Junior Rasmussen
Wedding dress shopping can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you are unfamiliar with the industry jargon. Before embarking on your bridal journey, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the terminology to effectively communicate your vision and understand the options available. From “A-line” and “ball gown” silhouettes to “applique” and “beading”, the world of wedding dresses has developed its own language. Understanding these terms will empower you to navigate the process confidently and ensure your dream dress becomes a reality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Silhouette | A-line, Ball gown, Fit and flare, Trumpet style, Mermaid |
| Train length | Royal, Watteau, Sweep, Chapel, Cathedral, Ankle-length, French-inspired, Petal-shape, Detachable |
| Dress length | Floor-length, Ballerina, Tea-length, Cocktail length, Knee-length, Intermission length, Mid-shin, Tulip shape, Bell shape |
| Fabric | Tulle, Crinoline, Eyelash lace |
| Dress features | Bodice, Bolero, Boning, Bustle, Corset, Darts, Embroidery, Appliqué, Beading, Pleats, Slit |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress silhouettes
Wedding dress shopping can be an overwhelming experience, but familiarising yourself with the terminology can make things a lot easier. One of the most important aspects to understand is the silhouette, or how the dress drapes around your body. The right silhouette can highlight your best features and flatter your figure.
A-line silhouettes, also known as princess-line, are universally flattering and complement all body types. This style hugs the waist and flares out, creating a slimmer waistline and emphasising the bust. It is a versatile choice, blending simplicity with sophistication and is suitable for various wedding settings, from casual beach ceremonies to formal church weddings.
Ball gown silhouettes feature a fitted bodice and a full, voluminous skirt that flares out from the waist. This fairy-tale style is both dramatic and classic, complementing most body types. The voluminous skirt balances the fitted top, accentuating the waist and hiding the lower body. However, petite brides may want to avoid this silhouette as it can overpower a small frame.
Mermaid silhouettes contour the body, hugging tightly from the chest to the knees before dramatically flaring out, resembling a mermaid's tail. This style emphasises the waist and hips and is a captivating choice, especially in satin. Trumpet silhouettes are similar, hugging the body from the chest to the mid-thigh, but with a more subtle flare. Trumpet gowns are a popular choice for brides who want to flaunt their curves, especially those with slender or hourglass frames.
Column dress silhouettes are streamlined and simple, with minimal interruption from seam lines. This fuss-free style is undeniably stunning and is especially appealing with a halter neckline. Empire silhouettes feature a fitted bodice with a waistline that sits just below the bust, creating an elongated skirt. This style is light and airy, giving a whimsical feel, and is perfect for vintage-loving brides.
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Wedding dress lengths
Wedding dress shopping is an exciting part of wedding planning. However, it can also be overwhelming, especially with the variety of dress lengths available. Here is a guide to help you navigate the different wedding dress lengths:
Mini Length
The mini length is a playful and fun option for brides who want to show off their legs and style. It is perfect for casual or seaside weddings and usually falls above the knee. If you want something shorter for your reception, a mini dress is a great choice to dance the night away.
Knee Length
Knee-length wedding dresses are a traditional option, falling slightly below the knee. They are versatile, suitable for formal and semi-formal weddings, and can be seen at casual outdoor events or vintage-style weddings. This length is a good balance between longer and shorter styles.
Tea or Cocktail Length
Tea-length dresses, also known as cocktail length, fall somewhere between the calf and ankle. They used to be associated with retro or vintage styles but have evolved to embrace a whimsical and modern feel. This length is versatile and can be adapted to suit any bride's style.
Floor-length or Full-length
Floor-length gowns just skim the ground without a train, while full-length dresses fall an inch or two above the floor, showcase your shoes. These lengths offer a classic and dramatic look without the fuss of a train. If you're looking for a sleek silhouette or a full-skirted ball gown, these lengths provide a wow factor.
Train Lengths
If you choose a traditional wedding gown with a train, there are several length options. A sweep train barely touches the floor, extending a few inches beyond the skirt. A chapel train is longer, typically between 12 and 18 inches. For a formal option, the cathedral train extends over 20 inches. The royal train is the longest, with the dress extending six feet or more from the waist, creating a dramatic effect.
When choosing a wedding dress length, consider the theme and structure of your wedding, your comfort, and the overall look you wish to achieve. Remember that the length can impact your mobility and ability to dance, so select a length that allows you to move freely and comfortably.
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Wedding dress features
Wedding dress shopping can be an overwhelming experience, but understanding the different features of a wedding dress can help you find your dream gown. Here are some essential wedding dress features to know:
Silhouette
The silhouette of a wedding dress refers to the way it drapes around your body. Popular silhouettes include the A-line or princess-line, which resembles the letter "A" and flows outwards from the waist, and the ball gown, which features a fitted bodice and a full, poufy skirt with multiple layers of fabric.
Neckline
The neckline is the top of the wedding dress where the openings for your neck and arms are located. It sets the tone for your overall aesthetic as it is one of the first details people will notice. Popular neckline styles include sweetheart, which resembles the top half of a heart, V-neck, strapless, off-the-shoulder, bateau, jewel, one-shoulder, and halter.
Bodice
The bodice is the upper portion of the dress, spanning from the shoulder to the waistline. It is usually form-fitting and requires strategic seaming, boning, cups, and other elements to ensure the ideal fit. A corset bodice is a specific type of bodice characterised by its built-in boning and cups, providing structure and support to the torso.
Train
Traditional wedding gowns often feature trains of varying lengths. Common train lengths include sweep, which barely touches the floor, chapel, which is typically between 12 and 18 inches long, and cathedral, which extends over 20 inches. For outdoor or casual ceremonies, ankle-length or shorter gowns without trains are also popular.
Fabric and Details
The choice of fabric is essential, as it should complement the weather, venue, and desired look. Popular fabrics include tulle, a sheer fabric with a net-like appearance often used for veils and skirts. Wedding dresses may also feature beading, embroidery, lace, and appliques, which are decorative pieces of fabric that can include lace, embroidery, beading, or 3D elements.
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Wedding dress styles
Wedding dress shopping can be an exciting but overwhelming experience. To help you get started, here is a guide to some popular wedding dress styles and silhouettes.
Ball Gown
The ball gown is a classic and dramatic style, often described as a "princess" dress. It features a fitted bodice and a full, voluminous skirt that flares out from the waist. This style is ideal for most body types as it accentuates a small waist and provides coverage for the lower body. It is a good choice for brides who want to create a regal, fairy-tale look.
A-Line
The A-line silhouette is universally flattering and versatile. It has a fitted bodice through the waist and gently cascades towards the ground, resembling the shape of an uppercase "A". This style is comfortable, elegant, and timeless, making it suitable for various wedding themes. It is particularly recommended for pear-shaped, curvy, or petite brides as it creates a slimming effect and elongates the body.
Mermaid/Fishtail
The mermaid style is sleek and sexy. It hugs the body closely from the chest to the knee, then flares out dramatically to create a "mermaid tail" effect. This style is ideal for brides with hourglass figures who want to showcase their curves and add a touch of modern sophistication to their look.
Trumpet/Fit-and-Flare
The fit-and-flare style is a mix between the A-line and mermaid silhouettes. It is fitted through the body and flares out mid-thigh, making it perfect for brides who want to accentuate their small waist and showcase their figure.
Empire
Empire-style gowns feature a fitted bodice with a waistline that sits just below the bust, creating an elongated skirt. This style flatters all body types, especially petite brides, as it elongates the body. It is also a good choice for brides who want to draw attention to their bust or prefer a vintage look.
Remember, while it is important to consider your body type and wedding theme, the most critical factor is choosing a dress that makes you feel confident, happy, and like yourself. Trust your instincts and be open to trying different styles to find the perfect one for your special day.
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Wedding dress alterations
Wedding dress shopping can be an overwhelming experience, especially with the myriad terms used to describe the various styles and features of dresses. Once you have found "the one", your journey is not over, as you will likely need to have your dress altered to achieve the optimal fit.
During your fitting appointments, the alterations specialist may ask you to wear the shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day, as the heel height can affect the length of your dress. It is recommended to decide on your shoes as soon as you purchase your dress to avoid any issues with matching heel heights. Additionally, it is advisable to get your alterations done at the wedding dress store or to seek recommendations for a trustworthy tailor or seamstress.
The cost of alterations can vary depending on the amount of work required. Beading, embroidery, and appliques can increase the cost of alterations. It is important to be prepared for unexpected costs and to ask any questions you may have during the process.
By familiarising yourself with wedding dress terminology and the alterations process, you can ensure that you feel confident and comfortable on your big day.
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Frequently asked questions
A silhouette refers to the way the dress drapes around your body. The most coveted silhouette is the A-line wedding dress, also known as the princess line. This dress closely follows the body in the bodice and then flows outwards from the waist without looking too bulky.
Wedding dresses have their own language, and it can be confusing to those unfamiliar with it. Some common terms you may come across include "fit and flare", trumpet style, mermaid, bodice, lace-up closure, darts, embroidery, beading, applique, and many more.
There are several types of trains for wedding dresses, each with its own unique style and length. Some common types include the royal, Watteau, sweep, chapel, cathedral, and ankle-length trains. The choice of train depends on the formality of the wedding and the bride's preference.
Wedding dresses come in various lengths, including floor-length, ballerina, tea-length or cocktail length, knee-length, and dual-level dresses. The choice of length depends on the bride's preference, venue, and weather conditions.
