Lost in the world of wedding dress terms? That's why we've created a wedding dress glossary to help you feel confident when you walk into your wedding dress appointment. Here’s a quick guide to all the words you need to know:

Wedding Dress Fabrics

• Mikado: A sturdy, luxurious fabric with a high-shine finish.

• Tulle: A delicate, sheer fabric often used for overlays, skirts, and veils.

• Satin: A smooth, lustrous fabric that drapes beautifully and is perfect for creating a sleek and sophisticated look.

• Lace: A delicate fabric made from intricate patterns of thread, often used for overlays, sleeves, and bodices.

• Organza: A sheer, crisp fabric that is often used for overlays and accents.

• Chiffon: A lightweight, flowing fabric that is perfect for creating romantic and ethereal looks.

Wedding Dress Silhouettes

• Ball Gown: A classic silhouette with a fitted bodice and a full, voluminous skirt.

• A-Line: A versatile silhouette that flares gently from the waist to the hem, creating an elegant and flattering look.

• Mermaid/Trumpet: A figure-hugging silhouette that flares dramatically at the knees or lower, creating a dramatic and glamorous look.

• Fit and Flare: A combination of a fitted bodice and a flared skirt, creating a flattering silhouette.

Wedding Dress Details

• Train: The flowing part of a dress that extends behind the bride.

• Bustling: A technique used to shorten the train of a wedding dress for dancing and movement.

• Basque Waist: A style that’s waistline sits below the natural waistline, and creates a V- or U-shaped dip.

• Corset Back: A fitted bodice with boning and lacing to create a flattering silhouette.

• Illusion Neckline: A delicate, sheer neckline that creates a romantic and ethereal look.

• Sweetheart Neckline: A heart-shaped neckline that is flattering for most body types.

• Strapless Neckline: A classic neckline that is both elegant and timeless.

Other Bridal Terms

• Off-the-Rack: A ready-to-wear dress that you buy straight from the boutique, and take home that same day.

• Customization: Changes made to a dress to enhance its look, such as adding sleeves, changing the neckline, or altering the length of the train, making your dress unique and specific to you.

• Alterations: The process of modifying a dress to fit your body perfectly, this is done with an alterations specialist after your gown is delivered.

• Veil: A traditional accessory that can be worn to complete your bridal look.

• Headpiece: A decorative accessory for your hair, such as a tiara, comb, or headband.

• Garter: A decorative accessory worn around the bride's leg, often removed by the groom during the wedding ceremony.

• Trunk Show: A trunk show is a special event hosted by a bridal boutique where a designer brings a curated collection of their designs for brides to try on. It's a unique opportunity to see and try on gowns that aren't typically available in the store! Speaking of, don't miss our upcoming Blue Willow by Anne Barge Trunk Show from November 29th to December 8th!

Now that you've mastered the language of love (and lace), you're ready to book your wedding dress appointment. And don’t forget, your bridal stylist is there to help you and explain anything! Happy dress hunting, we can’t wait to make your perfect dress dreams come true!