I believe every girl dreams of their ideal wedding since young. What's the most profound 'thing' for all princesses?
It's dressing up like a true princess of the day - The Power of Wedding Gown!

Here are some of the popular silhouettes for the modern wedding gowns:
1. Ball Gown
2. Classic A-line
3. Empire
4. Mermaid
5. Sheath

Let's discuss each of the silhouette listed above.

1. Ball Gown

This silhouette is classical and formal - to create dramatic 'Cinderella Prom Night'.
It composed of a fitted corset-style bodice which usually ends at the waist or just below, and finishing the look with a very full, floor-length skirt.

This silhouette is suitable for:
Formal weddings (E.g.: Black tie sit-down reception)

This silhouette looks flattering on:
Most brides, especially full-figured and petite brides
It has dual functions for small and large hips brides. It is good at hiding larger hips, as well as to create a curvy look for brides with narrow hips.

Not the first choice for:
Brides with short waist; unless a dropped-waist bodice is chosen. It creates the hour-glass look and minimizes short waist.


2. Classic A-line (A.K.A. Princess Style)

This silhouette is very similar to Empire style. However, both silhouettes flare out at different points. Empire silhouette starts with a fitted bust line and flares out from just beneath the bust line down to the ground. Whereas, A-line silhouette hugs your upper body tightly as it flares out into an 'A' shape skirt right below your natural waist. It elongates your torso and hides your heavy bottom very well.

This silhouette is suitable for:
Any level of formality (E.g.: Black tie sit-down reception or intimate garden wedding)

This silhouette looks flattering on:
All brides, especially full-figured brides
*Be wise in choosing the right fabric for your A-line gown! Heavier fabric such as bridal satin, does not cling on your body, but falls down naturally and cover your lower half very well.

Not the right choice for:
None


3. Empire

This silhouette creates a mysterious goddess look for your big day that will blow your man as well as your guests away! The high-waisted, long flowing skirt skim your midsection and camouflage wide hips. In addition, it helps to add a few inches taller for petite brides by creating a high waistline just beneath the bust line.

This silhouette is suitable for:
Any level of formality (E.g.: Black tie sit-down reception or an intimate garden wedding)

This silhouette looks flattering on:
Apple- and Pear-shaped brides, as well as petite brides

Not the first choice for:
Brides with brilliant curves to show off on their special day



4. Mermaid

This silhouette is elegant and yet sophisticated, it goes step father than Sheath (will be discussed later) - to create a tighter and curvaceous look. It hugs your body tightly from top down to your knees and flares down to hemline, exactly like a mermaid's tail. [That's why this silhouette named as MERMAID]

This silhouette is suitable for:
Formal and informal wedding (E.g.: Black tie sit-down reception or beach wedding)

This silhouette looks flattering on:
Very confident bride who is proud to show off every curve of her body

Not the first choice for:
Brides who are not comfortable revealing their curves



5. Sheath

This silhouette is simple and yet elegant.
It hugs your curves softly, accentuates your torso, waist and hips - to create slim and sexy silhouette to the body.

This silhouette is suitable for:
Casual, intimate weddings (E.g.: beach or other destination weddings)

This silhouette looks flattering on:
Petite and well-proportioned brides
Tall and thin brides

Not the first choice for:
Brides with larger lower bodies. This silhouette may not be able to hide your wide hips, unless you use heavier fabric that is less form fitting.





Sources:
Wedding Attire and Aesthetics, QC Wedding Planner Book
Wedding Dress Styles: Flatter YOUR Figure with the Dress Dictionary; www.big-wedding-tiny-budget.com
Choosing a silhouette for your wedding gown; www.womenslife.co.za
Empire Waist: Ideal Wedding Dress: For the Perfect Figure Flattering Style Look for This Design; weddingfashion.suite101.com
Celebrity Weddings; www.instyleweddings.com
Dresses; www.brides.com