Finding your wedding dress is an exciting part of planning your wedding, but with so many bridal gown styles to choose from, knowing where to start can sometimes feel overwhelming. At Always and Forever Bridal International, located on Collins Street in Melbourne's fashion precinct, our bridal stylists are here to help you explore different options and find a gown that feels right for you.
One of the easiest ways to narrow down your choices is to become familiar with the main wedding dress silhouettes. From classic A-line gowns to sleek column styles and dramatic mermaids, each silhouette creates a different overall look and feel.
Let's take a closer look at some of the most popular bridal gown styles and what makes each one unique.
The Timeless A-Line Silhouette
The A-line wedding dress is a classic choice that has remained popular for generations. The silhouette features a fitted bodice that gradually widens from the waist to the hem, creating the distinctive A shape.
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One of the reasons A-line gowns are so versatile is the wide range of ways they can be designed. You might find a simple satin gown with clean lines, a lace-covered design, or a more embellished style featuring beading and intricate detailing.
An A-line dress can also work across a variety of wedding settings. A sleek version can feel right at home at a modern city celebration, while lace, floral details, or softer fabrics can create a more relaxed look for a garden or country wedding.
If you're not sure where to begin when shopping for wedding dresses, trying an A-line is a great way to get a feel for this classic silhouette. |
The Ball Gown
If you're drawn to a fuller skirt and a more dramatic bridal look, a ball gown could be worth trying.
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This silhouette typically features a fitted bodice paired with a full skirt, which may be created with layers of tulle, organza, satin, or other structured fabrics.
Ball gowns can have a distinctly traditional feel, but today's designs range from classic and ornate to clean and contemporary. Details such as floral appliqués, modern necklines, statement sleeves, or minimalist fabrics can completely change the overall look.
A ball gown can also be a great choice if you want your dress to have plenty of presence as you walk down the aisle. While it's often associated with formal weddings and grand venues, there's no reason you can't choose one simply because you love the silhouette. |
Mermaid and Trumpet Wedding Dresses
Mermaid and trumpet gowns are both fitted silhouettes that become fuller toward the lower portion of the dress. Although they're similar, the main difference is where the skirt begins to flare.
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MermaidA mermaid wedding dress is generally fitted through the bodice, waist, and hips before flaring out around the knee or below. The result is a more dramatic transition between the fitted bodice and fuller skirt.
TrumpetA trumpet gown also follows the body through the upper portion of the dress but begins to flare earlier, usually around the mid-thigh. This creates a more gradual transition into the skirt. |
Both silhouettes can create a striking bridal look, particularly when paired with fabrics and details that complement the shape of the gown. Lace, beading, crepe, satin, and other fabrics can all produce very different results.
If you're considering a fitted wedding dress, trying both a mermaid and trumpet style can help you compare the difference in shape and movement for yourself.
Our Melbourne boutique carries gowns from a selection of renowned bridal designers, with a variety of silhouettes and design details to explore.
Sheath and Column Wedding Dresses
For brides who prefer a simpler, more streamlined look, sheath and column wedding dresses offer a different approach to traditional bridal volume.
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These silhouettes generally follow the body's natural line from the neckline through to the hem without the fuller skirt associated with an A-line or ball gown. Depending on the fabric and construction, a sheath or column gown can feel modern, understated, sophisticated, or effortlessly relaxed.
Crepe, satin, silk, and other fluid fabrics are often used for these styles, allowing the fabric and construction of the gown to take centre stage. Details such as an interesting neckline, statement back, sleeves, or subtle embellishment can add personality without introducing a lot of volume. |
A column or sheath gown can work beautifully for a range of weddings, from an intimate ceremony to a contemporary Melbourne celebration or destination wedding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which wedding dress silhouette is right for me?
The best way to find out is to try different silhouettes and see what you like in person. Consider how you want your dress to look and feel, as well as details such as the amount of volume, structure, or movement you prefer. Our bridal stylists can help you compare different styles and narrow down your options based on your preferences.
Can I try different bridal gown styles during my appointment?
Yes. Trying a variety of silhouettes can be a helpful part of the appointment process, particularly if you're still figuring out what you like. You can book a bridal appointment at our Melbourne boutique and work with our stylists to explore different gowns.
What's the difference between a Mermaid and a Trumpet wedding dress?
Both silhouettes are fitted through the upper portion of the gown, but they flare at different points. A mermaid gown typically begins to flare around the knee or below, creating a more dramatic transition. A trumpet gown starts to flare higher, generally around the mid-thigh, creating a more gradual shape.
Should my wedding dress silhouette match my venue?
It can be helpful to consider your venue and overall wedding plans when choosing your dress, but it doesn't have to dictate your decision. A formal ball gown may suit a grand venue, while a column gown could work well for a minimalist celebration, but ultimately, your personal style and what you want to wear should be part of the decision.
How far in advance should I start shopping for my wedding dress?
We generally recommend beginning your wedding dress search around 9 to 12 months before your wedding. This gives you time to find your gown, allow for the ordering process, and schedule fittings and alterations. If your wedding is coming up sooner, it's still worth getting in touch, as some gowns may be available on a shorter timeline.
Ready to Find Your Wedding Dress?
You don't need to know your perfect silhouette before you walk through the doors. Exploring different styles and seeing how they look and feel in person is part of the process.
Visit Always and Forever Bridal International on Collins Street in Melbourne to browse our collection of designer wedding dresses and work with our experienced bridal stylists. Book your appointment and start exploring the styles that feel right for you.