your research and appointment. It will save you time as you try on your favorite gowns and help your True Crew stylist easily find wedding dresses that genuinely match your vision. Read on for our comprehensive guide to different wedding dress silhouettes so that you feel confident going into your shopping experience.
What is a Wedding Dress Silhouette?
A wedding dress silhouette is the overall shape of the dress. It is an essential part of your bridal gown design that will accentuate your figure.
The most popular wedding dress silhouettes include A-line, ballgown, fit-and-flare, mermaid and sheath. Read on to discover the features and characteristics of each of these bridal styles.
Different Wedding Dress Silhouettes
Ballgown Wedding Dress Silhouette
Are you ready to embrace your inner royal? Then, the classic ballgown silhouette is for you. Ballgowns are fitted through your natural waist or hip and flare out dramatically for a dazzling yet timeless effect. Voluminous skirts juxtaposed by a form-fitting bodice are the trademark of a ballgown. The contrast from bodice to skirt is flattering on most body types.
Voluminous drama is the best way to describe Martina Liana Style 1465! A ballgown wedding dress with layers upon layers of tulle that deliver incredible twirl-worthy moments for brides on their wedding day. Whether you’re saying, “I do,” performing your first dance or taking formal portraits with your partner — a ballgown is a classic and fun choice.
A-line Wedding Dress Silhouette
A universally loved wedding dress style, A-line wedding dresses are great for brides who want a grand moment without the volume of a ballgown. This silhouette remains fitted until the waist where it flares out into a soft A-shape, hence the name.
A-line silhouettes are elegant, versatile and timeless, allowing brides to display an effortless glam vibe on their wedding day. They hug all the right places, especially the waist area, creating a slimmer waistline while flattering the bust. An A-line silhouette is complementary because of its overall slimming effect.
Essense of Australia Style D3570 features a sophisticated A-line silhouette with a runway-worthy structural feel. A chic one-shoulder sleeve wraps into the pleated sweetheart bodice for a modern off-the-shoulder look. The elegant A-line skirt is constructed of matte Mikado and features a hidden split in the luxe skirt, adding a demure yet sexy allure.
Fit-and-Flare Wedding Dress Silhouette
A fit-and-flare silhouette highlights the waist, skims over the hips and flares into a wider shape. It is similar to, and sometimes confused with, a mermaid silhouette — but the most significant difference is in the bodice. In the fit-and-flare style, the gown’s bodice is straight and fits naturally, while the mermaid style features a fitted bodice that closely curves along the body shape. Fit-and-flare wedding dresses are for brides who want to feel beautiful, comfortable AND sexy on their big day.
This fit-and-flare wedding dress from Essense of Australia Style D3488 was made to turn heads with its effortless elegance and demure seductiveness. The fitted bodice is adorned with lace detailing and features a plunging sweetheart neckline. The soft skirt flares out flawlessly into a lace-trimmed scalloped fishtail finish for a chic, eye-catching and unforgettable look.
Mermaid Wedding Dress Silhouette
For the bombshell bride who wants a sexy look for their big day, the mermaid silhouette never disappoints. This curve-hugging bridal style is fitted through the bust, waist and hips and dramatically flares out at the knee. The result is a stunning mermaid-tail effect that showcases your lovely figure. The mermaid style bridal gown is known to emphasize the waist and hips.
The trumpet silhouette is a common variation of the mermaid. Both silhouettes are similar in style, but the skirt in the trumpet silhouette usually starts at mid-thigh while the mermaid skirt flares out further below, at knee level.
This mermaid silhouette from Martina Liana Style 1611 is for brides who want to feel sexy and glamorous on their wedding day. The curve-hugging fitted gown with off-the-shoulder straps. The voluminous skirt with layers of gentle tulle flares dramatically above the knee and flows into a full train, delivering a truly ethereal walk down the aisle.
Sheath Wedding Dress Silhouette
The sheath silhouette is a timeless choice for brides who want an elegant, sleek look on their wedding day. This slim silhouette hugs your body and falls straight to the floor. It is exceptionally comfortable to wear and delivers sophistication, glamour and elegance all at once.
With a chic vibe, Stella York Style 7582 is a minimalist, sheath gown for brides who want a modern and sexy look on their wedding day. The sleek column silhouette is accented with an on-trend cowl neckline, spaghetti straps and sheer illusion tulle. The bodice, sides and back of the gown are highlighted with intricate boning, giving the dress added glamour.
The back of the gown features delicate buttons that lead down to a simple yet luxurious train. Whether you’re walking down the aisle or making your grand entrance at your reception, this dress will deliver a comfortable fit with a sophisticated vibe.
Is it Possible to Alter a Gown’s Silhouette?
It is possible to change the shape of dresses, but often it is more expensive than just purchasing a whole new dress. It is important to consult with a professional seamstress or tailor to see if your dream dress can be turned into the ideal silhouette for you. With the help of a skilled professional, you can make sure that your gown fits like a glove on your big day!
You might also want to consider our couture Martina Liana and Martina Liana Luxe labels which offer dress customizations, such as mix and match, where their custom Design Team combines the bodice of one dress and the skirt of the other so you can get the best of both worlds in one amazing custom dress.
Customizing your wedding dress upfront helps you achieve design changes that may not be up to factory-production standards if done by a seamstress. It also allows you to have a truly one-of-a-kind gown that’s produced as such, rather than it being altered after the fact. Not only will you be able to wear a dress that is unique to you, but you will also get that couture fashion experience based on your personal bridal style and design features.
Have you decided on your favorite gown silhouettes yet? Reserve your appointment today and talk to our True Crew about all the amazing choices we have for you at True Society. Availability varies per store.
