A Complete Guide to Wedding Dress Styles

Congratulations! You’re engaged, planning your wedding, and are ready to find your perfect dress. Maybe you’ve been dreaming about your dress since childhood and already have an idea of the wedding dress styles you prefer. Or, maybe all the unique wedding dress styles are new to you and you need a primer on what’s available before you start shopping. We can help! We’ve rounded up some of the most popular wedding dress styles and silhouettes to show you what’s out there.

Wedding Dress Silhouettes

There are so many gorgeous wedding dress silhouettes to choose from, so it helps to be familiar with the most popular silhouettes before you start shopping for your favorite wedding dress styles. Consider what will flatter your body, but don’t be afraid to try out any wedding dress silhouettes that catch your eye! Here are some popular wedding dress silhouettes consider:

A-line

An A-line silhouette is a great option if you want a timeless silhouette without the volume of a ball gown. A-line dresses are fitted through the waist and then gently flare out over your hips and thighs (this creates that classic “A” shape that gives this silhouette its name).

Ball Gown

If you’re ready to feel like a princess on your big day, a ball gown silhouette will do the trick! Ball gown dresses are fitted through the waist, then flare out at the hip for a gorgeous voluminous effect.

Sheath

 If you prefer a slimmer fit to more voluminous skirts, a sheath dress may be what you’re looking for! Sheath dresses skim your figure and fall in a straight line to the floor. This silhouette is perfect if you’re hoping for a simple, elegant look that elongates your body.

Tea Length

A tea length dress is perfect if you’re going for a more casual look. This wedding dress silhouette often gives off a bit of a retro flair, too. Tea length wedding dress hemlines typically stop around mid-calf, which gives you the perfect opportunity to show off your wedding shoes! 

Trumpet

If you want a dress that hugs your curves while still giving you freedom to dance the night away, a trumpet dress is a great choice! Trumpet dresses are fitted through the waist and hips, then begin to flare out before it hits your knee (this creates the “trumpet” shape that gives the dress its name).

Fit and Flare

If you want to show off your curves but also want a dress that will give you freedom of movement to dance the night away, try fit and flare! This silhouette accentuates your bust and waist, but becomes less fitted through your hips, thighs, and legs. Fit and flare dresses flatter a wide range of figures, making this a very popular wedding dress silhouette.

Wedding Dress Necklines

Are you ready to find your favorite wedding dress neckline style? Some wedding dress necklines tend to be found more often on certain silhouettes, but there’s a great chance you can find the silhouette and neckline combo that you want! Take a look at some of the most popular wedding dress neckline styles out there:

High Neck

A high neck typically hits at the base of your neck, and can even extend above. This style provides a classic look and is favored by brides who prefer greater front coverage.

Sweetheart

The romantic sweetheart neckline is one of the most popular styles today. The neckline mimics the shape of the top of a heart (thus the name) and is flattering on most figures. Opt for a semi-sweetheart neckline if you’re looking for a bit more coverage -- this version extends a little further up the chest.

V-Neck

A V-neck style helps elongate the torso, and is typically found on dresses with sleeves or straps. The depth of the V can vary depending on the level of coverage you desire. Some styles also mirror the V on the back of the dress!

Scoop Neck

This rounded, U-shaped neckline comes in varying depths, and is a great option for brides looking to accentuate the collarbone and elongate the neck. Similar to the V-neck, a scoop neck is often also mirrored on the back of the dress.

Off The Shoulder

Romantic off the shoulder necklines flatter most figures. This style accentuates the collarbone and shoulders due to small loose or draped sleeves that rest on the upper arms. 

Bateau

Also known as a boatneck, this classic wedding dress neckline is a gorgeous option for those wanting to show a little skin while maintaining an overall demure look. The bateau skims the collarbone and extends to the tips of the shoulders. This style can be found with straps or longer sleeves!

Straight

A straight neckline is a great choice if you’re looking for a more modern style. This neckline is most often found on strapless dresses, and is a great alternative to a sweetheart neckline if you’re looking for a bit more coverage. 

Wedding Dress Sleeves and Straps

Now that you’ve found your favorite wedding dress silhouettes and necklines, it’s time to consider wedding dress sleeves! There’s a whole range of sleeve styles to consider. You’ll likely be able to find a wedding dress style with your preferred silhouette, neckline, and favorite type of sleeves:

Strapless

One of the most popular options for wedding dress sleeves and straps is to have none at all! Strapless dresses are classic and can be found in a multitude of styles. Strapless dresses highlight your bust and are usually paired with a straight or sweetheart neckline.

Spaghetti

Spaghetti straps offer more support and security than a strapless dress, but still provide a dainty, elegant look. These thin straps can also be embellished for a little extra flair.

Cap Sleeve

Cap sleeves are a fun middle ground between sleeveless and short sleeve dresses. This style typically covers the shoulders but not the underarm, giving you a little bit of coverage with plenty of freedom of movement.

Short Sleeve

Short sleeve dresses have sleeves similar in length to a t-shirt -- they should fall somewhere between your shoulder and your elbow. This sleeve length is generally quite flattering, and provides a bit of coverage without being too restrictive.

Three Quarter Length

Three quarter length sleeves hit between the elbow and the wrist, making this a great option to showcase any wrist jewelry. Depending on the dress, this wedding dress sleeve style can look vintage or modern, making it a popular choice for all seasons.

Long Sleeve

Long sleeves are most popular for weddings in colder months, but can look gorgeous year round. Sleeves usually stop at the wrist and can be simple or detailed, depending on your preferred style.

We hope this guide to wedding dress styles has been helpful! Finding the right wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of the wedding planning process. If you’re ready to start shopping, book an appointment with Believe Bride today!

Don’t forget to check out our wedding planning checklist for a helpful timeline for all things wedding attire.