Bridal Gown Styles

When a bride first looks by having a bridal mag or walks into a bridal salon, she can be overwhelmed by the range of selections fashion designers are creating today. However, all designers make lace mermaid wedding dresses in five basic styles - the ball gown, the A-line gown, the empire style, the sheath or the slip dress. Each dress falls into one of these design categories whether it's a floor-length formal gown with a long train or a modern above the knee suit or dress. While any bride can select any style, each silhouette kind comments different body styles best and each bride should first determine which style is most becoming to her particular figure.



One of the most popular styles that signifies many brides' vision of a 'Cinderella wedding' is the classic ball gown or princess gown, which is known by a tight, form-fitting bodice and full skirt. This style is very complimentary for most body shapes and sizes and is admired for its power to hide figure flaws. A similar style is the A-line gown, which also features a tight bodice that tapers into a skirt that's wide but not as full as the ball gown. This style also works for a variety of figures and is a great choice for petite brides because it elongates a silhouette making a diminutive woman appear older.

Designs with elegant, classic designs and vertical pleating are also very complimentary to petite brides. Women looking to camouflage clothing a thicker waistline could choose the empire style. Empire robes feature high gathered waists just below the chest that flow into long slimming skirts.

Full-figured women should look for styles featuring V-necked bodices and long sleeves - but lower bows, gathered material or ruffles, particularly around the waistline. For those brides that are thin or very shapely, try choosing a sheath. The sheath or mermaid gown is very form fitting and tapers narrowly to the floor, frequently featuring a train. Finally, the slip dress is a very sheer body-clinging style that is usually worn by those brides blessed with a tall, thin and faultless figure. The latter two styles are great choices for brides looking to stir up a hot, chic and self-confident image rather than a more traditional profile.