A Guide to Every Wedding Dress Silhouette

Bridal Styles: From A-Line to Mermaid

Did you recently get engaged and are starting the wedding planning process? Congratulations! If you are already thinking about what you’re going to wear down the aisle, learning bridal terminology is a major help. Thankfully here at Aurora Bridal, we are experts at everything bridal and we are ready to share all our accumulated knowledge with you. Knowing the names of the silhouettes will help you sort through the sheer magnitude of options out there and make the choice easier.

Being able to articulate your favorite wedding dress silhouette styles, from a-line to mermaid, will also help your bridal consultant at your appointment. So we’ve put together a comprehensive guide of the wedding dress silhouette styles you need to know so you can head into your wedding dress shopping experience with confidence. 

A-Line

A historically favored and universally-loved wedding dress silhouette, this style is great for brides who want a fairytale moment without all the drama and volume. A-line silhouettes are elegant and romantic, and they allow you to display an effortless glam vibe on your wedding day. With multifaceted characteristics, they are suitable for any wedding venue type and adaptable to any level of formality.

This silhouette remains fitted until the waist from where it flares out into a soft A-shape, hence the name. It hugs all the right places, especially the waist area, creating a slimmer waistline while flattering the bust. Therefore it is complementary to all body types. It can make a petite bride look taller with its overall slimming effect, but it is especially recommended for pear-shaped and curvy brides. 

Ball Gown

Are you ready to embrace your inner princess? Then this fairy-tail-ready silhouette is for you. Ball gowns are fitted through your natural waist or hip and then flare out dramatically for a lovely Cinderella effect. Voluminous drama is the best way to describe a ball gown with layers upon layers of tulle or fabric that will help you deliver so many twirl-worthy moments on your wedding day. Whether you’re saying “I do”, performing your first dance, or taking formal portraits with your partner, a ball gown is a classic, yet fun choice.

Mermaid

For the bombshell bride who wants a sexy look for her big day the mermaid silhouette never disappoints. This curve-hugging bridal style is fitted through the bust, waist, and hips and dramatically flares out at the knee. The result is a stunning mermaid-tail effect that shows your lovely figure dramatically. This type of gown is known to emphasize the waist and hips rather than narrowing them and it looks good on every body type and every size. 

From spring to winter, and garden to ballroom, this lovely wedding dress silhouette is the right style to revel in the spotlight on your wedding day!

Trumpet

The trumpet silhouette is a more toned-down version of the mermaid dress. It’s fitted through the bust, waist, and hips, but then flares out with volume starting mid-thigh. The overall effect mimics the bell of a trumpet horn, highlighting your figure without being too dramatic. A trumpet silhouette is ideal for slender waistlines, delicate figures, and hourglass body types.

It is especially favored for brides who are planning a modern wedding affair, but with the correct touches, it could work with any type of celebration. The key is in the fabric and the type of accessories!

Sheath 

The sheath silhouette is a great way to show off your figure without additional drama. If you are not into voluminous skirts, this slim silhouette hugs your body and falls straight to the floor. It’s similar to a column shape but usually made out of silky fabrics such as chiffon, charmeuse, or lace that delicately grace the contours of the body.

It is extremely comfortable to wear and it says sophistication, glamour, and elegance all at once. 

Column

Column and sheath are similar but not identical. The sheath tends to fit a bit more effortlessly and is lighter in fabrication, the column gown is often given structure using fabrics like taffeta, brocade, or corded lace. A column silhouette is typically streamlined and fairly uninterrupted by drastic seamlines. This simple, yet undeniably stunning silhouette is tailor-made to flaunt a slender and sleek figure. The look is especially appealing when you find one with a halter neckline.

Have you decided on your favorite silhouette(s) yet? Reserve your appointment today and talk to our expert bridal stylists about all the amazing choices we have for you at Aurora Bridal