Types of Wedding Dresses

• There are many different types of wedding dresses. A mermaid-style wedding dress has a form-fitting bodice that comes to your knees and then flairs out to create a train behind you. An empire-style dress creates a division between your breasts and the rest of your figure. This style was popular during the early 19th century. An A-line dress falls from the waist to create a style that mimics the look of a capital A. Princess-style dresses are gathered at the abdomen and help create a classic hourglass shape. A sheath is a style designed to create the impression of a single column form around your body.
  
  

Your Figure

• Different types of wedding dresses suit different types of figures. If you are slim, consider a sheath style to help show off your slenderness. A short-waisted woman may want to choose a princess style to help elongate her middle. Women with fuller figures should consider an empire style to emphasize their cleavage. If you have a classic hourglass figure with a good bust and a nicely shaped rear end, think about choosing a mermaid-style dress to show off your figure.
  
  

Fabrics

• Wedding dresses are made from a wide variety of fabrics, including satin, organza, damask, pique, taffeta, tulle, velvet, lace and brocades. Look for fabric that will work with the date of your wedding. If you are having a winter wedding, choose a thick fabric such as velvet that will add warmth while you greet guests outside. Sheer wedding fabrics such as lace may be more appropriate for a summer or spring wedding. Many wedding dresses incorporate different kinds of fabric to create a polished and detailed look.
  
  

Details

• You can also create an impression with the kinds of details on a bridal gown. Intricate beading and crystal work can help create the fantasy fairy princess look you have dreamed about since you were 6. A simply designed dress with only a handful of details can be ideal for a more modern look, one that shows off the line of your dress neatly.
  
  

Color

• The traditional wedding dress comes in white. However, within this color there are shades. You can choose from a bright white or a softer ivory with hints of other colors. A white such as Navajo white can look great on people with very light or very dark skin. Colors with a slight hint of yellow, blue or rose can complement the color of your hair and eyes as well as subtly match the shades of any bridesmaids' dresses you have chosen.