It isn't always the easiest language to understand - wedding gown terms - so what we have done is compiled a list of terms that may be unfamiliar to the average bride. Hopefully this will be helpful when reading through catalogues or dress shopping at a store.

Below you will find definitions for:

- Detailing

- Headpieces

- Lengths / Skirts

- Necklines

- Silhouettes

- Sleeves

- Trains

- Veils

- Waistlines

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DETAILING

Cut-outs: This is when certain parts of the fabric of the gown have been cut out for added effect (usually underlaid with lace or organza)

Bustles: This is extra fabric that is gathered usually at the waistline on the back of the gown. They can also be along the the train, from the waist down (view picture).

 

HEADPIECES

Cascade or Backpiece: This term is used when you attach your veil to a hair comb and wear it under a high, loosely piled ponytail (view picture).

Egyptian: This type is usually a strand of beads, pearls or other jewels that is worn just under the hair line on the forehead with a center strand (about 1-1 1/2" long) hanging down. (view picture)

Floral: This type is usually a wreath worn over the forehead or kept in the hair with hair combs (these are cute for flower girls). Similar to the wreath style.

Juliet-cap: This type fits tightly to crown of head and is usually seen made entirely of pearls, rhinestones or other jewels.

Mantilla: This type is a lace veil worn surrounding face.

Profile: This type is a decorative comb worn on one side of head silhouetting the face (looks nice in the phonographs).

Tiara: Crown that rests on top of the head. Though worn by royalty at one time, they are now making their way into mainstream weddings.

Wreath: This is a circular headpiece decorated with flowers or beads. Similar to the floral style.

 

LENGTHS / SKIRT

Ballerina: This falls to or slightly below the center of the calf (similar to ballet).

Ballet: This is an ankle length, full skirt.

Bouffant: This is a very, very full skirt (think tulle).

Circular: This skirt is not gathered at the waist, but falls beautifully and smoothly to the floor to create a circle at the bottom.

Floor: This is the most traditional length chosen and it rests about an inch from the floor.

Knee: This is a non-traditional length, not widely used, but you do see it every now and then.

Mini: This is an above the knee dress and is most commonly chosen by second-time brides, but can work well for beach weddings. (Cindy Crawford)

Sheath: This is not a full gown, but instead is a straight gown that lays nicely without fitting too tight, but instead contours the body. (Carolyn Bessette Kennedy)

Trumpet (a.ka. Mermaid): Just like it sounds...this will fit tightly around the knees and then flare out to the floor.

 

NECKLINES

Bateau (boat): The neckline will be straight across the shoulder with a shallow curve that is the same in the front and the back.

Bertha Collar: Used mostly in the PAST this is where fabric is attached all around the neckline (and is usually between 8 and 20 inches). It gives the effect of fringe - but it's a solid piece of fabric.

Decolletage: This neckline is a basic plunging V and rather revealing. Though the groom may like this, experts say that your wedding day is not a day to be showing off your body parts - you should be classy and sexy. (see also V shaped)

Illusion: This is a 'special effect' you could say. Mostly commonly seen around the neck area and full back, either tulle, point d'esprit or chiffon is used for coverage giving the effect of bare skin.

Jewel: This has a high, rounded neckline with no collar or binding.

Off-the-shoulder: This design falls just below the shoulder, with a collar or sleeve on the arm. Very nice for more casual (yet still classy) weddings.

Portrait: This is an open neckline with a high back and gathered in the front above the bustline.

Queen Anne: This is the 'heart shaped' neckline that's high at the nape of neck and sweeps low in front (some say it looks like a keyhole).

Sabrina: This is similar to a bateau (boat) neckline, but is lower.

Scoop: This neckline is a low, curved sweep extending to the shoulders. This design may be cut deep in front only, back only, or both.

Strapless: Just like it sounds, no straps of any kind. If you tend to slouch or don't stand up straight, this isn't the best choice, because those traits will be accented with this style of gown. (view picture)

Sweetheart: This is also a low-cut neckline, resembling the rounded curves of a heart.

V: Shaped like a V, plunging low in the front only, back only, or both.

Wedding Band Collar: This has a high, fitted collar (obviously uncomfortable), but popular in the late 1800's.

 

SILHOUETTES

A-line: This style the skirt flares (evenly moves away) from the body from under arms to the hem (which is usually floor length) and is fitted through the shoulders. (see Princess Cut or Line).

Ball gown: This style has a narrow-waisted shape with a full, bell-shaped skirt that needs to supported by hoops or petticoats.

Empire Waist: This style is high waisted with the skirt falling from directly under the bustline to a slimmer, fluid skirt (great for figures that are bigger in the center).

Princess Cut or Line: This style is fitted through shoulders and bodice, skirt flares gently outward and there is no waistline.

Sheath: This is not a full gown, but instead is a straight gown that lays nicely without fitting too tight, but instead contours the body. (Carolyn Bessette Kennedy)

Suit: This style has a more modern shape and is usually worn with a coat or jacket.

 

SLEEVES

Bishop: This is a full sleeve gathered into a band at the cuff.

Cap: This is a short sleeve (barely) that just covers the top of the arm, closely fitted to the shoulder.

Dolman: This sleeve is full at the top where it meets with the bodice then gradually tapers down the the forearm where it is fitted.

Fitted: These are long sleeves, with no fullness, down the entire length of the arm.

Gauntlet: In place of using gloves, these are worn from the wrist to the elbow. (view picture)

Gibson: This sleeve is full at the top and fitted at the wrist, but not as full as the Leg O' Mutton sleeve.

Gigot or Leg O' Mutton: This sleeve is wide and rounded at the shoulder, fitted on the lower part of the arm; also called gigot.

Juliet: This is a long, fitted sleeve with a short puff at the shoulder.

Poet: These have very full sleeves with pleats at the upper arm and then they taper and are fitted at the forearm.

Point: These sleeves end at a point on the back of the hand.

Puff: This style can be used with either short or long sleeves and it is puffed at the shoulder and gathered at the armhole or cuff.

Three-quarter: This style ends just below the elbow.

TRAINS

Brush or Sweep: This is the shortest of the trains - just barely 'brushing' the floor.

Cathedral: Most commonly referred to those trains that are three yards or longer from the waistline. These are usually worn during formal ceremonies. (view picture)

Chapel: For a less formal, yet still formal train, this is known for having around 1 1/3 yards of fabric from the waist.

Court: This style has a separate piece of fabric that falls from the shoulders and is shorter than the Chapel length, but no longer than the Brush length.

Detachable: These trains can be removed and are normally attached at back of waist, but also can attach to the shoulders or wrap around the waist. The most common gown these are used with are the sheath skirts.

Royal: Just think of Princess Diana's train....

Watteau: This refers to the train draping from the shoulders.

 

VEILS

Ballet or Waltz: This style stops about an inch above the floor.

Bird Cage: This style is stiff, covers the face and falls just below the chin.

Blusher: This is a loose veil that is worn forward over the bride's face, or lifted back over the headpiece.

Cathedral: This style is when you have 3 1/2 yards of tulle/fabric that falls from the headpiece and are worn in more formal weddings. (view picture)

Chapel: This veil falls 2 1/2 yards from the headpiece and is used for formal weddings (but not as formal as a cathedral veil).

Fingertip: This is the most commonly used and most popular style of veil. It reaches to the fingertips and can be worn at any type gown except for an ultraformal gown.

Flyaway: This style has multiple layers that just brush the shoulders.

 

WAISTLINES

Antebellum: This style has a bodice that finishes in a V shape about 2 to 2.5 inches below the Natural Waist Style- and is similar to the Basque Waistline.

Basque: This style has a fitted waist that forms a V that begins around 3 inches below the Natural Waist. In the back, it sits at the natural waistline. This style will visually narrow the waist and the hips.

Dropped: This style is best described as how the flapper style dress falls. The waistline on this style falls 3-5 inches below the Natural Waist. This style is good to visually add height.

Empire Waist: This style is high waisted with the skirt falling from directly under the bustline to a slimmer, fluid skirt (great for figures that are bigger in the center - also great for those who are pregnant or have just had a child).

Natural Waist: This style simply sits at the waist.

Princess Line or A Line: This style is fitted through shoulders and bodice, skirt flares gently outward and there is no waistline. (view picture)

Peplum: This style is similar to an apron (tighter around the waist).

Raised: This style sits just above the natural waist.