What are the Different Types of Wedding Gowns?

There are no stereotypes when it comes to a decision about your dream wedding celebrations. The only thumb rule here is that there is no thumb rule. To make your most cherished event memorable for life, advance planning comes handy. It is not only the logistics of arrangements, but the wedding attires too set the tone of the function. The type, season, and the theme, if any, of the ceremony have a lot of say on the choice of dress for the bride.

Types of weddings gowns

Formal
Formal gowns, especially for the evening weddings, are customarily long flamboyant designs with dazzling tinges and trains. The veils are usually long, often floor-length. The fabrics used are also heavier ones, like satins or brocades. However, while the style of gown remains the same, the fabrics and colors vary in the case of a daytime wedding. Here, the emphasis is on lighter materials, such as taffeta, tulle, shantung etc., with shorter trains and veils.

Semi-formal
Comparatively less elaborate, these gowns focus on the use of plain fabrics like chiffon, with sleeker and less ornate designs. Veils are shorter, mostly fingertip length. There is generally no marked difference between day and evening semi-formal wear, except for your personal choice.

Informal
These are mostly knee length cocktail style outfits or suits. Unlike semi-formal plain style, informal wear can be somewhat adorned or beaded. Wearing a veil with an informal wedding dress is not in practice. If you choose colored attire, the colors are chosen based on the time of wedding.

Designs
There can be just as many designs for wedding gowns, as you may imagine. Nevertheless, the following are the basic types of designs in vogue:
- Empire Gown
It has less distinct waistline to suit the petite built. Empire cut also suits the ‘inverted-pear’ body.
- Ball Gown (Full Skirt)
For full-figures, ball gowns represent the best choice that hides away those extra calories!
- Princess Gown (A-Line)
This style suits most of the body types with its less defined waistline, yet elaborate design.
- Sheath Style
It is among the slender varieties, with a waistline designed to suit the ‘watch-glass’ figures.
- Mermaid Style
Mermaid style is a body hugging design for those blessed with a near-perfect figure.

Necklines & Sleeves
Necklines and sleeves are also dependent upon your body type, especially the structure of your shoulders and hands. The widely, used options include off-shoulder, over-the-shoulder straps, halter-necks, strapless, and asymmetric design. Sleeves can be quarter, half, or fill with plain or puffed designs.

With so many options available, just any bride would be spoilt for choice, but the idea should not be to choose what is most popular or suit others. The idea should be to find what gives you that distinguishing look, while being comfortable, which you deserve on you special day!