If the wedding dress shapes for your dream gown have volume, but not for quite the whole skirt, then a mermaid or fishtail gown would work perfectly for you. Out of all the wedding dress styles that work for hourglass figures, mermaid is one of the best. As a mermaid gown will hug all of your curves from bust to waist to hips, and then flare out dramatically half-way down the skirt, it continues the hourglass effect your shape already has and emphasises it even more.
Having volume around your lower body will also help to balance out stunning, curvy hips and give a killer end result. While hunting for wedding dress styles for body shapes of all kinds, bear in mind what you want to highlight on your figure and what you’d rather not have to think about on your big day. If you love your curves and want to show them off, a more clingy gown that hugs your silhouette, like a Mermaid, would be perfect for you.
While searching for wedding dress styles for different body types, keep in mind the tone and vibe of your wedding as well. Having your dress be a mix of both flattering for your shape while also in-keeping with the theme of your big day is the perfect harmony for your dream gown.
If your wedding feels modern yet timeless, nothing complements this quite like a fit and flare gown. Of all the types of wedding dresses, fit and flare wedding dress styles work for so many figures: pear shape, hourglass, curvy or athletic builds. A fit and flare gown can create that perfect silhouette that so many brides desire; hugging your body in all the right places and creating the perfect curves, while also accentuating your smaller areas.
Fit and flare gowns are fitted from bust to waist to hips and then flare out at the bottom, much like a mermaid. Different from mermaid and fishtail, however, is the fact that these gowns have less volume and severity in their lower half that flares out. Because of this, they give off a softer, more romantic, more contemporary feeling but still look timeless and gorgeous.
When thinking about how to choose a wedding dress style, ask yourself what you want to emphasise. What parts of your body do you want to highlight? Show off?
If you’re looking to emphasise height, a column or sheath gown is the best wedding dress style for body types that are elongated and, contrastingly, on the shorted side too! A column gown is one of the most beautiful wedding dress styles for short brides, as the straight lines of these dresses will help to elongate you and give you the illusion of being taller. At the same time, it’s one of the best wedding dress styles for tall brides too, if you want to showcase your height.
Sheath gowns are straight up and down, and continuous, so there’s no break for the eye in the flowing, streamlined material. This will create height where there is none and display it beautifully where there is.
For brides that want to emphasise their décolletage and bust line, a sweetheart neckline is a stunning choice. This neckline dips down slightly at the bust-line, giving off a heart-like shape effect for the bodice.
For larger-busted brides, most strapless gowns will have built-in support or structure to help the gown stay up without straps; that added boning and support can help you feel comfortable and held in place without having to commit to a strap if it’s not your desired look.
If you have an athletic build and your looking for a wedding dress style that shows off toned arms and shoulders, halter necklines are a breathtaking way to do that. Most of the time, this style gives coverage in the bust area, which looks gorgeous on smaller-chested brides, and has a high neckline that elongates the body.
Toned arms and shoulders look stunning in a halter gown, and the angular cut of a neckline like this emphasises the beauty of your powerful silhouette. Sometimes, halters will have a low or open back, so if that’s one of your best features that you want to accentuate this would be a gorgeous style for you.
V-neck gowns make the eye travel vertically, add the illusion of height and frame your face and shoulders in a lovely way. V-neck gowns are perfect for shorter brides on the hunt to give off the illusion of being taller. Pair your dress with a nude heel for added effect!
For brides that want to elongate their arms, adding a continuous flow of fabric from your wedding dress is the perfect way to do this. This is why long sleeve wedding gowns are a great option for so many brides. When the fabric of your gown extends through to your arms, it creates a fluid visual and gives a gorgeous continuity that can make arms look toned and give coverage if that’s what you desire.
Off the shoulder gowns are incredibly flattering for the upper arms and shoulders. If you’re searching for a wedding dress that gives you coverage for your arms, an off the shoulder flutter sleeve can give you coverage without having to commit to a long sleeve if you’re having a summer wedding. At the same time, a tighter off the shoulder look gives a sexy bare-shouldered effect and shows off your arms rather than hides them.
Depending on what you want to emphasise, or where you want coverage (or don’t!) this can be a great option that looks stunning in photos. This neckline grew in popularity in the 50s, so if you’re looking for timelessness and something that feels unique but is always in style, off the shoulder gowns perfectly suit this vision.
Choosing the perfect wedding dress for your big day can be an overwhelming task for many brides-to-be. There are many elements to consider when choosing your perfect dress, such as your body type, what parts of your body you want to enhance, and your overall aesthetic for your wedding. When wedding dress shopping, you ultimately want your personality to shine through the wedding dress you choose. Starting by getting inspired through bridal magazines and Pinterest, start by putting together a mood board of all types of wedding attire you love.
This ultimate guide will go over all of the most important things to consider before locking in your perfect wedding outfit or wedding gown such as types of wedding dresses, budget, bridal boutique shopping tips and more.
There are several factors to consider when on the hunt for your dream dress. Feeling comfortable and confident on your big day in a wedding dress that reflects your personality is the most important thing! Consider what body type you have and what styles you are comfortable wearing and find the most flattering. Unsure of your body type? Here’s an article to help determine what wedding dress shape suits your body type.
Visit UsIs there a certain part of your body you want to accentuate? If it is your back, try dresses with a low cut or open back feature. If you love your collarbones try a strapless wedding gown. What is the formality of your wedding? Formal or casual, this will also help determine what type of dress you will choose. What is your location and what will the weather be like? This will be another big contributing factor to the decision making process. Keeping these questions in mind while you search for ‘The One’ will be a great help in finding the perfect wedding dress that fits your needs.
If you are still feeling overwhelmed, don’t forget that your bridal consultant is extremely experienced at what they do and can help guide you as little or as much as you want to help you find the right dress and your ultimate wedding style.
There are many different types of wedding dresses to choose from, each with its own unique style and features. Things to consider are shape, necklines, and fabric. For shape, ball gowns are classic style with a full skirt and fitted bodice. An A-line or straight wedding dress is similar to a ball gown, but with a skirt that flares out slightly from the waist. Mermaid or fit and flare dresses are fitted through the bodice and hips before flaring out at the knee or lower. Column dresses are slim fitted with a straight silhouette that lengthens the body. Tea-length dresses are shorter, often hitting around the mid-calf, and are perfect for more casual or vintage-inspired weddings. There are many necklines to choose from too, V neck, scoop, strapless, square necklines try as many styles as you can to determine what flatters your bust, shoulders and décolletage. An important element in dress shopping is the various fabrics to choose from for your wedding dress too. There is a little bit to learn before you start shopping.
Mikado – This glossy, contemporary and structured fabric offers structure and form to your wedding dress shaping your figure like the wedding gown was made just for you! It is a heavy weight fabric perfect for wedding dresses with corsets, fit and flare silhouettes and Aline skirts.
Silk/Satin – Our sleek, silk & satin-finished wedding dresses are ultra contemporary with figure-hugging, silk & satin fabrics, bias cut fits, plunging necklines, high leg splits, open backs and cutaways. It’s easy to feel radiant in silk & satin wedding dresses because the focus is on you. Whether you’re going formal or casual, grand or understated, traditional or sexy, you’re sure to find a satin gown with a silhouette and style that suits your vision and wedding theme. If you envision a minimalist look, a silk wedding dress could be perfect for you. Remember to select the right undergarments with this style of wedding dress as they can often be quite fine and easily show through what is underneath.
Sequin/ Beaded – For the bride who truly wants to shine on her day and be her unique, gorgeous self. Our intricate, handmade beaded wedding dresses and sequin wedding gowns are perfect for the romantic, low light of an indoor ceremony or the glimmering sunset at an outdoor wedding. From long sleeves to open backs, high necklines to spaghetti straps, our stunning selection of beaded and sequin wedding dresses range from beaded bodice wedding gowns to all over, heavily beaded wedding dresses, head-to-toe sequin wedding gowns to subtly sequinned wedding dresses. If your wedding has an art-deco feel to it or if you just want to sparkle and glimmer in soft candlelight, Karen’s beaded designs are second to none and unlike anything seen before. Best of all, in a KWH bridal salon, these gowns are ready to wear so it is perfect for short lead time brides.
Crepe – Illusion elements, side cutaways, open backs and breathtaking sleeves run through our selection of simple (and yet so intricate) crepe pieces. By using flattering and structural seam lines, a crepe wedding gown from our collection will sculpt and flatter your silhouette. Our fabrics feel substantial and look beautiful but have stretch for comfort and dancing. The contemporary nature of a chic crepe gown reads as effortless but with elements of interest that will let you shine in your wedding day look and for years to come in your wedding photos.
Lace – Lace wedding dresses can encompass a classic, vintage feeling or a completely modern or boho feel. KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Australian handmade lace wedding dresses fall on both ends of the spectrum and every style in between. A long sleeve lace wedding dress with a high illusion neckline is breathtakingly beautiful, as is a strapless, sculpted lace look. For a wedding theme, lace suits a garden location perfectly.
Georgette – The softness and matte allure of a flowing, georgette fabric adds a feminine and luxurious accent to your wedding day look. Georgette wedding dresses say simple, effortless beauty with a fabric that moves like liquid and sweeps around your silhouette as you walk down the aisle and dance all night long. Whether in a sculpted, fit and flare shape or a gathered skirt that flows away from the body, georgette wedding gowns are timeless yet oh-so chic.
Brie-Karen Willis Holmes - Taylor & Angus - Bride and groom seen sharing their love after their ceremony and exchanging their vows, amongst the hills for their wedding photos. Bride is wearing a classic Head band piece to finish her bridal look.
Ultimately, the fabric you choose will depend on your personal style and the overall vibe of your wedding. By exploring the different fabric choices available, you can find the perfect material that will make you feel beautiful and comfortable on your big day.
Also consider accessory options such as a veil, bubble sleeves or fingerless gloves. By stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring the different types of wedding dresses available, you can find the perfect style that fits your personality, budget, and overall wedding vision.
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.
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