Which wedding dress suits me? – Different types of wedding dresses

Choosing a wedding dress is one of the best parts of wedding planning for almost every bride. However, it is not always easy to find the perfect wedding dress as there are so many different styles. Most women think about which type of wedding dress would suit them the most. Each style and fit suit different body shapes.

The wide skirt on a princess dress will highlight your feminine curves. The skirt gets its volume from the hoop skirt worn underneath and from materials such as tulle and taffeta. You can either choose a designer dress or something with a simpler design. Princess wedding dresses with glitter, lace or pearls are also very popular.

Perfect for: tall women, women with feminine curves and ideal for women with slim torsos and wider hips.

However, sometimes there are small variations, but generally it will be slightly fitted around your hips, stomach and legs with a flowing skirt. The choice of fabric and the texture of the top also influence the effect of the I-line. Silk and satin will flatter your figure and will make you look slim and elegant. A strapless cut will make your bust stand out, whereas flowing straps or elegant bell sleeves look very classy.

Perfect for: small women, athletic women and all women who want to show off their figure.

Straight-cut wedding dresses: empire style wedding dresses

A high waisted wedding dress with a straight cut is also known as an empire dress. Narrow empire wedding dresses have a dart just below the bust to highlight your torso and also a skirt with little volume that falls loosely. A lot of wedding dress styles are close-fitting, whereas empire wedding dresses have a looser fit which makes them a great choice for brides who are expecting.

Perfect for: boho weddings, small and curvy women, as well as for women who are expecting.

• Fit & flare wedding dresses: the close-fitting top merges into the skirt below the hips. This will make your feminine curves stand out.

• Trumpet wedding dresses: the skirt on this style of wedding dress will start around your upper thighs, which will create a very elegant look.

• Mermaid wedding dresses: the dress is flared and it is also known as a "fishtail’’ and this starts below your knees. This classy style of dress is guaranteed to make you stand out. It will also highlight your feminine curves, especially around your hips and buttocks.

You can wear these types of wedding dress either strapless or with a high neck, V neck or a sweetheart neckline.

Perfect for: tall women and all women who want to show off their figure.

However, a lot of women then choose a simpler wedding dress for a registry office wedding or for the wedding reception after the official ceremony. Wedding dresses for a registry office wedding are also very chic, but quite often they are shorter and have a simpler look. In white, cream or light pastel shades, registry office dresses look elegant and timeless. If you prefer something more classy, you might choose a short lace dress. The advantage of a simple registry office dress is that it can still be worn for other special occasions.

Perfect for: women who would like to have a second dress that they can still wear after the wedding ceremony at a registry office.

A simple wedding dress usually costs around 50 to 200 Euros, but depending on the material and design wedding dresses can also cost from about 1,500 to 2,000 Euros. In addition, prices can vary from region to region and from shop to shop, which is why you should always compare prices in different wedding dress shops.

Wedding dresses that are on sale can sometimes cost 500 to 800 Euros. If you're looking for a very classy, high-quality wedding dress, or if you need any adjustments you need to spend 3,000 Euros or more.

Wedding traditions: something new, something old, something borrowed and something blue

The following wedding tradition “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a lucky penny in your shoe” comes from an old English rhyme, which is supposed to bring newlyweds luck and herald a long and harmonious marriage.

• Something old: stands for permanence, for example, it can be an inherited piece of jewellery.

• Something new: stands for a happy future together. The wedding dress usually represents this. 

• Something borrowed: symbolises friendship and reliability. For example, you can borrow a pearl necklace from your grandmother or a lucky charm from your best friend.

• Something blue: symbolises love, purity and fidelity. Many brides wear a blue garter. Alternatively, you can also opt for a bouquet with blue flowers.

• Lucky penny: this is supposed to bless your marriage with prosperity. The penny is traditionally stuck to the sole of the bride’s shoe.

Conclusion: finding the perfect wedding dress

There is a wedding dress style to suit every body shape and taste. Firstly, think about what type of wedding dress you would like to wear. You should also decide whether you want a simple wedding dress or whether you would prefer a designer wedding dress with lace and accessories. Think about how much you would like to spend on a wedding dress before getting one. Visit different wedding dress shops to compare prices and dresses. It is a good idea to take someone with you, for example, your maid of honour or your mum to help you choose your dream wedding dress. Lastly, don’t forget to consider additional costs for alterations, shoes and accessories.

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The image sources in this text are in chronological order

Cover photo: iStock.com/Silk-stocking
1. Image in text: iStock.com/Tom Merton
2. – 7. Image in text: C&A
8. Image in text: iStock.com/Linda Raymond