Posts Tagged ‘Mermaid Gown’

Which Wedding Gown Style Works for You?

As you flip through various bridal publications, you are probably generating a good idea of your dream wedding dress. But because there are so many variations in today’s wedding gown fashions, bridal experts agree that it is important to understand the basic silhouettes available. Since virtually every gown is derived from one of eight traditional gown silhouettes, having a general idea of what style and fit you like best will make gown shopping much easier.

Below you will find a description of each basic gown silhouette. In addition, we’ve included a few gown examples that are currently available online at Bridepower.com and/or in-store at Vows Bridal Outlet in Watertown, MA. Each gown’s listing includes the designer, details of the dress, the Bridepower style number, and price.

A-line Wedding Gown

A-line Wedding Gown:

This is the most popular gown silhouette. As the name suggests, an A-line gown forms a triangular shape from top to bottom. The bodice is narrow and hugs the flattering curves of your upper body and works its way down to form an “A” shape at the bottom. There are many variations on the A-line style. For example, the hemline can showcase a simple, subtle modern flare or include a full skirt. This is a very popular style for bride’s who are smaller from waist up and larger from waist down.

Melissa Sweet A-line – Listed as Sweet’s Ava gown, this beautiful A-line dress sewn in rich silk satin material boasts a spaghetti/strapless neckline, sophisticated ruching, light beading across the top, and a small chapel train. BP#: 08487. Price: $1,600

Janelle Berte A-line – With the alias, Bobbie, this exquisite gown features an alencon lace drop waist with a V-neck silk satin skirt and chapel train. BP# 08844 Price: $1,400

Full Skirt or Ball Gown:

Although the necklines and sleeves may vary, this old-fashioned gown silhouette is similar to A-line, however it flows into a much fuller skirt. Created with layers of tulle or a petticoat underneath, ball gowns are probably the most traditional romantic dresses. Think Cinderella. There are both “flat-front ball gowns,” which have smooth a seamless front and a fully pleated back, and “dropped-waist” ball gowns that have a bodice fitted through the hips. Ball Gowns with billowing full skirts are perfect for tall brides with narrow hips. It is not particularly a good silhouette for petite brides who may appear lost in their dress.

Platinum Collection Full Skirt – Amazing ball gown with stunning beaded embroidery on bodice and train. BP#: 08234 Price: $999.

Kenneth Pool Full Skirt – Adorned with a beaded bodice and ribbon belt to accent the natural waist, this gown definitely makes a wedding day statement. Includes a chapel train and a spaghetti/strapless neckline. BP#: 08364 Price: $1,500

Amsale Full Skirt – A charming full skirt by Amsale with a sweetheart neckline. Front skirt has one pick-up and back skirt features full-length chapel train. BP#: 06705 Price: $999

Reem Acra Full Skirt – Become a princess bride in this amazing ball gown sewn in a candlelight hue, which showcases incredible Reem Acra beadwork known for this designer. BP#: 08287 Price: $1,500

Princess Gown:

Another deviation from the A-line dress is the princess gown. Princess gowns have noticeable vertical panels that extend from the shoulders to hips and below, which the A-line does not. This fairytale silhouette lends itself well to short-waisted brides that necessitate the appearance of length. Brides with thick-waists should probably steer clear of the princess cut, since it accentuates the mid-section.

Kenneth Pool Princess A-line – A gorgeous princess cut A-line in ivory silk satin. Rhinestones and sequins add sparkle to the neckline and hemline. Includes taupe panel on the train with rhinestone buttons. BP#: 06791 Price: $1,100

Vera Wang Princess A-line – Simple yet stunningly structured A-line with visible princess seems and a ruched back. Faux “wrap look” at the train. BP#: 08527. Price: $2,200

Empire Gown:

The empire silhouette is characterized by its high-waisted design, typically sewn with a seam just under the bustline. The flow of an empire gown with its smooth transition from bust to hem offers a delicate, period-looking dress style that often makes petite brides appear long and lean.

Christos Empire – Sleeveless A-line organza dress with empire waist. Sheer top with floral embroidery and sequins. Chapel train. BP#: 08926 Price: 1,400

Reem Acra Empire-waited – A-line with silver beading and floral appliqués. Same detailing can be seen on the back and on its chapel train. BP#: 08981 Price: $1,850

Mermaid Gown:

Mermaid Wedding Gown

Also sometimes referred to as a “trumpet” silhouette, this modern style is fitted in the top and bodice, and then opens up into a beautiful flare from the thighs (trumpet) or knees (mermaid). Mermaid gowns continue to be a favorite for today’s sophisticated brides since they add an element of contemporary flair to these modern-shaped wedding gowns.

Carolina Herrera Mermaid – Lightweight yet structured styling on this fitted silhouette. Floral appliqué at the knee and chapel train. Bottom is detachable to make a mini dress! BP#: 09048 Price: 1,800

Vera Wang Mermaid – The perfect gown for an outdoor setting. Constructed with lightweight silk organza fabric and delicate embroidery along the flare of the skirt. Includes embroidered detailing at its empire waist with a sweep train. BP#: 08545 Price: 2,200

Sheath Gown:

For brides who do not want a bulky wedding gown, this style virtually falls straight down from neckline to hem. The form-fitting lines of a sheath are excellent for naturally thin brides—both short and tall—with hourglass shapes. They add height to a petite bride and accentuate a tall bride’s slender frame.

Liv Harris Sheath – Spectacular ruched, gown with asymmetrical bodice and drop waist. BP#: 50013 Price: $1,450

Jim Hjelm Sheath – Column sheath in champagne satin with corded lace overlay. Thin satin ribbon around its natural waistline and sweep train. BP#: 06873 Price: 1,200

Two-Piece Gown (2 piece):

Although not as popular among young brides, more and more top-name designers are adding elegant two-piece gowns to their collections. Simply stated a two-piece gown has two distinct pieces, a top and a bottom.

Monique Lhuillier Two-Piece – A unique, modernistic two-piece gown. Corseted bustier top is covered in Chantilly lace and delicate silver sequins. Slim cut organza skirt with a sweep train elongates the leg. Organza sash accents the natural waist. BP#: 08745 Price: $1,500

Carolina Herrera Two-Piece – Beautiful long sleeved two-piece! Silk tulle skirt paired with a cashmere top. Beading and ribbons adorn the bodice. BP#: 08067 Price: $499

Short or Informal Gown:

A gown with little or no sweep or train. Very relaxed simple style with not much detailing, some even short. Often a choice for an elopement, a low-key celebration, or second wedding.

Monique Lhuillier Short – A classic look, reminiscent of Jackie Kennedy’s iconic style, this versatile tea length dress features a keyhole in the front and back, and a “Peter Pan” styled collar. Complete with an alencon lace overlay. BP#: 08837 Price: $1,200

Closing advice. Try on an extensive number of dresses to find the gown silhouette best for you.