Whether you opt for a formal, semi-formal or casual wedding, there are a myriad of wedding gown styles and details to choose from. So many, in fact, that it can seem a bit daunting when it comes time to choose the perfect gown for one of the most important days of your life.
The Ball Gown The ball gown style brings to mind the old tale of Cinderella and is perfect if you envision a fairy tale wedding. This silhouette pairs a fitted bodice with a full skirt that can either be one piece or separates, and has petticoats underneath to fill out the gown. This style is most appropriate for large, traditional and formal weddings.
The Column
or Sheath Gown The sheath dress has a narrow shape that flows straight down from the neckline to the hem. This style tends to hug the body and show all of your curves The column is appropriate for all types of weddings, from formal to informal.
The Mermaid Gown Similar to a column, a mermaid gown contours to the body from the chest to the knee, then flares out to the hem. This is a vivacious and dramatic look that highlights the curves of a woman’s body.
The A-Line or Princess Gown The A-line dress is characterized by a fitted shape around the bodice which flows out to the ground, resembling the outline of an uppercase A. The dress flows fluidly from the bust to the hem with an unbroken line. Due to its classic and simple style, the A-line dress is appropriate for any formality of wedding.
The Bias Cut Gown The fabric of a bias cut wedding gown is cut diagonally and is perfect for the tall bride. Because of the way they rest across the body, bias cut gowns have a definite slimming effect and are perfect for brides with slim to medium frames. This cut is not quite as flattering for pear-shaped or full-figured brides.
The Empire Gown An empire dress has a very high raised waistline which sits just below the bust. The rest of the dress flows down to the hem. This style is usually paired with a scoop neckline and wide set straps or sleeves. Like the A-line, the empire style is very versatile and can accommodate a wide range of formality.
Strapless Gown Either cut straight across, with a slight curve, or with a sweetheart neckline, the strapless wedding gown is a sleek and sophisticated silhouette for any bride, and is one of the most popular styles chosen by brides everywhere.
Spaghetti Strap Gown Designed to highlight a bride’s neck and shoulders, the spaghetti strap wedding gown is a contemporary and sexy style and tends to be a favorite among modern brides.
Off-Shoulder Gown Designed to accentuate a bride’s neck and collarbones, the off-shoulder wedding gown is a universally flattering silhouette that has a slight curve from shoulder to shoulder.
3/4 Sleeve Gown A classic and somewhat retro look is characteristic of the 3/4 sleeve wedding gown. With the sleeves ending midway between elbow and wrist, this is a perfect option for the bride who wishes to keep her arms covered, and pairs well with a variety of neckline styles.
Cap Sleeve Gown With shorter sleeves than the average T-shirt length, capped sleeves are gently rounded over the shoulders and are the perfect choice for a woman with well-toned arms.
T-Shirt Sleeve Gown The T-Shirt sleeve wedding gown is guaranteed to be comfortable, while at the same time being elegant in its simplicity. This is a wonderfully modest choice for those brides wishing to keep their arms and shoulders covered without wearing full or 3/4 sleeves.
Tank Bodice The tank style of wedding gown is most often paired with strapless or sleeveless tops. This style of bodice is suitable for all body types and can be paired with a variety of necklines and skirt lengths.
Princess Line Bodice This sleek and flattering bodice style has two vertical and parallel seams that run from the bustline to the lower hem. These princess-line seams are often reinforced with bone and create a slimming and lengthening look, while offering support at the same time. This style of wedding bodice is ideal for a short waist, yet flatters all body types.
Surplice Bodice A surplice bodice is characterized by cross-wrapped fabric either in the front or back of a wedding dress bodice. This dramatic look flatters all body types and creates a sense of draping across the torso.
Halter Bodice Similar to a spaghetti strap gown, the halter bodice has two straps which join together at the nape of the neck rather than over either shoulder blade. This sexy look accentuates the shoulders and pairs well with a variety of necklines.
Corset Bodice The corset has a long history in fashion, and although no one wears corsets on a daily basis as ladies of yore, any bride will tell you this supportive bodice is the perfect choice to emphasize your body’s curves. The tight laced fit of a corset will lift your bosom and shrink your waist, giving the perfect hourglass figure.
Drop Waist Bodice The drop waist bodice is a perfect option for the bride who wishes to lengthen her torso. The opposite of an empire waistline, it is characterized by a waistline which rests just above the hip region.
Sweetheart Neckline As its name indicates, the sweetheart neckline is characterized by a heart shaped curve hich sits just above the bustline. This neckline pairs well with a variety of sleeve styles from strapless to capped.
Scoop Neckline The classic nature of a scoop neckline’s U-shaped curve perfectly accentuates a bride’s collarbones and pairs well with many different sleeve styles from off-shoulder to 3/4 length sleeves. The scoop will most often continue across the back of a wedding dress as well as the front.
V-Neck Neckline As its name indicates, the V-Neck wedding gown features a v shape that runs from shoulder to cleavage. The versatility of this look allows anything from a modest and subtle dip to a sexy, plunging neckline.
Jewel Neckline Similar to the cut of a t-shirt, the jewel neckline is high and round, sitting just at the base of a bride’s throat. This modest look affords the most coverage and pairs well with many different sleeve styles from strapless to full-length.
Halter Bodice Similar to a spaghetti strap gown, the halter bodice has two straps which join together at the nape of the neck rather than over either shoulder blade. This sexy look accentuates the shoulders and pairs well with a variety of necklines.
Portrait Neckline The portrait neckline curves slightly from one shoulder to another and pairs best with an off-shoulder sleeve. It’s the perfect choice for a bride wishing to accentuate her upper shoulders and collarbones, while still maintaining a certain amount of modesty.
Bateau Neckline This relatively straight neckline sweeps gently across the curve of a bride’s collarbones and comes to subtle points at the top of either shoulder. Also known as Sabrina necklines, the bateau is a perfect choice for brides with small busts, because it enhances the bustline.
Off-Shoulder Gown Designed to accentuate a bride’s neck and collarbones, the off-shoulder wedding gown is a universally flattering silhouette that has a slight curve from shoulder to shoulder.
Watteau Train Pronounced ‘wa toe’, this single-paneled train attaches to the wedding dress at the shoulders or upper back, and will either fall the length of your wedding dress or extend behind for a more formal look.
Court Train The court wedding train is slightly longer than a sweep train and significantly less lengthy and formal than the chapel or cathedral train. A court train typically extends about three feet from your waist and is a great option for most weddings.
Sweep Train The sweep wedding train is the shortest and least formal of all wedding train styles, and as its name indicates, it barely ‘sweeps’ the floor behind your wedding gown. Because of its shortness, the sweep train is the most versatile train a bride can choose.
Chapel Train The chapel wedding train extends approximately five feet from the waist of a bride’s wedding dress and, while being less lengthy than royal or cathedral trains, will nonetheless make a dramatic statement at any wedding.
Cathedral Train The cathedral wedding train is a bold and dramatic statement for any traditional or formal wedding, because it extends approximately seven feet from the bride’s waist onto the floor behind her. With this type of train, it’s a good idea to have a few pages or junoir bridesmaids ready to hold it behind you as you walk down the aisle.
Royal Train The longest and most dramatic of all wedding trains, the royal train easily extends a minimum of ten feet behind a bride’s waist. This style of wedding train is most appropriate for the grandest of weddings where the bride intends to make a statement.
There is no doubt that a bride’s choice of wedding dress sets the entire theme and mood of the wedding. However, keep in mind that it’s also important that you feel at ease in your gown and will experience a minimal amount of physical restriction throughout your wedding day. With that in mind, we have a breakdown of wedding dess styles here for you to choose from. The basic gown silhouettes can be paired with multiple styles of sleeves, trains and necklines – so have fun and choose something spectacular!
WEDDING DRESS SILHOUETTES
The Ball Gown The ball gown style brings to mind the old tale of Cinderella and is perfect if you envision a fairy tale wedding. This silhouette pairs a fitted bodice with a full skirt that can either be one piece or separates, and has petticoats underneath to fill out the gown. This style is most appropriate for large, traditional and formal weddings.The Columnor Sheath Gown The sheath dress has a narrow shape that flows straight down from the neckline to the hem. This style tends to hug the body and show all of your curves The column is appropriate for all types of weddings, from formal to informal.
The Mermaid Gown Similar to a column, a mermaid gown contours to the body from the chest to the knee, then flares out to the hem. This is a vivacious and dramatic look that highlights the curves of a woman’s body.The A-Line or Princess Gown The A-line dress is characterized by a fitted shape around the bodice which flows out to the ground, resembling the outline of an uppercase A. The dress flows fluidly from the bust to the hem with an unbroken line. Due to its classic and simple style, the A-line dress is appropriate for any formality of wedding.The Bias Cut Gown The fabric of a bias cut wedding gown is cut diagonally and is perfect for the tall bride. Because of the way they rest across the body, bias cut gowns have a definite slimming effect and are perfect for brides with slim to medium frames. This cut is not quite as flattering for pear-shaped or full-figured brides.The Empire Gown An empire dress has a very high raised waistline which sits just below the bust. The rest of the dress flows down to the hem. This style is usually paired with a scoop neckline and wide set straps or sleeves. Like the A-line, the empire style is very versatile and can accommodate a wide range of formality.WEDDING SLEEVE STYLES
Strapless Gown Either cut straight across, with a slight curve, or with a sweetheart neckline, the strapless wedding gown is a sleek and sophisticated silhouette for any bride, and is one of the most popular styles chosen by brides everywhere.Spaghetti Strap Gown Designed to highlight a bride’s neck and shoulders, the spaghetti strap wedding gown is a contemporary and sexy style and tends to be a favorite among modern brides.Off-Shoulder Gown Designed to accentuate a bride’s neck and collarbones, the off-shoulder wedding gown is a universally flattering silhouette that has a slight curve from shoulder to shoulder.3/4 Sleeve Gown A classic and somewhat retro look is characteristic of the 3/4 sleeve wedding gown. With the sleeves ending midway between elbow and wrist, this is a perfect option for the bride who wishes to keep her arms covered, and pairs well with a variety of neckline styles.Cap Sleeve Gown With shorter sleeves than the average T-shirt length, capped sleeves are gently rounded over the shoulders and are the perfect choice for a woman with well-toned arms.T-Shirt Sleeve Gown The T-Shirt sleeve wedding gown is guaranteed to be comfortable, while at the same time being elegant in its simplicity. This is a wonderfully modest choice for those brides wishing to keep their arms and shoulders covered without wearing full or 3/4 sleeves.WEDDING BODICE OPTIONS
Tank Bodice The tank style of wedding gown is most often paired with strapless or sleeveless tops. This style of bodice is suitable for all body types and can be paired with a variety of necklines and skirt lengths.Princess Line Bodice This sleek and flattering bodice style has two vertical and parallel seams that run from the bustline to the lower hem. These princess-line seams are often reinforced with bone and create a slimming and lengthening look, while offering support at the same time. This style of wedding bodice is ideal for a short waist, yet flatters all body types.Surplice Bodice A surplice bodice is characterized by cross-wrapped fabric either in the front or back of a wedding dress bodice. This dramatic look flatters all body types and creates a sense of draping across the torso.Halter Bodice Similar to a spaghetti strap gown, the halter bodice has two straps which join together at the nape of the neck rather than over either shoulder blade. This sexy look accentuates the shoulders and pairs well with a variety of necklines.Corset Bodice The corset has a long history in fashion, and although no one wears corsets on a daily basis as ladies of yore, any bride will tell you this supportive bodice is the perfect choice to emphasize your body’s curves. The tight laced fit of a corset will lift your bosom and shrink your waist, giving the perfect hourglass figure.Drop Waist Bodice The drop waist bodice is a perfect option for the bride who wishes to lengthen her torso. The opposite of an empire waistline, it is characterized by a waistline which rests just above the hip region.WEDDING NECKLINE OPTIONS
Sweetheart Neckline As its name indicates, the sweetheart neckline is characterized by a heart shaped curve hich sits just above the bustline. This neckline pairs well with a variety of sleeve styles from strapless to capped.Scoop Neckline The classic nature of a scoop neckline’s U-shaped curve perfectly accentuates a bride’s collarbones and pairs well with many different sleeve styles from off-shoulder to 3/4 length sleeves. The scoop will most often continue across the back of a wedding dress as well as the front.V-Neck Neckline As its name indicates, the V-Neck wedding gown features a v shape that runs from shoulder to cleavage. The versatility of this look allows anything from a modest and subtle dip to a sexy, plunging neckline.Jewel Neckline Similar to the cut of a t-shirt, the jewel neckline is high and round, sitting just at the base of a bride’s throat. This modest look affords the most coverage and pairs well with many different sleeve styles from strapless to full-length.Halter Bodice Similar to a spaghetti strap gown, the halter bodice has two straps which join together at the nape of the neck rather than over either shoulder blade. This sexy look accentuates the shoulders and pairs well with a variety of necklines.Portrait Neckline The portrait neckline curves slightly from one shoulder to another and pairs best with an off-shoulder sleeve. It’s the perfect choice for a bride wishing to accentuate her upper shoulders and collarbones, while still maintaining a certain amount of modesty.Bateau Neckline This relatively straight neckline sweeps gently across the curve of a bride’s collarbones and comes to subtle points at the top of either shoulder. Also known as Sabrina necklines, the bateau is a perfect choice for brides with small busts, because it enhances the bustline.Off-Shoulder Gown Designed to accentuate a bride’s neck and collarbones, the off-shoulder wedding gown is a universally flattering silhouette that has a slight curve from shoulder to shoulder.BRIDAL TRAIN LENGTHS
Watteau Train Pronounced ‘wa toe’, this single-paneled train attaches to the wedding dress at the shoulders or upper back, and will either fall the length of your wedding dress or extend behind for a more formal look.Court Train The court wedding train is slightly longer than a sweep train and significantly less lengthy and formal than the chapel or cathedral train. A court train typically extends about three feet from your waist and is a great option for most weddings.Sweep Train The sweep wedding train is the shortest and least formal of all wedding train styles, and as its name indicates, it barely ‘sweeps’ the floor behind your wedding gown. Because of its shortness, the sweep train is the most versatile train a bride can choose.Chapel Train The chapel wedding train extends approximately five feet from the waist of a bride’s wedding dress and, while being less lengthy than royal or cathedral trains, will nonetheless make a dramatic statement at any wedding.Cathedral Train The cathedral wedding train is a bold and dramatic statement for any traditional or formal wedding, because it extends approximately seven feet from the bride’s waist onto the floor behind her. With this type of train, it’s a good idea to have a few pages or junoir bridesmaids ready to hold it behind you as you walk down the aisle.Royal Train The longest and most dramatic of all wedding trains, the royal train easily extends a minimum of ten feet behind a bride’s waist. This style of wedding train is most appropriate for the grandest of weddings where the bride intends to make a statement.Shop for Country Wedding Dresses
