In today’s wedding industry, brides have more style options and fashionable designs than ever before. Also, in the wedding capital of the world, Las Vegas offers more wedding gown opportunities than a bride could imagine, from classic traditions to modern additions! With so many wedding gown options, how is a Las Vegas bride to narrow down her options and choose?

A-Line Style (complete with alterations)

While you’ll be able to consider the skirt shape, the bodice, and the sleeves or straps, you might want to consider some of these wedding gown silhouettes. Just like you’d guess, a wedding gown silhouette includes the whole outline. For some of the gown shapes and styles you’re likely to find in stores, check out this list of wedding gown silhouettes and see what you like the best.

A-Line: This gown’s skirt forms an upside-down triangle shape or “A,” beginning from the waist and flaring outward as it lengthens. With no horizontal lines, this gown makes a bride look taller and minimizes her hips. Even better, this shape flatters every woman’s figure.

Ball Gown: Often likened to a Cinderella gown, this wedding dress is one of the most romantic options. This gown accentuates a woman’s waist with a fitted natural waistline or drop waist that leads to an exceptionally full skirt. Whether a woman is tall or of average height, this shape looks stunning on any bride with a full-figure or hourglass shape.

Wedding Gown Ball Room Styling
Ball Gown Style for your Wedding Dress

Empire: Called the “Empire” dress for Napoleon’s Josephine, this gown makes a bride look like royalty on her wedding day. This gown has a cropped bodice, with a seam directly below the bust line, that leads to slim skirt. Since this shape greatly accentuates a small bust and elongates a slim figure, this dress is the perfect choice for the petite bride.

Goddess: Inspired by Grecian goddesses, this design drapes across a bride’s body with long, loose layers of fabric. This gown is often belted to accentuate a slim waist or can be wrapped to create a fuller bust. While there are several ways to wear the Goddess gown, this striking shape targets the thin bride who above-average height and possesses strong natural features, from her neckline to her legs.

Slip: Known as the most revealing shape, this gown fits exceptionally close to the body, often with a hemline that reaches near the ankles for balance. This gown reveals a bride’s curves, from her bust to her hips. Whether a bride is tall or petite, this gown looks ravishing on any woman who wants to especially accentuate her figure.

Mermaid Style for your Wedding Dress

Sheath: While this shape is close-fitting, it is much more understated and elegant than the slip dress. This gown uses darts and strategic seams to follow the natural line of a bride’s body. With its ability to hint at subtle curves and present a beautiful elongated shape, this gown works so well for slim brides who are tall or petite.

Mermaid: Likened to a mermaid fin, this modern dress design has been successfully worn by celebrities like Eva Longoria, Beyoncé Knowles, and Jennifer Lopez. This gown features a form-fitting bodice, which remains tight through the hips and thighs, then flares near the knees. While some women feel uncomfortable walking in this tight style, this gown is best for brides with an hourglass figure who want to embrace their curves.

Princess: Similar to an A-Line, this gown can flatter any figure, slimming the hips and adding the impression of height. This gown is characterized by vertical seams, which run from the neckline, through the bodice and waist, along the hips, and into a flared skirt. With this shape, every bride will feel like a princess on her wedding day.

With your newfound wedding gown knowledge, now it’s time to hit the Las Vegas bridal shops! Visit our website page “Wedding Dress Shops” for more details about brides’ shopping experiences, from what to expect to what to wear and more!

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Author: Allyson Siwajian © 2010

Photograph credit: Lauren Patton (first photo), Debra Hansen (second photo), and Allyson Siwajian (third photo)  © 2010