A-line wedding dresses are a must to try when you are wedding dress shopping! This traditional and classic silhouette works for every bride and all body types. If you love all things romantic and want your dream gown to be one of timeless elegance, this is the style you’ll want for your wedding day.
Always figure-flattering, an A-line gown simply refers to the shape of the skirt being shaped like the letter A. They are the perfect wedding dress for any venue and in any season. You will find A-line dresses in all fabrics such as satin, crepe, tulle, organza, and lace, and each has its own style. Let’s look at some of the fabrics first.
Satin can be plain or beaded and lends beautifully to the bride who desires a formal, timeless wedding. Satin has a stiffness to it that will hold the shape perfectly over crinoline while you twirl the night away. Crepe is another fabric for the modern bride who wants softness, comfort, and clean lines. A crepe A-line gowns are very popular wedding dress styles because of their stretch comfort, as well as the ease in accessorizing! Because it is so clean, you can easily customize into your dream dress by adding details such as lace, pearls, bows or jacket accessories. Or keep it simple and just add your beautiful flower bouquet. Both satin and crepe are luxurious fabrics and perfection in the A-line silhouette.
Layers of soft organza or tulle will lend to a more effervescent and youthful feel. These are more simple fabrics and may include elements like lace appliqués and ruffles on a flowy skirt creating a whimsy effect. This style works well for a country, wildflower garden, or barn wedding theme. Because organza and tulle make for such pretty, lightweight wedding dresses, these are ideal for the carefree and youthful excitement of brides-to-be.
An elegant lace A-line dress with unique design details such as layering or 3D floral lace motifs will look perfect anywhere whether on the beach, in the vineyard, or even a museum. Lace is also the perfect dress fabric to add a matching cathedral veil for an unforgettable look. Back in style now are a number of beautiful A-line lace dresses in the vintage wedding gown style and they are perfect for unique themes like Art-Deco or Hollywood glam.
If these ideas weren’t enough to persuade you that A-line is the perfect silhouette, consider this. What if you had two dresses in one? What if your personal style is a sheath gown, but are thinking it might not be ‘bridal’ enough? Enter the detachable skirts!
This accessory is the perfect choice to get two different wedding dress styles in one. Wear the over skirt for the ceremony and formal photographs, and then remove it for the reception. These detachable skirts were such a good idea that they are now made to match with almost any dress – even short wedding dresses can have a full A-line over skirt!
Different neck lines on A-line wedding dresses:
A-line dresses are also made with every neckline from strapless to halter to long sleeve. They can have a V-neck, scoop, square, or sweetheart neckline with delicate beaded straps, thicker straps with lace, off the shoulder, cap sleeve, or long sleeve. If you like detachable accessories, consider detachable bishop or bell sleeves to elevate your bridal look.
All will have a structured, nicely fitted bodice and full skirt. They can have a natural waistline, drop waist, or basque waist. Drop and basque waists simply have the A-line shape starting down a bit farther on the hip. The drop and basque waist silhouettes are very flattering and highlight the right places for pear shape figures, while a slim A-line with a natural waistline looks lovely on a petite bride.
For those brides who do not want it “poofy”, there is a slim A-line which is the same shape and flatters the same, it just does not have as much volume and would be made in lighter fabrics such as charmeuse and chiffon.
The skirt of this style wedding dress is made to enhance movement and create a soft, romantic look. They can also be made with more structured fabrics like satin or mikado for a more formal or traditional style.
One of the reasons this shape is so popular is not only because it is the most traditional, but because it is versatile and flattering on all body types. It highlights the waist and flares out over the hips and thighs, creating a balanced silhouette. This shape is different from a ball gown. A ball gown has a definite waste, but the volume begins immediately and its shape is much more rounded. Where the A-line style gradually gets wider, the ball gown is flared from the waist.
As you can see, there are many different styles to this gorgeous wedding dress silhouette! These are some of the new 2024 dresses with the best features, try them on to see if the A-line shape is the style for you. Remember to keep an open mind while shopping for the wedding dress of your dreams!