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  1. Easy Weddings
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  4. Wedding dress shapes explained

Wedding dress shapes explained

By:
Easy Weddings

Easy Weddings

This article has been written by team of content creators at Easy Weddings.
/
Updated on: November 10, 2021

wedding dress shapes explained

Don’t know the difference between a trumpet or a mermaid-style wedding dress? Here are the seven main wedding dress shapes and their definitions.

A-Line

A Line wedding dress shape
Image: Be A Star Bridal & Alterations

A-line dresses flare out from the hips and gradually widen towards the hem, essentially creating a silhouette which resembles the letter A.

Ball gown

Bella Victoria Bridal Wedding Dresses
Image: Bella Victoria Bridal

A ball gown wedding dress features a full bell-shape skirt and fitted bodice. This dress shape is often achieved using multiple layers of tulle and fabric to create the fullness of the skirt.

Trumpet

Trumpet style gown The Sposa Group
Image: The Sposa Group

A trumpet shaped wedding dress is fitted from the bust to the mid-thigh, with the skirt flaring outwards from the mid-thigh.

Sheath

A sheath style wedding dress
Image: Perfect Day Bridal

A sheath dress is one which follows your natural body shape. This means that it doesn’t have any extra fabric to create volume, however, it softly flares out a little towards the hem.

Mermaid/fit-and-flare

mermaid style wedding dress easy weddings
Image: Mori Lee

A mermaid or ‘fit-and-flare’ wedding dress is one which is extremely fitted and then flares out at the knees. This shape is often exaggerated with thick, flowing fabric cascading from the knees and expanding outwards.

Empire

empire style wedding dress
Image: The Sposa Group

An empire-style wedding dress is one which features a raised waistline that sits just under the bust. The fabric below the bust settles straight to the floor with soft volume.

Tea-length

tea length wedding dress style
Image: The Ultimate Bride / Ultimate Occasions

A tea-length wedding dress is essentially a short wedding dress, with the hem usually finishing just above the ankles. A tea-length wedding dress is characterised by a cinched in waistline and flared ’50s style skirt, (which is essentially an exaggerated A-line silhouette.)

Now that you’ve decided what dress shape you like best, it’s time to choose a neckline…

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Tags / Categories

Categories: Wedding Dresses

Tags: ballgown, empire line, mermaid, princess gown, sheath, wedding dress shopping, wedding dress styles

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