Common Wedding Gown Silhouettes
So many shapes, so little time
Not that you needed anything else to decide on during an already stressful wedding planning process, but did you know that there are A LOT of common wedding gown silhouettes? Understanding what they are can help you walk into the boutique armed with the knowledge that may aid in your decision-making.
A-Line
A super common and popular shape for a reason, the A-line can look great on almost any body shape, including embellished styles. It hugs the body from the shoulders down to the waist, mimicking a capital A, hence the name.
Best on Apple, Rectangle, Hourglass
Ballgown
Truly the Swiss Army Knife of the gown shape, this is a go-to for most body shapes. The ballgown takes the A-line and builds on it with a fuller skirt.
Best on Apple, Pear, Diamond, Rectangle, Hourglass
Empire
An Empire-style gown has a waistline that is just below the bust, with a fuller skirt that flows from that point down. This style of gown was popularized during the Napoleonic Empire of France, hence the name. It’s also an ideal fit for girls looking for a Bridgerton moment during their weddings.
Best on Pear, Rectangle
Mermaid
This figure-hugging shape contours the body from the chest to the knees, then widens out onto the floor, giving this style of dress a lot of drama.
Best on Pear, Diamond
Trumpet
Similar to the mermaid, a trumpet-shaped gown is fitted from the chest to the mid-thigh, thus making it a bit more comfortable for those brides who aren’t into shapewear.
Best on Pear, Diamond
Column
The column and the sheath are NOT the same, although they may appear as such to the untrained eye. A column dress is a plain, straight-lined gown that is awesome for brides ready to showcase a slender frame.
Best on Diamond
Sheath
A sheath, on the other hand, usually has a design that flows from top to bottom and is ideal for petite or short brides since the consistent pattern can add height.
Best on Diamond
Not to Complicate Things…
There are some dresses that will combine elements of one or two gowns, making it all the more difficult to know if it could be a good contender for THE ONE. That’s where concierge styling can really come into play—we can help you determine the shape of the dress and if it should be added to your shortlist!