Choosing a wedding dress is an exciting process, but it can also be a stressful one. Between the seemingly endless list of options and the confusing terminology, picking the perfect gown can seem almost impossible. Luckily, we’re here to help!
When you start shopping for a wedding dress, you'll probably be introduced to a whole new lexicon of terms for specialty fabrics, gown shapes and embellishments. The exotic world of wedding dress design can be fascinating, fun and -- confusing. This compendium of dress and textile terms will be a handy reference as you start sourcing the most important garment you may ever wear.
Wedding Dress Silhouettes
A-Line
Fitted at the top & gradually becomes wider toward the bottom, in the shape of an ‘A’. This silhouette naturally highlights the bust while slimming the waist and skimming over hips. Due to their classic and chic style, A-line dresses can easily be partnered with different necklines, waistlines and fabrics to showcase your best features.
Ball Gown
Fitted bodice and full skirt - which can create the appearance of a tiny waist. A glamorous and classic option for brides for large and traditional weddings and is perfect for brides who want to feel like a princess on their big day.
Mermaid
The mermaid style fits closely all the way down the bodice and waist, till the knees. From here, it flares out into a layered skirt, giving a fishtail effect (hence the name). Since it fits snugly, it is suitable for hourglass figures.
Trumpet
The trumpet style similar to the mermaid, with a fitted bodice and body. The difference is on a trumpet gown, the dress flairs at mid-thigh instead of at the knee. This style is great because it hides the hips and legs and is good for hourglass and rectangle-shaped brides to emphasizes the bride's curves.
Fit and Flare
A fit and flare gowns has a fitted bodice that flares out at the hips and thighs, creating a dramatic silhouette. This style hugs the body’s natural curves, making it a style that truly works for every body type. It is easily the most popular style to wear since it can come in a variety of fabrics – from satin to crepe to lace, offering brides endless style options.
Necklines
V-neckline
Seen on dresses with straps or sleeves, the neckline resembles a V that dips down in the front. It can either be deep, high, wide or small.
Strapless
As the name suggests, there are no straps and the neckline cuts straight across the bust.
Sweetheart
This is a romantic version of the strapless style, this neckline gently follows the natural curves of the bust, and resembles the top of a heart.
Illusion
The illusion neckline features a thin layer of sheer fabric over the actual bodice. This may be embellished with beads, rhinestones or lace to create beautiful details. It offers a covering to the bust area and usually ends higher up in a round, halter or bateau style neckline.
Boat
A wide neckline that extends from one shoulder to the other, and follows the curve of the collarbone without revealing much of the chest.
Scoop
It is U-shaped, and the depth may vary from design to design. This style is flattering no matter what your chest size is.