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Basic Bridal Gown Styles

We want you to feel like a beautiful princess on your wedding day and the perfect dress is key!  Selecting the most appropriate gown style is easier than you may think with our online guide!

First, let's take a quick look at the basic gown silhouettes.

	1. A-Line or Princess The typical A-line silhouette has seams starting at the bust or shoulders and flowing down to a flared skirt. The top of the dress gracefully blends into the skirt. It gets it name from the "A" shape, small at the top and larger (flared) at the bottom.
Charo Peres
	2. Ball Gown The ball gown silhouette is similar to the A-line; only it has a much fuller skirt and typically features a full bodice that is distinctly separate from the skirt.
Victoria's Bridal Collection
	3. Empire The Empire silhouette is high-waisted and typically has a slimmer skirt.
Moonlight Designs
	4. Sheath or Mermaid This silhouette closely follows the line of your body, hence the nickname "mermaid".
Victoria's Bridal Collection
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Every bride deserves a wedding gown with a perfect fit and style for her figure. Now that we know the basic silhouettes, let's take a look at which ones work for each body style.

The Hour-Glass Figure
Do consider...
A nice A-line gown paired with a V-neck or scoop-neck to fully flatter your figure.

Think twice about...
An empire silhouette which may hide your figure or make it look disproportioned. A ball-gown may work if the skirt isn't overly full, but watch that it doesn't over accentuate your bottom half.

Short Waisted and Petite Figures
Do consider...
An A-Line gown to elongate your waist and make you appear taller. Since the top of the dress gently blends into the flared skirt, it gives a long and lean look.

Think twice about...
A ball gown—it may simply swallow you whole. You want everyone to see YOU walk down the aisle—not a big gown with a person hidden in it!

Tall and Thin
Do consider...
A ball gown—you will look like an absolute princess walking down the aisle. Also consider a sheath silhouette—there aren't too many of us who can get away with wearing them. If you've got it, go ahead and flaunt it!

Think twice about...
Lucky you...there isn't really a style that you wouldn't look great in!

Pear Shaped
Do consider...
A gown that will draw attention to the upper half of your body. The Silhouette isn't quite as important as the neckline you select. The idea is to flatter your shoulders and chest while drawing focus away from your hips.

Think twice about...
The mermaid silhouette ... for obvious reasons.

Full Figure and Plus Size
Do consider...
A ball gown or A-line gown. The ball gown is full and will hide many figure problems in the lower areas. An A-line will flatter practically any figure.

Think twice about...
Mermaid silhouettes, thin straps, and sleeveless gowns. Instead, focus on drawing attention to your best features. Wear short or long sleeves to cover upper arm troubles and consider a scoop or V-neck to flatter your chest and neck.