People dream of their wedding dresses much before they meet their significant other or start putting together a guest list. Many brides go into their wedding planning with a clear vision of what they want their special gown to look like.
And wedding dresses are certainly not “one size fits all” when it comes to identifying the perfect style. From necklines to silhouettes, there are many options.
So which styles are the most popular in every U.S. state in 2023? Do they differ by geographic location? How does seasonality play into it? Read on to uncover all this and more.
The Most Popular Wedding Dress Style in Every U.S. State
It simply wouldn’t do wedding dresses justice to characterize a dress in one style. That’s why we broke our data analysis into two perspectives: neckline and silhouette.
Starting off with the most popular necklines in the U.S.: off the shoulder is the most desired neckline in eight U.S. states, claiming the title as the most popular neckline overall. Off-the-shoulder necklines for wedding dresses exude a touch of romantic elegance, gracefully framing the bride’s collarbone and shoulders while adding a hint of allure to her overall look.
Halter necklines come in at a close second, winning five states. Halter necklines for wedding dresses offer a chic and modern twist, beautifully accentuating the bride’s shoulders and neckline, while adding a touch of sophistication to her bridal ensemble.
Interestingly, 26 of the 50 U.S. states have no preference when it comes to necklines. We can only imagine how overwhelming it might be for a bride-to-be to pick out a favorite, with so many options.
When it comes to silhouettes, sheath is the go-to for 10 U.S. states across the country, from D.C. to Hawaii and many in between. Sheath silhouettes for wedding dresses create a sleek and streamlined look, hugging the bride’s figure in all the right places and exuding an understated elegance that is both timeless and sophisticated.
Other front-runners include classic styles such as ball gown, A-line, and mermaid cuts, with nine states showing the highest search interest for each style. These popular choices showcase the diverse preferences of brides across the country, highlighting the timeless appeal of these unique styles.
The Most Searched Wedding Dress Styles by Season
While not all states have the same preferences, the same rings true as the seasons change. Wedding dress styles change by season to embrace the unique ambiance and characteristics of each time of year, allowing brides to align their attire with the desired aesthetic, weather considerations, and overall mood of their special day.
Summertime often means more beach weddings, so we weren’t surprised to see mermaid dresses take a splash in the hotter months. Halter mermaid gowns take center stage as the most popular choice for summer weddings, seamlessly combining the allure of the mermaid silhouette with the chic and breezy sophistication of a halter neckline, perfectly capturing the essence of the season.
While mermaid dresses are popular almost year-round, some other seasonal trends appear. For instance, in the fall, high-neck ball gowns are a top choice. These styles exude a regal and elegant charm, combining the timeless sophistication of a high neckline with the voluminous grandeur of a ball gown silhouette, making them a captivating choice for brides seeking a statement-making look on their special day.
Surprisingly, in the colder months of winter, many brides opt for dresses with the least coverage: strapless. Strapless dresses pair well with outerwear pieces, perhaps leading many brides to make this contrasting selection.
And in the spring, mermaid and ball gown silhouettes make a comeback in popularity. To pair with these classics, an off-the-shoulder neckline is beloved across the nation, adding a touch of timeless romance and femininity to a wedding dress.
Closing Thoughts
In the world of wedding dress styles, a bride’s journey to find the perfect gown is a reflection of her unique personality and vision. Whether it’s the ethereal elegance of summer’s halter mermaid gowns or the regal grace of high-neck ball gowns, wedding dress styles have the power to transform a bride’s dreams into a breathtaking reality. With each gown carefully selected, every bride becomes a radiant vision on her special day, embodying the unique blend of tradition, personal expression, and love that makes a wedding truly unforgettable.
At Shane Co., we have a complete selection of wedding rings designed to complement every stunning neckline and silhouette — shop our selection today.
Methodology
To find out which wedding dress style was the most popular in each state, we compiled a list of wedding dress necklines and silhouettes that brides commonly wear. We looked at a total of 23 keywords across the two categories on Google Trends through the past year to determine which wedding dress neckline and silhouette was the top searched in each state. The states with “no preference” listed as the result did not have enough search interest for any of the search terms in that category.
Additionally, we discovered the top searched wedding dress neckline and silhouette overall for each season. We determined this by looking at the same 23 keywords during each season of the past year: summer (June through August), fall (September through November), winter (December through February), and spring (March through May).
