Glossary of The Gowns

Wedding Dress Glossary
As seen on: http://www.brides.com/fashion/dresses/guide/glossary

Silhouettes

A-line/Princess

Slim-fitting with vertical seams from shoulders to hem. Best for: All body types.
Ballgown

Full skirt with a fitted bodice and waist. Best for: Pear shapes, full figures, and tall, slim builds.

Basque

Dips below the natural waistline and forms a "V". Best for: Pear shapes.

Dropped

Dips below the natural waistline and sits on the hips. Best for: Hourglass figures.

Empire

Small, scooped bodice and high waistline with a slender skirt. Best for: Figures with thick waists.
Mermaid
Fitted to the knee, then flared. Best for: Slim, tall builds.

Sheath
Narrow, body-conscious style that hugs the bust, waist, and hips. Best for: Slim, tall builds and petite figures.

Necklines

Bateau
Follows the curve of the collarbone from shoulder to shoulder. Also called "Sabrina."
Halter
Wraps around the neck; generally leaves arms and back bare.
Off-the-Shoulder
Fits just below the shoulders with long or short sleeves.
One-Shoulder
An asymmetrical neckline where one shoulder is covered and the other is bare.
Portrait
Slightly scooped with extra material framing the neckline.
Scoop
A deep U-shaped neckline.
Square
Straps and straight neckline create a square shape.
Strapless
Neckline goes straight across the body just above the bust.
Sweetheart
Heart-shaped neckline.
T-Shirt or Jewel
A round neckline resembling that of a T-shirt.
V-Neck
Drops from shoulders to collarbone in a "V".

Fabrics

Brocade
Jacquard-woven fabric with a raised design.
Chiffon
Transparent fabric of sheer silk or rayon.
Crepe
Soft fabric with a crinkled surface.
Eyelet
Open-weave embroidery.
Damask
Similar to brocade, but lighter in weight.
Duchesse Satin
Silk-and-polyester mix woven to create a satiny finish.
Doupioni
Silk with a thick, coarse finish and a slight sheen.
Illusion
Fine, sheer fabric often used on necklines and sleeves.
Organdy
Stiff, transparent silk or rayon fabric.
Organza
Sheer, stiff fabric of silk or synthetic material. Similar to tulle, but less coarse.
Satin
Smooth, heavy fabric with a high sheen on one side.
Shantung
Plain-weave silk or cotton fabric with a rough surface.
Silk
Smooth, soft fabric that is the priciest wedding dress material.
Silk Mikado
Blended silk that's heavier than regular silk.
Taffeta
Crisp, lustrous, light-weave fabric.
Tulle
A fine, starched netting of silk, rayon, or nylon.

Laces

Allençon
Re-embroidered, Chantilly lace.
Belgian
Laces made with machine-made grounds.
Chantilly
Fine mesh, often with scalloped edges, with delicate scrolls and floral designs.
French
Machine-made lace fabrics that imitate handmade French lace.
Guipure
Heavy lace with large patterns in needlepoint or bobbin.
Schiffli
Machine-made lace with delicate floral embroidery.
Venise
Heavy lace with floral, foliage, or geometric designs.

Bustle

Bustle
Pulling up and fastening the train at the back of the wedding dress, often with hooks and eyes or buttons, for the reception.
French Bustle
Fastening the train underneath the top layer of the wedding dress, rather than pulling up the train to secure it.