A wedding is a momentous occasion filled with love, celebration, and memories that will last a lifetime. Among the many aspects of planning your perfect wedding, your wedding attire plays an essential role. The right wedding gown or suit not only highlights your personal style but also sets the tone for the entire event, making it one of the most important decisions you will make during the wedding planning process.
Whether you envision yourself walking down the aisle in a regal ball gown, a sleek tuxedo, or something more unconventional, this guide will help you navigate the vast world of wedding attire. We guide you through the seemingly endless variety of wedding gown and suit styles, offer expert advice on how to dress for the occasion, and introduce you to the many advantages of gown and suit rentals.
When it comes to wedding attire, there is a plethora of choices that cater to different tastes, body types, and wedding themes. From classic to contemporary, the options for both brides and grooms are endless. To help you find the perfect outfit, let’s explore some of the most popular styles.
For brides, the wedding gown is often the centrepiece of their look. The right gown not only reflects the bride’s personality but also complements the overall theme and formality of the wedding. Here are some of the most endearing wedding dress styles:
Ball Gowns
If your dream is to feel like a princess on your wedding day, a ball gown is likely the style for you. With a fitted bodice and a full, voluminous skirt, this silhouette creates a dramatic and regal effect. Ball gowns are often associated with formal or traditional weddings, especially those held in grand venues like historic estates or large ballrooms. The particular wedding attire, often made from layers of tulle or satin, adds a sense of grandeur, while the fitted bodice helps to highlight your waist. Many ball gowns also feature intricate detailing such as lace, beading, or embroidery, further accentuating their fairytale appeal.
Ball gowns work best for brides who want to make a grand entrance and can complement a variety of body shapes, especially for those who prefer to highlight their waist while concealing the lower body. Keep in mind that the fullness of the skirt may make movement slightly more challenging, so it is important to consider the level of comfort you want on your wedding day.
A-Line Gowns
A-line gowns are one of the most versatile and universally flattering wedding dress styles. This silhouette features a fitted bodice that gradually flares out from the waist, creating a shape similar to the letter “A.” The A-line gown strikes a balance between the dramatic volume of a ball gown and the sleeker lines of a sheath dress. Its classic and understated elegance makes it suitable for a wide range of wedding venues and themes, from formal affairs to more relaxed garden or beach weddings.
One of the major advantages of the A-line silhouette is that it suits nearly all body types. The fitted bodice helps define the waist, while the gentle flare of the skirt provides comfort and ease of movement. A-line gowns can also be styled in various ways to match your vision, whether you prefer lace, satin, or embellishments such as beads or crystals.
Mermaid Gowns
For brides looking to embrace glamour and sophistication, the mermaid gown is a stunning choice. This figure-hugging silhouette clings to the body from the bust to the knees, accentuating curves, before flaring out dramatically at the bottom. Mermaid gowns are often associated with a red carpet-like allure, making them a favourite for brides who want to make a bold fashion statement on their wedding day.
Because the mermaid gown is so fitted, it works best for brides who are confident in showing off their shape. It is particularly flattering for hourglass and pear-shaped figures, as it highlights the bust, waist, and hips. However, the snug fit can sometimes make it more challenging to move around or dance, so it is important to choose a gown that offers both style and comfort.
Fit-and-Flare Gowns
Fit-and-flare gowns are similar to mermaid gowns but offer a more relaxed and comfortable silhouette. This style hugs the body through the bodice and hips but flares out more subtly at the knees or midthigh, creating a softer and less dramatic effect than the mermaid silhouette. Fit-and-flare gowns are ideal for brides who want to show off their curves without compromising on mobility.
The fit-and-flare style is a popular choice for brides who appreciate a balance between form-fitting glamour and practical comfort. The flare at the bottom makes it easier to walk, dance, and enjoy the day’s festivities. This gown is suitable for both formal and more casual weddings, depending on the fabric and detailing.
Sheath Gowns
Sheath gowns offer a sleek and minimalist look that appeals to modern brides. This style features a straight silhouette that closely follows the body’s natural lines from the shoulders to the hem. Sheath gowns are perfect for brides who prefer understated elegance and simplicity.
The minimalist design of sheath gowns makes them an excellent choice for intimate or smaller weddings, as well as destination weddings where practicality is key. Because sheath gowns are less voluminous, they can be easily transported and require less fabric, making them a lighter option. This wedding dress style works particularly well for brides with petite or slender figures, as the straight lines create a lengthening effect.