Wedding dresses are a significant expense and factor for brides on their wedding day. There are several budgeting tips to help keep you in check with your expenses. Firstly, having a wedding budget set in place is important because it will keep you and your partner accountable in your spending. It will also guide your wedding planning decisions you and your fiancé make, such as your venue, guest limit etc. Prioritise what’s most important in your dream gown so you can focus on those features and avoid overspending. Keep alterations and accessories factored into the price of your wedding dress when budgeting for your dress to avoid any unexpected expenses. Need more help? Read our Wedding Budget Checklist.
Some shopping tips to help you find the dress of your dreams. First, schedule appointments at bridal boutiques that fit your style and budget.Try on a variety of styles, shapes and fabrics, even if they’re not exactly what you envisioned as you may be pleasantly surprised by what you love. Take pictures of yourself in each dress to compare later. Another suggestion is to bring along a trusted loved one or someone from your bridal party who can offer honest constructive feedback and support during the decision-making process. Above all, remember that the perfect dress is one that makes you feel like the most confident and beautiful version of yourself on your special day.
Your wedding gown is a statement piece (and it should be). Some of us have more curves than others. Some of us are taller, shorter, rounder, etc. That is, we all have different body shapes (hourglass, triangle).
Every wedding dress designer starts from a base silhouette in mind and will make stylistic modifications to the neckline, sleeves, inner construction, train, and skirt. Wedding dress silhouettes refers to the overall shape of a wedding dress.
As you begin your search for your wedding dress, you will come across terms such as style, a-line, shape, curves, waist, bust, fit-&-flare, and skirt. These all relate to different wedding dress silhouettes.
Some styles are more flattering and popular for certain body shapes (e.g., petite, curvaceous) but since our body types are all different, use this guide as a rough reference point.
French couture designer Christian Dior was the first to use this term in his 1955 spring collection. However, it was Dior?s successor, Yves Saint Laurent, with his 1958 spring collection that featured dresses that flared from a fitted shoulder line.
A-line wedding dresses refer to a wedding gown that is fitted above and around the hips but flare gently to the hem, giving a streamlined and slimming look.
For petite brides, the A-line silhouette gives the illusion of a little bit of extra height and for curvier women, it will draw focus to your waist whilst drawing attention away from your hips.
The fluted hem and fitted bodice is the distinctive feature of the this silhouette. That is, the style of the dress fits closely to the body through the torso and hips, then fishtails out in a flare to the floor. This is why the mermaid style is also referred to as the fishtail silhouette.
If you intend to walk around quite a bit during your wedding reception and want the flexibility of being mobile, this cut will make it easier to move around in (and dance).
A sheath wedding dress skims the body and falls straight to the floor below the hips. Also referred to as a column dress, sheath tend to be slim-fitting gowns with a straight narrow shape.
The ball gown has a fitted bodice and a wide and full skirt. Considered as one of the most classic styles, the wide and full skirt is often achieved using layers of tulle.
Despite sharing similar body types, your hips, waist and bust measurements makes you unique. Therefore, we always recommend brides to go for a wedding gown fitting as this is the only guaranteed way to know whether a dress is the perfect fit for you.
We published this wedding dress silhouettes blog post as a rough guide only. As a bridal gown boutique, we try to steer away from body shape stereotypes (e.g., a-line is best for X, Y silhouette is best for Z body shape, petite brides should only try on X etc).
Instead, the perfect fit takes into account who you are, your unique curves, waist, shoulder and bust measurements. Ultimately, the tried and tested way to finding the perfect bridal gown is by trying it on.
Ultimately, choosing your wedding dress is such an exciting process of elimination and a shopping experience you will remember forever. Keep in mind your own personal style and aesthetic, and budget. Leave yourself a lot of time! Start looking early so you don’t need to stress, step out of your comfort zone and trust your stylist, they are there to help and guide you in the right direction. Whatever dress you choose, make sure you feel confident, comfortable and yourself in it. With patience, planning and a positive attitude you’ll be sure to find your dream dress.
Are you look for a fabulous fishtail gown or a sassy short wedding dress? A beautiful ball gown or a sexy sheath? There are a wealth of different wedding dress shapes and finding the right one can be a minefield, right? Well, not at WED2B. Our expert Bridal Consultants know how to find the perfect silhouette, whatever your shape, size or style.
So the dress search is on, but where to start? Do you want a magical mermaid or a sassy shorty? A beautiful ballgown or a sexy sheath? There are a wealth of different wedding dress shapes and finding the right one can be a minefield, right? Well, not at wed2b. Our expert staff know how to find the perfect silhouette, whatever your shape, size or style.
Visit UsChoosing your wedding dress is normally right at the top of the wedding planning list, and often more important than the venue, the date or almost anything else (apart from choosing your other half, of course!).
That’s because every bride wants to walk down the aisle wearing a dress that makes her look and feel amazing, while also showcasing her own unique sense of style. What’s more, it needs to fit with the look of the day, as well as being comfortable, supportive, easy to dance in and the most flattering thing she’s ever worn. It’s a big task!
The best place to start is by working out which wedding dress shapes will flatter your figure the most. So, have a think about which of the following sentences best describes you…
Once you’ve worked out which one sounds most like you, you can use it to pick the most flattering wedding dress shapes. For example, apples shapes look great in an A-line style that adds definition to the waist and flatters the lower body. Alternatively, strapless dresses are great for adding balance to pear shapes, while rectangle figures can rock a sexy sheath or use a ballgown to create the illusion of curves.
It’s important to remember though that your body type isn’t the only thing that should influence your decision. And, don’t forget, style guides are just that - a guide. Your dream dress should make you feel confident, happy and absolutely amazing. So, there really is only one hard and fast rule - if you love it, wear it!
To help you start your search, we've put together your ultimate guide to the different wedding dress shapes, along with top tips on why they work, how to style them and so much more. So, let the wedding dress shopping begin…
If you’re not sure where to start with wedding dress shapes, then the universally flattering A-line is the one to try first. It’s a timeless bridal silhouette that never goes out of style. Fitted at the chest to highlight your natural waist, it flows out gradually into an ‘A’ shape, with plenty of freedom and movement at the hips. The balanced proportions work brilliantly to draw the eyes upwards. It also creates a beautiful nipped in waist, making it super flattering for all. What’s more, this shape can be found in both lightweight, floaty gowns and ones with more structure and volume.
An A-line silhouette is the classic bridal look and probably the first one people picture when they think of a wedding dress. Therefore, it obviously lends itself to a very traditional wedding day. However, with a few modern twists this adaptable style can suit any type of celebration. Try it in sleek Mikado or with a sexy split for a modern do, with lace and beautiful long sleeves for princess-worthy perfection or in lightweight tulle for a softer boho feel. We told you it was versatile!
It also works well with lots of design features, from off-the-shoulder straps and sweetheart necklines to illusion or keyhole backs. This means an A-line shape is a great foundation for any number of looks. Add a sweetheart neckline or lots of sparkling embellishment and it's super romantic. Alternatively, go for a plunging V-neck and simple spaghetti straps for something more contemporary. Don't forget, the amount of embellishment and detailing will also have an affect on the price, too.
And, if you like the look of an A-line style, then chances are you’ll also love a slim A-line. It comes with all the great qualities of its sister silhouette but fits a little closer to the body. The skirt is less flared, making this a gorgeous style for a boho wedding or a sunny ‘barefoot on the beach’ do. Slim A-lines are often composed of the lightest weight fabrics and have no petticoats. This is generally reflected in the bodice too, which may have minimal construction and a simple lace designs. As it has less material, a slim A-line can be a more budget friendly option and is definitely easier to travel with than larger styles!
The ballgown, also known as a ‘princess gown’, is the classic fairytale silhouette. Featuring a full skirt and a structured bodice, the two combined are brilliant for emphasising your natural waistline. The difference between an A-line and a ballgown is the volume at the waist, as ballgowns have gathers or pleats whereas an A-line has a smooth waist with a simple seam. Ballgowns are dramatic and the largest of the bridal silhouettes, so it’s ideal for most body types (although it can sometimes overwhelm smaller frames).
The quintessential ballgown look is a strapless sweetheart design with plenty of intricate detailing and sparkle, perfect for princes brides. Plus, the more volume the better with this style, so try wearing it with a ballgown underskirt too. Ballgowns also look great with off-the-shoulder straps and a lace-up back, which suit the fairytale feel. For a more modern take on the silhouette, simply look for less detailing and fabrics such as Mikado for crisp, contemporary lines. Budget-wise, ballgown dresses can be a little more expensive due to the extra material and detailing. However, trust us, it’s worth every penny for the grand entrance you’ll make!
Sexy, elegant and effortless, sheath wedding dress shapes create an understated silhouette. This style is often made from light and flowing fabrics, such as crepe, chiffon or tulle. Some designs fit like a slip dress, closely tracing your body’s outline. Others drape a little straighter, like a column. Both are a good choice for petite brides or those wary of being overwhelmed by lots of fabric, as the long, straight lines have a lengthening effect.
When it comes to the detailing, sheaths range from sleek and simple to heavily embellished with head-to-toe beading. This style looks particularly amazing with a statement lace train but, if you want a small train this is also the perfect choice. For the neckline, delicate spaghetti straps work well with the slim silhouette. However, off-the shoulder straps, plunging modern V-necks front and back or full-length lace sleeves are also gorgeous on a sheath. This is a look that can be quite contemporary or, with the addition soft lace, a bohemian bride’s dream. Sheath gowns are often lightweight and understated too, so are an excellent choice for an informal or beach celebration.
Super flattering, a fit and flare wedding dress hugs the body and flares off just below the hips, accentuating the waist. Don’t confuse it with a mermaid, which generally flares out a little lower at the knee. A fit and flare design can also be a touch easier to wear, as it’s less fitted around the thighs, but will still give you a feminine, curvaceous silhouette. It works well for petites too, as it won’t shorten your frame like larger dresses or mermaid gowns might.
Often found with a floaty tulle skirt, this is a great choice for a classically romantic look. And if you love dancing, then this could be ‘The One’, as it’s very easy to move around in. Try it strapless with a lace-up back for a beautifully pretty feel or, for more detailing or support, look for delicate illusion straps or flattering cap sleeves.
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