When it comes to choosing the perfect wedding dress, trumpet wedding dresses offer a stunning and elegant option for our brides-to-be! A sister to the mermaid silhouette, trumpet wedding dress styles often get overlooked as a great option for a fitted dress. From classic designs to modern trends, we’re sharing our top tips to help you find the perfect trumpet wedding dress that suits your style and personality. Let’s break down the details of trumpet wedding dresses, so you can make a confident choice for your special day. 

Understanding Trumpet Wedding Dresses

A trumpet style wedding dress is characterized by a fitted bodice that hugs the body down to mid-thigh, where the skirt then flares out, resembling the shape of a trumpet. This style has a sultry look, accentuating the curves of the body while allowing for greater ease of movement. This silhouette creates balance in both form and style, blending sexiness and femininity. 

The history of the trumpet style can be traced back to the mid-20th century when designers started experimenting with different silhouettes to create more flattering and dynamic looks. The trumpet style dress emerged as a variation of the classic mermaid silhouette, offering a more subtle flare from the hips down. Over the years, trumpet wedding dresses have become a timeless and sophisticated choice for brides looking to make a statement on their big day.

Best Body Types for Trumpet Dresses

You may find yourself wondering if there is a best body type for a trumpet dress. In fact, trumpet dresses can be flattering for various body types, accentuating different features depending on your unique proportions. For brides with hourglass figures, the fitted bodice of a trumpet dress accentuates the waist, while the skirt starting from the mid-thigh adds a touch of drama and elegance. This dress style is also great for brides with broad shoulders, as the flare at the bottom creates a beautiful balanced silhouette. 

For more apple-shaped bodies, a trumpet dress with a structured, corset bodice can create a more sharply defined waistline. And brides with an athletic body type often love the trumpet wedding dress, especially when paired with an empire waist, as it creates curves in the silhouette. 

When selecting a trumpet wedding dress, also consider the neckline and sleeve style that best complement your body shape. V-necklines elongate the torso, while off-the-shoulder or cap sleeves can balance broad shoulders. Sweetheart necklines work for brides who want to amp up the curves of their bust, while straps or sleeves can benefit our bustier brides by adding extra support. 

Remember to focus on highlighting your best features and choosing fabrics that drape well to enhance the overall look. By keeping these tips in mind and understanding how a trumpet style dress can accentuate different body types, you can confidently choose the perfect dress for your special day.

Trumpet vs. Mermaid Dresses

Many brides can’t tell the difference when comparing a trumpet versus a mermaid wedding dress. The subtleties that define each style aren’t always obvious, so it’s essential to understand the key differences between the two silhouettes.

Trumpet wedding dresses are fitted through the bodice and hips and begin to flare out around mid-thigh, resembling the shape of a trumpet. The flare of a trumpet dress is more gradual and subtle compared to a mermaid dress, and because it starts higher up on the body, you have more range of movement. One thing to note is that not all trumpet style wedding dresses have the same skirt. Trumpet skirts can have a soft flare, a skirt slit, be tiered, or have a long train. So while they are similar to a mermaid bridal gown, you get a bit more variety in skirt style. 

Mermaid dresses are fitted through the bodice, hips, and thighs, and then flare out at or below the knee, creating a more dramatic silhouette that closely hugs the body. The skirt has more of a fishtail look, hence the name mermaid, so the flare is usually more pronounced, serving more drama than a typical trumpet gown. Because the bodice is fitted through the knee, a mermaid silhouette is more restrictive on movement, so if you want to dance the night away, we say, choose a trumpet wedding dress.

Many brides want to make sure their dress not only suits them but also their wedding theme and venue. While these silhouettes are available in numerous styles, from minimalist to boho, there are some themes that better fit one silhouette over the other. 

Trumpet dresses are versatile and can work well for various wedding themes. They are ideal for brides looking for a balance between a fitted silhouette and a subtle flare. Trumpet dresses are often chosen for elegant and sophisticated weddings. Mermaid dresses are perfect for brides seeking a glamorous and show-stopping look. They are a great choice for formal and extravagant wedding themes where the dramatic silhouette can make a bold statement.

When deciding between a trumpet and mermaid dress, consider your personal style, body type, and the overall theme of your wedding. Both styles offer unique characteristics that can enhance your bridal look, so choose the one that makes you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.

Accessories for Trumpet Dresses

When choosing accessories for a trumpet wedding dress, it’s important to select pieces that complement the style of the gown. From your jewelry to your veil, and even your shoes, the right pick can help complete your bridal vision. Here are some ideas on accessories that pair well with trumpet dresses.

For jewelry, opt for classic and timeless styles like pearl or diamond studs to add a touch of elegance without overpowering the dress. If you’re wearing a strapless trumpet wedding dress, a statement or drop earring will balance the flare of the skirt without overwhelming the neckline. For sleeveless trumpet gowns, consider accessorizing with an elegant tennis bracelet or even try some bracelet stacking to give your dress a maximalist look.

Your shoes are a fun and subtle way to show your personality in your trumpet wedding dress. Choose heels that match the color of your dress, go for metallic tones like silver or gold for a glamorous touch, or add a pop of color to peek out from under your gown. If you’re all about comfort, beautiful ballet flats are an elegant way to wear a comfortable wedding shoe. And if you’re having a summer wedding, consider strappy sandals that will complement the trumpet silhouette and add a feminine flair to your outfit.

A veil is often the final touch that can make a woman feel like a bride. From simple and sweet styles to grand moments, the perfect veil will complete your wedding day look.

 A fingertip veil is a shorter style that ends around the fingertips, as the name suggests. These veils can be less cumbersome than the longer cathedral length and are available in many styles, like delicate pearl beading or romantic lace. We love a fingertip length veil with a trumpet wedding dress as the veil stops right around where the skirt starts, enhancing the dramatic effect of the flare.

 For more drama and grandeur, opt for a cathedral veil. This longer style gently cascades behind the dress giving you a classic look. Cathedral length veils are often adorned with delicate lace and come in a variety of shapes from round to pointed, and even petal-shaped which adds a feminine flair. Your veil is also another great place to add some color with softly tinted embroidery, adding an ethereal look to your trumpet gown.

When selecting accessories for your trumpet wedding dress, consider the venue and theme of your wedding. For an outdoor wedding, choose lightweight and delicate accessories that won’t weigh you down, like a shorter veil and open-toed shoes. Spring and Summer weddings are a great time to include floral details in your accessories, from floral embroidery to delicate flower earrings.

If your wedding is in a formal setting, opt for extravagant accessories. From beautiful ballrooms to a lovely church, this setting suits a more classic touch. Whether that’s a grand cathedral length veil or stunning chandelier earrings, these elegant accessories will enhance the look of your trumpet bridal gown. 

By carefully selecting jewelry, shoes, and veil styles that complement your trumpet wedding dress, you can create a cohesive and stunning bridal ensemble that reflects your style and enhances the beauty of your gown.

Comfort in Trumpet Dresses

When wearing a trumpet wedding dress, comfort is essential to ensure you can enjoy your wedding day to the fullest. To address common concerns about wearing a trumpet dress, consider the following comfort tips for walking and dancing in your trumpet dress:

1. Choose the Right Size: Ensure your trumpet dress fits you perfectly. A well-fitted dress will allow you to move comfortably without feeling restricted. Bridal sizing is different than your regular off-the-rack clothes, so be sure to visit an authorized Morilee retailer, where our experienced stylists will properly measure you and help you purchase the correct dress size.
2. Practice Walking: Before your wedding day, practice walking in your dress to get used to the fit and length. This will help you feel more confident and comfortable while walking down the aisle or mingling with guests. Be sure to do this in the shoes you plan to wear that day, as heel size can alter the length of the dress.
3. Opt for Comfortable Shoes: Select comfortable shoes that complement your trumpet dress. Consider cushioned insoles, low heels, or flats to make walking and dancing easier. You can also do a shoe swap between your ceremony and reception for a glamorous shoe down the aisle and a comfortable shoe to dance in.
4. Consider the Fabric: Choose a fabric that drapes well and allows for ease of movement. Lightweight and breathable fabrics can help you stay comfortable throughout the day. Something like tulle or organza, with its delicate open weave, is a great option for a lightweight trumpet wedding dress. Soft satin or liquid satin is another beautiful choice, perfect for draped trumpet dresses, and adds a stunning glow to the gown.
5. Bustle the Train: If your trumpet dress has a train, consider bustling it after the ceremony. Bustling is where you secure your train to the back of your gown so that it doesn’t drag behind you across the floor. This will prevent any potential tripping and make it easier to move around and dance.
6. Practice Dancing: If you plan to dance at your wedding, practice some dance moves in your dress to ensure you can move freely. Whether you’ve planned for a choreographed dance or just want to jump on the dance floor, testing out your dance moves will help you understand your dress better. If you notice any restrictions when dancing, discuss alteration options with an experienced seamstress to increase your ease of movement. 

By following these comfort tips and ensuring ease of movement in your trumpet dress, you can feel relaxed and enjoy every moment of your wedding day without any discomfort.

Final Thoughts on Trumpet Wedding Dresses

Trumpet wedding dresses are timeless and sophisticated, offering brides a stunning and elegant option for their special day. They are versatile and suitable for various body types, offering a balance between a fitted silhouette and a subtle flare. Trumpet gowns are a great alternative to a mermaid silhouette, creating a more modern style that’s less restrictive. So remember, highlight your best features, choose accessories that complement the gown, and prioritize comfort to enjoy every moment of your wedding day! If you’re ready to find your perfect trumpet wedding dress, visit one of our incredible retailers where the expert stylist will be by your side to help you in your dress shopping journey.