One of the earliest tasks on your wedding to-do list will be to decide what you will wear. That will be a ton of fun, but it can also be very overwhelming. Between all the fabric options, neckline decisions, and color options (white, off-white, ivory, champagne, blush….), there is so much to decide.

The most important decision when it comes to you dress? The style.

When it comes to wedding dresses, there are five primary shapes or styles that flatter each figure a little bit better than the next.

Those five styles are…

BALLGOWN

The ballgown is your quintessential wedding dress.  Full skirt, fitted bodice, trimmed at the natural waist, this dress is what comes to mind when we think of the traditional, princess look.  Consider this shape if you have a less curvy frame, as this will create shape for you. You may want to shy away from this style if  you are a petite or naturally curvy, as it will add volume in a way that is not as flattering.

MERMAID

The mermaid (and her close cousin, the trumpet) are ideal for those hourglass brides who want something more form-fitting that hugs those curves! What’s the difference between the two? Well, the mermaid here flares out at or below the knee, while the trumpet flares out at or a little above the knee.

EMPIRE

The empire silhouette is flattering because it raises the waist to just under the bust, allowing the fabric of the skirt to flow over the body. This shape works for every body type, but is especially  beautiful of brides concerned with hips or midsection.

A-LINE

The name really says it all when it comes to this shape: It is a skirt that is at its narrowest at the waist and flows away from the body in the shape of an A. Perhaps the most versatile of all the wedding dress shapes, most everyone will look amazing in a A-line skirt. A variation of this can be found in a drop-waist skirt, where the skirt begins at the hip rather than the natural waist (be careful, though–too far of a drop will turn an A-line/drop-waist into a trumpet, which is a whole different fit).

SHEATH

Also known as the column dress, the sheath dress is the fitted gown with a straight cut that has a little tailoring in at the waist. There is flare with this dress; it is straight and sleek. This is ideal for slender or petite brides, as it will make you look long and lean (and gorgeous, of course).

Knowing a little bit about your figure and your tastes will make that trip into the dress shop not only less stressful, but more fun. It will up your opportunities to find that dress worthy of saying “I do!”

On Mondays we educate! Check out the blog every Monday for a new post to help you plan your wedding your way! Find past posts here!

Kayla Lee is a Minnesota-based wedding and elopement photographer. She provides services to elegant, authentic, sentimental couples who not only choose their own adventures, but also live them to the fullest!