The expert guide to… A-line wedding dresses

Not sure where to start with wedding dress shapes? Then you should make a beeline for our flattering A-line wedding dresses, a timeless bridal silhouette that genuinely never goes out of style. Its balanced shape suits everyone and, depending on the fabric and details, it can look strikingly modern, classically elegant, beautifully boho and everything in between.

What are A-line Wedding dresses?

Fitted at the chest to highlight your natural waist, an A-line flows out gradually into an ‘A’ shape, with plenty of freedom and movement at the hips. The tailored top is super flattering, drawing eyes upwards and accentuating a beautiful waistline, while the gently flared skirt adds a touch of romance.

An A-line shape doesn’t necessarily dictate the volume of your look, either. There are plenty of slim A-lines in lighter fabrics for a softer feel or you can add more underskirts to a fuller skirt to create a bolder silhouette.

Below we’ve picked a few different styles of A line wedding dresses so you can see what we mean, plus some beautiful inspo from our gorgeous real life brides. So, read on to see if this is the shape for you…

The enduring classic

The quintessential A-line is one with a quiet sophistication, like this stunning off the shoulder design by Anna Sorrano. The luxurious Mikado skirt is simple but effective, with just the right amount of flare and volume while the detailed florals on the bodice are simply gorgeous. The soft off-the-shoulder straps also balance out the width of the skirt, creating a focal point at the waist. The whole look has a quiet confidence that’s hard to beat.

Real bride Jenna went for a similar feel with Anna Sorrano's elegant, off-the-shoulder Mikado A-line. The minimal detailing means the flattering shape is the star of the show. “I absolutely fell in love with the train and buttoned back,” she says. “It also made me feel amazing on the wedding day. It was so different to any other dress I'd tried on before.”

Contemporary coverage

An A line is also a great choice if you want something with plenty of stylish coverage that’s not too fitted, so you have the freedom to move, dance and mingle. This effortlessly cool design by Sofia Cruz does all that and more, with its plain Mikado skirt, full-length sleeves and on-trend ruched shoulders. Again, A-line wedding dress highlights the sleek lines with rows of covered buttons on the cuffs and to the hem. The final touch is a dipped V-neck back that offsets the high neck at the front.

For her Christmas wedding wed2b bride Adele also wanted modest coverage and chose an Anna Sorrano A-line with stunning corded lace and elegant sleeves. “I knew I wanted A-line and had a feeling I wanted sleeves,” she says. “This was the dress the girl instore picked out and it stole my heart from the get go! I felt like a princess and didn’t want to take it off.”

Colette also went for a sleek and simple A-line. However, for extra coverage, she paired her strappy design with a breathtaking Empress cape. "I love the cinched in waist and classical styling,” she says. “The dress was perfect, simple and beautiful. I had looked at cape veils but didn’t think I'd be able to pull off the look. However, I put the Empress cape on and I loved it. It added an edge to a classic dress."

The boho choice

Alternatively, the versatile A line can also fit seamlessly with a boho theme. Look for slim A line wedding dresses, which come with all the great attributes of their sister silhouette but fit a little closer to the body. As it has less material a slim A line can also be a little more budget friendly and is easier to travel with than larger styles. Lily by Heidi Hudson, is a great example with its delicate sleeves and soft chiffon skirt that are just perfect for a summer or beach wedding.

A floaty slim A line was the perfect choice for Grace’s sunny August celebration outside. “My dress had a soft tulle skirt and a strapless semi-sheer bodice, which was the perfect mix of bohemian and elegance,” she says. “I loved the Bardot straps and I felt incredible. It hugged my figure and I got so many compliments.”

Romantic blush & florals

Lastly, if you want a touch more fairytale romance but don’t fancy the full ballgown, then A line wedding dresses are for you. Look for designs with soft blush tones, oversized florals and a sprinkling of sparkling embellishment. Viva Bride’s Chloe combines delicate off-the-shoulder straps with beautiful embroidered lace and a lightweight tulle skirt with pretty blush under layer. It’s feminine and romantic but the soft A-line shape keeps it charmingly understated.

Real bride Chloe added straps to her floral embroidered A-line, to create a similar feel. She also wore a belt and underskirt for a little more volume and sparkle. “My dress, with all the detailed lace, was absolutely stunning,” she says. "I wanted something that would be timeless and I felt so comfortable and beautiful all day long.”

Perfectly shaped

Timeless, comfortable, flattering… what’s not to like? A line wedding dresses are one of our most popular silhouettes, because they really do work with every style of wedding and every bridal style. Our instore experts can also guide you through the different designs to find the perfect one for you. So, drop in today, and discover for yourself why everyone love the universally appealing A line!

Click here to check out all our A line wedding dresses, then try on your favourites at your nearest wed2b store. Here’s what to expect when you visit, too. Lastly, for more inspiration, check out our Instagram, Facebook or TikTok accounts.