Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Wedding Dress Silhouettes

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When searching for a wedding dress, the amount of choices can be somewhat overwhelming — especially so when you're first starting to shop. Are you a column gal, or does ball gown suit your style? A-line or modified A-line? And what the heck is the difference between trumpet and mermaid? Is there a difference?

Not to worry. We had the same questions, which is why we did some research and created this guide — complete with easy-to-understand illustrations — for each distinct silhouette. Read on for a handful of knowledge before you begin the hunt.

A-Line
June Letters Studio

A-Line

What It Looks Like: While the top is fitted to your body, the skirt portion gets wider as it reaches the floor, creating a shape that looks sort of like an "A" (hence the name).
Design to Shop: BHLDN Penelope Gown ($970)

Ball Gown
June Letters Studio

Ball Gown

What It Looks Like: The top is fitted, but the skirt is poofy. Think of something a fairy-tale princess would wear, like Lily James in Cinderella.
Design to Shop: Rosa Clara Cava Tiered Silk Organza Ballgown ($3,865)

Column
June Letters Studio

Column

What It Looks Like: A simple shape that is straight and column-like from top to bottom. If you're looking for something that's formfitting but not skintight, this design is for you.
Design to Shop: J.Crew Elsie Gown ($650)

Mermaid
June Letters Studio

Mermaid

What It Looks Like: This dress is fitted and curve-hugging but flares out at the bottom to look like a fin.
Design to Shop: Theia Patricia Mermaid Gown ($1,995)

Modified A-Line
June Letters Studio

Modified A-Line

What It Looks Like: Also known as fit-and-flare, this design hugs your body ever so slightly through the hip area before gradually becoming wider toward the bottom.
Design to Shop: Nouvelle Amsale Embellished Silk Organza Peplum Dress ($2,800)

Tea Length
June Letters Studio

Tea Length

What It Looks Like: Shorter than the rest, this dress shape will end in the middle of your leg rather than extending all the way to the floor.
Design to Shop: David's Bridal Mikado Tea Length Dress With Illusion Neckline ($750)

Trumpet
June Letters Studio

Trumpet

What It Looks Like: If modified A-line and mermaid had a baby, this shape would be it. For the most part, it will fit tightly to your body, but somewhere around midthigh, the dress will begin to flare.
Design to Shop: J. Mendel Blanche Strapless Mermaid Gown ($6,780)