Wedding Dress Language 101

The wedding dress is an interesting creature...no other piece of clothing requires you to understand so many of its parts! It's a lot to learn for a purchase you'll only make once, so here is a vocabulary lesson so you understand the ins and outs of wedding gowns. The result will be a much easier wedding dress shopping experience.

Although they are listed below, stay tuned for articles that breakdown the styles of each section of the gown, including the neckline, bodice, skirt and train.

SILHOUETTE
The silhouette is the overall shape of a gown - the general outline of how a dress falls. In other words, it is the handful of "main" wedding dress categories...I know this is a strange analogy, but silhouettes are to wedding dresses what breeds are to dogs. The WORST analogy I could give, but makes more sense now, right?!
Common silhouettes include: A Line, Ball Gown, Sheath, Empire and Mermaid.

NECKLINE
The neckline of a wedding gown is a very important feature; it's where your eye is first drawn as well as a style decision that is often dictated by your body's shape. Do us a favour though: don't feel like you have to choose a strapless dress! There are a closet full of necklines to choose from, each suiting different shapes, sizes and styles. If you are going for chic glamour, try a Halter or Asymmetric neckline...or if you are "well endowed", pick out a few Off the Shoulder and Jewel necklines to try.
Common necklines include: Strapless, Off the Shoulder, Halter, Asymmetric, Bateau (or Sabrina), Jewel, V-Neck, Portrait, Square, Scoop, Sweetheart, Queen Anne, Decolletage and Wedding Band.
 
SLEEVES
Many brides will opt for no sleeve at all...but if you are self-conscious about your arms, you are getting married in 8 feet of snow or you just want something a bit different, then think about the possibility of sleeves to add dramatic elegance to your gown.
Common sleeves include: Cap, Dolman (or "Batwing"), Bell, Balloon, Tulip and ¾ Length. Here are some styles that we don't see too often anymore, unless we're watching a rerun of 'Dallas': Bishop, Juliet, Gauntlet, Gibson (an understated version of the Leg-of-Mutton - yes, that's right), Pouf (just like it sounds), Gigot and Fitted Point (my favourite '80s style - the sleeve that comes to a point at the top of the hand).

WAISTLINE or BODICE
The waistline or bodice forms the central or main section of a gown's silhouette. It is the horizontal midsection connecting the neckline with the skirt, making it a key element to emphasising the shape and style of a gown. It can elongate your torso, especially with a Dropped Waist, or it can make you feel like Cinderella with a Princess Bodice. Terms for bodices are sometimes interchangeable with those of silhouettes.
Common waistlines include: Empire, Dropped Waist, Basque, Corset, Princess, Ballroom and Natural.

SKIRT
Your skirt should carry on the theme and character of your gown, flowing delicately with each step, accentuating your curves or adding volume and depth to the dramatic fairytale you want your gown to emanate. Do you like a simple, straight skirt that will be cool, easy to walk in and figure hugging? Or do you want a fuller, more dramatic skirt that makes a playful, romantic statement?
Common skirts include: Ball gown, Flared (or "Bouffant"), Peplum, Tiered, Pleated, Flounce, Wrap, Slit (Side or Front), Pencil and Straight. 

HEMLINE
The hemline refers to the length of your skirt. This is a very personal choice, but keep in mind that it will set the mood and formality of your wedding. Think about your venue when deciding on your hemline. A tea-length gown doesn't quite suit an elegant reception in a formal 19th century ballroom, but it is perfect for a garden wedding on a Saturday afternoon. It's commonly accepted that as the length shortens, the formality drops.
Common hemlines include: Floor Length, Ballerina, Intermission, Tea Length, Street Length, Knee Length, Mini Skirt and Graduated Hi-Lo.

TRAIN
The train is the long piece of material attached to the back of the gown that trails along the ground behind you. Like the length of the skirt, the length of the train also tends to dictate formality. The train has its moment during the ceremony and is often bustled up or removed for the reception. Other than the colour of your gown, many brides find that the train is the element that makes the wedding dress.
Common trains include (from longest to shortest): Royal, Cathedral, Chapel, Court, Sweep, Brush and Watteau (which falls from your shoulders instead of your waist). 

EMBELLISHMENT
Embellishments are your "pieces of flair" - the detailing that can give your gown that extra sparkle or that touch of delicacy to make you feel and look uniquely beautiful on your wedding day. Just remember to keep it tasteful - you don't want to look like you bathed in beads and forgot to dry off before walking down the aisle.
Common embellishment includes: Beading, Crystals, Lace, Embroidery and Sequins.