Wedding dress shopping can be stressful. With so many cuts and styles available, brides can easily become overwhelmed by the options. To make things easier, here’s our wedding gown 101 guide to the most popular wedding dress silhouettes.

Ball gown:

Also known as princess style, this wedding dress silhouette is characterised by a full skirt, fitted bodice and natural waist. It is the most traditional of the silhouettes, often considered the most romantic and feminine due to its fairytale-esque shape. This cut works well on most body types, especially more straight figures as it creates shape. However, more petite brides might get lost in the fullness of the skirt.

Famous brides that have worn this look include Mariah Carey, Serena Williams and Diana, Princess of Wales.

Mermaid:

This silhouette is for the daring bride. This curve-hugging cut is fitted to the brides body from the chest to the knees, where it flares out. It works best on brides that want to enhance their curvy shape.

Kim Kardashian, Melania trump and Khloe Kardashian stunned in this wedding dress style.

A-line:

While similar to a ballgown, the A-line silhouette skirt is more flowy in style. The fitted bodice flows into the skirt forming an upperclass ‘A’ shape.

Priyanka Chopra, Duchess Kate Middleton, and Allison Williams have worn this style.

Trumpet:

Also known as fit-and-flare, this style is fitted on the bodice and flares out mid thigh, making it a blend of an A-line and mermaid silhouette. It is typically easier to move around in than a mermaid dress. This style works best on brides wanting to accentuate their waists.

Beyonce, Ciara, and Michelle Kwan all wore this style on their Big Day.

Empire waist:

This wedding dress silhouette it fitted and flares out underneath the bust. They are flattering for most body shapes and are comfortable to wear.

Celebrity brides that have worn this style include Kelly Clarkson and Priscilla Presley.

Drop waist:

The drop waist silhouette is essentially an A-line gown with a lower waistline. Instead of flowing from the natural waist, drop waist gowns begin to flow from the hips. This style hugs your waist and hips, making it perfect for brides wanting to accentuate these parts of their body.

Caroline Kennedy and Poppy Delevigne have worn this style for their wedding day.

Sheath:

This classic style features a narrow shape that flows  straight down from the neckline to the hemline. Brides with more athletic or lean builds look best in this style. It also works well on petite brides as the straight lines work to elongate bodies.

Celebrity brides that have donned this silhouette include Jada Pinkett Smith and Princess Charlene of Monaco.

Picture: Unsplash