BRIDAL STYLES
6 WEDDING DRESS STYLES & TRENDS ...
... through a Photographer's lens
As a wedding photographer, I spend a lot of time capturing love stories, emotional smiles, and, of course, incredible wedding dresses. Over the years, I’ve observed closely how wedding dress styles reflect each woman’s personality and dreams— and this helps make each day even more unique.
Some brides love more classic styles, with delicate lace and voluminous skirts. Others prefer a modern touch, opting for minimalist cuts and flowing fabrics that convey lightness and authenticity. And it’s fascinating to see how the right accessories—veils, earrings, gloves, capes—complete the look and transform each look into a true expression of style.
In this article, I want to share some of the wedding dress styles I’ve seen, show how fabrics behave in the light, the most popular accessories, and share some tips and photography notes about the dresses, based on my experience.
No, I’m not an expert on wedding dresses or bridal fashion. In fact, there are many excellent boutiques where you can seek expert help. Here, and this is my commitment, you will only find examples of real brides, of real weddings photographed by me.
Above all, I hope this article is both inspiring and informative, because the next bride could be you!
Wedding Dresses (The Most Popular Types)
1. A -Line
Universally flattering, it flows from the waist and creates elegant lines. In photography, it’s versatile: it looks graceful in close portraits but also elongates the figure in full-body shots.
Description: Fitted at the bodice and gradually flares out to the hem, forming an “A” shape.
Ideal for: Most body types; versatile for many venues.
In Photos: Flows gracefully in full-body shots and elongates the figure. Fabrics like chiffon or organza add a soft, romantic texture to photos.
These photos were taken at Quinta Valle do Riacho and Lago dos Cisnes.
2. Mermaid
Hugging the body until the knee and then flaring out, this dress is bold and sensual. The way light plays on satin or embroidery in a mermaid cut often creates striking silhouettes.
Description: Fitted through the body and hips, flaring out at the knees.
Ideal for: Brides who want a dramatic, glamorous silhouette.
In Photos: The flare creates dynamic shapes and shadows. Lace or beads shining with sunlight help create sophisticated and elegant portraits.
3. Sheath
Minimalist and modern, it falls straight with little volume. On camera, sheath dresses are about simplicity and elegance; they often pair well with architectural backdrops. It’s one of the most popular dresses I’ve seen, mostly because of the way they adapts to the body.
Description: Falls straight from neckline to hem, minimal flare; simple and modern.
Ideal for: Minimalist weddings, city venues or intimate ceremonies.
In Photos: Clean lines allow for architectural compositions and emphasize the bride’s natural shape. Matte fabrics like crepe absorb light evenly, giving portraits a polished, timeless look.
These brides got married at Quinta São Thiago and Quinta do Torneiro.
4. Boho / Vintage
Flowing fabrics, lace, sleeves, sometimes open backs. These dresses pair wonderfully with outdoor venues. Lace especially catches light in delicate, detailed ways.This is the perfect dress style for relaxed and practical brides. I think it will continue trending.
Description: Flowing fabrics, relaxed and romantic, with delicate embroidery.
Ideal for: Outdoor, rustic, or informal weddings.
In Photos: Lightweight fabrics like chiffon or tulle move beautifully in natural light. Lace details catch sunlight and shadows for ethereal effects, perfect for dreamy, romantic portraits.
These examples are of weddings I photographed at Quinta da Murta and Herdade Monte Novo, places with a rustic vibe and both ceremonies were outdoors.
5. Trumpet & Fit and Flare
Similar to the mermaid style but with a gentler flare starting mid-thigh. It emphasizes curves without being too tight. In photography, the gradual flare creates elegant movement, especially when walking or twirling.
Description: Identical to mermaid, but flares gently from mid-thigh.
Ideal for: Brides who want a balance between dramatic curves and comfort.
In Photos: The gentle flare adds elegance in motion. Fabrics like satin or tulle highlight curves subtly, creating graceful portraits in both natural and controlled lighting.
Examples of brides who got married at Forte da Cruz and Quinta da Bichinha.
6. Statement Bodices
Lately, I’ve been noticing something that’s stealing the spotlight at many of the weddings I photograph — statement bodices. These aren’t your subtle, barely-there tops; they’re all about texture, structure, and artistry. From heavily beaded corsets that shimmer under string lights to delicate, hand-embroidered lace that looks like it’s floating on the skin, statement bodices are having their moment. Then, there’s also draped bodices, which delight me for the way they move with light. I believe this trend is here to stay.
That said, this look isn’t for everyone. If your style is more understated, bohemian, or minimalist, a statement bodice might feel like too much.
Ideal for: Brides who want their gown to say something. If your style leans toward bold elegance or you love a touch of couture detail, a statement bodice can give you that wow factor without needing an extravagant silhouette. Structured bodices, with visible boning or sculpted shapes, are amazing for creating a defined waist and elegant posture — they photograph beautifully in portraits and close-ups. Beaded or embroidered designs, on the other hand, add dimension and catch the light in the most magical ways.
In Photos: From my point of view, I’ll say all bodice details make magic in close-ups. The way beads glint when the sun hits them, or how structured fabric frames a bride’s posture are some of the little moments that stand out in photos. My biggest tip is to step into some natural light while you’re trying on dresses. It will help you envision what it can look like on the wedding day.
Bridal Trends
Accessories I've Been Seeing
Every year has its trends, and as a photographer I notice them right away because they change the feel of the portraits. Accessories are the punctuation marks of the kind of person you are and they can complete different gowns and bridal styles. I’ve seen how a simple dress can be completely transformed with:
Veils — veils photograph dramatically, especially when spread out or with movement.
Capes — detachable capes also add movement and elegance, giving photographers more elements to play with in portraits. Usually, brides remove the capes after de reception or before the first dance.
Sleeves and Gloves: Gloves or Fingerless gloves, illusion sleeves or puff, lace, off-shoulder — sleeves are back.
Timeless and bold looks
In addition to the accessories previously mentioned, some brides are going for some timeless jewelry options and even deciding to have a personalized look for the party.
- Pearl necklaces: have been making a quiet comeback too — a timeless touch that pairs beautifully with statement bodices, adding just enough elegance without competing with the dress.
- Personalized looks: detachable skirts, or second dresses for the party.
From Behind the Lens : How I see Bridal Style
Final Thoughts
What fascinates me most as a photographer is how each bride’s style reflects her personality — and how light, fabric, and emotion all come together in a portrait. A mermaid dress might look bold and dramatic in one photo, but romantic and soft in another, depending on the setting. A lace veil backlit by the evening sun turns into poetry in motion.
For me, photographing bridal styles isn’t just about documenting the dress — it’s about capturing how a bride feels in that dress. Confidence, elegance, joy, vulnerability — all of it shows up in the photos, and that’s what makes each bridal portrait unique.
Whether you’re drawn to the grandeur of an A-line dress, the ease of a boho dress, or the sleek lines of a minimalist silhouette, remember this: the dress is important, but it’s the way you shine in it that truly creates memorable photos.
And as someone who has been lucky enough to witness and photograph so many bridal styles, I can promise you — every detail matters, and every choice you make contributes to the story your wedding photos will tell for generations.
