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The Wedding Dress Style Guide: Finding the Right Dress for You
Updated: 7 days ago
Wedding dress shopping is exciting, but with so many different styles, shapes and fabrics to choose from, knowing where to start can feel a little overwhelming.
Do you go for something fitted and modern? A romantic A-line? Or a statement dress you never imagined yourself wearing?
The good news is that you don't need to have it all figured out before your first bridal appointment.
At & She Loves Bridal, our private studio in Arborfield, near Reading, is home to a beautiful collection of designer wedding dresses in a variety of styles and silhouettes.
Here's our guide to finding a dress that feels like you.
Start With How You Want to Feel
Before you start looking at necklines, fabrics and silhouettes, think about how you want to feel on your wedding day.
Elegant and understated? Romantic and feminine? Confident and glamorous? Relaxed and comfortable?
Your wedding dress should reflect your personality, not just what's currently trending.
You might have saved hundreds of dresses on Pinterest, but sometimes the gown you fall in love with is completely different from the one you imagined.
That's why we always encourage brides to arrive with an open mind.
Understanding Wedding Dress Silhouettes
The silhouette is the overall shape of your wedding dress, and it's often one of the first things brides consider.
A-Line Wedding Dresses
An A-line wedding dress is fitted around the bodice and gradually widens towards the hem, creating a soft A shape.
It's a lovely option if you want something elegant and timeless, with a little movement and volume without the fullness of a traditional ballgown.
A-line dresses can look completely different depending on the fabric, neckline and detailing, from modern minimalist gowns to romantic lace designs.
Fit and Flare Wedding Dresses
Fit and flare gowns follow the shape of the body through the bodice and hips before widening towards the lower skirt.
They're a popular choice for brides who love a fitted silhouette but still want movement and a little drama.
You can find everything from sleek, contemporary styles to romantic gowns with lace, embroidery or statement trains.
Mermaid Wedding Dresses
Mermaid wedding dresses are fitted through the bodice, waist and hips before flaring out lower down the skirt.
They create a dramatic silhouette and are particularly popular with brides looking for something glamorous and fashion-forward.
If you love the idea of a fitted dress, it's worth trying both mermaid and fit and flare styles to see which feels most comfortable.
Full Skirt and Ballgown Wedding Dresses
If you've always imagined a dramatic entrance, a fuller skirt might be exactly what you're looking for.
Full-skirt wedding dresses can range from romantic, flowing designs to structured ballgowns with plenty of volume.
They're also a beautiful way to create contrast between a fitted bodice and a statement skirt.
Mini Wedding Dresses
Not every bride wants a traditional floor-length gown.
Mini wedding dresses are a brilliant option for a civil ceremony, an intimate celebration, a second wedding look or simply because you love something a little different.
They're modern, playful and a great opportunity to show off a beautiful pair of bridal shoes.
Choosing Your Wedding Dress Fabric
The fabric can completely change the look and feel of a wedding dress, even when the silhouette is similar.
Satin and mikado are popular for clean, structured gowns with a smooth finish. They're particularly beautiful for modern, minimalist bridal looks.
Crepe is often used for sleek, fitted designs and creates a softer, more fluid silhouette.
Tulle adds softness and volume, making it a lovely choice for romantic skirts and delicate details.
Lace can bring texture, pattern and intricate detailing to a gown, whether you prefer something traditional or more contemporary.
Chiffon is lightweight and flowing, making it worth considering if you're looking for a softer, more relaxed style.
The best way to understand how different fabrics look and feel is to try them on. A dress can look completely different on the hanger than it does when you're wearing it.
Think About Your Wedding Venue
Your venue can help guide your dress choice, but it doesn't have to dictate it.
A sleek, modern gown might look beautiful at a country house wedding, while a dramatic full skirt could be just as striking at a contemporary city venue.
There are, however, a few practical things worth thinking about.
If you're getting married outdoors, consider how easily you'll be able to move around in your dress. If you're planning a destination wedding, fabric weight and travelling with your gown might be important.
And if you're hoping to dance the night away, think about how comfortable you'll feel wearing your dress for several hours.
The most important thing is choosing something that works for your day and feels right for you.
Don't Get Too Caught Up in Bridal Sizing
Wedding dress sizing can differ from everyday clothing sizes, and it can vary between designers.
Try not to focus too much on the number on the label.
Instead, think about how the dress fits, how it feels and whether alterations might help achieve the look you want.
At & She Loves Bridal, our collection includes designer sample wedding dresses in a range of sizes, with individual gowns available to try and buy off-the-peg.
Because each dress is a one-off, it's worth browsing our current collection before visiting.
What If You Fall in Love With Something Unexpected?
It happens more often than you might think.
You arrive convinced you want a fitted lace dress, then try on a simple A-line and suddenly everything changes.
Or perhaps you thought you wanted something understated, only to discover that a statement gown feels incredible.
Wedding dress shopping is about discovering what works for you, rather than following a checklist.
So bring your inspiration, but leave a little room for surprises.
Find Your Wedding Dress at & She Loves Bridal
At our private bridal studio in Arborfield, Berkshire, we specialise in designer sample wedding dresses available off-the-peg.
That means you can try on the actual gown that's available to buy and, when you find the one, take it home the same day.
Our collection is always changing as dresses find their brides, so there's always something new to discover.
Whether you're drawn to modern minimalist designs, romantic lace or dramatic statement gowns, we'd love to help you explore the possibilities.
Ready to find your dress?
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