So you’ve found the person you’re going to spend the rest of your life with. That’s great! Now another search begins — the search for the ideal wedding dress. Our post on ‘Avoid Those Wedding Day Pitfalls’ previously noted that you shouldn’t rush any aspect of your wedding in order to make sure it goes off without a hitch. That rings true even with dress shopping. You have to be careful with the process, so you can look perfect on the big day.
To help you out, here is a quick guide on different wedding dress silhouettes:
A-Line
Arguably the most popular silhouette, the A-line cut is universally flattering as it complements pretty much all body types. It’s a silhouette that remains fitted until the waist, and from there, it flares out into a beautiful A-shape, hence the name. It hugs you in all the right places, and is most suitable for pear-shaped or curvy brides. Bridal designer Karan Berry says that since an A-line gown hugs the waist area, it creates a slimmer waistline while flattering the bust. For petite brides, A-line dresses can make them look taller thanks to the overall slimming effect.
Sheath
If you’re on the petite side, you should pick a silhouette that emphasizes your best features, and there’s no better option than the sheath dress. In fact, it’s regarded as the most ideal dress type for petite women. Pretty Me’s guide for the best dresses for petites details how the sheath dress fits, straight and tight silhouette eliminates the unwanted bulk and instead highlights the shape of your body. It follows the rule of thirds, which requires that the division of spaces is 1/3 at the top and 2/3 at the bottom. Sheath dresses achieve this, making it the most aesthetically pleasing silhouette for petite frames. It creates the perfect proportion and makes you look taller and leaner too.
Ball Gown
If you want to feel like royalty at your wedding, opting for a ball gown is the way to go. It’s a glamorous and classic option for brides, with its full-length style that features a fitted bodice and full skirt. The Trendspotter points out that due to its large skirt, the ball gown can create the appearance of a tiny waist. It also suits all body shapes, but only if the fullness of the skirt balances your height and size. You don’t want to drown in swathes of fabric, so it’s best to keep the embellishments at a minimum.
Tea Length
Most brides prefer floor-length dresses, but if you want to stand out from the pack and try out something new, you may want to opt for the tea-length silhouette. It sits just by your ankle, making it the perfect middle ground between a traditional style and being trendy. It helps that it has a touch of vintage charm as well. Brides who choose this type of dress typically have an intimate ceremony, a brunch wedding, or a simple registry. The best part? You can wear it on a bunch of other different occasions after your wedding.
Column
Now if you want to showcase your figure, a slim-fitting dress with a column silhouette may be your best bet. It subtly hugs the body, accentuating your waist and hips. Tall and lean brides tend to look best in this style. If you have a straight body type, this silhouette would also look great, provided that you also wear a waistline or sash. It’s also worth noting that if you have difficulty walking in tight dresses, you can still opt for this style but consider one with a split.
Specially written for nbweddingguide.com
By: Rebekah Jalyn
