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Sacramento Wedding Dresses, Accessories, and More...
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Are you starting your search for the perfect wedding dress? Does the sheer number of options when it comes to design and detail already overwhelm you? Never fear - that's what we're here for! Read on to find out just what characteristics differentiate and define some of the most common wedding dress styles - from overall shapes to specifics like bodices, sleeves, waistlines and skirts!
An Intro to General Wedding Dress Shapes
Note: The handful of popular styles highlighted in this blog are far outnumbered by all the wedding gown design possibilities out there.
The A-Line
An A-line Dress shape is known for its ability to flatter nearly any figure, and is characterized by the definition between the top part of the dress and the skirt, which gradually widens into an elegant flare.
The Modified A-Line
Similar to the A-line is the Modified A-line Dress, with the same gradual-flare effect. The only difference is that the top of the dress melts smoothly into the skirt - anotherwards, no definition between the bodice and the skirt.
The Ball-Gown
Ball Gown wedding dresses are definitely the fanciest and most fairytale-like you can go. The crowning glory of this dress is in the skirt, which is on the fuller (and often fluffier) side.
The Sheath Dress
A polar opposite of the Ball Gown, Sheath Dresses are usually straight and narrow from neckline to hem. It can vary between a gradual or a defined waistline, and is the best baseline-shape to show off other features like sleeves (more on that later!).
The Mermaid Dress
A popular Wedding Dress style, the Mermaid dress remains fitted until it reaches the knee before it starts to flare, creating a chic and elegant effect.
The Trumpet Dress
The Trumpet is similar to the Mermaid, but its flare begins higher up around the hip, creating the illusion of extra volume that gives the design its signature “trumpet” shape.
Let’s Talk about Bodices!
In case you didn’t know, Bodice is just a fancy word for the “top” of the dress the fits your torso area. An ideal bodice should fit comfortably while complimenting your figure and the rest of the dress. In some cases it can even be the highlight of a dress!
The Neckline
The Back
You may not be able to see it without the help of a mirror, but the back of a bodice can have just as many style possibilities as the front!
Sleeved or Sleeveless?
Going sleeveless is all very well, but don’t underestimate the power of sleeves before getting to know them!
Long Sleeves
Just because they’re long, it doesn’t mean they can’t be breathable. Remember the effect that applique can have to a see-through styled bodice backing? Sleeves can have a similar effect, which can make them possible even for warm-weather weddings.
Short Sleeves
Straps or Strapless?
Waistlines and Definition
As the partition between the bodice and skirt, the waistline is a part of the dress that can either be made to stand out as a highlight, or be understated to shift focus away from it. These illusions can be accomplished through adjusting the height of the waistline, adding a belt, ribbon or other detail, or a combination of these.
A note about Tea & Mini Skirts
For fearless brides-to-be, a Tea or Mini skirt might be a great alternative to a traditional long skirted dress. Tea skirts are on the longer side, ending anywhere between ankle and knee length, while mini skirts can end anywhere between the knee and mid-thigh length.
The Princess Skirt
If you want an all-out fairytale wedding dress, then look no further than the princess (aka the ballgown), the most full-skirted you could possibly go.
A-Line Skirt
Still want a full skirt that’s flattering and a bit subtler than the Princess? Consider the possibility of an A-Line skirt.
Straight Skirt
Looking for something more understated (and perhaps lighter) to show off your figure? A straight (aka sheath) skirt might be what you’re looking for, and can be a great opportunity to draw attention to a pair of interesting sleeves or an interesting bodice detail.
Tea and Mini Skirts
For you fearless warm-weather brides-to-be, a Tea or Mini skirt might be a great alternative. Tea skirts are on the longer side, ending anywhere between ankle and knee length, while mini skirts mainly stay slightly above the knees.
Unique Styles and Combinations
Wedding dress styles are by no means a cookie-cutter matter, so to conclude I’ll demonstrate just how creative and unique a wedding dress can be using the styles detailed above.
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