Wedding Dress Styles 101: Your Essential Handbook

Looking for the dream wedding dress? You’re in the right place.

Been sifting through all sorts of wedding dresses styles feeling it was an easier mission to find a signature scent or that one recipe you’re known for? There are so many different wedding dress styles for all kinds of brides! We want to make it as easy as possible. Read on for a handy guide to the fabric, the design, or the embellishment likely to complement your body, personality, and work with your overall vision for your special day. 

It might be a surprising feature that suits you most. The neckline, in particular, plays a pivotal role in framing your face and accentuating features. Understanding your body type is paramount in this journey of types of bridal dresses! 

So, grab your bridal squad, pour yourself a glass of bubbly, and get ready to dive into the wonderful world of wedding dress styles. After all, finding the perfect dress should be as fun and fabulous as the big day itself!

Secret tips for savvy brides to be

Consider your wedding setting before you try a dress

When selecting styles of wedding dresses, don’t forget to consider the venue and time of your wedding. A sleek column gown may be perfect for a modern Summer city loft wedding, but could be impractical in a barn in Winter. The same applies to accessories and make up. Will you rock a bold red lip or have a more simple nude look? A simple town hall ceremony would look great with a retro or vintage dress, but could make a huge Cinderella gown seem out of place. By harmonizing your dress choice with the setting, you’ll create a cohesive aesthetic. Give it some thought before you head to the bridal shop!

Embrace your frame as it is 

Your aim on your day is to be very much authentically you, while showing off your best assets. Our tips? Lean into your own style and ensure in your dress you feel like you on a very great day. There’s a trick and a hack for everyone. If you lack curves, belted pieces or peplum shapes will work, and if you want to skim over curves, an A line or empire cut will work.

Not sure what your best parts are? Find a celebrity with a similar shape to you and check out their red carpet looks. What worked for them? Do they reveal their shoulders, show their legs, or play up their height with savvy use of fabrics, belts or cuts? Take these learnings to the try on. 

Throw out the rulebook! 

Choosing wedding dresses styles isn’t about hiding your shape or style. You don’t have to disguise or conceal anything. Even if a fishtail is technically great for your figure, if you feel stuck and claustrophobic in it, it’s not for you. 

Don’t feel you have to dress wedding style if you are more casual and want something far less formal. 

Selecting the right wedding dress style and neckline is a deeply personal journey that requires careful consideration. 

Whether opting for a classic A-line silhouette or a high neck or a daring plunge neckline, the key is to feel empowered and beautiful on your special day and not like you’ve raided someone’s dressing up box! 

Start with some inspiration

Until you get your nose in a bridal magazine, a Pinterest board or Insta feed all about weddings, what you want from wedding gown styles can evade you. 

Choose an evening to kick back with a drink and explore, so you can scrapbook or pin items that speak to you. 

‘Chic wedding ideas’ are a great starting point, (and then add in some of the dress styles we’ve mentioned below into your search.)  Look at every style before you dismiss it. 

Explore IRL

When it comes to finding “the one” you need to cast your net wide in terms of dress styles. 

Don’t limit yourself to just one style or silhouette; instead, embrace the adventure of trying on everything from boho-chic to classic ball gowns in all shades of cream, ivory and dazzling white. You never know – that unexpected choice might just steal your heart! None at a local shop? Feel free to travel and explore. 

Dress to Impress

We’ve all had bad experiences in fitting rooms, and while a bridal suite is designed to encourage the sale by making you look magical, it’s key to prepare a little and give yourself a great boost. Pamper yourself with a bath and a range of smellies, and tie or style your hair in a similar up/ down style to the planned one for the big day. Brace yourself with a range of bras and underwear options. (In short, don’t turn up in that saggy old set you’ve been meaning to throw in the bin!) 

You may like to wear nude underwear or shapewear to get a good feel for the dresses. It’s also a nice idea to have an outfit that’s easy to take on and off, like a maxi dress and some sandals. Obviously, a trusted streak-free deodorant and minimal makeup so nothing transfers is key! 

Bring a squad

Wedding dress shopping is an emotional rollercoaster with a minefield of decisions and at the very least, you want someone to take a nice photo of you in some of your top choices to review later, spoiler – there are so many bridal dress styles. You’ll want someone by your side who can provide honest feedback so you can start to define the shapes and style that work for you. Start thinking about who should be in your squad.

Key Wedding Dress Styles

Okay, so you have your pictures and your wish lists. You’re ready to try on some dresses. But what are you looking for? As you can imagine, different wedding dress styles are on offer. Here are some of the key pieces of terminology so you know your fish tails from your fit and flares. 

Remember that this is half the story, as every kind of fabric, colour and level of frills and embellishments can apply to all the below styles. 

Want a simple A-line with no frills? Easy. Want an A-line dress with lace, glitter and pearls? That’s on the menu too. 

We say, start with the shape and let’s talk about detail later! 

• A-Line: This classic silhouette features a fitted bodice that gradually flares out from the waist, resembling the shape of an uppercase “A.” Pear-shaped brides, rejoice! The A-line silhouette is your best friend. It gracefully skims over the hips, accentuating your curves in all the right places. This is commonly seen in the next category of dress…. 
• Ballgown: Fit for a fairytale, the ballgown silhouette also known as a princess wedding dress boasts a fitted bodice and a dramatic, voluminous skirt, exuding elegance and grandeur. A ballgown tends to have a dash more volume than a princess wedding dress, but both work off the A-line style.  It suits most body types, particularly those with hourglass figures.
• Basque: Looking to define your waistline like never before? Look no further than the basque style. Its V-shaped waistline will provide that hourglass shape. A classic is designer like a corset over a full skirt with a bodice ending in a V-shape and close contoured fit, but modern basque dresses do show the shape of a corset style but integrate this into the dress so there aren’t harsh lines. 
• Column/Sheath: Sleek and sophisticated, the column silhouette skims the body’s contours without much volume, creating a statuesque effect like a second skin. That doesn’t mean you will be restricted in shape! A sheath style can work with a fit and flare or fishtail style, or can drape beautifully with a sheer bodice down toa crepe skirt. It’s perfect for slender or petite brides who would be drowned by too much volume or have an enviable figure they’d like to show off! Lucky you! 

• Drop Waist: Straighter figures, and shorter brides will like a drop waist silhouette with its elongating effect thanks to stitches that go beneath the torso. One to try to see what it does to you. 
• Empire: Featuring a high waistline that sits just below the bust, the empire silhouette flows gracefully over the body. This is a fantastic choice for pregnant brides or those seeking a relaxed, bohemian vibe. Plus, who doesn’t want a dress that lets you indulge in all the wedding cake?
• Fishtail/Mermaid: This form-fitting style hugs the body until the knees, where it flares out dramatically, resembling the shape of a mermaid’s tail. It accentuates curves and is best suited for hourglass figures. It’s another classic in the wedding dresses styles from the ages. 
• Fit-and-Flare/Trumpet: Combining elements of the mermaid and A-line styles, the fit-and-flare silhouette fits snugly through the bodice and hips before flaring out around mid-thigh. It’s flattering for brides with curves in all the right places. 
• Short/Tea-Length: Perfect for casual or vintage-inspired weddings, short or tea-length dresses end above the ankle or below the knee, showcasing your legs. You may want a pair of vintage shoes to show off. Tea length doesn’t have to mean simple, as a ballgown style can be done shorter, allowing a princess cut with a pair of pointed heels to have centre stage.

Key Wedding Dress Necklines

While the bottom of the dress is interesting, the neckline is so important! Just like a great haircut frames your face, your wedding dress neckline will draw attention to the areas everyone will be looking at – your smiling face! 

Here are some of the classics that can apply to the shapes of dress. 

• Asymmetric/One-Shoulder: This neckline features a single strap or sleeve, adding asymmetrical interest to the dress and drawing attention to the shoulders and collarbones.
• Bardot: Inspired by Brigitte Bardot’s iconic off-the-shoulder style, the Bardot neckline exposes the shoulders and neckline, exuding timeless elegance and femininity. Whether you’re saying “I do” in a quaint countryside chateau or a picturesque vineyard, this neckline adds a hint of vintage charm to any setting.
• Bateau/Boat: Characterized by a wide, horizontal neckline that follows the collarbone’s natural curve, you can sail away into wedded bliss with the elegant boat neckline. This nautical-inspired style is ideal for a seaside wedding, where the sound of waves and salty breeze set the scene for romance. Just don’t forget to accessorize with a pair of pearl earrings for that extra touch of maritime chic!
• Halterneck: This timeless style is perfect for a sophisticated city wedding or a glamorous black-tie affair. Pair it with a sleek updo and statement earrings for a look that’s effortlessly elegant  and great for those with striking shoulders. 
• High Neck: This neckline extends upwards to cover the entire neck area, offering a demure yet striking look. This can skim down the body, with a draped fabric, and teamed with shoulders with a little gleam of highlighter can be a really stunning effect. This also works fantastically with a low or backless dress. 
• Illusion: Combining sheer fabric with embellishments or lace, the illusion neckline creates the illusion of bare skin while providing support and coverage.These are really popular bridal dress styles.
• Scoop: Simple yet versatile, the scoop neckline features a U-shaped or round neckline that flatters a variety of body types, showcasing the collarbones and décolletage.
• Spaghetti Strap: Delicate and feminine, spaghetti straps provide minimalistic support while allowing the focus to remain on the dress’s silhouette and design. Perfect for the 90’s revival but not too trendy. 
• Square: With a horizontal neckline that forms a square shape, this neckline adds structure and interest to the bodice, flattering a range of bust sizes. Great for a vintage or gothic look! 
• Strapless: Timeless and classic, this romantic neckline showcases your shoulders and décolletage for a look that’s both classic and captivating and suits so many styles of wedding dresses.
• Sweetheart: Named for its heart-shaped neckline, the sweetheart neckline accentuates the bust and creates a flattering silhouette, suitable for various body types. A must if you want to show off an enchanting neckline to its full effect.
• V-neck/Plunge: Featuring a V-shaped neckline that elongates the torso and draws the eye downwards, the V-neck or plunge neckline offers a sultry yet sophisticated look. Just remember, with great plunge comes great responsibility. You don’t want any wardrobe malfunctions stealing the spotlight on your big day!

Preparing for your big day? 

Have we made choosing a dress look like a dark art? Wedding dresses styles visiting you in your sleep? We know it’s a big decision, and you have to give respect to bridal boutique owners, who help people say yes to the dress despite there being thousands of variations of all styles available. 

Don’t forget that dress shopping is just the start of a very special life moment. 

If you’re finding lots of things to spend your money on, and the wedding is becoming a big project, then you’ll need a Collection Pot! Our free to set up wedding fund collections can be shared for donations towards your big day, your rings or your honeymoon, helping get you on the right journey as newlyweds.

The best news? Unlike other things with the word wedding in, a Collection Pot for a wedding is 100% free to set up!

Take a look at our Wedding page and see how Collection Pot could work for you.