I still remember the overwhelming feeling I had when I first started looking for my wedding dress.
With so many options, styles, and designers out there, how would I ever choose just one dress for my big day?
After trying on what felt like hundreds of gowns, I finally said “yes” to the one.
But finding that perfect dress wasn’t easy!
Did you know the average bride today tries on 10 dresses before finding “the one”?
With so many gorgeous styles to consider, it’s no wonder it can be such a difficult decision.
Bridal Elegance: Wedding Dress Gallery
A-Line
The A-line silhouette is universally flattering.
It’s fitted at the top and gently flares out along the skirt, creating a sophisticated and elegant shape.
I love how A-line gowns look great on literally every body type – whether you’re petite like me or tall and curvy.
The seam at the natural waist helps accentuate your curves in a subtle way.
A-line dresses are totally versatile too – you can accessorize them to be more formal with lace overlays or more minimalist with a crepe fabric.
I’d say this is one of the most popular wedding dress silhouettes for a reason – it’s just so reliable and beautiful.
Meghan Markle wore a stunning minimalist A-line gown for her royal wedding and looked like a total princess bride.
Her dress was designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy and was made of double-bonded silk cady fabric.
It had an open bateau neckline, three-quarter length sleeves, and a sweeping train – so elegant and chic!
Whether you’re having a church wedding, beach wedding, or black-tie affair, an A-line dress can work for any venue or formality level.
You can play with different necklines too – off-the-shoulder adds romance, while strapless is sexy and timeless.
For winter weddings, an A-line gown with long sleeves is gorgeous and keeps you warm on the dance floor.
I’d recommend trying on A-line silhouettes from a range of designers and fabrics to see which one suits your style best.
It’s such an adaptable look that can be embellished with lace, beading, ruching, or kept minimal – the options are endless!
Ball Gown
For the ultimate fairytale princess experience, the ball gown reigns supreme.
With a fitted bodice and voluminous tulle or layered skirt, this show-stopping style is bold and dramatic.
Every girl dreams of feeling like Cinderella or a Disney princess on her wedding day.
And let me tell you, wearing a huge ballgown skirt definitely fulfills all those childhood fantasies!
I felt like Belle from Beauty and the Beast twirling around in my massive tulle skirt during my first dance.
There’s something so magical about all that volume, it makes such a statement when you walk into the room.
Ballgown silhouettes work beautifully for formal church ceremonies or luxe hotel ballroom receptions.
They’re meant to be seen and take up space – so allow your ballgown to shine on your big day.
Most ballgown skirts have layers of tulle or soft netting to create that “pouf” effect.
Some more structured ballgowns almost have a hoop skirt under the layers of tulle to hold the shape.
I’d recommend trying a range of petticoat options under the skirt when shopping to see what silhouette you prefer.
Of course, the voluminous skirt is balanced out with a well-fitted bodice on top.
This counteracts the volume and creates a flattering hourglass effect.
Sweetheart, strapless, and off-the-shoulder necklines all pair gorgeously with a ballgown skirt.
For some added drama, go for a ballgown with a fuller A-line style skirt instead of super full.
This creates almost a mermaid effect at the bottom while still having that volume on top.
No matter what – make an entrance and take up space in your ballgown on the big day!
Mermaid
Mermaid gowns are curve-hugging through the hips and thighs, then flare out below the knee.
This style is sexy, glamorous and perfect for showing off your figure.
Mermaid dresses are so sultry and romantic, ideal for a wedding on the beach or a glitzy hotel reception.
The close fit through the hips and derriere is super figure-flattering.
Since this silhouette hugs your curves, it’s best for brides who are confident with showing off some skin.
I’d recommend wearing sculpting shapewear underneath to smooth any lumps and bumps.
The narrow mermaid shape is very supportive and almost acts as a corset for your waistline.
Once the flares and volume kicks in below the knee, it creates a seriously sexy hourglass shape.
To balance out the body-hugging fit, look for mermaid gowns with illusion mesh panels, lace detail, or plunging backs.
Sweetheart and v-necklines also pair great with mermaid gowns by drawing the eye upwards.
Trumpet silhouettes are almost a modified mermaid – the skirt flares out a little lower for a slightly less dramatic effect.
The mermaid hem flares below the knee, while trumpet hems flare around mid-thigh typically.
For a really glam look, look for a mermaid gown with ruching or ruffled texture.
This adds extra curves to your waistline when paired with the close fit of the hips.
If you’re curvy up top, look for mermaid styles with straps or off-the-shoulder necklines to show off your shoulders and arms.
Go for a plunging deep v-neck to create a sultry, va-va-voom style statement.
Sheath
Sheath wedding dresses closely follow the contours of your body for a chic, modern look.
A sheath gown is perfect to highlight your silhouette.
Slender brides look amazing in sheath wedding gowns that skim their subtle curves.
Sheath silhouettes are often made of satin, crepe, or stretchy fabrics like jersey to hug the body.
Figure-wise, sheath dresses are great at elongating your frame and making you appear taller.
They fall straight from the shoulder to the hem in an uninterrupted line of fabric.
Sheath styles are gorgeous for sleek hotel or modern venue weddings.
Think black-tie optional dress code rather than ultra formal ballgown territory.
To bring some drama to a minimalist sheath, look for a gown with a slit up the leg, open back, or illusion panel accents.
One tip if you go for a sheath is to get it professionally tailored to fit you perfectly.
Since the dress contours the body, any imperfect fit will show through and emphasize problem areas.
Focus on finding a sheath dress with a neckline that flatters your collarbone and shoulder line.
Off-the-shoulder and asymmetric or one-shoulder necklines pair great with sheath silhouettes.
You can also modernize a classic sheath style with an unexpected color like blush pink, silver, or navy blue.
Trumpet
The trumpet style is fitted through the hips, then elegantly flares out starting below the hip line.
This look is graceful and elongating.
Trumpet gowns are sort of a hybrid between mermaid and sheath silhouettes.
They sculpt the hips and thighs while still having some volume through the calves.
I love trumpet styles because they’re a bit more modest and conservative than the va-va-voom mermaid.
The trumpet shape is incredibly graceful and elegant as it skims your frame then flares out.
This silhouette is perfect for pear-shaped figures, since it accentuates your curves in all the right ways.
Look for trumpet gowns with embellished straps or illusion necklines to balance the fitted skirt.
Off-the-shoulder is always a romantic option.
Or go for a bateau neckline for a super classy style.
For a vintage feel, try a trumpet gown with lace cap sleeves and subtle beading details.
Since trumpet dresses don’t have as much volume, they work for more casual outdoor weddings too.
A minimalist crepe trumpet style would be gorgeous for a garden wedding or beachfront ceremony.
To amp up the drama, add a ruffled train or long veil when wearing a trumpet silhouette.
This adds gorgeous movement as you walk down the aisle.
Just like the mermaid shape, I’d recommend proper undergarments to smooth and shape your figure.
Spanx Hide &
Sleek briefs eliminate panty lines and cling to your body seamlessly.
Tea Length
Tea length gowns end right below the knee, showing off your calves and ankles.
This length is youthful and playful.
Looking for a wedding dress that lets you dance the night away freely?
Then a tea length gown is the perfect choice for your big day.
Shorter hemlines feel fresh, fun and allow you to move comfortably all night long.
Tea length dresses hit right below the knee, showing off just a hint of leg in a tasteful way.
The shorter skirt gives your wedding look a casual, relaxed vibe perfect for daytime or outdoor ceremonies.
Picture a wedding in a garden, winery or backyard setting.
Tea length gowns pair perfectly with those rustic chic vibes.
Depending on your height, tea length can be very leg lengthening as well compared to floor length gowns.
Especially if you’re petite, a tea length style can make you appear taller than a long skirt.
Look for tea length dresses with layers of lightweight chiffon or tulle to create dreamy movement.
Ruffled skirts are adorable in tea length for a whimsical feel.
You can also modernize the silhouette with an unexpected fabric like metallic lace.
High Low
Also called the mullet dress, high low gowns are short in the front and long in the back.
This lets you show off your legs while still having a train.
The high low wedding dress silhouette gives you the best of both worlds on the big day.
All the glam and drama of a train paired with a short party-ready skirt.
High low dresses are perfect for showing off your funky shoes – maybe sparkly flats or rhinestone sneakers.
The mullet hem is short enough in front to see your footwear, but still elongates the legs.
Plus, you get that gorgeous train moment as you walk down the aisle or have your first dance.
High low dresses are quite versatile for different wedding venues.
The short front works great for outdoor weddings where you’ll be walking on grass or sand.
While the train allows you to still have that grand, formal element for photos.
When dress shopping, walk around the store in high low gowns to test the feel.
You want to ensure the uneven hem doesn’t make you trip as you’re dancing in your dress.
A shorter front means you likely don’t need a super long veil to match the proportions.
Go for a shoulder length veil instead so it’s in scale with the shorter front length.
Slip Dress
Usually made of satin or silk, slip dresses are ultra minimalist, slinky and sexy in their simplicity.
Pair with a lace trim for contrast.
If you’re a minimalist bride craving a fuss-free wedding dress, consider a slinky slip gown.
Slip dresses are all about clean lines, subtle sheen, and barely-there elegance.
They’re often bias cut to drape over curves and made of fluid fabrics like satin or silk.
I love how slips feel straight off the runway – so chic and modern.
The straight up-and-down shape lets the luxe fabric be the star of the show.
Look for slips with skinny spaghetti straps or avant-garde asymmetrical straps.
Pair your sleek slip with rock n’ roll boots or rhinestone flats to give it a laidback vibe.
To give a simple slip dress some extra romance, add a lace off-the-shoulder topper.
This creates dimension while keeping the overall vibe minimalist.
Slip dresses look killer on small, intimate wedding days like at a courthouse.
Keep your makeup fresh and dewy to complement the effortless look.
Don’t be afraid to wear a slip dress even if you aren’t model-thin.
The bias cut and luxe fabrics are actually quite forgiving on curves.
Cape Dress
Cape wedding dresses incorporate a breezy overlay to give your look drama and motion.
The cape can be sheer or made of lace.
Looking for a wedding dress with a touch of drama and whimsy?
Then a gown with a cape overlay could be a gorgeous choice for your big day.
Cape overlays are totally eye-catching and romantic when catching the breeze or twirling on the dance floor.
The cape element can be made of soft tulle, fluttering chiffon, or lovely lace.
Sheer capes create ethereal, goddess-like movement as you walk down the aisle.
While lace and embroidered capes have vintage charm and romantic texture.
Cape silhouettes work especially well for outdoor weddings in the spring or summer.
Just imagine that breeze catching your cape when exchanging vows in a field of wildflowers.
Look for a-line gowns with detachable cape overlays for the best of both worlds.
You can take off the cape later and show off the classic gown underneath for reception dancing.
If you’re curvy up top, a cape overlay is a great way to add coverage and camouflage problem areas.
Pair a gown with illusion or off-the-shoulder neckline with a matching sheer cape on top.
For a minimalist spin, try a crepe sheath dress with a simple satin cape overlay.
When dress shopping, walk around and lift your arms to test cape mobility.
Two Piece
A bridal separates look with a crop top and full skirt allows you to mix and match styles.
Add a sparkly belt to tie the look together.
Want your wedding dress to feel fresh and modern?
Consider rocking bridal separates.
Mixing a crop top with a voluminous tulle skirt gives you the flexibility to find the perfect fit top and bottom.
Bridal separates open up so many options to customize your dream look.
Try on different crop top silhouettes like off-the-shoulder or strapless sweetheart necklines.
Then have fun playing with different volume skirts like romantic tulle ballgowns or streamlined satin A-lines.
Look for lace crop tops to pair with skirts for contrasting fabrics and textures.
Bridal separates are also great if you want to highlight a narrow waist.
A beaded belt between a fitted crop and full tulle skirt will snatch that waist right in.
The mix and match potential here is endless – get creative with different elements.
Add a sparkly belt, rhinestone choker necklace, elbow length veil, the options go on and on!
Jumpsuit
Bridal jumpsuits are chic and modern.
The streamlined look flatters most figures.
Add a long train for drama.
Want an alternative to a traditional wedding dress?
A bridal jumpsuit is a chic option.
Jumpsuits are totally on-trend and offer a modern, unexpected look for your special day.
The streamlined look flatters most figures, especially paired with heels to elongate legs.
Look for wide leg jumpsuits with plunging necklines or open backs to rock a fashion-forward style.
Or pick a lace jumpsuit for a touch of romance while still being modern.
To amp up the drama, go for a jumpsuit with a long detachable train in tulle or chiffon.
This gives you the best of both worlds – a pant look for the ceremony and reception, then a gorgeous train for photos.
Bridal jumpsuits are all about tactile fabrics too – try crepe, satin, or fluid mikado to accentuate curves.
For an outdoor wedding, a sleeveless lace jumpsuit would keep you cool but still bridal feeling.
Finish off your jumpsuit look with statement earrings, sparkly jewelry and bold wedding shoes.
Short Dress
Fun and flirty short wedding dresses are perfect for garden or beach weddings.
Show off your gams in a short lace or metallic look.
Don’t want a heavy, cumbersome wedding dress on your big day?
Go for a short and sweet mini dress instead to dance the night away!
Short styles are playful, easy to move in, and show off your legs.
Look for flirty lace minis, silky slip dresses or fit and flare shapes.
I love the idea of wearing a short dress with sneakers or sparkly flats for dancing.
You can totally rock a veil and classic bridal makeup with a short dress too.
Shorter lengths work perfectly for beachfront ceremonies or backyard weddings.
Picture an ivory lace mini dress fluttering in the ocean breeze – so romantic!
Don’t be afraid to add a bold pop of color either.
A short pink or blue dress would be so fun.
Colored Dress
Today’s brides are embracing dresses in soft blush pink, powder blue and pale yellow hues.
Metallic golds and silvers add glam.
Don’t want to wear white on your wedding day?
You have tons of colorful options too!
Today’s brides are embracing soft shades like blush pink, silver blue and buttery yellow.
Non-white dresses add a fresh, youthful twist to your bridal style.
Blush pink flatters just about every skin tone.
It reads romantic and feminine yet still bridal.
Soft metallics like champagne, rose gold and silver are also on trend.
They add a hint of glam and glimmer for a modern look.
Powder blue is another favorite for a beach wedding or spring ceremony.
And pale yellow or ivory dresses are great if you still want a light, neutral hue.
Look for dresses with hand painted floral details for a color accent.
Ombre effects fading from neutral to color are pretty too.
The options are limitless to incorporate color in a tasteful way.
Just be sure the shade complements your skin tone.
Boho Dress
Channel flower child vibes with relaxed silhouettes, whimsical details and free-spirited fabrics like embroidered lace and crochet.
Dreaming of an earthy, whimsical vibe for your big day?
Then a bohemian inspired wedding dress is perfect to complement your vision.
Look for flowy A-line or empire silhouettes that drape and float gracefully.
Relaxed slip dresses or peasant style gowns capture the boho spirit too.
Natural fabrics like lace, silk and linen help create that organic feel.
And details like embroidery, macrame and crochet add artisan texture.
Don’t be afraid to throw on a flower crown, fun jewelry and rock desert boots to complete your boho bridal style.
You can also modernize the look by mixing lace with sleek silhouettes.
A boho vibe is perfect for outdoor weddings, especially in the woods or mountains.
Vintage Inspired
Old Hollywood glamour is always in style.
Look for Art Deco inspired beading, lace overlays and long sleeves for a retro wedding dress.
Want to channel sophistication and timeless elegance on your wedding day?
Go for a vintage inspired wedding gown for a romantic throwback look.
Styles from the 1920s to 1950s spotlight gorgeous details like:
– Delicate lace overlays
– Fluttery cap or long sleeves
– Plunging v-necklines
– Decadent beading and sequins
– Sultry bias cut silhouettes
Long sleeve lace dresses have a refined vintage vibe for a winter wedding.
For added retro charm, style your hair in glamorous curls or waves.
Red lips and cat eye makeup complete the pin-up bride look.
Vintage style dresses work well for formal church ceremonies and luxe hotel receptions.
Pair your old Hollywood gown with opera length gloves and a faux fur stole for a dramatic touch.
Look through photos of Old Hollywood starlets like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly for more inspiration.
Their iconic bridal looks embody timeless elegance and glamour.
Minimalist Dress
Sometimes less is more.
Minimalist wedding dresses use clean lines and sparse ornamentation to let the design speak for itself.
If you’re a bride who wants her wedding dress to get out of the way and let you shine, minimalism is key.
Minimalist wedding gowns spotlight sleek silhouettes, tactile fabrics and sparse embellishments.
The objective is to strip the look down to its most essential elements.
Flowy crepe slips have an effortless vibe.
As do bias cut silk sheaths.
Look for dresses with modern strappy backs, deep v-necklines or thigh high slits.
Less is more when it comes to accessorizing too.
Freshwater pearl earrings and a textured veil are all you need.
The minimalist bride embraces unfussy hair and makeup as well.
A perfectly imperfect low bun and hint of mascara epitomize the laidback look.
Black Dress
Walk on the wild side in a black wedding dress – it’s chic, slimming and totally unexpected.
Add a pop of color with your bouquet.
If you’re a bold, modern bride, consider wearing a black wedding dress on the big day.
How’s that for making a statement?
A black gown is dramatic, slimming, and impossible to ignore.
Play up the gothic romance with a black lace fit and flare gown with nude lining.
Or go for gothic glam with a strapless ballgown and dark lip.
Take the look from funeral to formal with opulent details like crystal beading and sequins.
Look for black dresses with illusion sheer panels to add dimension.
A black color palette lets you get creative with jewel tones in your bouquet and bold wedding makeup.
Offset all that black with an explosive pop of fuchsia or crimson flowers.
You’ll shatter all expectations walking down the aisle in your dark dress darling.
