From the Wedding Dress Education Series The Bride's Guide to Finding the Perfect Wedding Dress

This comprehensive guide helps brides understand silhouettes, sleeves, necklines, waistlines, trains, fabrics, and hundreds of wedding dress design details.

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Find Your Perfect Style

Have you ever noticed that some brides immediately know what they want while others feel pulled in ten different directions?

That's because choosing a wedding dress isn't just about finding a silhouette you like. It's about finding a gown that reflects your personality.

Some brides are classic and traditional. Others are romantic dreamers. Some love glamour and sparkle, while others are whimsical, artistic, or quietly elegant.

The good news?

There is no right answer.

Most brides are a beautiful blend of several personality types. As you read through the categories below, pay attention to the descriptions that feel most like you. You'll likely begin seeing patterns emerge.

When you keep choosing the same words over and over again, you're getting closer to discovering your wedding dress personality.

The Traditionalist

Clean • Classic • Timeless
You appreciate graceful lines, understated elegance, and styles that never go out of fashion.



Consider:

• A-line gowns with minimal embellishment
• Lace-covered bodices
• Pearl details rather than sparkling stones
• Sheath and Grecian silhouettes
• High necklines with keyholes
• Bateau, square, and jewel necklines
• Satin shrugs with three-quarter sleeves

The Whimsical Bride

Fun • Artistic • Unexpected

You love creativity and aren't afraid to add a little magic to your wedding day.

Consider:

• Empire-waist dresses
• Puff sleeves or Juliet sleeves
• Colored tulle accents
• Tiered skirts resembling flower petals
• Unique accessories
• Dip-dyed details
• Playful color combinations and artistic embellishments

The Nostalgic Bride

Romantic • Artistic • Traditional

You love history, stories, meaningful traditions, and timeless beauty.

Consider:

• Princess-inspired silhouettes
• Sweetheart necklines
• Puff sleeves
• Portrait collars
• Dramatic A-line skirts
• Vintage-inspired details

The Princess Bride

Romantic • Traditional • Dreamy

You have probably imagined your wedding day since childhood.

Consider:

• Full ball gowns
• Layers of tulle
• Basque waistlines
• Large puff sleeves
• Velvet accents
• Statement skirts
• Fairy-tale inspired details

The Glam Girl

Confident • Stylish • Bold

You love making an entrance and aren't afraid to shine.

Consider:

• Mermaid silhouettes
• Corseted bodices
• Dramatic embellishment
• Sparkling accessories
• Statement headpieces
• Crowns, jeweled bands, and glamorous details

The Preppy Bride

Traditional • Conservative • Polished

You appreciate structure, simplicity, and classic elegance.

Consider:

• Structured A-line gowns
• Square necklines
• Matte fabrics
• Minimal ornamentation
• Pearl accessories
• Tailored jackets and clean lines

The Romantic Bride

Classic • Dreamy • Graceful

Romantic brides often imagine soft movement, beautiful fabrics, and timeless beauty.

Consider:

• Flowing columns
• Empire waists
• Soft draping
• Lace details
• Juliet sleeves
• Full skirts with gentle movement
• Delicate color accents

The Victorian Bride

Traditional • Nostalgic • Elegant

Inspired by history and romance, Victorian brides love lace, detail, and old-world beauty.

Consider:

• Off-shoulder bodices
• Full skirts
• Lace throughout the gown
• Floral wreaths
• Vintage-inspired accessories
• Blue accents for a historical touch

The Fairytale Queen

Powerful • Artistic • Regal

Unlike the Princess Bride, the Fairytale Queen is bold, confident, and commanding.

Consider:

• Rich fabrics such as velvet and brocade
• Dramatic collars
• Embellished bodices
• Long fitted sleeves
• Bold colors such as forest green, midnight blue, antique gold, or deep red

The Subdued Bride

Quiet • Elegant • Timeless

You don't need a lot of attention to feel beautiful.

Consider:

• Simple lace bodices
• Traditional necklines
• Fit-and-flare silhouettes
• Soft colors
• Tone-on-tone fabrics
• Delicate accessories

The Flirty Bride

Fun • Romantic • Playful

Your style is feminine, joyful, and full of movement.

Consider:

• Soft skirts
• Grecian styles
• A-line silhouettes
• Floral embellishments
• Light-colored tulle accents
• Ruffles and flounces
• Statement bows and sashes

When All Is Said and Done

When you put on the right dress, something magical happens.

• You stop wondering what everyone else thinks.
• You stop comparing.
• You stop second-guessing.

Instead, you simply feel like yourself.

Whether you're a Traditionalist, a Glam Girl, a Romantic, a Princess, or a blend of several personalities, the perfect wedding dress is the one that makes you feel beautiful, confident, and completely at home in your own skin.

• Trust your instincts.
• Trust your vision.
• And most importantly, trust the girl who has been dreaming about this day all along.

Because your wedding dress should be more than something you wear.

It should be a reflection of who you are.