Finding a perfect bridal wear is never easy. It takes time, money and effort to shop for a dream wedding dress. Well, when start the shopping journey, not every bride-to-be is clearly about what she is searching for. So I am sharing you some basic information on a wedding dress, with which one may have a brief understanding and make bridal shopping easier.
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.
Bateau: also known as boat or Sabrina, it’s a great for small chested brides.
Jewel: also known as the T-shirt neckline, will make small-chested brides look bustier.
Strapless: it looks wonderful when paired with either a sweetheart or straight-across square bodice.
Halter: it features straps that wrap around the back of the neck. It looks best on broad shoulders and for taller women.
High neck: The high neck design, in any shape or width, ensure a classy and sophisticated look.
Off Shoulder: it sits on the shoulders to showcase a woman’s collarbone and shoulders, with sleeves that cover part of the upper arm. It works perfect for full-chested and pear-shaped women, but not for brides with fuller arms.
Portrait: it is characterized by a wide, soft scoop from the tip of one shoulder to the tip of the other. It works great for fuller arms and prominent collarbones.
Sweetheart: It is low at the front and shaped like a heart, which creates a romantic style.
Silhouette
The silhouette refers to the overall shape of a wedding dress. There are mainly five silhouettes:
Aline: It has a fitted bodice gradually flares from the waist and is universally flattering to most body types.
Empire: It has a high waistline, which is right under bust. Empire style works perfect for petite ladies, as it provides the illusion of an elongated body.
Mermaid: It is form-fitting but flares out below knees. A mermaid gown shows off the curves.
Ball Gown: It has a fitted bodice and a full skirt, which is usually floor length. Back to style in 1950s by Dior, ball gown style defines the waist and conceals curvier bottoms and is never long out of fashion.
Sheath: It has a narrow shape and suits the well-proportioned ladies with a sleek figure.
Train
Trains vary in length from short brush train to long cathedral train. Different train length applies for different ceremony.
Watteau: it is attached at the shoulders, not the waist.
Brush Train: the shortest train. It attaches to the waist and barely sweep the floor. It offers a dramatic and exquisite look.
Court Train: Slightly shorter than Chapel, it begins at the waist and descends just to the floor or one foot behind the bride.
Chapel: shorter than the Cathedral, extending about 3 feet behind the bride, both dramatic and functional. The most used train length nowadays.
Cathedral: It cascades down and extends up to 6 feet behind the bride. It is usually worn for formal church weddings.
Fabric
Fabric dictates the look and wright 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.
Chiffon: Delicate, sheer, and transparent. Usually made for beach wedding dress and summer bridal wear.
Organza: Crisp and sheer like chiffon, with a stiffer texture similar in effect to tulle, but more flowing; usually used for skirts and overlays to create a romantic look.
Satin: Heavy, smooth fabric with a high sheen on one side; long-honored bridal gown fabric, which gives a formal and regal feel.
Taffeta: add rustle to the movement with crisp yet smooth fabric.
Tulle: Stiff netting adds volume and pouf.
Bodice
The bodice refers to the area of a dress above the waist. It is often used by designers to add dramatic details, such as beading or ruching.
Waistline
The waistline of a gown is important because it is a focal point of the whole look. Different body shapes will look dramatically better in certain waistlines. Eg. An empire waistline would look great on a petite figure.
