Bridal Silhouettes
The wonderful world of wedding dresses is so incredible to be a part of but can often feel a little overwhelming. I can’t count how many times a bride has come into our boutique after attending another bridal store and be fully confused about all the language and terminology. To be totally honest with you (as I always am), you don’t need to know any of it! As long as you feel amazing in your chosen gown then non of the rest matters.
However if you would like to know a little bit more about the different silhouettes and our top tips on what styles you should try please read on.
So what is a silhouette? This is the overall outline and shape of the dress once it is on the bride. Now there are more than just the 4 silhouettes mentioned above and there are even various different names for the same styles. Unfortunately due to the popularity of USA’s “Say Yes to the Dress” quite often brides get confused because they refer to styles differently than over here in the UK. I will try to highlight the main players and give you examples of what we as designers are looking for when choosing a certain shape.
Ballgown/Princess
Typically a Ballgown silhouette has a fitted bodice through the waist and a fuller skirt. Often overlooked as being “too much”. Actually this shape is the most classic of the bridal silhouettes. Timeless in it’s elegance the ball gown shape draws the eye to the waist line while hiding the lower body. When I am designing using the ballgown silhouette I LOVE to use contrasting materials for the bodice and the skirt. So for example a plain crepe bodice and then a botanical lace skirt. This technique really makes the bride pop and is so flattering on her natural waist line. Then as a stylist one of my favourite tips on really showing off the waist line even more is to add a belt. I never stick to “this dress for this body type” because it all depends on the bride herself. What I do think is worth noting that if a bride is conscious of her hips this silhouette can some times make them appear larger than they are.
A-Line
An A-line gown is fitted in the bodice to the waist line where it then skims the hip and gently flares out in an A shape. (Hence the name) For me the A-line I think is the most flattering silhouette in bridal. It looks incredible on ANY bride no matter what. It might not be your preferred taste but I guarantee everyone looks amazing in A-line. It even makes those vertically challenged brides (like me) look that little bit taller. The fit is so flattering and has an overall slimming effect so you can see why it is my favourite.
Fishtail/Mermaid
If you want to show off your figure in all its amazing-ness then a fitted gown is the way to go. There are a few variations in this area and I guess the best question to ask is how much emphasis do you want to give to your hips? Typically a fishtail gown will have a dramatic flare from around or above the knees. Often you can choose your level of volume in the flare by adding a petticoat or extra layers of netting. With my designs I like to keep this as optional so that the bride can get her perfect desired level of drama. I get asked a lot about sitting down in this level of fitted gown and it is surprisingly easy. Don’t worry we go over all these things in your collection appointment so you are ready to breeze through your big day like a pro!
Fit & Flare/Trumpet
Often the most confused of the silhouettes is the difference between the more form fitted fishtail and the fit and flare. The difference is often quite subtle however can make a huge difference. It is down to the placement on the hips where the skirt flares out. Un-like the drama in the fishtail a fit and flare is all about subtlety. It is the aim of the designer here to create the flow of the skirt from just below or towards the lower end of the hip line. This way you still get that amazing emphasis on the hips and bum.
Column
Column gowns are the epitome of understated elegance. While still showing off the figure they don’t cling and provide clean lines. This silhouette is elongating and similar to the A-line is perfect for any shorter brides like me looking for all the help we can get. Column dresses can often feel like you are stuck to having a plain material such as crepe or chiffon but I always say dare to be different. Like Aurora (shown) choosing an oversized lace pattern and using it all over the dress still keeps the clean lines of this silhouette but adds that little something extra.
For more advice on silhouettes or if you would like to just come to the boutique to have a preliminary look through the gowns before booking your main appointment you can by booking a pre-appointment. We know this can be a daunting world to enter in to and are always on hand to go over any worries or concerns you may have.