Finding your dream wedding dress is one of the most anticipated moments during the process of planning your wedding. Endless cuts, fabrics and design elements make each dress unique. Make sure you do some research beforehand to find which wedding dress style will suit you the best.
Before showing up at your first wedding dress appointment, you’ll feel well prepared if you establish the silhouettes that complement your body type the best. Then, keeping the season and your wedding theme in mind, personalize your wedding dress with fabric and design elements that fit your personality.
Once you have a few ideas in mind, be prepared to show examples to the stylist at your wedding dress appointment. They will help bring your visualizations to life until you find the one that you can imagine yourself wearing every moment of your wedding day, from walking down the aisle to your wedding send off.
Since it’s suggested to begin the search for your wedding dress at least eight to twelve months ahead of time, remember to send your save the dates around the same time as you’re wedding dress shopping so your guests can mark their calendars.
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Sort through wedding dress styles to find the one that suits your body type and personal style. Then determine the fabrics and embellishments that you love to help you envision your perfect dream wedding dress.
A-line
A-line wedding dresses have a fitted bodice, which accentuates the narrowest part of your waist while the skirt flows outwards creating the shape of an “A.” The A-line silhouette is flattering for all body types and is a fitting style regardless of what kind of wedding you’re having—from traditional to modern.
Ball gown
The ball gown will transform your wedding day into a real-life fairytale. Fit for royalty, the ball gown wedding dress silhouette will work for most body types but is the best fit for pear-shaped brides. If you’re petite, be wary of wearing a full skirt as it can overpower your small frame.
Drop waist
Channel your inner flapper girl and opt for a drop waist dress that will transport your wedding look back to the ‘20s. A drop waist wedding dress fits snug from the shoulders to the hips and slightly flares below the waist, but is far less dramatic than the trumpet or mermaid silhouette. This is best for slender brides with smaller hips who are looking to show off their long legs.
Empire
Empire waist wedding dresses hug the body just below the breast line, drawing attention to the upper body while allowing the rest of the fabric to naturally flow to the ground. Empire dresses complement full-figured brides who want to accentuate the bust, but have a comfortable gown that allows the fabric to fall loosely over their hips.
Jumpsuits
For brides who know wearing a wedding dress just doesn’t suit their personality, jumpsuits are the perfect alternative. Jumpsuits are an emerging trend in bridal attire—even classic wedding designers are on board and since they can be tailored flawlessly to fit a bride’s size and shape, they are perfect for nearly every body type.
Mermaid
Mermaid wedding dresses hug the curves of the body and flare just above the knee—perfect for a bride who wants to flaunt their glamorous curves. The silhouette of this dress can be tailored to perfectly highlight the hourglass or triangle shape of the bride.
Short
If you’re looking for a less traditional wedding dress, cropping the hemline is a great option for brides who have broader shoulders and smaller hips and legs. Not only does it give you the opportunity to show off your shapely ankles and striking wedding shoes, but it’s also perfect for a full night of dancing.
Sheath
Also known as a column dress, a sheath wedding dress is perfect for the bride with a slim physique who wants to effortlessly display their natural curves. The simple silhouette flows straight down from top to bottom, which can be dressed up with eye-popping embellishments or kept plain for a simpler look.
Trumpet
Often confused with the dramatic mermaid style, trumpet wedding dresses hug the body and gradually flare from mid-thigh to the floor. This silhouette is perfect for brides who want to show off their curves. Alternatively, if you’re looking to create an illusion of curves, opt for a trumpet dress with details at the hips and chest.
Two piece
Although a modern trend, a two-piece wedding dress can be styled in a number of ways to feature traditional elements. Whether you want to show a little skin or slightly layer the top to hang over the skirt, the two-piece style can be tailored to mirror exactly what you envision. As expected, this wedding dress style highlights the waist, so it’s perfect for those with hourglass figures.
You don’t need to religiously watch wedding dress television shows and study Pinterest boards to find the perfect wedding dress. If you set expectations before your first appointment, you’ll feel confident on the day of. Check out these tips to feel well prepared when it’s time to search for your dream dress:
- Schedule your appointment at the right time: Weekend afternoons is a common time for brides to shop for their wedding dress. Try scheduling your appointment in the morning on a weekday. That way, you’ll have a more attentive staff and won’t feel rushed.
- Don’t go over your budget: Make sure that you don’t try on any dresses that are above your maximum budget. Make sure to also factor in tailoring and accessories such as your veil, jewelry and shoes.
- Wear the right undergarments: Wear nude underwear and a strapless bra if you’re interested in wedding dresses with an open or low back. To make things easier, consider bringing sticky bra instead.
- Bring heels: The bridal boutique typically has heels for you to borrow, but you’ll feel more comfortable if you bring heels in your size and desired height.
- Know your silhouette: Before you arrive at your wedding dress appointment, make sure you have an idea of what silhouette matches your body type the best. Although your stylist will have recommendations, it’s helpful to already have examples of dresses that work.
- Embrace your shape: Regardless of your body shape, you will find a wedding dress that will look perfect on you. Embrace your body and flaunt your best asset.
- Don’t worry about the size: Bridal gowns run much larger than regular clothing, so focus on the style rather than what size reads on the label. All dresses will be altered to be custom-fit for you.
- Be cognizant of alterations: Focus on the style and silhouette of the dress rather than how it fits during your appointment. Your dress will be altered to fit every curve of your body.
- Test the comfort: Make sure that you will be comfortable in this dress for your entire wedding day. If you can bust out your favorite dance move and easily sit, then it passes the test.
- Test the bustle: If you plan to have a long train, remember that most of the time it will be bustled on your wedding day. When you’re at your wedding dress appointment, learn how to properly bustle the dress and see if you still like the style.
- Bring your camera: Have your family and friends take pictures of you wearing your top picks. That way, if you leave empty-handed, you’ll still be able to refer to the silhouettes you liked the best. If you did find the perfect wedding dress, you’ll want to show a picture to any close friends or family who couldn’t make it to the appointment.
- Don’t rely on other people’s opinions: Trust your instincts and find a dress that you love. Sometimes your family and friend’s opinions can be overwhelming, but just remember that it’s you and your significant other’s wedding day, so it’s all up to you.
- Don’t second guess your decision: You’ll likely pick out your wedding dress months in advance, so you might get anxious about the one you’ve selected beforehand. If that happens, just remember the incredible feeling you had when you tried it on.
With these styles, design elements and tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to falling for a wedding dress that you will absolutely love. Whether your wedding has a luxurious bohemian theme or timeless outdoor look, the dress will tie it all together.
