Over the next few posts we will introduce you to some basic information about wedding gown styles and silhouettes.
We will start with details about the Trumpet, Mermaid, and Fit and Flare. For the brides who is just starting to look at wedding gowns, they can appear very much alike.
A trumpet wedding dress fits similar to a mermaid gown. It hugs the body in all the right places and gradually flares outward. The key difference between mermaid and trumpet wedding gowns is where the flare begins, which in the case of the trumpet style is mid-thigh.
A mermaid dress is a style of evening gown that fits closely to the body through the torso and hips, then “fishtails” out in a flare to the floor. (This is why it’s also known as a fishtail dress.) Thanks to the dramatic cut, a mermaid style dress can highlight a curvy figure or even add curves where there are none, making it one of the best dress styles for hourglass figures. For a high-fashion, sexy silhouette, this is an ideal choice, and can make more impact for a bride who wants a wow-factor dress. However, it’s also worth bearing in mind that the tight fit can restrict movement and dancing, so if you’re thinking about a mermaid gown, it’s important to try on your chosen style and practice walking and sitting in it.
Fit and Flare Style Wedding Dress is one of the most flattering “silhouettes” for all body types. This type of dress hugs the body and flares off just below the hips, accentuating the waist, or just above the knees beautifully showing off your curvaceous body. Fit and flare is the term that encompasses several styles including mermaid gowns and trumpet styles. Ideal for the pear and hourglass shape, this glamorous style is perfect for highlighting your best features. Despite the common misconception, petite brides can also wear a fit-and-flare dress, as long as they get the dress altered to fit their proportions perfectly. Sometimes all you have to do is raise the skirt’s starting point just a bit higher in order to create length in the torso and legs. For maximum elongation, the dress should be fitted through your hips and flare out just above the knee and not below.
Strapless wedding dresses are considered a classic. Bare shoulders can look beautifully paired with a dramatic flair of the skirt. A sweetheart neckline accentuates décolletage, and is perfect for the bride who wants to either enhance or create the illusion of curves. It also lengthens the neck and adds balance to the overall silhouette. To put a modern twist on your bridal gown, look for plunging styles, lace-embellished bodices, and delicate floral appliqués.
Wedding dresses in lace are super feminine and utterly romantic. They are as timeless and elegant as they are versatile. Lace fits perfectly in the elegant and romantic wedding theme, as much as in the free-spirited summer beach ceremony. A fully hand beaded gown is super glamorous and a fabulous way to celebrate your wedding, Hollywood star style.
Choosing a wedding dress is probably the most exciting moment of planning a wedding for any bride. But it can also be very stressful and you can feel that you are expected to know all these different styles of gowns and know which one you want– not to mention all the different varieties of necklines, hemlines and backs.
At the Run for the Dress in July you will be able to try on various styles and silhouettes to find your perfect dress. There will be bridal shop attendants there to assist you, dressing rooms, and support staff including alterations staff to advise on any modifications or adjustments that might be necessary. Almost all wedding dresses need to be altered to fit properly so keep that in mind as you select your dress.