×

10 Classic Wedding Dress Styles & 10 Trendy Alternatives


10 Classic Wedding Dress Styles & 10 Trendy Alternatives


Are You A Traditional Or Modern Bride?

When you think of a wedding dress what style first comes to mind? Despite there being a quintessential white dress, there are many styles of wedding gowns on the market. From classic ballgowns to trendy jumpsuits, which dress will you say yes to?  

Jarvis-Couture-Bridal-Prom-Tyler-Tx-Kqqrfzvbt7S-UnsplashJarvis Couture Bridal & Prom Tyler TX on Unsplash


1. A-Line

A dress with an A-line silhouette flatters every body type. The A-line dress is a timeless style that’s been dressing classic brides for decades. It features a fitted bodice that flares out from the waist, cascading down to the floor. The A-shape of the skirt makes it a comfortable dress to dance all night long and it compliments a formal or casual wedding venue. 

StockSnapStockSnap on Pixabay

2. Ballgown

Can you picture a scene of a princess standing at the top of a spiral staircase, about to make her grand entrance into the royal ball?–– she’s definitely wearing this dress. If you dream of a fairytale wedding, this dress is for you. It’s similar to a flattering A-line but with an extra voluminous skirt, fit for a princess. 

grayscale photo of woman facing on mirrorDuo Chen on Unsplash

3. Mermaid

A mermaid dress is the perfect choice for a bride who wants to accentuate her beautiful curves. The form-fitting design of the dress gracefully hugs your body down to your knees where it fans outwards to the floor. It’s a classic look for an elegant land-mermaid.    

a white wedding dress on a mannequinWedMaid Dresses on Unsplash

Advertisement

4. Sheath

The sheath silhouette is a breath of fresh air for the minimalist bride. It’s a contemporary design with a slim, figure-hugging silhouette that delicately skims the body without any volume. It’s an effortless look that’s lightweight and gorgeous at any ceremony.  

StockSnapStockSnap on Pixabay

5. Empire Waist

You’ll feel like a goddess in an empire waist dress. This style originates from the ancient Greeks and has been a traditional look for brides around the globe. The high waistline begins below the bust with a loose skirt that flows beautifully down your body. This wedding dress style flatters various body shapes and sizes and elongates silhouettes, ideal for outdoor weddings.   

pixagodpixagod on Pixabay

6. Sweetheart

A strapless dress with a sweetheart neckline is a classic wedding gown style for a traditional bride. The neckline may be distinct but it adorns countless styles of dresses, from A-lines to tea-length dresses. The heart shape beautifully flatters any body type and showcases your neck and shoulders that you can adorn with stunning jewelry. 

scottwebbscottwebb on Pixabay

 

7. Illusion Neckline

The illusion neckline is for the classic brides who want a subtle mystical element to their look. This design features a sheer fabric typically adorned with embroidery or lace that creates the illusion of a floating neckline. This neckline complements many styles of silhouettes, allowing the aesthetic to mix a balance of modesty and mystery. 

woman wearing white sheer lace wedding gownThomas AE on Unsplash

8. Lace Long-Sleeves

A wedding dress with sleeves made of lace is a bohemian dream. The classic look adds a delicate flair to your arms, adorning your body in elegance from head to toe. Long sleeves are stunning with various dress styles and are ideal for weddings in cooler climates.  

man and woman holding hands focus photoJeremy Wong Weddings on Unsplash

9. Off-The-Shoulder

An off-the-shoulder neckline is a romantic look with a feminine touch. The style shows off the collarbones and elegantly frames the bride’s face. It’s an effortless look that complements many body shapes and silhouette styles. It’s a playful design for any bride. 

tientoanmaimai10tientoanmaimai10 on Pixabay

Advertisement

10. Open Back

A wedding dress with a gaping back is a show-stopper. A dress that shows off your bare back gives the style a touch of romantic natural beauty. This design is a modern-traditional look many brides have worn for decades.   

grayscale photo of woman wearing wedding dress holding bouquet of flowerEverton Vila on Unsplash

Timeless dresses will continue to take our breath away but some brides want to refresh with non-traditional styles. For an alternative look, fall in love with one of these stunning dress designs:

1. Colorful Dress

There's no wedding rule book that says you have to white! You can find a classic dress style in a bold color or dare to be different with an alternative cut in a vibrant shade. Wow your spouse-to-be with a colorful dress that matches your personality.   

Cromwell KenCromwell Ken on Pexels

2. Floral 

Flowers aren't just for the bouquet! There are stunning floral gowns that will make you look like a garden princess. You'll find dresses with florals intertwined with lace scattered all the through the dress or bodices made of delicate flowers that add a pop of color to a traditional white gown. 

Lawrence SuzaraLawrence Suzara on Pexels

3. Short Dress

A wedding dress with a shorter hemline is for any modern bride. This alternative wedding dress is a comfortable chic option and perfect for a summer ceremony or a destination wedding in the tropics. If you want a more playful vibe, take a classic dress and shorten the hemline to show off your legs.  

Bren PintelosBren Pintelos on Pexels

4. Pantsuit

Some brides don't want to wear dresses! An elegant pantsuit is bold and beautiful, perfect for any bride who wants to steer away from tradition but keep it classy. A white jumpsuit or a two-piece pantsuit is a gorgeous alternative to a white wedding gown and pants totally rock on the dance floor.   

Tiểu Bảo TrươngTiểu Bảo Trương on Pexels

5. Two-Piece

A two-piece wedding ensemble is a trendy option for a contemporary bride. Show off a little midriff with a crop-top or mix and match a bodice and skirt pairing. You can create a two-piece look that's fit for a black tie event or tone it down for a semi-formal venue. 

dhiraj jaindhiraj jain on Pexels

Advertisement

6. Ruffle Skirt

A ruffle skirt is fit for a princess. A gown adorned with elegant frills complements any neckline. A ruffled skirt adds a wispy and playful element to a simple dress and suits a bride who wants to have a ton of fun. 

woman in ruffled wedding gown sitting on haystackScott Webb on Unsplash

7. Sneakers

Ditch the uncomfortable heels and rock a pair of sneaks! Whether you're a skater girl at heart or you prioritize comfort, some brides prefer to adorn sneakers. Wearing a casual shoe is a cute balance when paired with a formal dress and adds an edgy chic aesthetic to a classic look. 

man in gray suit jacket and woman in white wedding dress holding bouquet of white flowersHannah Busing on Unsplash

8. Unique Neckline

If you want a taste of something different, look for a dress with a unique neckline. Different shapes compliment various body types so find a neckline that suits you best. A neckline can accentuate certain elements depending on the style and you're bound to find a fresh look that matches your vibe. 

Kyle RoxasKyle Roxas on Pexels

9. Big Sleeves 

Forget big fluffy skirts, go for puffy sleeves! Oversized sleeves add a dramatic yet delicate touch to a bridal look. If you adorn big sleeves of lace, you'll add a feminine boho vibe to your style that's trendy and breathtaking. The look is a fashionable twist on a classic wedding dress. 

Jonathan BorbaJonathan Borba on Pexels

10. Black Dress

Live out your gothic wedding fairytale with a black dress. It's a black swan look for a bold bride who wants to stand out from tradition. From textured lace to silky satan, you can find beautiful black gowns in any material and style that suits your dark dreams. 

Studio NegarinStudio Negarin on Pexels