Types of Wedding Gowns and Evening Dress
Every bride deserves to look their best on their wedding day. Find out which gown type flatters your body type the most so that you’ll look absolutely stunning!
- A-line
Image Courtesy of Di Gio Bridal (LEFT) and La Belle Couture (RIGHT)
Image Courtesy of My Dream Wedding
Just like what the name suggests A-line gowns are fitted at the bodice and gradually extends out in the shape of an A. What makes this type of gowns the most popular and sought after is the fact that it flatters any and every body type.
- Empire
Image Courtesy of La Belle Couture
Image Courtesy of French Wedding
The most distinctive feature of an empire gown is the bodice of the dress ending just below the bust thus creating a high-waist appearance.
The empire gown is a great choice for a variety of brides, namely petite and plus-sized brides, and those with a straight silhouette. Not only does the high-waist appearance have a lengthening effect for petite brides, it also adds shape to a rectangular body type because of how it defines the slimmest part of the torso. Because the flare of the skirt begins right below the bust line, brides can conceal any area of their upper body that they find unflattering effortlessly.
- Sheath
Image Courtesy of Z Wedding (LEFT) and Di Gio Bridal (RIGHT)
Image Courtesy of My Dream Wedding
The sheath dress is usually characterized by its flowy nature as it follows closely to the bride’s natural body line. At first glance, this type of gowns may look simple or basic, but it actually enhances the bride’s form because of its fitting style.
The sheath dress’s style compliments tall brides while appealing to petite brides too by having the ability to play up their height. However, this style is a no-no for brides with a rectangular frame because it does nothing to add curves and might emphasize the boxy body shape instead.
- Trumpet / Mermaid
Image Courtesy of La Belle Couture (LEFT) and Di Gio Bridal (RIGHT)
Image Courtesy of My Dream Wedding
The trumpet and mermaid gowns are from the same family of fit-and-flare gowns. They may look almost the same, but trumpet gown is usually fitted from the bodice all the way to mid-thigh where the skirt flares out gradually, while the mermaid gown is the most figure-hugging of all fit-and-flare dresses where the skirt ends with a flare at or below the knee.
Both gowns look amazing on brides with an hourglass figure because they simply cling to the curves. However, brides who are not comfortable with a gown that has the same effect as a bodycon dress should avoid these form-fitting gowns. Also, brides with an apple shaped body (slightly larger around the torso area) or pear shaped body (wider hips as compared to their upper body) may not enjoy the both as much because it will only draw attention to these areas, and highlight the slimmest part of the body which is the legs, creating an unbalanced effect.
- Ballgown
Image Courtesy of Z Wedding Design (LEFT) and Di Gio Bridal (RIGHT)
Image Courtesy of White Link
This regal and enchanting gown type flaunts a full skirt and a fitted bodice, adding curves and shape to any bride.
The ballgown looks fantastic on pear-shaped brides because the extremely flare skirt balances out the bottom half of their body with the torso, and because the gown is cinched in at the waist, it emphasizes most flattering part of the body. Even though the ballgown seems to be like the perfect fairytale gown, petite brides should avoid it because the large skirt might appear too overwhelming!
- Knee-length
Image Courtesy of Z Wedding
Image Courtesy of Z Wedding
Other than playing around with the cutting of your gowns, a different hemline gives off an entirely different vibe as well.
Knee-length gowns are just the right length for wedding receptions or the ROM because it strikes the perfect balance between whimsical and formal. However, you won’t want to run the risk of being dressed even more casual than your guests, so the knee-length gown should only be reserved for the right occasion.
Even though opting for a knee-length dress is a great way to show off the legs, having the hem of your skirt right in the middle at the knee actually won’t do much in adding length to your silhouette.
- High-Low
Image Courtesy of Z Wedding (LEFT) and La Belle Couture (RIGHT)
Image Courtesy of My Dream Wedding
High-low gowns are named after the unique hem design of a short hem in the front and a longer train at the back.
Petite brides can rock this asymmetrical hemline on their wedding day to create the illusion of longer legs. The downside of high-low dresses is that the wrong kind will result in an unintended overly casual effect and your dress might look cheap, even if it costs a bomb. To get the best out of high-low dresses, make sure the front hem isn’t too short, and the skirt is voluminous and layered.
Want to see more fabulous gowns from gown collections of top bridal boutiques in Singapore? Scroll down to check them out!