Wedding Dress 101 | What Brides Should Know | Radiant Bride (2024)

Wedding Dress Sillhouettes Explained

Wedding Dress 101 | What Brides Should Know | Radiant Bride (1)

Welcome to our guide on dress silhouettes! In this page, you will find information on various dress styles and the distinctive features that define each silhouette. From the classic A-line to the trendy mermaid, we've got you covered on all the popular styles and the body types they flatter best. Whether you're shopping for a special occasion or just looking to update your wardrobe, this guide will help you understand and choose the perfect dress silhouette for you. Let's dive in!

BALLGOWN WEDDING DRESSES

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A ballgown wedding dress is a classic and timeless style that has been popular for many decades. It is known for its full, voluminous skirt and fitted bodice that flatters the figure and creates a fairy tale-like appearance. The skirt of a ballgown wedding dress is usually made from multiple layers of tulle, organza, or satin, which give it its signature fullness and body. The bodice is often corseted or boned to create a fitted and flattering shape, and is often adorned with intricate embellishments such as lace, beading, or embroidery.

One of the defining characteristics of a ballgown wedding dress is its dramatic skirt, which provides a lot of movement and creates a very dramatic look when the bride walks down the aisle. The skirt can range in size from a subtle ballerina-style to a more dramatic full skirt that is sure to turn heads.

WHO IS IT MOST FLATTERING ON?

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Ballgown dresses are traditionally designed to create a dramatic and full silhouette, making them a great option for creating the illusion of a more hourglass figure.

  • For those with a pear-shaped body, a ballgown can help balance out proportions by adding volume to the upper body and creating a defined waist.
  • For those with an apple-shaped body, a ballgown can help disguise the midsection while adding volume to the hips, creating a more hourglass silhouette.
  • For those with an hourglass figure, a ballgown can accentuate and showcase their curves, creating a stunning, feminine silhouette.
  • However, it's important to keep in mind that ballgowns are typically more formal and can be more challenging to wear and move in. When shopping for a ballgown, it's essential to choose a style that fits well and flatters your body shape and size, while also being comfortable and easy to wear.

A-LINE WEDDING DRESSES

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The A-line silhouette is a popular choice for wedding dresses, and for good reason. This classic style is flattering on a variety of body types, and can be dressed up or down to suit any bride's personal style.

One of the main benefits of the A-line silhouette is its versatility. The fitted bodice and flared skirt create a balanced look that can be tailored to a bride's specific needs.Another great thing about the A-line silhouette is that it can be accessorized in a variety of ways. A simple veil or a statement necklace can dress up the look, while a pair of sparkly earrings or a chic hair accessory can add a touch of glamour.

WHO IS IT MOST FLATTERING ON?

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A-line dresses are versatile and can be flattering on a variety of body shapes and sizes.

  • For those with a pear-shaped body, an A-line dress can balance out their proportions by widening the hips and providing more fullness at the hemline.
  • For those with an apple-shaped body, the A-line silhouette can help create a more defined waist and disguise the midsection.
  • For those with an hourglass figure, an A-line dress can provide a flattering, feminine silhouette that highlights the curves.
  • Additionally, an A-line dress can be a great option for those with a straight body shape as it can create the illusion of curves.
  • Overall, the most important factor in determining whether an A-line dress will be flattering is fit. It's essential to choose a dress that fits well in the bust, waist, and hips, and that skims over any areas you'd like to minimize.

FIT-AND-FLARE WEDDING DRESSES

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A fit-and-flare wedding dress is a type of silhouette that combines the fitted bodice of a sheath dress with the flared skirt of a ballgown. This style is perfect for brides who want to show off their curves and still have the full, romantic skirt of a traditional ballgown. The fitted bodice of a fit-and-flare dress typically cinches at the natural waist and flares out into a full skirt, creating a flattering hourglass figure.

This silhouette is also versatile, as it can be made from a variety of materials, including lace, tulle, organza, and even silk. This versatility allows brides to choose the fabric that best suits their style, whether they prefer a more traditional, classic look or a more modern and edgy style.

Fit-and-flare wedding dresses are also a popular choice for brides who want to show off their legs and shoes. The fitted bodice of this silhouette is often shorter than a ballgown or a-line, which means that the bride's legs are visible, making her legs appear longer and slimmer.

Another advantage of fit-and-flare wedding dresses is that they are comfortable to wear and move around in, making it easier for the bride to dance and celebrate on her special day. This style is also easy to accessorize, with a range of jewelry, veils, and shoes that can be paired with this silhouette to create a unique and personal look.

WHO IS IT MOST FLATTERING ON?

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Fit-and-flare dresses are designed to fit closely at the waist and hips before flaring out into a full skirt, creating a flattering hourglass silhouette.

  • For those with a pear-shaped body, a fit-and-flare dress can help balance out their proportions by adding volume to the upper body and creating a defined waist.
  • For those with an apple-shaped body, a fit-and-flare dress can help disguise the midsection while adding volume to the hips, creating a more hourglass silhouette.
  • For those with an hourglass figure, a fit-and-flare dress can accentuate and showcase their curves, creating a stunning, feminine silhouette.
  • However, it's important to keep in mind that fit-and-flare dresses can be more challenging to wear for those with a straight body shape as they can accentuate a lack of curves. When shopping for a fit-and-flare dress, it's essential to choose a style that fits well and flatters your body shape and size, while also being comfortable and easy to wear.

MERMAID WEDDING DRESSES

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The Mermaid silhouette is a popular choice among brides looking for a dramatic and figure-hugging wedding dress. This style is characterized by a fitted bodice that flares out at the hips and thighs, creating a mermaid-like shape that is both elegant and sensual.

One of the main benefits of the mermaid silhouette is its ability to accentuate a bride's curves. The fitted bodice and flared skirt of a mermaid wedding dress are designed to hug the body in all the right places, creating a flattering and feminine shape. This style is particularly well-suited for brides with hourglass figures, as it emphasizes the waist and hips while also creating a dramatic and romantic look.

The Mermaid silhouette is also versatile in terms of fabric choices, you can choose from luxurious satin, elegant lace, or even a combination of different fabrics, like tulle or chiffon. It also offers a variety of necklines, such as, sweetheart, halter, and off-shoulder.

WHO IS IT MOST FLATTERING ON?

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Mermaid dresses are designed to fit closely to the body from the bust to the knee before flaring out into a dramatic skirt, creating a dramatic hourglass silhouette.

  • For those with an hourglass figure, a mermaid dress can accentuate and showcase their curves, creating a stunning, feminine silhouette.
  • For those with a pear-shaped body, a mermaid dress can help balance out their proportions by adding volume to the upper body and creating a defined waist.
  • However, it's important to keep in mind that mermaid dresses can be more challenging to wear for those with an apple-shaped body or a straight body shape, as they can accentuate the midsection and lack of curves. When shopping for a mermaid dress, it's essential to choose a style that fits well and flatters your body shape and size, while also being comfortable and easy to wear. Additionally, it's important to consider the occasion and whether the dress will be appropriate and practical for the event.

SHEATH WEDDING DRESSES

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The sheath silhouette is a sleek and modern choice for a wedding dress. This style is characterized by a straight, column-like shape that follows the natural lines of the body, creating a simple and elegant look. The sheath silhouette is typically made from lightweight and flowy fabrics such as silk, chiffon, or crepe, and is designed to create a sense of understated elegance and sophistication.

The sheath silhouette is a popular choice among brides who want a simple and elegant look for their big day. This style is particularly well-suited for brides with a slender or athletic figure, as the straight lines of the sheath silhouette can elongate the body and create a sense of height and leanness.

WHO IS IT MOST FLATTERING ON?

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Sheath dresses are designed to fit closely to the body, creating a streamlined silhouette.

  • For those with an hourglass figure, a sheath dress can accentuate and showcase their curves, creating a stunning, feminine silhouette.
  • For those with a straight body shape, a sheath dress can create the illusion of curves and provide a flattering, streamlined silhouette.
  • Sheath dresses can be a versatile and flattering option for those with an hourglass figure or a straight body shape, as they create a streamlined silhouette. When shopping for a sheath dress, it is important to focus on fit and choose a style that fits well and flatters your body shape and size, while also being comfortable and appropriate for the occasion. Additionally, consider the occasion and choose a dress that is both practical and appropriate for the event.

BOHO WEDDING DRESSES

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A boho wedding dress is a stunning choice for brides who want to embrace a bohemian style on their big day. This type of dress is characterized by its flowing, relaxed silhouette and delicate, embroidered details. It’s a perfect choice for brides who are looking for a dress that is both comfortable and stylish.

Boho wedding dresses come in a variety of fabrics, including lace, chiffon, and tulle. They often feature intricate beading, embroidery, and crochet accents, which add an ethereal, dreamy touch to the dress. Some boho wedding dresses also feature off-the-shoulder necklines, bell sleeves, and high-low hemlines, all of which add to the relaxed and effortless feel of the dress.

For brides who want to embrace the boho look from head to toe, accessories such as flowy veils, flower crowns, and bohemian-inspired jewelry are the perfect complement to the dress. A pair of comfortable, strappy sandals or a pair of lace-up gladiators can also complete the boho look.

WHO IS IT MOST FLATTERING ON?

Boho dresses are typically loose-fitting and have a free-spirited, relaxed style that can be flattering on a variety of body shapes and sizes.

  • For those with an hourglass figure, a boho dress can highlight their curves while still providing a comfortable and relaxed fit.
  • For those with a pear-shaped body, a boho dress can balance out their proportions by providing a loose, flowy silhouette.
  • For those with an apple-shaped body, a boho dress can disguise the midsection while still being comfortable and relaxed.
  • For those with a straight body shape, a boho dress can add volume and create the illusion of curves.
  • Overall, the most important factor in determining whether a boho dress will be flattering is fit. It's essential to choose a dress that fits well in the bust, waist, and hips, and that skims over any areas you'd like to minimize. Additionally, it's important to consider the occasion and whether the dress will be appropriate and practical for the event.
Wedding Dress 101 | What Brides Should Know | Radiant Bride (2024)

FAQs

Should I wear a bra with my wedding dress? ›

Many dresses have bra cups, pads, boning and even possibly a bra strap with adjustable hooks for you to feel comfortable and secure in the dress. Some of these items can help so you do not have to wear a bra and some will enhance the look with a bra.

What wedding dress makes you look slimmer? ›

Two-piece wedding dresses are suitable options to make your waist area look slimmer and curvier. Straight cut wedding dresses with a belt on the waist will also bring the body lines closer to the hourglass body type.

Why can't the groom see the bride's wedding dress? ›

This practice emerges from pre-18th century time, when it was common place for pre-arranged marriages. It was deemed "unlucky" for a bride and groom to see one another. This was an attempt to keep the groom from backing out of the wedding upon seeing his unidentified bride to be prior to the ceremony.

Why is it bad luck to see the bride in her wedding dress before the wedding? ›

Superstition #1: It's bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her wedding dress before the ceremony. Origin: During the time when arranged marriages were custom, the betrothed couple wasn't allowed to see each other before the wedding at all.

Is it OK to show cleavage in wedding dress? ›

Make sure other parts of your dress are conservative and offer sufficient coverage. Having a longer, fuller dress is a great way to contrast showing some cleavage. Doing so will make you look elegant and regal. Now isn't the time to show off a lot of leg, midriff, etc.

Can I go braless in my wedding dress? ›

Most dresses won't need a bra—the support is built in! Many wedding dresses contain structural elements, such as boning, padding, corsetry, linings, and interlinings, that make wearing a bra unnecessary. Moreover, sewn-in structure tends to be more comfortable.

How can I flatten my stomach under my wedding dress? ›

Bodysuit: similar to the shape of a one-piece swimsuit, a bodysuit covers your midsection from the chest to the hips and eliminates panty lines while smoothing out curves and helping to create a lovely hourglass figure. Bodysuits can be have a briefs, thong or shorts cut.

How to lose belly fat for wedding dress? ›

Eleven healthy tips that help brides lose weight faster before the wedding include:
  1. Consume fewer carbs. ...
  2. Increase protein intake. ...
  3. Incorporate fruits and vegetables in your diet. ...
  4. Avoid junk food. ...
  5. Don't skip breakfast. ...
  6. Don't starve. ...
  7. Increase fluid intake. ...
  8. Exercise.

Can you sleep with your husband night before a wedding? ›

The good news is that there are no wrong answers. It all depends on the mood you want to set for the next morning. Whether it's a sleepover with your bridesmaids, spending time with your mother, or cuddling up with your soon-to-be husband, you can still make the night unforgettable.

Why do you carry your wife over the threshold? ›

In Medieval Europe, grooms carried brides across the threshold to avoid onlookers seeing the bride as scandalously eager to consummate the marriage. In the later days of Europe, some believed that if the bride tripped on her way into the new home, it would cast bad luck on the marriage and home.

What does the groom do under the bride's dress? ›

A wedding garter is a piece of bridal lingerie worn under a wedding dress (simple enough, right). During the reception, it's tradition for the bride's partner to remove the garter from underneath the bride's gown (with their hands or teeth) and toss it into the crowd.

Is it bad luck to sleep together the night before the wedding? ›

We say “no” For those who are superstitious or traditional, spending the night apart from your fiancé(e) the day before your wedding is a no brainer. The decades old belief is that you will have back luck in your marriage if you see each other right before the ceremony.

Why does a bride wear something blue? ›

Something blue reflects the color of purity and love, meant to ward away any unwanted attention from evil. Traditionally worn under the dress, there are so many options now from jewelry to clothing, to decor, to nail color.

Why do brides cry on their wedding day? ›

It's a day when two people publicly declare their commitment to each other, surrounded by their loved ones. It's a momentous occasion so it's natural for emotions to run high. The reason for the tears is usually a mix of happiness, letting go and moving on to another stage of life.

Do you take your bra off when trying on wedding dresses? ›

Wear whatever undergarments will make you the most comfortable getting in and out of dresses with the help of your stylist. Many brides wear a strapless bra or nipple covers, but many also don't wear a bra at all. Many dresses have built in bras! Either way is fine with us.

Do you wear a bra with an evening gown? ›

Many evening gowns are strapless or have thin straps or a halter neck style. What bra should you wear under a strapless dress? A bandeau bra with removable straps and excellent support for larger breasts is the best option. This style is also perfect for dresses with thin straps (you never want your straps to show).

Do you wear a bra with a bridesmaids dress? ›

For a more petite bridesmaid with a smaller chest, wearing any dress style without a bra won't be a problem. However, if you're curvier with a larger chest you might feel uncomfortable, unsupported, and even self-conscious in a bridesmaid dress without a bra.

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