Silhouette is the single biggest decision in choosing a wedding dress — bigger than fabric, bigger than neckline, bigger than whether it has sleeves. It determines how the dress moves, how comfortable you are, and how you'll feel after eight hours in it.
Here's what each shape actually does.
A-line
Fitted through the bodice, then flaring gently from the waist into a soft triangle — the shape of a capital A.
Why brides choose it: it's the most universally flattering shape there is, and the most forgiving if your measurements sit between sizes. It skims rather than clings.
Worth knowing: comfortable to sit, dance and eat in. If you want one dress that does everything, this is usually it.
Ball gown
A fitted bodice with a dramatically full skirt. The classic fairy-tale shape.
Why brides choose it: maximum drama, and it defines the waist beautifully. Your hip and thigh measurements become almost irrelevant.
Worth knowing: it's heavy and takes up space. Check you can get through your venue's doorways and sit at a round table comfortably.
Mermaid
Fitted through the bodice, waist, hips and thighs, then flaring sharply out at or below the knee.
Why brides choose it: the most body-conscious shape, and genuinely striking in photographs.
Worth knowing: the least forgiving on fit — measurements need to be accurate, and it will almost certainly need alterations. Walking up stairs takes practice, and you can't take a wide stride. Many brides love the look and plan a second dress for dancing.
Trumpet
Similar to a mermaid, but the flare begins higher — mid-thigh rather than at the knee.
Why brides choose it: the same fitted look with noticeably more freedom to move.
Worth knowing: a genuine middle ground if you love the mermaid shape but want to dance.
Sheath / column
Falls straight from the shoulders to the floor with no defined waist flare.
Why brides choose it: modern, understated and elegant. Excellent for beach and city-hall weddings, and the lightest to wear.
Worth knowing: it follows your natural line closely, so fabric quality shows. Beautiful in crepe and satin.
Empire
The waistline sits directly under the bust, with fabric falling loosely below.
Why brides choose it: elongates the body, and it's the most comfortable shape by a distance. A frequent choice for pregnant brides and for hot-weather weddings.
Worth knowing: very forgiving through the middle. Lovely in chiffon and tulle.
How to actually choose
Forget the advice about "dressing for your body shape" — it's mostly nonsense. Ask three practical questions instead:
- What's the venue? A ball gown in a small register office fights the room. A sheath on a windy beach behaves beautifully.
- How much do you want to move? If dancing matters to you, avoid a true mermaid or plan a change of dress.
- What do you want to feel like? Dramatic, or comfortable and yourself? Both are correct answers — but be honest about which one you'll want at 10pm.
Browse by shape in our wedding dresses and bridal gowns collections. And before you order, read our wedding dress sizing guide — bridal sizes run smaller than you'd expect.