How To Thursdays: How to Select Your Wedding Dress

Welcome backkk to Part 2 of selecting your wedding dress! So I hope everyone took their time and figured out what their body shape is?? Okay good! Because today we will discuss the various TYPES of wedding dresses that are on the market! Almost EVERY wedding dress will fit in one of five categories : A-line, Empire Waist, Mermaid/Hourglass, Ball Gown, or Sheath. It's important to know what kind of silhouette you are going for, do you want to show off your curves? Look taller? Look slimmer? It is also important to decide your wedding style before selecting your wedding dress because a beach wedding and a ball room wedding will call for two VERY different styles of dress. I'm just going to describe the different styles and show some pictures for a little inspiration for each category.

The A-Line Gown

The A-line dress features a shape that is fitted around the bodice and flows out to the ground, resembling the outline of an uppercase A. The dress flows fluidly from the bust to the hem with an unbroken line. Due to its classic and simple style, the A-line dress is appropriate for any occasion, from a quiet backyard gathering, to a traditional church ceremony.

A-line gowns are recommended for the most body types except for women who do not have a defined waistline. These are the most popular type of  wedding gown shape. You will see way more a-line dresses than any other silhouette.

While neither the A-line nor Princess has a defined waistline, the Princess style does have noticeable vertical panels.


 

Vera Wang

Aire Bareclona: Bobbie









 

   





  



 

 

 



  

The Empire-Waist Gown

An empire dress is defined by the raised waistline that sits just below the bust, from which the rest of the dress flows down to the hem. I typically see a lot of empire gowns for beach weddings and more informal events.

Empire waist gowns are recommended for women who are petite or do not have a defined waistline. They may also be considered for women with an inverted pear shaped body.

This style is not recommended for women with hour glass figures.




La Sposa - Degrain



Kittychen Couture: Flora

 

The Mermaid/Hourglass Gown

The mermaid silhouette contours to the body from the chest to the knee, then flares out to the hem. This is a very sexy look that highlights the curves of a woman’s body. For this reason, you must be confident and comfortable in your skin to pull off this dramatic style. This is by FAR my favorite dress silhouette!

Mermaid style gowns are recommended for woman with a figure that they want to show off.

This style is not recommended for women who are petite, thick or short waisted, or have an inverted pear shaped body type.


 
 

Pnina Tornai

 

Pronovias -Finisterre



 



      The Sheath Gown

The sheath dress has a narrow shape that flows straight down from the neckline to the hem. This dress, tends to hug the body and show any and all of your curves The column is appropriate for all types of weddings, especially causal occasions on the beach, or intimate evening events at a banquet hall.

Sheath style gown are recommended for thin figured or petit framed women. They may also be considered for some women with a hour glass figure shaped body.

This style is not recommended for women who are thick or short waisted, full figured, or have a pear shaped body type. 


  

White by Vera Wang for David's Bridal

  


  

Marchesa

 



   The Ball Gown 

The ball gown style is perfect for those brides envisioning a fairy tale wedding. This silhouette pairs a fitted bodice with a full skirt that can either be one piece or separates. The ball gown is most appropriate for large, traditional weddings where the dress will be consistent with the formality of the event

Ball gown type dresses are recommended for the following body types: Full figured, pear shaped, and thin.

This style may also be considered for some people who are petite or have a hour glass figure.



Oliver Tolentino



Carlos Pignatelli











  









(info from http://www.arcamax.com/weddings/gowns and http://www.weddingsolutions.com/fashion_and_beauty/Dress_Styles.html)

There you have it!! Five different sillhouettes from you to choose from! Which one do you think you will go with? What is your favorite? Talk to me!!




Stay Beautiful My Loves,
Memi

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