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.
A line wedding dresses
A line wedding dresses have a close-fitting bodice and a slightly flared floor length skirt. The close-fitting bodice often has a built-in corsage, which makes the bride's upper body stand out, whilst the long skirt conceals your stomach, legs and buttocks. This will make you appear taller. The classically elegant A line wedding dress is very popular with many brides because it has a lovely style but it also offers plenty of room for individual details such as lace or rhinestones.
Perfect for: all body shapes.
Princess wedding dresses
The close-fitting corsage and an over the top bell shaped skirt make this style of wedding dress stand out. This style of dress is also known as a ‘’duchess dress". As their name suggests, they are perfect for fairytale weddings. The close-fitting bodice will make your bust stand out and your waist appear slimmer in contrast to the long sweeping skirt.
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. Duchess 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
I line wedding dresses
An I line is usually very close-fitting and comes in a wide range of styles. However, they usually have a simple design and finished off with a veil. This style of wedding dress is ideal for smaller women as it will make them appear taller. The narrow cut will make your figure stand out.
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 stain 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, slim and sporty women, who would like to show off their figure.
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 having expecting.
Perfect for: boho wedding, small and curvy women, as well as for women who are expecting
Bodycon wedding dresses: mermaid, trumpet & fit and flare
Bodycon wedding dresses are perfect for women who are confident and would like a wedding dress that shows off their feminine curves. This style of wedding dress is usually made out of satin and silk, which will highlight your upper body, waist, hips and your thighs.
Below you will find more information about the differences between the different bodycon skirt styles:
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: slim and tall women who want to show off their feminine figure.
Short wedding dresses: mini, tea-length or petticoat
Short wedding dresses are a great alternative to long traditional dresses. These styles of wedding dress are ideal for women who would like to show off their legs. From mini dresses to sheath dresses and wedding dresses with a short front and long back, short wedding dresses come in a variety of styles. Knee length, tea-length or midi dresses or 50s petticoat-style look very classy. Try different styles and fabrics to find the perfect short wedding dress.
Perfect for: small women and for women who would like to show off their legs.
Registry office wedding dresses
If you are getting married in a church in addition to a civil ceremony, it is up to you whether you want to wear the same wedding dress twice. Many brides also decide to buy two wedding dresses that perfectly match the location. For the walk down the aisle or the actual wedding ceremony, most women like to wear a classic floor length dress.
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.
Are you looking for a stylish alternative? Two piece suits such as an elegant blouse with a skirt, pair of trousers or a jumpsuit as can be worn as an alternative to a wedding dress. This will create an elegant, yet individual look perfect for your wedding.
An overview of wedding dress costs
Before looking for a wedding dress it is a good idea to think about how much you would like to spend. You and your other half need to agree on a budget for wedding outfits. Don’t forget to take the costs of shoes and jewellery into account when agreeing on budget.
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 800 to 1,500 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 2,500 Euros or more. The average wedding dress costs around 1,000 Euros, which you should take into account when planning your budget. Therefore, think carefully about how much you would like to spend on your wedding dress. Choose a wedding dress that you really like, but keep in mind that you will only wear your dress on your special day.
Start looking for a wedding dress about nine to twelve months before your wedding. This will allow enough time for any alterations, adjustments or to order the right size.
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 harmonious long 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 suspender. 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 and 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 would you 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 take into account additional costs for alterations, shoes and accessories.
______________________________________________
References and further information
https://www.brides.com/gallery/wedding-dress-shopping-tips
(Last accessed on 23/10/2023)
https://www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/blog/something-old
(Last accessed on 23/10/2023)
https://www.maggiesottero.com/blog/finding-the-perfect-dress-for-your-body-type/
(Last accessed on 23/10/2023)
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
