The man of your dreams proposed, now it’s time to find your dream dress! Here you are, in the bridal shop looking around at the beautiful dresses, when the stylist asks, “What kind of silhouette were you thinking”?

Maybe you have known since you were five that you wanted a ball gown wedding dress, or perhaps, you have no idea what she is talking about! There are many options to choose from based on your preferences and the wedding dress style that best suits your body type.

We’re going to go over the most popular silhouette styles and the benefits of each with our list of the top 8 most popular wedding dress styles.

1. Ball Gown

If you are looking for that fairytale feeling, a ball gown is what you are looking for. Think Cinderella! 

Ball gowns feature a fitted bodice and a full skirt that flares out at the waist. This silhouette is flattering for all body types, but ball gowns could be a bit overstated if you have a smaller frame or are very petite.

2. Mermaid

Mermaid gowns are a great choice if you have an hourglass body type. If you are naturally slim, a mermaid gown can give the illusion of an hourglass figure.

This silhouette is fitted from the bust to the hips and then flares out at the knee. You can add extra flare by adding tulle, ruffled skirts, or ruching. This style can be restricting since your legs won’t move as freely as they would in other styles.

3. Trumpet

If you like mermaid gowns but need to be able to move around more freely, the trumpet silhouette may be the style for you.

The skirt on a trumpet wedding dress isn’t as fitted throughout the hips, and it gets wider at the lower thigh (instead of the knee like the mermaid silhouette). A trumpet silhouette is also a great silhouette to choose from if you are looking to accentuate your curves.

4. Sheath

Sheath wedding dresses are a great choice if you are looking for a simple yet elegant gown.

It uses less fabric and layering than some of the other silhouettes making it easier to move around in. Typically sheath gowns do not have a train, but it is possible to find one with a long train. A sheath gown is an excellent choice for brides with hourglass figures or more petite brides who could become easily overwhelmed in other silhouettes.

5.  A-line

A-line wedding gowns are flattering on all body types. An A-line is between the ball gown and sheath silhouettes.

As its name implies, it creates an “A” shape on your body. It has a bit more flare at the waist than a sheath, but it isn’t as dramatic as a ball gown.

6. Tea-length

Don’t want to fuss with a floor-length gown? Or do you have excellent wedding day shoes you want to show off? Make sure to take a look at a tea-length wedding dress.

A tea-length dress stops at the mid-calf. Tea-length wedding dresses are flattering for petite as well as curvy brides.  

7.  Fit and Flare

Want a wedding dress that hugs your body but isn’t as dramatic as a trumpet or mermaid silhouette? You will want to take a look at a fit and flare silhouette.

The fit and flare still hugs your body, but it flares out mid-thigh, which means not only is it more forgiving throughout your hips and thighs, but you will also have more room to walk, sit, or dance the night away. The fit and flare silhouette is one of the most popular silhouettes because it flatters many different body types.

8. Column

Column wedding gowns are similar to a sheath gown, but the bottom is more narrow and structured.

Column wedding dresses may be slightly fitted or loose in the waist and then fall straight to the floor without any flare. They are a great option if you are a petite or smaller bride due to the minimal amount of fabric.

Let Us Help You Find Your Perfect Wedding Dress!

Even if you think you know what silhouette you want, make sure to try on a couple of other options. You may be surprised to find that you fall in love with a completely different style! 

One important thing to remember is, don’t worry about what is trendy or what silhouette may be the “right” one for your body type. If you find a dress that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable, that’s your dress.

The choices are limitless when it comes to finding the perfect wedding dress! And while it may seem overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone!

Award-winning Sposa Mia Couture provides South Texas with wedding gowns that are elegant and contemporary. We offer a selection of over five hundred gowns from some of the most sought-after designers in the industry, and we are continuously growing and updating our selection as the seasons change.

Book your appointment today. We would love the opportunity to help you find your dream dress.