A Guide to Couture Wedding Dress Silhouettes

When it comes time to plan your wedding, choosing the perfect dress can be the most exciting and most stressful part. One of the first questions you will be asked is what type of silhouette you want for your dress. This goes beyond just knowing you want a flowy or fitted dress. 

Knowing how to accurately describe the silhouette you want for your dream couture wedding dress will help narrow down your options. It will also provide your stylist or designer with better insight into what you are looking for. 

At Galia Lahav, we have a variety of silhouette options available at our boutique locations worldwide. If you are not sure which look best fits your style and body type, below is a more in-depth look at the most popular wedding silhouettes.

Ball gown dresses look as if they belong in your favorite fairytale. Often called a princess wedding dress, this silhouette has a fitted bodice and dramatically flared skirt giving you an instant Cinderella effect. This look is ideal for brides who want to cinch their waist, as the large, full skirt sits over your lower torso and hips. The ball gown style is one of the most classic wedding dresses. However, a petite frame may be overwhelmed by the volume of the skirt.

A-line silhouettes are similar to ball gowns but are more fitted through the waist and hips before the skirt extends. This silhouette is flattering on all body shapes and sizes, making it an attractive option for anyone. The style is named for the way it creates an “A” shape on the body. It is also incredibly versatile as it is an excellent choice for bohemian, classic, or beachy weddings.

Sheath dresses are effortlessly stunning and offer a narrow, body-hugging silhouette. This style looks best on ladies with petite, slender, or hourglass frames, and it is incredibly easy to move around in compared to ball gowns or A-line dresses. Another great thing about a sheath silhouette is that it looks great with many different fabrics, which opens up your options to create a dress that is truly you.

Trumpet silhouettes, often confused with mermaid silhouettes, are a beautiful choice for those who want a sleek look with a little more room for movement. Though the two styles can often be interchangeable, the main difference is where the flare begins on the gown. The flare on trumpet silhouettes starts mid-thigh, whereas mermaid flares begin at or below the knee.

A mermaid wedding gown provides a timeless elegance, as it hugs the body and flares out at the knees. If you have a slender frame or love showing off your curves, this style of dress is perfect for you. Known as the most sexy wedding dress silhouette, it offers pop-star curves and is sure to be a show-stopper down the aisle. Despite how beautiful this dress is, it doesn’t allow for much movement. You may also want to consider a separate dress for the reception.

If you are going for a more vintage look, tea-length dresses are a perfect choice. This style is longer than the knee but is always hemmed above the ankles, making it a chic and flirty alternative to traditional wedding dresses. Similar to a ball gown, tea-length dresses cinch the waist but are easier to move around in. The shorter hemline is also ideal for petite brides, as it allows them to wear a fairytale style dress without being lost in all the fabric.

Whether you’re looking for a more comfortable reception dress or something completely untraditional, a mini wedding dress is a great option. Short dresses are a great way to show off your legs and your cool-girl style. This style is also incredibly versatile. Not only does it allow you to move around with ease, but it can fit a variety of themes from rustic to modern.

Choosing the perfect dress for your big day can be overwhelming. At Galia Lahav, our couture wedding designer understands how the different results each silhouette can provide. Visit one of our boutiques today to find the best dress to help you say “I do.”