A-line, mermaid or princess: each cut creates a different look. Here is how to recognise them, what they flatter, and which dresses in our Lyon boutique bring them to life.
The silhouette of a wedding dress is its overall shape: how it follows the bodice, defines the waist, then flares, or not, down to the floor. It is the first choice to make, before fabric and details, because it shapes your whole look.
Advice by body shape is a guide, not a rule. The same cut can be stunning on two very different figures, and the ideal dress is the one in which you feel completely yourself. Only a fitting will tell you.
Fitted at the bodice, the A-line dress flares gradually from the waist, like the letter that gives it its name. It balances proportions, softens the hips and lengthens the figure: it suits the widest range of body shapes, and is often the most comfortable for a whole day.
In our boutique, Rosamund by Katya Katya London comes in all-over lace with a high neck and an open back. Celestial by Rara Avis is made of crinkled silk, with a square neckline and puff sleeves. Innocentia’s Cali adds long sleeves and a cathedral train. See all our A-line wedding dresses.
The mermaid dress hugs the bodice, waist and hips, then flares below the knee. It flatters an hourglass figure and lengthens the line, as long as you love close-fitting cuts. Remember to walk and sit down during your fitting: comfort matters as much as the drape.
Miressa by Ricca Sposa, in stretch satin, is worn with a long detachable train. Calyra pairs satin with a structured low-waisted corset. Cascadelle chooses corded lace and ruffles, while Rieti by Rara Avis relies on clean stretch satin and a halter back. See all our mermaid wedding dresses.
A fitted bodice and a full skirt from the waist: the princess dress defines the waist and creates an hourglass shape, even on a straighter figure. Its volume also balances fuller hips. It is the dress for grand entrances and spacious venues.
Calypso by YolanCris plays on architectural construction, with a straight strapless neckline and a pleated skirt. Faurelle by Ricca Sposa, in Dupioni silk, draws a V-shaped waist adorned with bows. Dahlia, in milk-coloured tulle, adds chiffon roses and a high leg slit. See all our princess wedding dresses.
Once you have found your silhouette, the neckline and sleeves refine the look. A straight strapless neckline frees the shoulders and neck, a V-neck lengthens the bodice, a high neck brings a more understated elegance. A V-shaped waist, as on Faurelle or Maorine, visually slims the waist.
To cover your arms, discover our wedding dresses with sleeves, long, short or detachable. To reveal your back, our open-back wedding dresses. And for a clean look, our strapless wedding dresses.
Convertible dresses mean you do not have to choose. Tafrielle by Ricca Sposa switches from a long skirt with a train for the ceremony to a short balloon skirt for the party. Jenna by Rara Avis, a mermaid dress, is worn with or without its Chantilly lace top. See all our convertible wedding dresses.
Many brides leave with a cut they would never have considered. During your appointment, we show you silhouettes chosen to match your style, then you try them on to see what truly suits you. Note your favourites and inspirations in the appointment form: we will have them ready for your visit.
