DRESSES

Next to choosing a date and securing a location, selecting a dress is the most important decision you will make while planning for your big day.

With so many styles, retailers and experts, dress shopping can often be daunting and overwhelming rather than exciting and fun.

Start by talking to your friends and survey them on their own experiences—they can give you valuable tips and practical know-how’s with specific shops and boutiques in your area. And, make sure that you try on a variety of styles–even if you already have a specific style in mind.

Since the style of the dress creates the "look" and "feel" of your day and sets the overall tone for the event, make sure to keep in mind your goals and expectations. Do you want the event to be a formal and elegant affair or a laid back and casual experience—no matter the caliber of your wedding, it’s important that your dress coordinates with the atmosphere you are creating.

There are five major gown styles that most wedding dresses incorporate into their design. These can be modified and mixed and matched, so spend some time doing research on dress styles before heading out to peruse.

The five most common styles are A-Line/Princess, Empire, Mermaid, Ball Gown, and Sheath. These styles can fit a variety of body types and aren’t exclusive to a particular shape, so remember, stay open minded and try a variety of styles. You never know, you might just discover that you look great in a style that you never expected and it could be the dress you end up choosing!

A-Line/Princess:

The A-Line dress is a classic and simple style which is appropriate for any type of wedding. Perfect for casual and formal ceremonies, A-line dresses have a fitted bodice that flows to the ground. It’s a style that works for most body types—especially full figures, thin and pear shaped frames. The fitted waist and the flowing skirt creates and illusion of curves on a narrow body frame and hides larger lower bodies while slimming rounder shapes and creating the illusion of height. The versatility of the A-line cut can accentuate your best features and hide those you are not so happy with.

Empire:

Empire style dresses have a raised waistline that sits just below the bust and allows the rest of the dress to flow fluidly down to the hem. Important variables on this style are sleeve, skirt style, and fabric, all of which can create a variety of effects. Empire style dresses fit well on most body types but are a perfect style for petite or inverted pear-shaped figures.

Mermaid/Trumpet:

The Mermaid (or Trumpet) cut is a sexy and sultry dress style that hugs curves and contours the body from the neck to the knees. It’s a perfect style for those with curvier frames since it’s slenderizing throughout until it flares at the bottom just before the hemline. It’s a dramatic style that has become more and more popular—even leading to a variety of designs that incorporate a "modified mermaid" influence. Sophisticated and elegant, this style is perfect for a confident woman who wants to show off the curves of her body.

Ball Gown:

The Ball Gown dress is what fairytales spring from. With a fitted bodice and a full skirt, it’s the most appropriate style for a formal affair. A Ball Gown can be one piece or two and utilizes sleeve combinations, fabric, and a variety of necklines to create a number of looks. Perfect for those with slender or pear-shaped figures, the full skirt accentuates the waist and hides the lower body.

Sheath:

The Sheath dress is a classic style known for its narrow shape that flows straight from the neckline to hem. This dress tends to hug the body, highlighting the curves and contours of the frame. The sheath dress is best worn by brides with slender figures, both short and tall. A lot of sheath dress styles will come with the option of a detachable train. Removing the train allows for the freedom of movement throughout the reception, but can often present a challenge for attendants—separated trains are hard to keep straight while walking.