* Wedding Dress Style Guide *
Your wedding dress is more than just a gown—it’s a reflection of your love story, your personality, and the vision you hold for your special day. We believe every bride deserves a dress that not only fits beautifully, but also feels unmistakably you.
Whether you’re dreaming of timeless elegance, modern minimalism or romantic detail, you’ll find a silhouette that speaks to your heart and complements your shape.
Guide to finding your Wedding Dress silhouette
In this wedding dress guide, we’ll take you through the most beloved dress styles—from graceful A-lines to dramatic ball gowns. Explore our curated wedding dress collection and begin the exciting journey of discovering your perfect bridal gown at our Brighton wedding dress boutique.
A-line wedding dresses
Best for: All body types
An A-line gown takes its name from its silhouette: a fitted bodice that gently widens from the waist, creating the soft shape of the letter A. It’s a more relaxed, less voluminous version of the classic ballgown, offering beautiful movement without the extra pouf.
This style is especially flattering for pear-shaped figures as it skims over the hips, defines the waist and draws the eye upward. Petite brides can also use the elongating shape to their advantage — just avoid strapless styles if you want to keep the line clean.
Ballgown Wedding Dresses
Best for: Most body types, but not very petite frames
The ballgown is the iconic “princess” silhouette, pairing a structured bodice with a full, dramatic skirt. It’s wonderfully balancing for brides with a fuller bust or broader shoulders, as the skirt adds volume to the lower half for a harmonious outline.
On petite frames this style can feel overpowering, so proportion is key. For maximum impact, consider a lace-up bodice with a pleated or gathered skirt — a combination that nips in the waist beautifully and delivers unforgettable fairy-tale glamour.
Fit-and-Flare / Trumpet Wedding Dresses
Best for: Hourglass and pear figures
A fit-and-flare, often called a trumpet, sits between an A-line and a mermaid. The dress is fitted from the bodice to mid-thigh before flaring out into a gentle trumpet shape. This creates definition through the waist and hips while still allowing freedom of movement.
Designers often use the terms interchangeably, so pay attention to where the skirt starts to flare — trumpet styles begin higher than mermaid gowns, making them easier to walk and dance in.
* Visit your Wedding Dress Shop in Brighton *
Find your perfect wedding dress
Our wedding dress collections are carefully chosen to offer the best variety of current trends, fabrics and styles, and are predominantly made-to-order. Off the peg, last-chance styles are also available to take on the day for tighter deadlines. You’ll have expert advice on the fit and finish of your wedding dress from the very first moment you step through the door.
Our appointments are personal, relaxed and completely private for the duration of your visit.