A guide to wedding dress styles

Learn the different styles of wedding dresses with this simple glossary.

Dress Shape

A-Line

This shape is fitted across the bodice and flows outwards from the waist creating a shape like a capital A. It is a classic and simple style that can be made in variety of fabrics and embellished with things such as beading and lace. The full skirt hides a larger lower body, and creates the illusion of curves on a narrow frame.

Ball Gown

A fitted bodice falling to a full rounded skirt, usually supported by layers of tulle, petticoats and/or hoops. While not ideal for shorter brides, who would be swallowed by the volume of the skirt, this style works well on brides with pear-shaped figure because the fitted bodice accentuates the waist and the full skirt hides the lower body.

Column

A long slender dress with straight shape. This style works well in light fabrics such as silk and satin, as it gently clings to the figure.  

Empire Line

A gown with a raised waistline that sits just below the bust. Lighter fabrics work with this style as they allow more movement and flow from the waistline. This dress works well on most body types, but is a particularly good choice for brides with a smaller bust as it creates definition.

Mermaid/Fishtail

This style hugs the figure from the bust to the knee, from where it flairs out to the floor. It creates a sophisticated, sexy silhouette, and looks particularly stunning with a strapless bodice. It is best suited to slender figures, but can also look fantastic on a voluptuous figure as it hugs every curve. If you have the confidence to pull it off, it could look fantastic. But beware – the clingy nature of the style means you will have to choose your underwear carefully in order to avoid unsightly VPL!

Waistlines

Basque

A low U or V shaped waistline, which provides an illusion of a longer torso – perfect for brides with a small torso or short distance between the bottom rib and the top of the hip.

Dropped

When the waistline of the gown is placed across the hips, rather than at the natural waist. Again, this serves to elongate the upper body.

Necklines

Bateau/Boat neck

A wide, open necked style that closely follows the collarbones. This may be a good choice for brides with a pear shaped figure as it helps to balance wide hips.

Halter

Two triangular pieces of fabric that rise along the chest and join at the back of the neck. As this style draws attention to the shoulders, it is generally not suitable for brides with broad shoulders or large upper arms.

Jewel

A high neckline that hugs the base of the neck and covers the top of the torso to the shoulder. It is almost always worn sleeveless.

Sweetheart 

Following the shape of a heart, this neckline curves around the shape of the breasts with a downward point between them. Suitable for almost every size and body shape, this is a very popular style.