Silhouettes

There are 5 basic wedding gown silhouettes to consider.

A-Line:
A-line dresses are fitted around the bodice and flow outward to the ground, resembling the shape of an uppercase A. There is no marked waist or other cuts in the structure of the gown. A-line gowns can be short (above the knee) or flow all the way to the ground and include a long train. A-line dresses are ideal for many body types. The long, continuous lines elongate a shorter bride. The A-line skirt slims and hides a heavier lower body

Ball Gown:
Ball gowns will remind you of fairy tales. The bodice is fitted and the skirt is very full. These type of gowns are very formal. Ball gowns come with a variety of different necklines and sleeve lengths - including sleeveless. Ball gowns can be worn with or without a train. Ball gowns are best for slender figures or pear-shapes, as the full skirt hides large hips and thighs.

Sheath (Column):
The column wedding dress has a very slim shape that flows straight down from neckline to hemline. These type of gowns are normally floor length and can be worn at casual or extravagant weddings, depending on the fabric. Column gowns are best for thin brides. The straight design does not allow to hide many body flaws. This kind of dress looks especially nice on short, lean women, as it elongates their silhouette.

Mermaid:
The mermaid dress looks exactly as the name indicates. The dress is contoured against the body all the way to the knee. Then the gown flares out to the hem. This style is considered the sexiest of the five basic wedding gown types. Because it hugs the body, you must be very confident to wear this style. The mermaid gown is normally worn by slender women. However if you love your curvy figure and want to flaunt it, this dress may be for you.

Empire:
The empire gown has a raised waistline that begins right below the bust. From there, the dress flows toward outward to the floor. Traditionally, the empire dress has a square neckline. This design is very versatile and comes in a variety of skirt styles from contouring to A-shape. Sleeves vary from sleeveless to flowing, bell styles. Empire dresses can be worn at outdoor, casual weddings, as well as fancy church affairs. Though it is nice for any body type, the empire gown is especially fitting for small breasted women.

Necklines
There are a number of standard neckline choices you will be able to pick from. Here are a list of the common terms used and what they mean.

Bateau:
Sometimes called a Boot or Sabrina neckline, the neckline runs straight across the collarbone from one shoulder to the other.

Halter:
The halter wraps around the back of the neck, creating deep armholes. The halter is often paired with a backless style, creating a very sexy look.

Off-The-Shoulder:
As the name implies, this neckline sits below the shoulders, showcasing a woman's collarbone and shoulders, while sleeves cover part of the upper arm. This neckline flatters almost all figures.

Portrait:
The Portrait neckline is similar to an off-the-shoulder style but additional fabric covers the shoulders. The portrait neckline is characterized by a wide, soft scoop from the tip of one shoulder to the tip of the other.

Scoop:
The classic scoop is a U-shaped neckline, and flatters almost all body types. For a sexier look, it can be cut low. The scoop will often continue on the back of the dress.

Strapless:
A strapless gown has absolutely no straps or sleeves. You will usually find strapless gowns to have a straight cut bodice, a slight scoop bodice or a sweetheart bodice.

Sweetheart:
Shaped like the top half of a heart, the sweetheart neckline's ability to accentuate makes it a great option for fuller-breasted women.

Jewel:
Similar to an actual T-shirt, the jewel neckline is round and sits at the base of the throat. This neckline creates a bustier look.

V-Neck:
This neckline dips in the front into a V-shape. Since it de-emphasizes the bustline, this neckline is good for B or C cups.

Waistlines
There are 5 basic waistlines you will find while searching for your dream wedding dress.

Natural Waist:
Basically, this is a waistline that sits at the same level as your natural waist.

Dropped Waist:
A Dropped waist is lower than the natural waistline. Dropped waists are very popular because they are slimming, which adds length to the silhouette. A dropped waistline can be anywhere from an inch below the waist or even lower on some of the more dramatic styles!

Princess Cut:
This is another popular choice because it refers to a gown without a defined waistline which is a very nice, elegant look.

Basque:
A Basque waistline generally starts at the natural waist on the sides and then dips into a V in the front. Some will from a corset style U instead.

Empire:
An empire waistline starts just below the bust line.