6 Types of Wedding Dresses: Shopping Tips From Mindy Weiss

Different types of wedding dress silhouettes flatter different body types. Consider these wedding dress styles commonly available at bridal boutiques:

1. 1. A-line: This style of dress features a tight bodice and flares out at the waist, gradually becoming wider at the bottom to form an “A” shape. A-line wedding dresses are universally flattering, especially for pear-shaped women.
   
2. 2. Ball gown: With a puffy skirt starting at the waistline, a ball gown is fitted on top and flares out more than an A-line skirt. A ball gown wedding dress is a classic silhouette that flatters most body types since the full skirt creates the illusion of a smaller waist.
3. 3. Column: Also known as a sheath gown, a column dress features an elegant silhouette that’s a straight line from top to bottom, accentuating the waist and hips. Sheath wedding dresses flatter tall brides and those with curves.
4. 4. Empire: Look like a character in a Jane Austen novel in an empire waist dress, which hugs the bust and features a skirt beginning below the bustline. The empire waist is a flattering silhouette for petite brides and pregnant brides.
5. 5. Jumpsuit: A great way to look modern and chic, jumpsuits come in wide-legged versions, giving the illusion of a skirt or slimmer pants. Jumpsuits are also comfortable and will ensure you can go from the ceremony to the dancefloor on your special day.
6. 6. Mermaid: Hugging the entire body before flaring out at the knees, a mermaid-style dress is reminiscent of a fishtail. Mermaid dresses flatter curvier brides, especially those with hourglass figures. Similar to a mermaid dress, a trumpet wedding dress features a higher, softer flare.

Silhouettes come in various hemlines, sleeve choices, and necklines. Sleeve options include strapless, long sleeves, cap sleeves, and one-shoulder, while neckline options include boat neck, sweetheart neckline, halter neck, and V-neck. Dressmakers can also make dresses in various fabrics, including silk, lace, organza, tulle, and chiffon.

When shopping for a wedding dress, consider the following tips from expert wedding planner Mindy Weiss:

1. 1. Consider the weather. When considering wedding dress styles and fabrics, think about the potential weather on your wedding day. “If it's going to be a time of year when it’s warm, I don’t suggest a long-sleeved dress because you will be very uncomfortable,” Mindy says. “Why not pick a little shrug or jacket that goes with your dress that you can take off later in a more controlled-weather environment? A heavier fabric [works] for colder months and a light chiffon, easy fabric for warmer months.”
2. 2. Determine your budget. Deciding how much money you can allocate for wedding attire is essential before searching for a dress. Factor the cost of alterations into the wedding budget, and avoid trying on dresses outside of your budget. Also, consider borrowing, renting, or buying a secondhand dress. “I have so many brides that have bought dresses on eBay, once-worn already,” Mindy says. “You are not stuck in a corner, buying an expensive wedding gown, with so many options out there. And don’t forget, you can borrow a dress from your best friend.”
3. 3. Find attire that matches your personality. Before you try on dresses, look through bridal magazines and bridal boutique websites to find what dresses appeal to you and fit your personality. “Wedding attire is so important because it really reflects who you are, your personality,” Mindy says. “I encourage you all to wear whatever makes you feel good. And remember, there are no rules. This is your day.”
4. 4. Get a dress with a bustle. Look for a bridal gown with a bustle or ask a tailor to add one to your dress. A wedding dress bustle allows you to transition a wedding gown into a floor-length dress for the reception. “There are some dresses out there that people do not bustle; you will not have a good time dancing if you can’t bustle your dress,” Mindy advises. “In terms of bustles, the main styles are English, traditional, or a wristlet bustle.”
5. 5. Give yourself time. Custom dresses and alterations can take a long time. “Most of my brides do made-to-order dresses,” Mindy says. “You have to order your dress at least six to seven months ahead of time for a made-to-order dress, so they have time to [make it], and you have time for alterations.”
6. 6. Go for comfort. If strapless dresses make you uncomfortable, opt for a dress with sleeves. Knowing your body type and what style is flattering to your body shape can help you determine the best wedding dress silhouette. “If you know that you get uncomfortable with certain fabrics … consider that,” Mindy says. “Don’t change who you are for your wedding dress because the same things will bother you that day.”
7. 7. Keep an open mind. While you might have a vision for your perfect wedding dress, be open to suggestions from bridal consultants, friends, and family. You might try on a dress you love outside your vision. “Find what speaks to you,” Mindy says. “And remember to be open to all styles—you might surprise yourself.
8. 8. Think about the wedding theme. Your dress should fit the wedding theme and overall tone. “[Wedding attire] sets the style for the whole event,” Mindy says. You will wear a different kind of dress for a casual garden party than a formal, black-tie event. You might opt for lighter, flowing fabrics for a summertime destination wedding and heavier fabrics for a wintertime wedding at a country club.
9. 9. Wear your wedding shoes. When dress shopping and attending dress fittings, it can be helpful to wear your wedding shoes to get a sense of the full look. “You want the proper underpinnings or undergarments for your dress,” Mindy says. “The bra that you’re hoping you’ll wear, the underwear, even a garter … to see how it feels under your dress.”

Have a wedding to plan? Learn how to take on the process strategically. Discover Mindy Weiss’s approach to setting a budget, choosing a theme, and sending invitations when you sign up for the MasterClass Annual Membership.