One of the main criteria for deciding on your dream wedding dress is which silhouette you want to wear down the aisle! While some silhouettes are well known and easy to distinguish between, like ball gowns and mermaid styles, other silhouettes, like sheath and column gowns, are similar and more difficult to distinguish between.
Both sheath wedding dresses and column wedding dresses are stunning choices for the sophisticated, elegant bride, so what’s the difference between the silhouettes? Keep reading to learn about the differences between these two wedding dress styles and to find out which may be the one for you!
What is a Sheath Wedding Dress?
A sheath silhouette is fitted through the bodice and falls straight from the hips. This streamlined style is ideal for the bride who wants a simple, minimalist clean and chic silhouette that is easy to wear all day and night!
When choosing a sheath wedding dress, keep these tips in mind:
- While this style looks great in all body types, hourglass and petite figures look stunning in sheath silhouettes. Sheath wedding dresses tend to elongate the body and highlight the waist.
- Sheath wedding dresses can be minimalist or incredibly glamorous! It’s all about the fabric. A matte crepe is ideal for the simple bride, while a beaded lace brings the red-carpet factor to a sheath wedding gown.
- Don’t forget the accessories! Not sure how to style a sheath wedding dress? Details like a long, cathedral-length veil can bring drama to sheath wedding dress styles. A statement pair of earrings is also an excellent way to elevate your look.
Sheath Wedding Dresses
Elegant Sheath Wedding Dress

Martina Liana Style 1821 is a stunning combination of modern glamour and classic elegance for the sophisticated bride! The intricate beading and sparkling diamante detail outlining the elegant straps and square neckline bring the glam. A dramatic scoop back with beaded accents adds the wow factor to your walk down the aisle.
The luxurious crepe skirt hugs the hips and is adorned with beautiful floral lace organically placed to accentuate your figure. In an epically romantic finish, the Martina Liana signature cutout train adds a dramatic finishing touch, proving that sheath wedding dresses are anything but boring!
Glamorous Sheath Wedding Dress
Minimalist brides rejoice! Old Hollywood glamour meets flawless couture craftsmanship in Martina Liana Style 1453. The structured strapless bodice creates an effortless elegance with its soft satin pleats. The detachable off-the-shoulder straps elongate a subtle sweetheart neckline and add a touch of demure sophistication.
In luxurious sandwash Silk Satin and lined with a soft satin lining, this sheath gown glides across your curves and drapes into a sweeping train. A bride could accessorize this gorgeous style with pearl jewelry for a timeless look.
Boho Sheath Wedding Dress
Sheath wedding dresses are an excellent choice for boho brides! Effortless and charming, the All Who Wander addy gown was made for the free-spirited bohemian goddess. Intricate embroidery and florals delicately cover this form-fitting wedding dress for a striking all-over lace look.
From the delicate spaghetti straps to the sophisticated square neckline, the flattering fitted bodice unfolds into a dramatic open back that’s sure to turn heads. A soft train finishes this captivating style and doesn’t overwhelm your effortless look.
Minimalist Sheath Wedding Dress

Simple style and fashion-forward design elements come together in Martina Liana Style 1683.
A subtle V-shaped back adds a touch of whimsy to the simple sheath silhouette, and a row of fabric-covered buttons adorns the back of the gown down to the hem of the sweeping train for a luxe look that’s elegant, sleek and oh-so-chic.Â
Sparkly Sheath Wedding Dress
Red-carpet glamour meets bridal beauty in Martina Liana Style 1713. The elegant straps lead into a deep plunging neckline illuminated by embellished illusion tulle that ends at the waist. A very low open back shimmers in sequins, while the impeccable contour seaming of the luxe skirt flatters the body. This all-over sequin look culminates in a circle train that elegantly glides down the aisle.
What is a Column Wedding Dress?
While similar to a sheath silhouette, a column wedding dress has a few key differences. A column silhouette may be fitted or loose at the waist, unlike the sheath, which is always fitted. In addition, the opening of the skirt is narrower and more structured. Despite these differences, both are beautiful choices for the elegant bride.
When choosing a column wedding dress, keep these tips in mind:
- While sheaths come in a wide variety of fabrics, column gowns are often made of fabrics like taffeta, beaded satin or heavy lace to keep their more structured shape.
- Like sheath gowns, columns dresses look beautiful on all figures, but tend to be especially complimentary for hourglass or petite figures.
- Need some tips on how to style a column wedding dress? This sophisticated silhouette looks best when paired with classic accessories that aren’t over the top. A simple pair of earrings is all you need! If you wish to wear a veil, we recommend a cathedral veil, which won’t interrupt the long, clean lines of your column gown.
Column Wedding Dresses
Lace Column Wedding Dress
Vintage design meets classic romance in Essense of Australia Style D3919! A deep V-shaped back is framed by sheer lace and accented by fabric-covered buttons down the center. This body-skimming column gown in a gorgeous mix of graphic and Chantilly lace that unfolds into a breathtakingly romantic train.
Dramatic Column Wedding Dress
This column wedding dress is for the bride who wants to make a free-spirited statement on their big day! The gorgeous head-to-toe matte lace captures the eye when it comes to the stunning All Who Wander ensley gown. The spaghetti straps descend into a sexy scoop neckline with a sheer bodice that meets the waist for a modern and bold bridal statement.
The daring open back meets fabric covered buttons, highlighting the sleek form-fitting column silhouette. The sexy figure-flattering skirt drapes a flowy train that moves so effortlessly.
Long Sleeves Column Wedding Dress
Column wedding dresses are an ideal choice for the modern bride! Boho bridal bliss, the All Who Wander kelee gown features all over lace, perfect for the free-spirited bride. The long lace sleeves and dramatic graphic and floral lace combine to create a beautiful effect through porcelain illusion tulle. A sculpted sweetheart neckline complements the squared open back meeting the waistline to complete the flattering column silhouette, flowing into a soft sweeping lace train. This gown holds all the magic for your special day!
Strapless Column Wedding Dress
When asked to picture a column wedding dress, Essense of Australia Style D3634 is a classic example of what comes to mind. With a sophisticated sweetheart notched neckline, this strapless column silhouette features a simple and refined elegance for the fashion-forward bride. Fabric-covered buttons add a timeless elegance to this chic and minimalist gown.
Sophisticated Column Wedding Dress
A little glam, a little classic and oh-so-bridal, this trumpet wedding dress has it all! Stella York Style 8056 is made for the chic and modern bride. Intricate pearls adorn the bodice for a touch of elegant texture, while subtle boning provides dimension and structure.
So, are you team sheath or team column? Shop sheath and column wedding dresses, right here and find a bridal shop near you, here and try on your favorite styles.