A Guide to Wedding Dress Styles for Every Bride

Raynae Motion Pictures
May 7
3 min read

Your wedding day is one of the most memorable moments of your life, and finding the perfect dress is a big part of making it unforgettable. Whether you dream of floating down the aisle in layers of tulle or envision something sleek and simple, there's a dress out there that matches your style, body type, and wedding vibe. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most popular types of wedding dresses to help you find the one.

1. A-Line Wedding Dress

Silhouette: Fitted at the top and gradually flares out to the hem, resembling the shape of an "A".

Why Brides Love It: A-line gowns are universally flattering and work well with all body types. Whether you’re having a formal church ceremony or a laid-back garden wedding, an A-line can easily adapt with the right fabric and embellishments.

Perfect For: Traditional weddings, destination weddings, or anyone who wants classic elegance.

2. Ball Gown

Silhouette: Fitted bodice with a dramatic, full skirt—think Cinderella.

Why Brides Love It: If you’ve always dreamed of a fairytale wedding, this is your go-to. Ball gowns create a royal look, accentuate the waist, and provide plenty of volume.

Perfect For: Formal or black-tie weddings, grand venues, and princess-at-heart brides.

3. Mermaid Wedding Dress

Silhouette: Fitted from chest to knee, then flares out at the bottom.

Why Brides Love It: This curve-hugging style is incredibly glamorous. It’s perfect for showing off an hourglass figure and making a dramatic entrance.

Perfect For: Glamorous weddings, city celebrations, or evening receptions.

4. Trumpet Wedding Dress

Silhouette: Similar to a mermaid but begins to flare out mid-thigh rather than at the knee.

Why Brides Love It: It offers the drama of a mermaid gown but with a bit more room to move. Trumpet gowns strike a balance between fitted and flared.

Perfect For: Confident brides who want to flaunt their figure with sophistication.

5. Sheath/Column Dress

Silhouette: Narrow shape that flows straight down from neckline to hem.

Why Brides Love It: Simple, elegant, and effortlessly chic. It skims the body and is great for petite brides who want to elongate their frame.

Perfect For: Beach weddings, modern ceremonies, and minimalist aesthetics.

6. Tea-Length Wedding Dress

Silhouette: Hem falls between the knee and ankle, often with vintage flair.

Why Brides Love It: Fun, flirty, and great for showing off a killer pair of heels. It’s a great option for casual weddings or second dresses for the reception.

Perfect For: Courthouse weddings, garden ceremonies, or retro-inspired brides.

7. Empire Waist Dress

Silhouette: The waistline sits just below the bust, flowing into a loose skirt.

Why Brides Love It: Ideal for boho, beach, or outdoor weddings. The empire waist flatters most figures and offers a soft, romantic feel.

Perfect For: Romantic outdoor weddings, maternity brides, or those who prefer a flowy silhouette.

8. Slip Dress

Silhouette: Straight-cut with minimal structure, usually made from silk or satin.

Why Brides Love It: This '90s revival style is all about sleek sensuality. It's light, breezy, and looks stunning in intimate wedding settings.

Perfect For: Elopements, chic urban weddings, or after-parties.

Bonus Tips for Choosing Your Dress

Venue Vibes: Match your dress style to your setting. Ball gowns in a barn? Maybe not. Sheath dress on the beach? Perfect.
Comfort is Key: You’ll be in your dress for hours. Make sure it fits well and lets you move, sit, and dance comfortably.
Be You: Trends come and go, but your personality is timeless. Choose a dress that reflects you.