A wedding gown is often the highlight of the wedding and choosing your dream wedding gown is an exciting moment, indeed. There are so many choices out there from dreamy, floaty lace wedding gowns or satin and shantung silk gowns with elegant trains. Choose from a variety of gorgeous Vera Wang wedding gowns or the simple but breathtaking Oscar de la Renta wedding gowns if your budget allows it!
As beautiful as a wedding gown looks on a model or in a magazine, it is important to remember that it may not suit your body shape or height. So how do you choose the right wedding gown for you?
The design of the wedding gown is usually determined by the skirt and these are the common styles of wedding gowns:
A-Line or Princess Skirt
The most common wedding gown skirt is the A-line skirt. A-line wedding gowns often have a fitted bodice with a skirt that falls from the natural waist to the floor. The A-line wedding gown silhouette suits most brides especially those who may be pear shaped or are fuller figured. It is a very forgiving gown as it does not cling to unwanted curves or lumps and usually provide a slim silhouette, regardless of your size.
Hoops or an organza can-can is sometimes inserted under the dress to give it a fuller shape that will glide as you walk and for ease of walking. However, smaller sized brides might want to do without those for a sleeker look.
Suits: Most brides especially fuller figured brides.
Mermaid Skirt
This is a style that is becoming increasingly popular in Malaysia. The mermaid skirt is also similar to the fishtail and trumpet skirt. It features a sleek, figure hugging gown that flares out below the knees. It is a gown that is fitted at the bride’s hips and thighs and are not suitable for pear shaped brides who do not wish to draw attention to their problem areas. The trumpet skirt may start flaring slightly around the knees with a larger flare. Mermaid gowns usually look beautiful with or without a train.
Due to the restrictiveness of the skirt, it may be a little difficult for the bride to walk or kneel. Nevertheless, it is a very elegant wedding gown that will look beautiful on slim or petite brides;
Suits: Slim or petite brides, Brides with hourglass-shaped bodies
Does Not Suit: Pear-shaped, pregnant or plump brides
Empire Skirt
The empire wedding gown is a straight skirt without the waist definition like the A-line. It looks beautiful with flowy fabrics such as chiffon or silk. It usually has a seam just underneath the bust from which the skirt drops to the floor. It is also an elegant wedding gown that hides any flaws you might not want to reveal and is wonderful for pregnant brides. However, due to the design, large-busted women or large sized might find it less suitable.
Suits: Small-busted brides, petite brides, pear-shaped brides, pregnant brides
Does Not Suit: Large-busted brides
Ballgown Skirt
The Ballgown wedding gown is the most romantic and glamorous of all wedding gowns. It truly epitomises every girl’s dream of being a princess in their beautiful ball gown. The ball gown skirt is a very full skirt and can be made out of a light floaty material such as tulle or a heavier satin fabric. The skirt starts to flare out from the waist and is a very full skirt so ensure you have enough space to turn around! While it suits most figure shapes, a fuller sized bride may find that it emphasizes her size instead of detracting from it. Too petite brides may also find themselves overwhelmed in it.
Suits: All body shapes, especially pear shaped figures
Does Not Suit: Large sized brides or overly petite brides
Sheath Gown
The sheath wedding gown was made popular by Carolyn Bessette, the late wife of the late John Kennedy Jnr. It is also known as the column gown and is a sleek wedding gown that is usually quite figure hugging. It is often made of heavier material such as satin or silk and falls in simple lines to the floor. Due to its figure hugging shape, it may not be suitable for larger sized brides.
Suits: Petite and slim brides. Tall brides can also carry this gown off very well
Does Not Suit: Large framed or plump brides
Hopefully this comprehensive guide to wedding gown designs will help you in finding your dream wedding gown!
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Thank you! Very helpful!
Glad you found it helpful
I am so happy i found this blog!
thanks so much it has been absolutely and utterest most helpful! 
Hi Eunice – Glad you found my site helpful
All the best for your wedding preparation!