Knowing wedding dress silhouettes is vital to find your perfect dress! The silhouette is what creates your overall look, enhances what's best about your body, and affects how comfortable you will feel on this special day. In this guide we will breakdown 5 classic wedding dress silhouettes: A-line, Mermaid, Ball Gown, Empire, and Sheath, including the pros and cons with examples from real brides! 

Wedding Dress Silhouettes Comparison Table

1. A-Line Wedding Dress Silhouette

The A-line or A silhouette has been around long enough to be considered an original wedding dress silhouette that has withstood the test of time. It has the shape of an "A" in that it is fitted through the body, and then flares out gently from the waist.

Pros:

• Flattering on nearly every body shape because of the balanced shape.
• Comfy and easy to wear for long periods of time, helpful if you want to dance or are having an outdoor wedding.
• Versatile; it can be made with a large variety of dress fabrics and embellishments!

Cons:

• Might be too traditional for brides that want more of a statement look or feel.
• Not much drama or volume compared to a ball gown or mermaid silhouette.

Bride Story:

Anna went with A-line chiffon dress because it gave her a sense of elegance with the movement she wanted for her romantic garden wedding.

2. Mermaid Wedding Dress Silhouette

The mermaid silhouette is best known for its decadent body hugging style that flares below the knee or at the knee.

Pros:

• Creates an hourglass body shape by featuring your bust, waist and hips.
• Creates a sexy, glamorous bridal look.
• May be assisted by satin and lace for a more high-end style implying luxury and sophistication.

Cons:

• Restricts movement so that walking, sitting, and dancing is more difficult.
• Not an excellent choice for the bride who values comfort or would like to have a physically active wedding day.

Bride Story:

Jessica looked fabulous in her satin mermaid wedding dress at her city rooftop wedding. She loved the dramatic mermaid silhouette that really highlighted her curves a bit more but did wish that she would have had the opportunity to move a little more freely and comfortably.

3. Ball Gown Wedding Dress Silhouette

The ball gown is essentially the most extreme princess-style silhouette with a fitted bodice and an immensely dress.

Pros:

• Dramatic and regal, perfect for making a statement.
• Great for hiding your hips and thighs making it flattering for pear-shaped figures.
• Suitably ornate for formal wedding types, notably in church or ballroom venues.

Cons:

• Heavy and bulky, which can be cumbersome when moving.
• May seem out of place in a casual wedding style.

Bride Story:

Olivia wore a ball gown in tulle and felt like a princess for her elegant ballroom wedding. Even though it was quite heavy, the vision for her special day was all worth it!

4. Empire Wedding Dress Silhouette

The empire silhouette is characterized by a raised waist, which is placed just below the bust, with a flowy skirt that hangs away from the body.

Pros:

• Flattering for petite, pregnant, and apple-shaped brides - it conceals the midsection.
• Elongating legs - ideal for shorter brides.
• Comfortable and light - a rare and ideal blend for warm weather and outdoor weddings.

Cons:

• Empire may appear less structured (formal) than other silhouettes.
• Depending on the fabric and styling, it may look casual.

Bride story:

For her wedding, Maya chose a chiffon empire dress since she was pregnant. The loose and flowy design ensured she would be able to effortlessly move around, and look comfortable and radiant during her ceremony.

5. Sheath Wedding Dress Silhouette

The sheath silhouette is streamlined and straight, featuring the same natural shaping of the body - it doesn't flare or flare out.

Pros:

• Modern, sleek, and minimalist - ideal for contemporary brides.
• Lightweight and easy to move in.
• Great for petite and petite/slim body shapes.

Cons:

• Has little to no built-in support or shaping.
• Will show every curve, so not the best fit for every bride's comfort level.

Bride story:

Nina's lace sheath dress suited her petite frame really well; it was also ideal for her urban rooftop wedding. The minimalist silhouette, designed according to her modern style, matched perfectly.

Final Thoughts on Wedding Dress Silhouettes

Knowing the characteristic(s) of different silhouettes of wedding dresses is all-important in finding an apparel to complement your figure, wedding style, and just somehow make you feel so fabulous. Every silhouette offers something different-from an A-line dress that just fits anyone to the grand ball gown; your perfect silhouette is sure to come forward and make your wedding day show-stopping!