Wedding dress waistlines: a style guide

A natural waist wedding dress has its seam at the narrowest part of your torso. The Kinsley and Aurora have ruched, fitted bodices that cinch at the natural waist, the Farrah’s A-line cinches at the natural waist to create an hourglass effect, and the Ariel Skirt sits at your natural waist to emphasize your figure.

A basque waist dips into a V or U shape below the natural waist, elongating the bodice. The Idra pairs a soft, romantic draped chiffon skirt with a modern basque waistline, and the Heather is a basque-waist A-line gown with hand-beaded lace.

A drop waist sits below the natural waist, closer to the hips, with the skirt flaring from there. In our collection the Cassia and Roxie are drop-waist designs, and our brides Stara and Hannah-Lois wore drop-waist gowns.

Follow our step-by-step guide to how to take your measurements. Every Lace & Liberty dress is made in your own measurements and proportions.

Talk to a designer. Based on any existing design we can change the neckline shape, add support, specify the train length and more, and your designer can advise whether a different waistline will work with the skirt you love.

Lace & Liberty custom gowns range from $1,500 to $5,500, and most brides spend $2,000–$3,500. Customizations to an existing collection design start at $250. Get a personalized number with our price estimate.

Our standard turnaround is about 6 months from the date you order, including consultations, design finalization, production edits and shipping. Rush options of 18, 12 or 8 weeks ($250, $450 or $600) may be available depending on our production schedule and fabric availability. See timing & rush orders.