[TooCute]

Choosing a wedding dress is probably one of the most time consuming and difficult things for a bride to do. There are so many styles to choose from that it can be quite overwhelming. When you break it all down, there are basically 5 choices, the A-Line or Princess, Empire, Column, Ball Gown and Mermaid.

A-Line or Princess Style

This is a great dress that is suitable for most body types. The way the dress is made gives the impression of height and is good for the bride who wishes to look taller. The cut also helps to make the bride look slimmer which is a bonus. The style means that there is a full skirt and the whole dress is very versatile. It accentuates the best bits of your body and hides the others!

Empire

This is a very good dress again for most body types but especially good for those women with a smaller bust or those with a larger bust. This is because the dress brings the focus of attention to around the neckline. With some jewellery here, the effect is increased and the neckline becomes the centre of attention.

Column

The column style dress is quite well fitting and is more suitable for the slimmer lady. It is not the most forgiving so if you have body areas that are perhaps a little larger than you are happy with, this dress will not do well to hid it. Due to the hugging nature of the dress, it will make the bride look taller, the downside is that it can be a little harder to move in!

Ball Gown

This style of dress is good for the slimmer bride and also for those who do not wish to show off the leg area too much. The way the dress fans out at the bottom does not show off the legs at all but the centre of focus if at the upper half of the body. This style is also probably not best suited to shorter women as it can look proportionally unequal.

Mermaid

This style of dress is best suited to the slender bride as it does show off the figure and does not look flattering for those who do not enjoy their body curves. There are a range of styles to choose form and you can see if there is one for you.

Just remember that once you have decided upon your dress, you need to invest in the proper dress storage box for it otherwise you risk ruining your investment in many years time through fabric degradation.

[rdtravis]

Hmm Actually there are more than 5. I drew mine, but have yet to have it made. I drew it in Junior High. Very detailed. It is a mix of well Different midevil history parts, as is the brides maid dresses. I went along the lines of the Italian Renisances/Medicie style.

[relationshipworld]

I always buy a new outfit for any beach wedding I attend for the mere fact that I can wear those outfits several times after the wedding as styling them is very easy. However, you need to lay your hands on the appropriate accessories and shoes to pull of the perfect look for a summer beach wedding.

[April Masini, your AskApril]

Happy New Year! Let me know how things are going for you. 😉

[Natalie Noah]

Why choosing a wedding dress feels so overwhelming. The sheer number of styles and the nuances in how each flatters different body types make it a lot to consider. The breakdown you’ve provided of the main five styles A-Line, Empire, Column, Ball Gown, and Mermaid is really helpful because it simplifies the decision-making process. It gives a bride a clear understanding of how each dress can highlight certain features while downplaying others, which is critical for feeling confident on such an important day.

I think the key takeaway is that body type and personal comfort should guide the choice as much as style. For example, A-Line and Empire dresses are versatile and forgiving, which is perfect for brides who want a balance of elegance and practicality. On the other hand, Column, Ball Gown, and Mermaid styles are more specific. They can make a strong statement but also require a bride to be comfortable with the fit and movement limitations. Knowing these details in advance can help reduce stress when trying on dresses and making a final decision.

The note about proper storage is so important and often overlooked. A wedding dress is an investment, both emotionally and financially, and ensuring it is preserved correctly will allow it to remain beautiful for years to come. Overall, this advice is practical, clear, and supportive. It balances style, body considerations, and the care needed for such a special garment.

[Member]

Posts