The 9 Wedding Dress Styles You Need to Know About
Advice 24.11.2021
The date's been finalised, the venue is booked and you know who's on the guest list. All you need to do now is find the perfect wedding dress. And it can feel overwhelming, can't it? Before you start searching, take a look at our wedding dress guide and the nine types of wedding dress styles you need to know about.
The wedding ballgown
If you want to feel like a princess on your wedding day, a ballgown wedding dress is an absolute must for that full fairy-tale experience. Fitted round the bodice and nipped in at the waist, the ballgown dress comes with a wide, full skirt with layers of petticoats and tulle to give it that famous belle of the ball look.
Ideal for nearly all body types and heights apart from brides with very petite frames, the ballgown is the classic wedding dress shape and always looks beautiful.
The A-line wedding dress
Not quite ready for a ballgown? The A-line wedding dress still has that flare from the waist but is a bit more ‘flowy’. It’s an easy to wear style that’s flattering on all body types, especially a pear shape, as it fits neatly round the bodice area before flaring gently out from the waist.
Probably the most popular style of wedding dress, the A-line wedding suits a range of fabrics too, including organza, lace tulle, and silk, and they’re often embellished with flowerers or beading to ramp up the style.
The mermaid wedding dress
Fitted around the bodice and the waist before flaring dramatically out at the knee, the fishtail or mermaid wedding dress is glamourous and memorable with more than a nod to the golden age of Hollywood.
Perfect for those with an hourglass figure who want to show off their curves, a mermaid dress will also create the illusion of curves for those brides who are naturally slim built or petite. Often made with extra tulle and ruching for even more wow factor.
The column wedding gown
The column or sheath dress is an elegant, easy to wear slim-fitting wedding gown that fits round the bodice and waist before falling straight to the floor with minimal flare.
The column dress comes in all kinds of fabrics and textures including lace, crepe and satin, and can be embellished with intricate beading or lace. A column dress looks particularly gorgeous on taller brides or those with a slim or athletic figures.
The trumpet wedding dress
Somewhere between an A-line and a mermaid dress, the trumpet or fit-and-flare dress has a fitted bodice and waist, and then softly flares out from the mid thigh area into a pool of material on the floor. It’s less dramatic than the mermaid, which flares out from the knee, but that makes it slightly more wearable.
Ideal for hourglass figures and slender body types, trumpet dresses look particularly stunning when made from fabrics that drape beautifully, such as satin, silk or chiffon.
The boho wedding dress
A boho wedding dress is the perfect choice for the bride who wants a relaxed, festival style wedding but still wants to look stylish.
Often long sleeved and made from layers of cotton lace, with embroidered flowers and bead embellishments, the boho wedding dress comes in a range of shapes and styles so it’s universally flattering. Pair your boho wedding dress with flowers in your hair for a truly romantic and whimsical look.
Wedding separates
A twist on the traditional wedding dress are separates, with a pretty decorated top matched with a full flowing skirt. The upside is you can swap the top out for something more sparkly in the evening. Or change the full skirt for something shorter for when you hit the dance floor.
And, of course, if you opt for separates, there’s a wider range of options to choose from, and you’re more likely to wear either piece again in the future.
Wedding jumpsuit or trouser suit
If you’re looking for something different and wearing a dress to your wedding doesn’t fill you with excitement, opt for a wedding jumpsuit or trouser suit instead and still look uber glamorous.
A jumpsuit is modern and fun. Choose a crepe jumpsuit for a sleek, minimal silhouette. Or wear a wide-legged silk trouser suit for a more relaxed look. And the best thing about a jumpsuit or trouser suit? They take you all the way from ceremony to the wedding celebration to the dance floor.
Short wedding dress
If a full-length dress is not your thing, a midi or tea dress length wedding dress can look chic and modern, and they’re ideal for any bride who wants a more relaxed vibe at their wedding. Short wedding dresses work on all body types too and particularly suit shorter brides who don’t want to feel swamped by a long frock.
The length is anywhere between the knee and mid-calf. And by opting for a short length, you have much more choice when it comes to buying your wedding dress. Plus, everyone gets to see your fabulous wedding shoes too.