All The Different Wedding Dress Styles on the Market
By Nick Hadji
1 year ago
1. A-line
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The clue is in the name with A-line wedding dresses. It’s usually a fitted bodice through to the waist and then it gets fuller from the waist to the hem, so it resembles a letter A. It’s similar to ballgown styles in some ways, but it’s a lot less puffy, and the skirt widens gradually. A-line is a great style for pear-shaped brides, as the skirt skims over the hips nicely.Original content sourced from Femanin.com2. Ballgown
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This is the classic fairytale dress we all know and love. It consists of a fitted bodice with huge plumes of puffy skirts, and exudes that old-school Hollywood glamor. It’s a flattering choice for brides with a big bust or broad shoulders, but it can sometimes drown those with more petite frames.3. Column/Sheath
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These slim-cut style wedding dresses are great for brides with athletic builds, as it drapes straight down from the neck to the hem. A column or sheath dress follows the body’s natural shape, so it’s a really good choice if you want to show off a willowy figure. However, this is one to avoid if you’re conscious of your hips.4. Basque
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Basque dresses can be absolutely stunning. They have a fitted bodice that sits just below your natural waistline, and generally have a soft v shape at the front of the bodice, which lengthens your torso. As this style of dress draws attention to your waist, you might not want to wear this one if you’re conscious of your stomach area.5. Drop Waist
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If you have smaller hips, this is the style of wedding dress for you. With a drop waist dress, the waist falls below the natural line to the mid-hip, which is usually seen on mermaid-style dresses. However, it’s important to bear in mind that they can be difficult to pull off, as they add length to your top half. This means it can make your legs look shorter, which isn’t what you want if you’re petite.6. Trumpet
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Trumpet wedding dresses are somewhere between an A-line and a mermaid dress. The fabric is fitted to the body from the bodice, and it gradually flares out from the mid-thigh into a “trumpet” shape. These are best for hourglass or pear shape brides, as the cut will accentuate your figure.7. Empire
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Super flattering for apple shapes covering their waist, or for athletic figures wanting to create a bigger bust, the empire dress is nothing short of versatile. Empire dresses have a high waistline that starts just under the bust on a fitted bodice. The skirts skim the body and are long and flowing, which helps lengthen the body.8. Bardot
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Named after the icon that is Brigette Bardot, these off-the-shoulder wedding dresses can be good for most body shapes. Just bear in mind that as the sleeves are moved down the arms, you might want to avoid this one if you’re conscious of your arms or shoulders, as this style of dress can make you look bigger.9. Fishtail/Mermaid
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Fishtail and mermaid dresses are very similar to trumpet dresses, but the key difference between the two is where the flare begins. Mermaid dresses don’t flare until below the knee, and they do so in dramatic style! These dresses are super popular right now, and are great for hourglass figures.10. Mini
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If you happen to be a petite bride, make the most of those shorter styles! Not everyone can pull off a mini dress for their wedding, but smaller frames can make this look super cool and edgy. Plus, you’ll be able to move around much more easily. Apple and pear shapes should probably avoid this one though.11. Asymmetric/One Shoulder
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One-shoulder dresses are chic and modern, and are generally good for most shapes. You’ll be able to show off a little flash of shoulder, but the bust will be modest. Just be careful to avoid these styles if you have broad shoulders though, as it won’t be all that flattering for your figure.12. Princess
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While a lot of people think princess dresses are ballgowns, they’re not one and the same. Princess line dresses are a completely different cut, and the seams that go from the top of the dress to the hem are long and curved. There’s no defined waist, so they’re great for bigger shapes, as well as athletic frames. A good all-rounder!13. Tea length
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If you fancy a shorter hemline but you don’t want to go for a mini, tea-length wedding dresses are a great choice. These dresses will tend to sit between mid-calf to just above the ankles, and are generally flattering for most shapes. Plus, they can be a perfect option if you’re opting for a beach wedding.14. Bateau/Boat
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A classic and flattering bateau dress looks great on most figures. It was already a popular choice, but since Meghan Markle opted for one, they’re everywhere. A bateau neckline is cut in a straight line from shoulder to shoulder, which follows the collarbone. It’s high both at the front and the back, and looks amazing with or without sleeves.15. Illusion
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Illusion wedding dresses can be both strapless and A-line, but will usually have a sheer panel of fabric from the top of the bodice to the neckline, or along the arms. The sheer panel is often made of lace, net, tulle or organza and may have embellishments on it. It’s definitely a more modest way of showing off your decolletage.16. Halterneck
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If you’re not conscious of your arms or your shoulders, halternecks are a great look for a modern bride. It’s a sleeveless gown that either has two straps from the bodice that meet at the back of the neck, or a super high neckline with deep armholes and a backless design. Sophisticated, elegant and chic.17. Spaghetti Strap
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These delicate, floss-thin straps (which resemble spaghetti) will give the look of bare shoulders, but will provide a bit more support for your bust. They’re simple and elegant, and are a great alternative to strapless and Bardot styles. However, if your bust is on the larger side, tread with caution. You don’t want anything falling out on your wedding day!18. Scoop
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Scoop neckline wedding dresses are low-cut in a rounded U-shape, and are good on pretty much everyone. As it’s deep and wide, it’s super flattering, as it draws the eye down to lengthen your neck, highlighting your collarbones. It’s also a good way to show off your cleavage without displaying too much.19. Square
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Square necklines aren’t too dissimilar to scoop dresses, but they have straight lines cut across the top instead of curved ones. The angular shape will still show off some cleavage, but a little less than a scoop cut. Plus, the angular neckline will downplay a round face, and give shoulders a broader look.20. Strapless
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Strapless wedding dresses are super popular thanks to their romantic, feminine look. They’re generally favored by brides with a fuller bust, as there’s potential to show some cleavage, but they’re also great for brides with angular faces too. This is because the curved neckline adds contours and softness.21. High Neck
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A high neck is a modest, classic option for brides, and looks great on those with athletic builds. Fuelled by the Victoriana trend where the neckline comes up to the mid-neck or underneath the chin, it’s a solid option for those with long torsos. You might want to avoid this one if you’re petite though, as it might make you look slightly out of balance.22. V-neck/Plunge
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In contrast to the high neck, a V-neck/plunge is great for petite brides, as it adds more length to the body. A V-neckline is formed by two diagonal lines from the shoulder that meet over the chest, and the plunging ‘V-shape’ exposes the neck and décolletage. The depth of the plunge can vary, from a little bit of bust to right down to the navel if you’re feeling brave!23. Sheer
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This isn’t a style of wedding dress for everyone, but if you’re confident, a sheer dress will definitely turn a few heads. As plenty of brides look to bring more unusual elements to their bridal looks, the sheer dress is a great option for those will hourglass, petite or athletic body types.24. Floral
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A twist on a classic, floral wedding dresses bring some gorgeous detailing to the table. Even a simple flourish of this touchy-feely texture adds opulence to classic bridal styles, but you can go all out with sparkles and sequins if you want something more eye-catching. A great style no matter what your body type.25. Bows
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Wedding dress bows are a very popular trend right now. Rather than having little, delicate bows all over your dress, most brides are opting for a big, statement bow, which is usually found at the back of the dress. Bows look great on short and long styles, and can work well as the train of your dress.26. Sweetheart
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One of the most popular necklines around, sweetheart wedding dresses dip to form a heart-shaped neckline, which accentuates your chest. While this is a style that’s generally preferred for curvy and apple-shaped body types, just be wary of how much bust you want to show, as some of these necklines can have a fair amount of depth.27. Long sleeve
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Sleeved wedding dresses offer a classic and timeless look, and are great for brides that are a little conscious of their arms and shoulders. Depending on the fabric and neckline, as well as the silhouette, wedding dresses with sleeves can be modest or daring, and can be worn in most weathers (especially winter).28. Cap Sleeves
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Cap sleeves aren’t for everyone, but if you want some upper arm coverage without going all out with long sleeves, this is the look for you. They can also add a cute little vintage twist to your bridal outfit, and soften up your look as your show off a little décolletage. However, if you’ve got broad shoulders, tread carefully, as cap sleeves can accentuate them.29. 3/4 Sleeves
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The three-quarter sleeve wedding dress can be super dreamy. The sleeves fall midway between the elbow and the wrist, and look particularly good in lace. This style doesn’t quite work with sweetheart necklines, but looks especially good with square, V-neck and scoop.30. Short Sleeves
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In between the three-quarter sleeve and the cap sleeve is the short sleeve. Offering more coverage than a cap sleeve, as well as less irritation directly under your armpit, the short sleeve is a super flattering look on most brides, and works especially well with tea-length dresses.31. Boho
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Boho dresses are for the free spirits and unconventional brides who want a dress inspired by the Bohemian lifestyle. The boho style wedding dress has a romantic effortless feel and they are often flowing and embody a more natural aesthetic. The relaxed kind of beauty is becoming more a more popular with brides who want to stray from the traditional style of wedding dresses.32. Vintage
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The beauty of a vintage wedding dress is that you can take style inspiration from any era to achieve an elegant look. They are typically styled around the 1950-1980s era. Vintage dresses are popular because they have a dense of nostalgia as well as a connection to history - and you will never look back and regret that your style has gone out of fashion because vintage pieces are forever timeless.33. Ballerina
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A ballerina style wedding dress is of course, inspired by the graceful aesthetic of a ballet dancer. These dresses take different elements of a ballet dress. For example, some incorporate the tutu style, or the fitted bodice and some are sleeveless, replicating the iconic ballet dancer image. This is perfect for those brides who want to feel like a princess on their special day!34. One shoulder
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One shoulder dresses are a modern wedding dress option. They offer an alternative from more traditional variations and add a modern appeal. They also have an ability to flatter and make the bride look super elegant. They look effortless, yet they add a little something extra. They reveal more shoulder and more neckline which can look very elegant and sensual.35. Keyhole back
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Key hole backs have a distinctive style shape in the back, in the shape of a keyhole! They may be oval, or tear shaped and the benefit to this design is that it offers a balance between open and closed back. This means that you are able to see the elegance of the brides back, whilst having the convenience of some closed fabric to hold the dress in place.36. Asymmetrical
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Asymmetrical dresses are a modern look which create an unconventional look where the dress has a different look on each side. They are very high fashion and are a great choice for the modern bride wanting a non traditional look, adding elements of new style and trends but retaining a very chic and flattering look. Asymmetrical dresses come in all kinds of different styles and shapes.37. Open back
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A woman's back is very beautiful, and for this reason open back dresses are becoming more and more popular. Some women prefer a lower front, and some women prefer to show their back. An open back reveals the entire back with no covering, and they are very stylish and beautiful and a popular dress for the modern woman. And, an alternative to a more revealing neckline.38. Convertible
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If you can't decide which dress to go for, or you want multiple styles and cannot choose then a convertible dress is a wonderful idea as it can change into different styles by simply removing or changing an aspect of the dress. It is designed so that a simple alteration by hand can give a whole new look. It's great for brides who want a day-to-night look and outfit change!39. Corset
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In the past corsets were uses underneath dress to give a woman a 'synched in' waist. In modern times the corset style has been embraces, using the corset as the actual look rather than underneath. This is because with a corset you can alter it to fit your body and and accentuate your figure as you desire. For this reason the corset wedding dress offers a super flattering look.40. Flutter sleeves
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Sleeves are a very elegant addition to a wedding dress. They add elegance and a sense of effortlessness. Flutter sleeves are designed to create a kind of fluttering movement when the bride moves which makes the dress more dynamic and more elegant. They are made of light, flowing material which can sometimes be sheer and they are a beautiful addition to a wedding dress!41. Tiered skirt
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Some brides wants a skirt and train that falls neatly next to them and some brides wants as much volume in their skirt as possible for their special day. A tiered skirt manages to achieve this look as the layers of material add volume to give that iconic bell shaped skirt look. The layers often have graduated lengths to achieve the real princess aesthetic.42. Lace
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Lace has been used for wedding dresses for centuries. It has a romantic and feminine look which flatters the bride making her look completely elegant and delicate. Lace can be used to make intricate patterns which makes it a favourite for brides who want a detailed wedding dress with embroidered patters. Lace wedding dresses will never go out of style, and always look elegant.43. Feathers
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Feathers as part of a wedding dress are a luxurious embellishment for brides who want a bit more drama and sense of extravagance to their wedding gown. They give a very 'high fashion' feel and give the dress and the bride an opulent and glamorous look. Some dresses have feather embellishments and some are completely covered in feathers, depending on the kind of look the bride wants.44. Slit skirt
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Slit skirts are a fairly modern wedding dress addition and they can add a little bit of 'sexiness' to the more traditional bridal look. A slit skirt offers a sensual and modern look and they show some of the brides legs which would have usually covered by the skirt of the wedding dress. The slit starts at the bottom of the dress and can reach up to a variety of lengths.45. Minimalist
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Minimalist styles are a style that never fail to look elegant and classy. They also look on trend at any time, in any era. Minimalist dresses have been popular throughout history, yet they retain a modern, simplistic look. They are flattering and the 'non fuss' dress brings attention to the beauty of the bride herself, rather than the sole focus being on the dress.46. Tulle overskirt
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A tulle overskirt is a detachable skirt/ layer of (usually sheer or mesh) fabric that can be added over the top of the wedding dress. It can add volume tot he skirt making it appear bigger, and some people add embellished overskirts to add some detail and drama to their wedding dress look. And, you can detach them as you wish, so some brides have a tulle skirt only for the ceremony.47. High neckline
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High neckline wedding dresses are a classic, one that will never go out of style. They come in many different styles, some reaching half way up the neck. They are a modest look and an option for brides who want to appear demure. But, they are also ultra refined and exude elegance from brides who wear high neckline wedding dresses, making them a popular choice.48. Cape
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A cape style wedding dress is when the veil not only comes from the head, but also from the shoulder. Or, sometimes it comes only from the shoulders, appearing as a mesh, elegant kind of cape. Some people opt for a cape dress, or to have a cape attached to add elegance to the dress and some people prefer to have one to make their look more modest in appearance.49. Bell sleeves
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