Different Bridal Gown Shapes
Bridal gowns are available in a wide range of shapes. Finding the right wedding dress shape, which refers to the way the dress is cut, can make a big difference in how the bride looks. A certain wedding dress shape can flatter one body type but highlight flaws for another. In addition to body shape, the wedding's style should be taken into consideration when deciding on a wedding dress shape. Some shapes are more suited to casual weddings while others look best in formal weddings. Some of the common wedding gown shapes are mermaid, empire, sheath and ball gown. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Mermaid
-
The mermaid shape is a body-hugging cut that is tight from the bodice to below the knee, where it flares out. Mermaid wedding dresses look best on women who are slim but have hourglass figures, where the waist is slim in proportion to the bust and hips, because it hugs the curves. A woman that is full-figured or heavier on the bottom (pear-shaped) should avoid the mermaid shape because it will highlight the extra weight and lack of proportion. The flared end of the mermaid dress creates a dramatic look and usually trails the floor so it matches a formal indoors wedding rather than a casual garden wedding.
Empire
-
The empire shape is a loose-fit cut where the skirt starts just below the bust and flows softly to the end of the dress. Because the dress is tightest just below the bust, the slimmest point of the body for most women, it draws attention away from a larger waist. The empire shape also makes petite women look taller because the waist is cut higher. Women with a big bust should consider a different shape because the empire shape will emphasize the bust too much. An empire shape wedding dress, depending on its length, fabric and style, can complement a variety of wedding styles and locations.
-
Sheath
-
The sheath is a slim cut that flows straight down from top to bottom. Sheath dresses, because they follow the body's natural line, flatter slim women with straight figures. A full-figured woman or one with an hourglass body type does not look her best in a sheath dress because it will be too tight around the bust and hips but not tight enough around the waist. Sheath dresses, like empire dresses, works well for a variety of wedding styles. A sheath dress made from a luxurious fabric such as silk charmeuse or lace looks appropriate for a formal wedding in a hotel ballroom while a cotton sheath dress, particularly one with a shorter length, is comfortable and casual enough for a beach wedding.
Ball gown
-
The ball gown shape is tight around the bosom and waist but puffs out to a full skirt. This type of shape works best on tall and slim brides. The full skirt will overwhelm shorter women. Because the bosom and waist are defined in a ball gown wedding dress, women who are full-figured should opt for a different shape, such as the empire. Women with a pear-shape body type should also avoid the ball gown because the dress's full skirt will only highlight the hip's wideness. The skirt can be very puffy, supported by a crinoline, or be slimmer with soft layers of organza or taffeta. The ball gown dress's bigger silhouette matches a formal and elaborate wedding.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
