An A-line wedding-dress silhouette has a fitted bodice and a skirt that gradually widens from the waist.
The name comes from the outline formed by the dress: relatively narrow at the top and progressively wider toward the hem, like a capital letter A. The style usually fits through the bodice and waist before falling away from the body rather than clinging closely over the hips.
A-line gowns became a dependable bridal choice because they suit many body shapes and can be adapted to different fabrics. Lightweight chiffon creates a fluid version, while satin or mikado produces a more architectural outline. Lace overlays can add a traditional surface without changing the basic silhouette.
An A-line dress differs from a ball gown, whose skirt is much fuller and more dramatically gathered, and from a sheath dress, which follows the body more closely. It also differs from a mermaid shape, which remains fitted lower on the body before flaring.