The Ultimate Wedding Gown Glossary
Don't know your tulle from your trumpet? Unsure of what an Empire waist looks like? Read through this comprehensive guide before shopping for your wedding dress.
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Silhouettes: Sheath -150262
A sheath is a close-to-the-body shape that outlines every curve; it's very similar to the column but with less structure at times.
Gown by Romona Keveza.
Photo courtesy of designer
Silhouettes: Empire
This high-waisted style is nipped in just below the bustline. An Empire silhouette is ideal for small-busted women or curvy figures.
Gown by Anne Barge.
Photo courtesy of designer
Silhouettes: Ball Gown
This silhouette features a boned bodice and a full skirt supported by crinolines or petticoats.
Gown by Isabelle Armstrong.
Check out 20+ Light-as-Air Wedding Ball Gowns ►
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Silhouettes: A-Line
This silhouette is slim on top, fitted through the waist, and it softly flares away from the body.
Gown by Allure Romance.
Photo courtesy of designer
Necklines: Square
Self-explanatory; the right angles help to draw the eye up.
Gown by Dennis Basso at Kleinfeld.
Photo courtesy of designer
Necklines: Spaghetti Straps
Thin straps that flatter slender frames and narrow shoulders.
Gown by Blue by Enzoani.
Photo courtesy of designer
Necklines: Scoop Neck
A U-shaped, low circular neckline that opens up the neck and reveals a hint of cleavage.
Gown by Monique Lhuillier.
Photo courtesy of designer
Backs: Keyhole
An oval or circular-shaped decorative opening.
Gown by Kenneth Winston.
Photo courtesy of designer
Necklines: Halter
The halter is the breezy relative of the V-neck, but the straps wrap around the back of the neck or have a high neck with deep armhole.
Gown by Badgley Mischka Bride.
Photo courtesy of designer
Necklines: Bateau
A bateau elongates the neck. The shape gently follows the curve of the collarbone, almost to the tip of the shoulders — and it's cut straight across so less of the décolletage shows. It can be paired with sleeves or a sleeveless style.
Gown by Casablanca Bridal.
Photo courtesy of designer
Necklines: One-Shoulder
A one-shoulder neckline is best for small-to-medium busted gals because they offer less support around the bust area. If you do need to wear something underneath, look for an undergarment with interchangeable straps.
Gown by Nouvelle Amsale.
Photo courtesy of designer
Necklines: V-Neck
A V-neck streamlines and lengthens the torso, making it an excellent choice for petite or full-busted brides.
Gown by Carolina Herrera.
Plus, check out More Beautiful V-Neck Wedding Dresses ►
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Sleeves: Fitted
Long, narrow and tight sleeves that can be full-length or three-quarter length.
Gown by Alberta Ferretti.
Plus, check out 40 Winter Wedding Gowns You'll Love ►
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Sleeves: Cap
Cap sleeves just cover the tops of shoulders; they broaden narrow figures and lengthen arms.
Gown by Enzoani.
Photo courtesy of designer
Sleeves: Flutter
Flutter sleeves are soft, wearable and rather ethereal.
Gown by Ellis Bridals.
Photo courtesy of designer
Sleeves: Three-Quarter Length
Three quarter-length-sleeves end midway between the elbow and the wrist.
Gown by Pronovias.
Photo courtesy of designer
Waistlines: Dropped
A drop-waist gown is great for short-waisted brides or those who want a 1920s-inspired look.
Gown by Mark Zunino.
Photo courtesy of designer
Waistlines: Asymmetrical
An asymmetrical waist is an excellent slimming trick because it runs on the diagonal.
Gown by Sophia Tolli.
Photo courtesy of designer
Hems: Mini
A mini dress falls above the knee.
Dress by Pronovias.
Check out 25+ Short and Sweet Wedding Dresses ►
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Fabrics: Guipure Lace
This heavy, sculptural lace features large patterns in needlepoint or bobbin.
Gown by Robert Bullock Bride.
Photo courtesy of designer
Fabrics: Dupioni Silk
Dupioni is a less-expensive silk that’s textured, and it often has a naturally wavy pattern.
Gown by Paloma Blanca.
Photo courtesy of designer
Fabrics: Crepe
This fabric has a pebbled texture, and it's thin and lightweight.
Gown by THEIA.
Photo courtesy of designer
Fabrics: Chiffon
A sheer or transparent fabric that drapes nicely along the body.
Gown by Martina Liana.
Photo courtesy of designer
Fabrics: Charmeuse
Lightweight satin (think Jean Harlow 1930s-esque gowns), often used for bias-cut styles.
Gown by Justin Alexander.
Photo courtesy of designer
Fabrics: Chantilly Lace
Chantilly lace consists of mesh with delicate botanical motifs, and it tends to have scalloped edges.
Gown by Romona Keveza.
Photo courtesy of designer
Fabrics: Brocade
A heavy, woven fabric with a raised or sculpted design that's typically only worn during cool seasons.
Gown by Sottero and Midgley.
Photo courtesy of designer
Fabric: Tulle
This fabric is used most commonly as the skirt in ball gowns. Tulle consists of fine netting; the silk variety is softer than the polyester, both are rough against bare skin and pantyhose.
Gown by Jim Hjelm.
Photo courtesy of designer
Fabrics: Organza
This semi-sheer, stiffer fabric is best used in structured styles like full skirts or overlays.
Gown by Sophia Tolli.
Photo courtesy of designer
Fabrics: Jersey
A very fine, elastic knit fabric.
Gown by Sincerity Bridal.
Photo courtesy of designer
Fabrics: Jacquard
A type of weave with an intricate variegated pattern (damask is an example of a jacquard-woven fabric).
Gown by Oleg Cassini at David's Bridal.
Photo courtesy of designer
Details: Pleating
Pleating refers to folds that resemble the bellows of an accordion.
Gown by Ellis Bridals.
Photo courtesy of designer
Embellishments: Peplum
A peplum is an overskirt that you attach at your gown’s natural or dropped waistline. It creates instant curves.
Gown by Jenny Lee Bridal.
Check out Fashion-Forward Peplum Gowns ►
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Details: Ruffles
Keep ruffles below the hip to avoid adding volume; otherwise they can add curves.
Gown by Lazaro.
Photo courtesy of designer
Embellishments: Bows
Bows can range from sweet, girlie styles to origami-inspired folds. Oversize ones can help accentuate a part of your figure.
Gown by Badgley Mischka Bride.
Photo courtesy of designer
Details: Ruching
Ruching refers to clothing with large areas of fullness gathered in, to form a rippled effect.
Gown by Allure Romance.
Photo courtesy of designer
Silhouettes: Mermaid
This shape tightly hugs the torso, then flares out from the knee or just below it.
Gown by Ines Di Santo.
Check out 50 Mermaid Wedding Dresses That'll Make You Weak in the Knees ►
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Necklines: High Neck
This ultra-elegant neckline is ideal for brides with broad shoulders or taller women.
Gown by Legends by Romona Keveza.
Photo courtesy of designer
Embellishments: Sequins
Sequins are small, shiny discs that are sewed onto the fabric of a wedding dress to add sparkle.
Gown by Inbal Dror.
Check out Sparkling Wedding Dresses That Rocked the Runway ►
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Fabrics: Satin
Satin has a heavyweight sheen, and it's used for more structured styles. It's characterized by a quiet luster and usually made of silk, rayon or a blend of the two.
Gown by Anna Maier ~ Ulla-Maija.
Photo courtesy of designer
Details: Slit
A vertical opening at the front, side, or back of a garment (usually along the seam), which allows for freedom of movement.
Gown by Alvina Valenta.
Check out 40 Sexy New Wedding Dresses ►
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Silhouettes: Trumpet/Fit-and-Flare
A trumpet or fit-and-flare is a fitted gown that flares out at the knee. It's similar to the mermaid silhouette, and perfect for brides who want to show off some curves.
Gown by Essense of Australia.
Photo courtesy of designer
Sleeves: Off-the-Shoulder
This type of sleeve offsets wide hips and showcases the collarbone and décolletage. While this style is super-flattering to medium- or full-busted women, off-the-shoulder sleeves will flatter almost all figures.
Gown by Jasmine Couture.
Plus, check out More Gorgeous Off-the-Shoulder Dresses ►
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Necklines: Jewel
The original round-neck that’s clean, classic and sets off jewelry well. Also known as crewneck.
Gown by Madison James.
Photo courtesy of designer
Trains: Cathedral
Long and formal, a cathedral train falls from the waist and typically trains about six to seven feet.
Gown by Berta Bridal.
Photo courtesy of designer
Trains: Fishtail
A fishtail trails about a foot behind the wearer, but it flares out seamlessly from the knee. This train is most commonly associated with mermaid gowns but not exclusively.
Gown by Isabelle Armstrong.
Photo courtesy of designer
Trains: Court
A court train starts from the waist and trails only about a foot behind the bride.
Gown by Jasmine Bridal.
Note: Any wedding gown train can be bustled for comfort and dancing. The standard bustle is hooked, looped or buttoned to rest on top of the skirt, whereas the French bustle is looped under the skirt, creating a cleaner look.
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Trains: Chapel
A chapel train extends from the waist and trails three to four feet behind the bride. It's popular because of its combination of elegance and versatility.
Gown by Kenneth Winston Femme.
Photo courtesy of designer
Sleeves: Juliet
A long sleeve featuring a puffed top that's fitted on the lower arm.
Gown by Honor for Stone Fox Bride.
Photo courtesy of designer
Sleeves: Dolman
Functioning as an extension of the bodice, the dolman sleeve has a very large and wide armhole that reaches from the waist to a narrowed wrist.
Gown by Inbal Dror.
Photo courtesy of designer
Sleeves: Bell
Bell sleeves narrow at the armhole and taper out, with the widest point at the wrist.
Gown by Claire Pettibone.
Photo courtesy of designer
Hems: Tea-Length
A tea-length hem ends just a few inches above the ankle.
Dress by Ivy & Aster.
Photo courtesy of designer
Necklines: Strapless
Usually cut straight across, a strapless neckline flatters most figures, but can be more difficult for full-busted women to pull off without the right construction/shapewear. Look for a strapless, long-line bra.
Gown by Reem Acra.
Photo courtesy of designer
Details: Tiers
Layers in various lengths that are placed on top of each other.
Gown by Lovelle by Lazaro.
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Embellishments: Crystals
Crystals have a highly faceted appearance and give off lots of sparkle. They are usually larger than sequins.
Gown by Maggie Sottero.
Photo courtesy of designer
Trains: Watteau
A panel of fabric that falls from below the shoulder blades to the floor. A Watteau train is usually made of sheer fabric like chiffon.
Gown by Marchesa.
Photo courtesy of designer
Fabrics: Taffeta
Crisp, lustrous fabric with a trademark rustle, usually woven of silk or polyester. Taffeta can be draped or structured but it wrinkles easily.
Gown by David Tutera for Mon Cheri.
Photo courtesy of designer
Fabrics: Silk Mikado
A brand of blended silk that's usually heavier than 100% silk.
Gown by Oscar de la Renta.
Photo courtesy of designer
Embellishments: Bugle Beads
Long, tubular-shaped glass beads.
Gown by Pnina Tornai.
Photo courtesy of designer
Necklines: Queen Anne
This sophisticated neckline refers to a higher collar in the back and a scoop or V-neck in the front.
Gown by Reem Acra.
Photo courtesy of designer
Backs: Plunging
Wedding dresses with low backs enhanced with decorative accents have become more popular in the past couple of years.
Gown by Casablanca Bridal.
Plus, check out Gowns That Are Even More Beautiful from the Back ►
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Waistlines: Basque
Dropped V-shaped, fitted waist with a flared skirt.
Gown by Stella York.
Photo courtesy of designer
Backs: Illusion
A sheer backline featuring lace appliqués, crystals or other adornments.
Gown by Essense of Australia.
Photo courtesy of designer
Fabrics: Alençon Lace
This delicate needlepoint lace features solid motifs on sheer netting.
Gown by Kenneth Winston.
Plus, check out 40+ Mesmerizing Lace Wedding Gowns ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Hems: High-Low
Also called an intermission or an asymmetrical hem, it hits at mid-calf in front and is floor-length in back.
Gown by Pnina Tornai.
Photo courtesy of designer
Necklines: Illusion
An illusion neckline consists of transparent fabric and embellishments covering a bride's décolletage.
Gown by Rivini.
Photo courtesy of designer
