The “silhouette” refers to the basic outline or overall shape of the gown. This is a good place to start when deciding on a gown because it will take into consideration your body shape and height.
It is recommended for petite figures because it can make a shorter bride appear taller and for full figured brides drawing attention away from their hips. The A-line, however, is not recommended for brides with a thick waist as the shape will draw attention there.
Recommended for: Petite, Full-Figured, Short Waist
Not recommended for: Thick Waist, Hourglass
Ball Gown: The full-skirted bridal gown swept into fashion with Queen Victoria’s wedding in 1840 and remains the favorite romantic silhouette. When girls dream of being a princess at their weddings this is the silhouette they see in their dreams. It’s elegant look is composed of a form fitting bodice, that leads down to a very full, floor length skirt. While the necklines and sleeves may vary, the silhouette remains classic. Like the A-line, the Ball gown flatters most figures. It is especially good at hiding large hips or no hips.
This shape is not recommended for petite brides as the full skirt can overwhelm or take away from the appearance of the bride.
Recommended for: Thin figure, Full Figure, Med – Tall Heights, Pear Shaped Figure
Not recommended for: Petite Figure
Mermaid: Curvaceous and VERY form fitting, this wedding dress style is typically for the very confident bride. Mermaid gowns hug the body rather tightly all the way down to your knees, where the dress flares out. It screams sophistication and elegance, yet can be chosen for a barefoot beach wedding or formal ball room affair. It has a distinctive diagonal cut on the skirt. For a bride wanting to accentuate her curvaceous figure, this dress is ideal.
Recommended for: Hourglass Figure
Not recommended for: Full Figure
Trumpet: Similar to the Mermaid in shape. Flares out higher on the leg. This silhouette is much easier to move in. Also called a Fit n Flare.
Recommended for: Hourglass Figure
Not recommended for: Full Figure
Sheath: Simple, sleek and elegant, a Sheath Style wedding gown can fall nearly straight down (sometimes referred to as “Column”) from the neckline to the hem, or it can hug your curves, accentuating your torso, waist and hips. This is the most popular wedding dress style for beach weddings, as well as other destination weddings. Highly recommended for those brides with a tall, well proportioned (thin) figure.
Recommended for: Thin Figure, Petite Figure
Not recommended for: Pear Shaped Figure, Full Figure
Design by Lannette 