Super flattering, a fit and flare wedding dress hugs the body and flares off just below the hips, accentuating the waist. Don’t confuse it with a mermaid, which generally flares out a little lower at the knee. A fit and flare design can also be a touch easier to wear, as it’s less fitted around the thighs, but will still give you a feminine, curvaceous silhouette. It works well for petites too, as it won’t shorten your frame like larger dresses or mermaid gowns might.
Often found with a floaty tulle skirt, this is a great choice for a classically romantic look. And if you love dancing, then this could be ‘The One’, as it’s very easy to move around in. Try it strapless with a lace-up back for a beautifully pretty feel or, for more detailing or support, look for delicate illusion straps or flattering cap sleeves.
Mermaid silhouettes (also known as fishtail wedding dresses) are the most glamorous of our wedding dress shapes. They're closely fitted to the knee or below, before flaring out dramatically to the floor. The clue’s in the name – the skirt has the same outline as a mermaid’s tail! Thanks to the dramatic cut, this style highlights a curvy figure or adds curves where there are none.
A mermaid can be a high-fashion, sexy silhouette, so it’s perfect for brides who want real wow-factor. It also looks fabulous strapless and with a sweetheart neckline or draped off-the-shoulder straps. For maximum impact try a mermaid silhouette with a flouncy and fabulous waterfall skirt! If you choose this style it’s important to practice walking and sitting in your dress, as the tight fit can restrict movement a little, and invest in good seam-free underwear. Wearing it with the right underskirt will also help.
Finally, short wedding dress shapes are a popular choice for modern brides and brides looking for a second evening dress. And by short, we mean everything from vintage style, tea-length dresses to fun and flirty minis. Tea lengths are normally fitted across the bust and waist before flowing out into a full voluminous skirt with a cropped hemline that falls between the ankle and the knee. Ideal for all body types, they accentuate the waistline and show off luscious legs. Alternatively, mini skirts generally feature a fitted skirt that falls above the knee and are a little more revealing. Great for a contemporary or micro wedding, a mini skirt wedding dress also makes a great second dress if you want to change it up for the evening do.
Shorter styles are an unconventional choice, which is why many brides love them. What’s more, you might even be able to wear it again, depending on the style you chose. The classic look is strapless or with thin straps but they also look delightful with full-length lace sleeves. You can accentuate the vintage feel of a tea-length dress with Art Deco style accessories, a short veil or a faux fur wrap. There are also modern tea-length options, in sleek fabrics with minimal detailing, that look amazing with a stylish pair of heels. When it comes to a simple mini, we love them with catwalk style, off-the-shoulder straps for the ultimate, relaxed ‘cool girl’ look.
For pear shapes it depends whether you want to highlight your curves or disguise them. To show off beautiful hips, go for a mermaid or a fit and flare. Strapless is also great, as bare shoulders will give you a great shape and balance out the flared skirt. Alternatively, to draw attention away from your hips, try a flattering A-line or ballgown skirt to put the focus on your top half and give you a lovely waistline. We have even more information here.
If you’re slim hipped with a fuller bust try a fit and flare, which will balance out your proportions. Also, look for styles with internal corsetry and/or a lace-up back that will make you feel comfortable and supported all day long. Wide illusion straps are a good choice for extra support, while sweetheart or V necklines will flatter your bust. We have even more information on apple body shapes and fuller busts.
A plunging neckline looks great with a smaller bust. However, if you’d like to enhance your bust, consider a lace-up bodice with a sweetheart neckline. Detailing on the bodice, such as ruffles or pleats, will also add shape and volume.
The universally flattering A-line does it again, creating a beautiful waistline and balancing out the body. Although curvy brides should also consider a modern sheath with plenty of detailing or a fun tea length. A supportive bodice is also a good choice, especially one with a lace-up back that will give you the perfect fit. Read more on how to dress your curvaceous body.
A striking sheath will play up your natural height and suit your rectangle figure. Just add a glittering belt if you want to make more of your waistline. Alternatively, try a fit and flare style to create curves or an A-line with a split, to accentuate your height and long legs. Delicate embellishment in the right places can also give the appearance of more curves, plus you have the perfect shape for an elegant high neckline. We have even more information for tall brides here and for rectangle body shapes.
Often seen as a body shape that can wear anything, it’s still a great idea to accentuate your beautiful waist. A lace-up bodice with a sweetheart neckline will work beautifully with your curves, as will a dramatic mermaid silhouette. For a totally showstopping look try one with a daring plunging neckline! Click here to check out more about wedding dresses for hourglass figures.
The overall slimming affect of an A-line can make a petite bride look taller. A sheath style is also a great choice, as the elongated look creates the illusion of height and you also won’t be swamped by layers of material. Keep embellishment that might overwhelm your figure to a minimum and do consider a low scooped back, which will add length to your look. Halternecks are also a great look for petite brides, as they add length to the neckline. For more information on wedding dresses for a petite bride click here.
A slim A-line that will sit gently over your bump and give you room to grow is a great choice. Alternatively, a soft sheath with a stretchy jersey lining will hug your bump without clinging and also offer a bit of growing space. Alternatively, a high waisted A-line or ballgown style that sits over your tummy might work for you. Just avoid anything with boning that won't offer flexibility as your shape changes. Click here to find our more on maternity wedding dresses.
We hope our guide to wedding dress shapes has given you an idea of where to start your wedding dress shopping experience. And, it should be just that, the perfect bridal experience. So, bring your friends and family with you and make a real day of it!
Plus, if you’re still not sure what will suit you, you don’t feel very body confident or you don’t think you fit any of the body shapes we’ve talked about, don’t worry. Our friendly bridal experts (both online and instore) are brilliant at helping even the most unsure or nervous bride. Read some of our reviews and real bride stories if you don’t believe us. We promise you’ll leave your appointment feeling confident, happy and hopefully clutching the dress of your dreams!
The time has come to choose your wedding dress. There is so much to consider, from what silhouette is best for your body to your budget. This is the complete guide to choosing your perfect wedding dress, starting from the basics and making its way to all the detailed questions we’ve asked the experts on your behalf.
Wedding dresses are such a genuine expression of style on your big day. We know that you know how important it is to make the right choice for you, so we’ve gathered everything you need to know in one handy place. Read on and discover how to glide down the aisle exactly as you’ve been dreaming.
This is the main course of wedding dress shopping. Your wedding dress style says so much about you, given the zillions of options you have. Let’s break down the different aspects of wedding dress styles and outfits.
Visit UsOf them all, the A-line wedding dress is definitely the most popular. It is form-fitted at the top and flares at the waist - giving rise to the widespread “fit and flare” trend - which flatters almost every body type.
The secondary focal point for many brides is the wedding dress neckline. While some love to emphasise their necklines, others prefer a more subtle look. For that, designers have embraced several different styles, including:
A wedding dress neckline is essential in highlighting your face and overall shape. The general rule designers and other experts lean toward is choosing a deeper neckline for petite brides, whereas taller brides pick something higher. Of course, that’s not set in stone. If you’ve got your heart set on a neckline, try it out! What makes you feel best is what matters most.
Depending on how flowy you want to look or traditional you want to be, your choice of wedding fabric can change the tone of your whole wedding dress. Almost any fabric can work, but the most popular of which are:
Lace: delicate, malleable and gorgeous, lace is undoubtedly the most popular of the wedding dress fabrics across every culture, woven from silk or cotton and adapting to every weather type
Satin: which offers a soft sheen and impeccable drape, making it a favourite amongst brides for its flattering fit; it’s often made from polyester or silk, making it durable for most seasons
Chiffon: as light as can be and often an overlay for wedding dresses, this is a transparent and soft layer made from woven silk or rayon to add a dreamy, ethereal vibe
Tulle: a sheer, net look that adds pizzazz to every wedding dress, this material can be airy or ruched for more structure, most commonly used for the wedding veil’s material
Georgette: spun from polyester or silk, this lightweight material is floaty and soft with a crepe finish that is perfect for the top layers on a wedding dress
Faille: presenting itself in many forms, it’s woven from silk, cotton, or rayon, featuring a structured, ribbed finish with a crosswise rib effect that lends itself best to modern designs
Pique, identified by its waffle-weave look, this is a knit fabric that is a more unusual choice due to its informal appeal and slightly heavier feel that fits crisp drapes best
Voile: spun from cotton or wool, the lightweight and playful nature of voile makes it a semi-casual dream, with its semi-transparent look adding a certain levity to any wedding dress
Charmeuse: a luxurious option, this fabric is light but glossy on the outside and matte on the inside, made of silk and with a soft drape that is to die for (although more challenging to work with)
Most of the time, wedding dresses are not made from just one material - but the foundation of your wedding dress does matter, and the fabric used to accentuate this or highlight that. The most expensive wedding material is undoubtedly silk, whereas the most inexpensive kinds are synthetic (polyester, rayon, etc.).
We asked you to tell us what inspires your choice the most, the dress or the designer, and over 90% of you told us it was the dress. And you know what? Our experts agree with you.
“I always ask, what is your dream dress?” she shared. “What I want, it doesn't matter. This is what you want. Other people and the bride always have their own visions. So they [say], ‘Okay, I love this one. And this one. And this one.’ So I always ask them, what is your dream dress today? [Then] let's see if that silhouette and style [suits] you or not.”
