A Guide to the Different Styles of Wedding Dresses
9th May 2025
Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life – and one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing the perfect dress for it. Every bride wants to feel beautiful, confident, and comfortable. But there are so many options – wedding dress shopping can be overwhelming! That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand the most popular wedding dress styles. Armed with this information, you can confidently walk into any bridal shop, armed with some ideas about what you’re looking for.
So, from A-line to mermaid: what are the different styles of wedding dresses?
A-Line
An A-line dress is one of the most loved styles. It fits snugly at the top and gently flares out from the waist, forming the shape of the letter “A”. This classic style is great for almost every body type. It’s simple, elegant, and perfect for brides who want to feel graceful without too much volume.
Ballgown
If you’re wondering what the different styles of wedding dresses are to achieve a fairytale look, then the ballgown is the one. This style has a fitted bodice and a full, dramatic skirt. It’s perfect for formal weddings and gives a true princess feel. Ballgowns are especially good for brides who want to highlight their waist and – of course – those who want to create a dramatic entrance.
Column
The column dress, also known as the sheath, is sleek and straight. This dress follows your body’s natural shape and doesn’t have much flare. With celebrity brides like Meghan Markle and Hayley Bieber opting for this look recently, it’s en-vogue right now – especially for those who want a modern, simple, yet stunning look.
Drop Waist
Envisioning a dreamy Parisian wedding? This drop waist dress is fitted through the bodice and hips and flares out below the hips rather than at the waist. Think Audrey Hepburn. It’s a unique twist on traditional styles and gives a longer torso appearance. This style suits brides who want a bit of drama without the full skirt of a ballgown.
Empire
The empire dress features a high waistline just below the bust, with the rest of the dress flowing down. This style is soft, romantic, and often made with light, flowing fabric. It’s especially flattering for pregnant brides or those looking for comfort and elegance.
Fishtail / Mermaid
The fishtail or mermaid dress is fitted through the body and flares out at the knees or below. It’s a bold, glamorous style that shows off your figure. This style works well for confident brides who want a dramatic, red-carpet look. Keep in mind it can be harder to walk in, though, so be sure to practise!
Princess
The princess dress (also known as a line-cut dress) uses vertical seams to create a long, clean line from the top to the hem. It’s fitted and elegant, perfect for brides who want a timeless, Kate Middleton look. This style helps elongate the body and is flattering on many shapes.
Which Wedding Dress Style is Right for You?
When choosing a dress, think about your body shape, your style, and the type of wedding you’re having. Don’t worry about trends – go for what makes you feel your best. Try on a few different styles. What looks good on the hanger might surprise you once it’s on.
If you’re still wondering what are the different styles of wedding dresses, remember: many modern dresses blend features from multiple styles, so you can always forget about the semantics and find a unique look that fits you perfectly!
The best dress is the one that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
After the Big Day
Once your special day is over, you’ll want to keep your wedding dress in perfect condition. Whether you plan to pass it on, reuse it, or simply keep it as a memory, proper cleaning and storage is key.
Discover Confetti’s expert wedding dress cleaning and preservation services. We’ll help you protect your dress, so it stays beautiful for years to come.
FAQs
Q: What are the different styles of wedding dresses?
A: Popular styles include A-line, ballgown, column/sheath, drop waist, empire, fishtail/mermaid, and princess.
Q: Which style is best for a pear-shaped body?
A: A-line and ballgown dresses are great for pear shapes, as they highlight the waist and balance out wider hips.
Q: Are fishtail dresses hard to walk in?
A: Fishtail dresses can be tight around the legs, so they may take some practice to move in. Consider a second dress for dancing if needed.
Q: Can I mix styles?
A: Yes! Many modern dresses blend features from multiple styles, so you can find a unique look that fits you perfectly.
Q: When should I get my wedding dress cleaned?
A: Ideally, you should have it cleaned as soon as possible after your wedding to prevent stains from setting.