Top 15 Wedding Dress Styles

If it’s time for you to pick a wedding dress and you have no idea where to start, it’s best to have a look at some different styles. From simple wedding dresses, to mermaid gowns, and even the more traditional wedding dresses with sleeves, we’ve put together a list of our favorites to get you inspired. These designer wedding gowns cover a range of styles and shapes that will help you pick your own unique wedding gown for your special day. Top photo from Ceremony Magazine- Gown Designer LIANCARLO

• Tea Length Wedding Dress

  If you love everything vintage, have a look at tea length wedding dresses, especially for a daytime wedding. This retro style dress from Forget Me Not Designs has a silhouette that is both fun and flattering—and it also allows you to show off your dancing shoes!

• Ball Gown

  Sometimes bigger really is better. Whether you are looking for a big Cinderella dress for your fairytale wedding, or you want a dress to accentuate your slender waistline, a crisp ball gown shape like this Essence of Australia ought to do the trick. Look for a sweetheart neckline if you have an angular face, and draw detail into the bodice using crystal accents or beads.

• Subtle

  If you like simple, elegant, and understated, a dress like this one from Claire Pettibone is a great choice. Emphasize the fit of the dress with a little lace detailing and structured seams. A jewel neckline gives off a modest presentation without being restricting or feeling stiff.

• Lace Wedding Dress

  It’s no secret that lace has made a big comeback. Sought after as a decorative essential since the 15th century, lace will always exude a soft, romantic appearance. If you’re a petite bride, the continuous lines of a sheath dress, like this one by Naaem Khan will add height to your silhouette. Lace appliques or panels are great choices for a petite frame because they won’t overwhelm your figure.

• Lace-Alternative

  If you can’t bring yourself to embrace the lace trend, look for a gown made of crepe, satin, or silk chiffon. This Jenny Packham dress has a light, fluid movement that can’t be achieved with a heavy lace gown. The yoke and bodice of this dress also have intricate beading if you are looking to incorporate detailing that is both refined and sophisticated.

• Short

  A short wedding dress like this one from Monique Lhuillier is an excellent choice for a summer wedding. If you pride yourself on your modern style, or if comfort is the number one aspect you want in a dress, this may be the one for you. Accessorize with one or two pieces of statement jewelry to complete your look.

• Colorful

  Not interested in a white dress? Pick a color! From bold colors like red or coral, to muted tones of blush and powder blue, dresses certainly don’t have to be white. Vera Wang used this vibrant color to give a classic shape modern appeal. The strapless neckline is best suited to you if you have broad shoulders and want to elongate your neck.

• One-Shoulder Wedding Dress

  Another option for broad shoulders is this one-shoulder dress by Aire Barcelona . This asymmetrical look accentuates a slender upper body and looks best with a beaded belt or colorful sash to bring in your waist. An airy, layered skirt with a chapel length train will give you a perfectly elegant look at both indoor and outdoor venues.

• Fit and Flare

  If you want all the detail of a gorgeous gown without all the fuss, this fit and flair dress by Zuhair Murad is the perfect muse. Layers of colorful beads and metallic accessories, like a gold belt and shimmering heels, will give this dress a formal, yet playful appearance, especially charming for a spring wedding.

• Wedding Dress with Sleeves

  If you love classic style and think of yourself as a traditional bride, look for a gown with sleeves. This Rosa Clara wedding dress has simple pleated detailing around the waist and an overall brocade pattern for a chic, tasteful presentation. Sleeves are a great choice for a winter wedding, or if you aren't keen on baring your arms.

• Beaded Gown

  This breezy A-line gown by Elie Saab is another wonderful choice if you have a petite frame. The plunging neckline helps elongate the body and frames the shape of your face. Heavy beading on the sleeves and torso will draw attention to a slender upper body, while the light beading on the skirt gives the appearance of weightlessness.

• Backless

  Consider that when you walk down the aisle, your guests are going to see the back of your gown as much as they see the front. If you have an hourglass shape that you want to accentuate, a mermaid wedding dress or sheath dress similar to this Cymbeline will help you achieve that look. Delicate, all-over lace and a high neckline will suit you well if you’re tall, and will look both charming and tasteful.

• Graceful

  If you aren't necessarily looking for something traditional, but you also don’t want a dress that overshadows you, look for a graceful, delicately detailed gown like this on from Berta Bridal . A sheer bateau neckline and sleeves allow for minimal, sparkling accents, while the applique bodice and fluttering skirt are an extension of your own long and lithe features.

• Prints

  If you like to think outside the box and consider yourself to be fashion-forward, you might consider a wedding dress with a print. This floral gown by Hamda al Fahim has a stunning range of color that pairs beautifully with the natural looking flower crown. If an all-over print sounds a little too daring, you can try a dress with a printed bodice for a pop of detail.

• Classic

  When in doubt, stick to the classics. A-line or trumpet gowns like this Tony Ward are accommodating to most body types. Adding a belt or sash to the waist will help to either accentuate or to add definition to your waistline. Vertical panels and embellishments will help create the illusion of height, while soft white coloring and lace accents will help you achieve a stylish and practical appearance.