Whether you’re recently engaged and starting to try on wedding gowns or are a member of the wedding party joining for a bridal salon appointment, understanding the various types of wedding dress styles available will help you have a more informed perspective going into the shopping process. Not every dress is universally flattering—so it’s a good idea to learn what cuts create different silhouettes on the body. There are countless options available from the hundreds of bridal brands around the world, so it’s easy to deep dive and find a wedding dress style that’s a perfect fit—or even work with a designer to create a custom-made look that will be a dream to walk down the aisle in.

How to Choose the Right Style for You

When beginning the bridal shopping experience, it’s best to be open-minded and try a wide variety of gowns. “Don’t just go for what you wear every day or what you think works well,” advises bridal designer Rime Arodaky. “Some necklines aren’t commonly found in ready-to-wear or everyday clothing, so brides should explore different options, stay curious, and most importantly, trust the expertise of a specialist!” Lihi Zwillinger, designer and brand manager of Mira Zwillinger, echoes, “I believe that when a bride puts on a dress she feels good in, that’s the most important. When she feels beautiful and comfortable, that will radiate out of her.”

It’s also important to be aware that the gown sample you put on in the store will likely not be your exact size, so will require a bit of imagination to know how it will look when made to your measurements. The sales associate will likely use clips or pins to help you get a better idea of the fit. You should also know that most dresses can be altered by either the designer or a skilled seamstress. A dress on the rack can have adjusted necklines, shortened trains, or even more coverage added to a sheer design. “Most of the brides want coverage and not to walk down the aisle with a transparent skirt or top,” notes Zwillinger. “We usually recommend adding a light nude layer of lining. The nude color still gives the gown the airiness and sheerness look without really being sheer.”

Ready to begin that wedding dress shopping experience? Look ahead to first read up on the most common wedding dress styles and shapes to know.

Ball Gown