Anatomy of a Wedding Gown

Anatomy of a Wedding Gown



SLEEVE:

Sleeves are an oft-forgotten part of the wedding gown, especially as strapless gowns have become more and more popular.



NECKLINE:

The neckline of the gown defines the feeling and tone of the dress. Be sure to try on different necklines to see which looks best on you.



Strapless|Spaghetti|Halter|Off Shoulder|Sweetheart



BODICE:

The bodice refers to the area of a gown above the waist. It is often used by designers to add dramatic design elements, such as beading or ruching.



WAISTLINE:

The waistline of a gown is important because it is a focal point of the dress. Different body types will look dramatically better in certain waistlines. For instance, an empire waistline (or high waist) will add length to a petite figure.



FABRIC:

Fabric dictates the look and weight of the dress. Various types of materials are used to create a luxurious look and feel, but the type of fabric can also add to the price tag. The venue, time of year and your personal style should also help you decide which fabric to choose.



SILHOUETTE:

The silhouette refers to the overall shape of the gown. The figures below show the most popular silhouettes for brides.



Ball Gown|Mermaid|Sheath|A-line



SKIRT & TRAIN:



The skirt style and train length set the tone for the formality of a gown. Trains vary in length from very short (seep train) to very long (cathedral train). Most trains require bustling after the ceremony. Bustling is the process of fastening or hooking the train up so the bride can move freely. Anatomy of a Wedding Gown AGLOSSARY FOR THE SAVVY BRIDE by bridepôwer & VOWS Bridal Outlet NECKLINE The neckline of a gown defines the feeling and tone of the dress. Be sure to try on different necklines to see which looks best on you. SLEEVE Sleeves are an oft-forgotten part of the wedding gown, especially as strapless gowns have become more and more popular. Strapless Spaghetti Halter Off Shoulder Sweetheart BODICE The bodice refers to the area of WAISTLINE a gown above the waist. It is often used by designers to add dramatic design elements, such as beading or ruching. The waistline of a gown is important because it is a focal point of the dress. Different body types will look dramatically better in certain waistlines. For instance, an empire waistline (or high waist) will add length to a petite figure. SILHOUETTE The silhouette refers to the overall shape of the gown. The figures below show the most popular silhouettes for brides. Ball Gown Mermaid Sheath A-line FABRIC Fabric dictates the look and weight of the dress. Various types of materials are used to create a luxurious look and feel, but the type of fabric can also add to the price tag. The venue, time of year and your personal style should also help you decide which fabric to choose. SKIRT & TRAIN The skirt style and train length set the tone for the formality of a gown. Trains vary in length from very short (sweep train) to very long (cathedral train). Most trains require bustling after the ceremony. Bustling is the process of fastening or hooking the train up so the bride can move freely.