Wedding Dress Styles and Silhouettes

Help! How do I choose a wedding dress style that fits my body type? Every bride needs a little help in choosing the right wedding gown for her unique figure. Not only do you want something that fits your personality, but finding a dress that is flattering on you is also very important! Just think of all of the photos you will be captured in, creating memories from your special day. Of course you want to look and feel your best.

Here is a list of popular wedding styles and silhouettes with lots of pictures used as examples. After you’ve decided on the best style for you, check out these 2012 Wedding Dress Trends! Fortunately, the ball gown style is in, a wedding dress style that is flattering on most women. Think big billowing skirts with ornate details accompanied by a strapless lingerie inspired bustier; ultra-romantic, chic, and sexy.

A-line Wedding Dresses: An A-line dress is fitted at the top and gradually widens toward the hem, thereby resembling the letter A. This is a very popular style of wedding dress, partly because it can be pulled off for a casual or formal wedding and is flattering on all shapes and sizes, especially if you have large hips that you’d prefer not to showcase.

Ball Gown Wedding Dresses: This is your classic silhouette; the dress cinderella wore down the wedding isle, and usually worn for more formal weddings. The skirts are very full, often with many layers, creating a very elegant and sophisticated look.

2012 designers are really playing up the ball gown next year with lots of details and drama, using tiered layers of organza, ornate beadwork, three-dimensional flowers, and vintage inspired lacing.

You can find modern designed ball gowns that also add in a mix of fun and whimsy, making them appropriate for even less formal affairs. The ball gown style is flattering on most figures, unless you are very petite. Shorter figures may appear to be drowning in this dress.

Trumpet or Mermaid Wedding Dresses: This 1950’s inspired style is sure to set you apart from the rest, hugging your hips and then flaring out at the mid thigh or calf in a charming touch. This style really shows off those fabulous curves, looking smashing on an hourglass figure, and increasingly more popular in 2011 and years to come. The new trend for the mermaid cut dress is combining the fitted top with a very full and dramatic skirt, such as the one’s shown below. A sash or bridal belt adds even more charm, and makes your waistline look extra tiny!

Sheath Wedding Dresses: This style of wedding gown is designed very straight and meant to tightly fit your body. It’s usually made with very light and thin material, working well with a summer, beach, destination, or any other outdoor wedding. Becoming increasingly popular, this dress oozes with romance and femininity, but because of it’s tight fit, it is most flattering on women who are comfortable and confident with their figure.

Short Wedding Dresses: Usually thought of as untraditional, this style is really becoming more popular, especially for a more casual, city or summer wedding. Gone are the days when a heavy ball gown with a long train was your only option.

Short wedding dresses come in just as many styles as your traditional longer gowns, from strapless to sleeveless v-necks. In 2011 and 2012 you’ll be able to find even shorter lengths reaching down to just your mid thigh in addition to the tea length, falling at your mid calf. If you’ve got a great pair of legs or shoes to show off, why not? Just look how elegant you can still be in a shorter dress.

Some brides are even purchasing two wedding dresses, a long ball gown for the ceremony and then changing into a sexy short wedding dress for the reception. This is a great idea if you are known to shake it on the dance floor, and it really just adds to your overall comfort while enjoying the after party with your new husband, family, and friends.

Maternity Wedding Dresses: Nearly a quarter of brides are pregnant on their wedding day, giving wedding dress designers a large market to create phenomenal wedding gowns to flatter any baby bump. The empire waist is very popular in many maternity wedding gowns, flowing nicely over the growing belly. Tea length is also a popular option so that you don’t trip over the hem of a long gown. I really think a pregnant bride is a sexy bride! There is just something about that bump that makes a woman glow.

Grecian Style Wedding Dresses:High waisted with floaty materials in silk, charmeuse  and chiffon, this is a fabulous dress for slim and small breasted women and becoming a trend for 2012 with it’s sexy goddess symbol. Light and airy, perfect for a summer or beach wedding.