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Bridal Terms You Should Know: Silhouettes

When you walk into your first bridal appointment it can feel like people are speaking a different language. Not knowing bridal terms can make things feel more intimidating. It can also make it harder for you to describe what you want. We are here to help! Today we are breaking down the bridal terms for the six basic silhouettes. 

Let’s start with the word silhouette…

A silhouette is simply the shape of the gown. 

A Line

Any dress that gets wider from the waist to the hem. The smallest point sits at or above your waist then flares out all the way to the hem (the bottom of the skirt). 

Justin Alexander a line gown with silk makado fabric thick straps and deep plunging neckline
Justin Alexander

Ballgown

A-line dress with even more volume. Ball Gowns have a wide and full skirt that is usually filled with layers of tulle or crinolines. 

Morilee Ball Gown with off the shoulder straps, sparkle skirt blush color, and sparkle vine appliques
Morilee

Mermaid

A fitted dress that dramatically flares out at or just above the knees. The dramatic flair is caused by layers of tulle or crinoline. A mermaid gown gives the illusion of an hourglass silhouette. 

morilee mermaid gown with tiered skirt and lace with open back lace detail deep plunge and encrusted straps gretchen's bridal gallery indianapolis
Morilee Signature

Trumpet

A fitted dress that is less fitted around the hips and flares out at the middle thigh. It typically doesn’t have tulle or crinoline under the skirt. Trumpet style gowns are still dramatic but also have a sleek look.

Trumpet style gown with cap sleeve and lace with plunging neckline and blush underlayer gretchens bridal gallery indianapolis
Allure Bridals

Fit-and-Flare

If an A-line dress has too much volume and the trumpet is too fitted, the fit-and-flare will be perfect for you. Fit-and-Flare dresses are fitted through the top and waist but are not fitted waist down. 

Maggie Sottero fit-and-flare gown crepe fabric with plunging neckline and laces on top and train gretchens bridal gallery indianapolis
Maggie Sottero

Sheath

Sheath wedding gowns are fitted in the waist and fall straight down. This silhouette doesn’t have any volume and is sleek and effortless. 

Maggie Soterro Sheath gown strapless staight across gown gretchen'd bridal gallery indy
Maggie Sottero

Knowing what silhouette you are the most interested in is a great starting point during your bridal appointment. Your stylist will help you find your perfect silhouette. At Gretchen’s Bridal Gallery Indianapolis we have over 800 special order gowns for you to choose from. Finding your perfect dress is easy when you book your appointment at Gretchen’s Bridal Gallery Indianapolis. Book your appointment today!

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Author

  • Gretchen Reynolds

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