Wedding Gowns & Bridal Fashion

Choice of skirt shape strongly influences the overall style and look of the bridal gown. Some shapes such as the ball gown have a classical feel whilst shapes such as the column have a more modern sexier appeal. Your decision on what skirt shape to have should not only depend on what you like or what the latest fashion is, but what looks good on you. Figure shape and height is an important factor for anyone deciding what skirt style to have. Beauty comes in all different shapes and sizes, and the best way to look your best is to focus on the real image of yourself.

Think about what you would normally wear, your favourite colours, where the ceremony is taking place and the tone you are aiming for - traditional, avant-garde or relaxed. Once you have a clear idea of these elements in your mind you can start applying them to your wedding outfit.

Colour
There are so may different styles to choose from you should forget clichéd images of puffy white dresses if its not suitable for you or the occasion. A lot of brides opt for coloured dresses rather than the virginal ‘white gown’ and even dresses that look white are often a subtle shade of off white such as ivory. Go for a dress in your favourite colour or one that makes your skin glow.

Decoration
Beadwork is currently in vogue and can transform a relatively plain gown into a stunning garment that will turn heads. Also popular are floral prints and embroidered detail on selected areas of a gown which can add a bit of colour to your outfit, or draw attention to a particular area of the anatomy.

The following illustrations are a guideline to some of the main bridal gown skirt shapes and the body shapes they best suit - and don’t suit! You may decide to reject all these styles and go for something totally off the wall. Remember it’s not just about the dress - you also have your personality, an aura, vitality, your face, hair… a whole package to work with. If you’re happy about what your doing, nothing could look more stunning and beautiful than that.

Ball gown/ full skirt
Ball gowns are the most traditional style of skirt for the bride who is after a classic elegant look. The skirt’s appearance can vary depending on the fabric used and range from structured and heavy looking to soft and light. This style of skirt is often combined with a fitted bodice and natural or dropped waistline, suiting a wide range of figures especially those with curves.

Empire line
The empire line dress is for brides who don’t want a figure-hugging gown. The skirt starts just below the bust and is not as full as the ball gown or has an A-line shape. This style of dress best suits a small-busted, slim figure.

A-line column/ straight
As the name suggests, A-line dresses are typically ‘A shaped’, with vertical seams running from the waist or shoulders to the bottom of the skirt. The degree of flare in the skirt can vary from slight to extreme and the bodice is often fitted. This style suits most people.

Column/ straight skirt
The column design is for brides who want a modern, chic look. The slim profile closely follows the body’s curves and looks flattering on tall, slim or petite brides.

Mermaid
Similar to the column, but even more figure-hugging, the mermaid style flares out at the bottom. This type of skirt is quite often bias cut (i.e. cut on the diagonal). For a bride wanting to accentuate her curvaceous figure.

Fishtail
Appearing like a column or mermaid style from the front, the fishtail has an extra panel of fabric sewn into the back of the skirt which fans out like its namesake.
mermaid fishtail.