Wedding dress shopping should be an exciting experience, but all the terminology can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. Confused about the differences between an A-line and a trumpet silhouette? Or unsure what distinguishes various types of lace? We’ve created this comprehensive bridal fashion glossary to help you navigate the world of bridal fashion with ease and make your shopping experience smooth and enjoyable.
GOWN SILHOUETTES
A-line
Flattering and classic, the A-line silhouette features a fitted bodice and flows gently out to the ground, forming an “A” shape.
Asymmetrical
This silhouette has an uneven design, often with one side of the dress differing from the other, creating a modern and dynamic look.
Ball Gown
Known for its voluminous skirt and fitted bodice, the ball gown is a dramatic and traditional style ideal for formal weddings.
Empire
This style features a high waistline just below the bust, with the skirt flowing down to the floor. It’s perfect for a romantic or Grecian look.
Mermaid
Fitted through the bodice, waist, and hips, the mermaid silhouette flares out at the knee, showcasing a dramatic, curvaceous shape.
Sheath
This form-fitting style runs straight from the neckline to the hem, hugging the body’s natural lines without flaring out.
GOWN LENGTHS
Ballerina
This length hits mid-calf, perfect for a playful and elegant look reminiscent of ballet attire.
Floor Length
Extending all the way to the floor, this length creates a classic, elegant silhouette that’s perfect for formal ceremonies.
Tea-Length/Cocktail Length
Falling between the knee and ankle, this length is ideal for a vintage or retro-inspired look.
High-Low
This style features a hem that’s shorter in the front and longer in the back, offering a modern twist on traditional lengths.
Knee-Length
Ending just above or at the knee, this length is perfect for a more casual or playful wedding vibe.
Street Length
Also known as “ankle length,” this style hits around the ankles and is a chic choice for more relaxed or informal weddings.
SKIRT STYLES
Ball Gown
A full, voluminous skirt that creates a dramatic and fairy-tale effect.
Flared
Gradually widens from the waist to the hem, giving a bell-shaped appearance.
Flounce
Features a tiered, ruffled design that adds volume and movement to the skirt.
Front Slit
Includes a slit in the front of the skirt, adding a touch of daring and allowing for ease of movement.
Pannier
A style that includes side extensions or hoops to create a wider silhouette at the hips.
Pencil
A slim, form-fitting skirt that runs straight down from the waist, emphasizing a sleek silhouette.
Peplum
This style features a short, gathered, or flared piece of fabric at the waist, adding structure and flair.
Pleated
Includes pleats that can be sharp or soft, creating texture and movement.
Side Slit
A slit located on one or both sides of the skirt offers a stylish and practical element.
Tiered
Includes layers of fabric stacked on top of each other, creating a cascading effect.
Wrap
Features a design that wraps around the body and ties at the side, offering an adjustable and flattering fit.
BODICES
Asymmetrical
The bodice features uneven design elements or a one-shoulder style for a modern look.
Corset
A structured bodice with built-in support and often lace-up detailing for a classic, tailored fit.
Empire
The bodice sits just below the bust, with the skirt flowing from this high waistline.
Midriff
Exposes a portion of the stomach, creating a contemporary and daring look.
Princess-Line
This style features seams that run from the shoulder down to the hem, creating a flattering, fitted look.
Surplice
Overlapping fabric that creates a wrap-like effect is often used to enhance the neckline.
Tank
A sleeveless bodice with a straightforward, minimalist design, ideal for a modern look.
NECKLINES
Bateau
Also known as a boat neckline, it runs horizontally across the collarbone, offering a graceful and elegant look.
Halter
This style features straps that wrap around the neck, leaving the shoulders bare for a chic and contemporary look.
High Collar
A neckline that extends up around the neck, offering a sophisticated and regal appearance.
Jewel
A rounded neckline that sits close to the base of the neck provides a classic and understated look.
Off-the-Shoulder
Reveals the shoulders while maintaining a strapless look, perfect for a romantic or vintage feel.
One-Shoulder
Features a single shoulder strap, creating a striking and asymmetrical design.
Portrait
A wide neckline that falls off the shoulders and frames the collarbone, offering a classic and elegant look.
Queen Anne
This style combines a high collar at the back with a sweetheart neckline in the front, creating a regal and sophisticated appearance.
Sabrina
A wide neckline that extends to just below the collarbones, offering a subtle, elegant appearance.
Scoop
A deep, U-shaped neckline enhances the bust and provides a flattering frame for the face.
Strapless
A neckline that sits without straps, showcasing the shoulders and neckline for a clean and classic look.
Square
Features a square-shaped neckline, offering a modern and geometric aesthetic.
Sweetheart
Shaped like the top of a heart, this neckline emphasizes the bust and adds a romantic touch.
V-neck
A neckline that dips into a “V” shape, elongating the neck and offering a slimming effect.
SLEEVES
Balloon
Voluminous and puffed sleeves gather at the wrist, adding a dramatic and playful touch.
Bell
Flares out from the shoulder or elbow to create a bell-like shape, offering a vintage-inspired look.
Bishop
Full and gathered at the wrist, creating a flowing and elegant appearance.
Cap
Short and covering only the shoulder, providing a delicate and feminine touch.
Dolman
Features wide, bat-like sleeves that taper towards the wrist, offering a relaxed and flowing look.
Fitted Point
Long sleeves that taper to a point at the wrist, creating a sleek and fitted silhouette.
Gauntlet
Extended sleeves that cover the forearm and wrist, often with decorative elements or a fitted design.
Gigot
Also known as “leg-of-mutton,” these sleeves are puffed at the shoulder and taper towards the wrist, creating a dramatic effect.
Illusion
Features sheer fabric that mimics the appearance of sleeveless while offering coverage.
Juliet
Short and puffed sleeves that gather at the shoulder and elbow, reminiscent of historical fashion.
Off the Shoulder
Sleeves that are positioned below the shoulders, creating a bare-shoulder effect.
Petal
Sleeves are designed to resemble petals, often soft and flowing for a whimsical look.
Poet
Loose and billowing sleeves that are gathered at the wrist, creating a romantic and airy feel.
Pouf
Features gathered or puffed fabric, creating a voluminous and dramatic sleeve.
Spaghetti Straps
Thin straps that provide minimal support while offering a delicate and modern look.
Tee Shirt
Sleeves that resemble those of a classic tee shirt, offering a casual and comfortable style.
Three-Quarter
Sleeves that extend to the mid-forearm, balancing coverage and comfort.
Tulip
Sleeves with a petal-like design are often gathered or draped for a soft, flowing look.
TRAINS
Brush
A short train that lightly brushes the floor, offering a subtle extension without excessive length.
Castillion
A luxurious and dramatic train that extends far beyond the gown is often used for grand and formal weddings.
Cathedrale
This is an exceptionally long and elaborate train that extends several feet behind the bride, ideal for a cathedral wedding.
Chapel
A moderately long train that extends to the floor, providing a classic and elegant look.
Court
A train that extends slightly beyond the hemline, offering a graceful and understated extension.
Royal
The longest train, extending well beyond the chapel train, creates a regal and dramatic effect.
Semi-Cathedral
A train that is long but not as extensive as a cathedral train, offering a balance of grandeur and practicality.
Watteau
A train that drapes from the shoulder or upper back, offering a flowing and ethereal look.
FABRICS
Batiste
A lightweight, soft fabric often used for its airy and delicate feel.
Brocade
A heavy, decorative fabric with intricate patterns, often used for its opulent and luxurious look.
Charmeuse
A soft, lustrous fabric with a silky texture, often used for its elegant drape and sheen.
Chiffon
A sheer, lightweight fabric with a soft, flowing quality, ideal for layered and airy designs.
Crepe
A textured fabric with a slightly crinkled surface, offering a sophisticated and elegant appearance.
Crepe de Chine
A finer, lighter version of crepe with a smooth, slightly lustrous surface.
Damask
A richly patterned fabric with a reversible design, often used for its luxurious and classic appearance.
Duchesse Satin
A heavy, luxurious satin with a matte finish, offering a structured and elegant appearance.
Dupioni
A textured silk fabric with a crisp, lustrous finish, known for its natural slubs and vibrant colors.
English Net
A fine, lightweight netting often used for overlays and veils, offering a delicate and airy feel.
Faced Satin
A satin fabric with a subtle sheen featuring a face or top side that is smoother than the reverse side.
Gabardine
A tightly woven fabric with a smooth surface and a slight diagonal rib, known for its durability and structure.
Georgette
A lightweight, semi-sheer fabric with a slightly crinkled texture, providing a soft and flowing drape.
Illusion
A sheer fabric used for overlays and details, giving the appearance of transparent sections.
Jersey
A stretchy, knitted fabric known for its comfort and drape, often used in casual and form-fitting designs.
Moiré
A fabric with a watermarked pattern created through a process of heat and pressure, offering a unique and textured look.
Organdy
A crisp, sheer fabric with a slightly stiffer feel, ideal for creating structured, voluminous elements.
Organza
A thin, crisp fabric with a slightly shiny surface, used for overlays and decorations to add a touch of elegance.
Peau de Soie
A luxurious, soft silk fabric with a subtle sheen, often used for its elegant drape and refined texture.
Rayon
A versatile, semi-synthetic fabric with a silky feel, offering a smooth and flowing appearance.
Satin
A glossy, smooth fabric with a luxurious finish, known for its rich luster and drape.
Shantung
A textured silk fabric with a slightly nubby surface, providing a unique and sophisticated look.
Silk
A natural, lustrous fabric known for its luxurious feel and drape, available in various weaves and finishes.
Silk Gazar
A crisp, structured silk fabric with a slightly translucent quality, ideal for creating voluminous and dramatic shapes.
Silk Mikado
A blend of silk and nylon with a rich, lustrous finish and substantial weight, offering a luxurious and structured drape.
Taffeta
A crisp, smooth fabric with a slight sheen, often used for its structured and formal appearance.
Tulle
A lightweight, airy fabric with a net-like structure, perfect for creating volume and delicate layers.
Velvet
A rich, plush fabric with a soft texture and deep sheen, known for its opulent and elegant look.
LACES
Alencon
A French lace with intricate floral patterns and a delicate, scalloped edge, often used for its luxurious and refined look.
Battenberg
A lace with a mesh base and raised floral or geometric designs, offering a vintage and detailed appearance.
Chantilly
A fine French lace known for its delicate floral patterns and intricate details, often used for a romantic and elegant touch.
Duchesse
A heavy, ornate lace with intricate designs, often used for its luxurious and regal appearance.
Guipure
A lace with a heavy, embroidered design and open spaces, providing a bold and textured look.
Lyon
A type of lace with intricate, detailed patterns, often used for its elaborate and classic appearance.
Schiffli
A lace with embroidered patterns and raised details, offering a textured and ornate look.
Spanish
A lace characterized by its intricate, often floral patterns and detailed embroidery, providing a classic and elegant appearance.
Venice
A type of lace with ornate, raised designs and often a more structured appearance, known for its rich and detailed patterns.
ADDITIONAL GOWN ELEMENTS
Appliques
Decorative elements sewn onto the gown, often made of lace, fabric, or beads, to add intricate details and embellishments.
Beading
Small beads are sewn onto the gown to add sparkle and texture, enhancing the overall design with a touch of glamour.
Border Trim
Decorative edging along the hem or neckline, adding a finishing touch and detailing to the gown.
Bustle
A mechanism or design feature that gathers the train or excess fabric at the back of the gown, allowing for ease of movement and a refined look.
Crinoline
A stiffened or structured fabric used as an underskirt to add volume and shape to the gown’s skirt.
Edging
Decorative trim or detail along the edges of the gown, including hems and necklines, adding a refined or intricate touch.
Embroidery
Decorative stitching patterns sewn into the fabric, often featuring intricate designs and adding a personal or artistic touch.
Paillettes
Small, shiny discs sewn onto the gown to add sparkle and a touch of glamour, often used in embellishments.
Ruching
A technique where fabric is gathered or pleated to create a textured, decorative effect.
Seed Pearls
Tiny pearls sewn into the gown for delicate, elegant embellishments, often used in intricate patterns or designs.
Shirring
A gathering technique that creates a ruched effect in the fabric, adding texture and visual interest.
HEADPIECES
Backpiece
A decorative piece is worn at the back of the head or hair, often incorporating elements like flowers or jewels.
Bun wrap
A type of headpiece that wraps around the head, providing a secure and stylish accessory.
Comb
A small accessory with teeth that secures the headpiece in place, often adorned with jewels or fabric.
Crown
A regal headpiece often adorned with jewels or intricate designs, providing a majestic and formal touch.
Half-Crown
A headpiece that covers only part of the head, often featuring decorative elements on the front or sides.
Headband
A versatile accessory is worn around the head, which can be simple or adorned with flowers, jewels, or other decorations.
Juliet Cap
A small, fitted headpiece that covers the top of the head and often features lace or embroidery reminiscent of historical styles.
Profile
A headpiece that frames the face or side of the head, often featuring decorative elements that enhance the overall look.
Snood
A type of headpiece or hair covering that gathers the hair at the back of the head, often with decorative elements.
Tapered Headband
A headband that narrows or tapers towards the back, offering a sleek and elegant look.
Tiara
A decorative, often jewel-encrusted headpiece worn on the forehead, providing a classic and glamorous touch.
Wreath
A circular headpiece made of flowers, leaves, or other materials offers a natural and romantic look.
VEILS
Ballet
A short veil that extends to the shoulder or upper back, offering a classic and delicate appearance.
Blusher
A short, single-layer veil that covers the face, often worn as part of the wedding ceremony before being lifted.
Cathedrale
An exceptionally long veil that extends several feet behind the bride creates a dramatic and formal look.
Chapel
A moderately long veil reaches the floor, complementing a chapel-length train and offering a classic appearance.
Double-Tier
A veil with two layers of varying lengths, often combining a shorter layer for the face and a longer layer for added drama.
Elbow
A veil that extends to the elbow, offering a classic and understated look.
Fingertip
A veil that reaches the fingertips when the bride’s arms are at her sides, offering a graceful and elegant length.
Flyaway
A short, multi-layered veil that falls just above or around the shoulders, providing a playful and airy effect.
Fountain
A veil with a cascading design that falls in a gentle, flowing manner, creating a soft and romantic look.
Mantilla
A traditional Spanish veil that is lace-edged and often worn over the shoulders, offering an elegant and classic appearance.
Pouf
A veil with extra volume or gathered fabric, creating a dramatic and full effect.
Waltz
A medium-length veil that falls to the length of a waltz skirt, offering a graceful and flowing look.
GLOVES
Opera-Length
Long gloves that extend up to the upper arm are often worn with formal attire for an elegant and sophisticated look.
Elbow-Length
Gloves that extend to just above the elbow offer a classic and refined appearance.
Wrist-Length
Gloves that cover the wrist provide a simple and understated accessory.
Open Finger Gloves
Gloves with the fingertips exposed, offering a functional and stylish touch.
Short
Gloves that cover the hands and extend to the wrist provide a more casual or practical option.