Wedding Dress Boutique Terms
Sample Dress:
The beautiful dresses you seen in most bridal salons are referred to as 'sample' gowns. These are dresses brides-to-be will try on in the boutique to help them choose their dream dress, before theirs is ordered by the boutique direct from the designer. The dress the bride buys is 'made-to-order', meaning it's uniquely theirs, never worn by anyone else!
Made-to-order:
Meaning a dress that has been made specifically because a bride orders it. Most bridal boutiques provide 'made-to-order' dresses, meaning brides will choose the dress from the sample, but the dress they wear on their wedding day was made specifically for them.
Ex-sample: This term is used to refer to the sample gowns which have been bought by bridal salons that have been discontinued, and are therefore available for purchase at a discounted price. They're a great option for brides on a budget, or for those who don't want to spend a fortune on a brand new gown that they'll only wear once.
Off-the-peg:
These are ready-to-wear gowns that are available in standard sizes and can be purchased straight off the rack. Usually these are ex-sample dresses. For example, in our salon we have a selection of 100 ex-sample dresses that can be tried on and taken home on the day.
Wedding Dress Materials and Features
Train:
The train is the portion of the gown that extends behind the bride. It can vary in length, from a small train to a dramatic, cathedral-length train (think Princess Diana!).
Organza:
Organza is a lightweight, sheer fabric that's often used in wedding gowns. It adds a delicate, ethereal quality to the gown, and can be used for anything from the skirt to the sleeves.
Tulle: Tulle is a fine, netting fabric that's often used in wedding gowns. It adds volume and fullness to the gown, and is often used for the skirt. It's a fabric that give a fairy tale/princess look to the dress.
Mikado:
Mikado is a type of fabric that is made from silk or a silk blend. It's a heavy, stiff fabric that has a smooth, glossy finish. Mikado fabric is often used for elegant, formal gowns and is perfect for brides who want a luxurious, high-end look.
Crepe: Crepe is a type of fabric that is made from silk, wool, or a synthetic blend. It's a lightweight, delicate fabric that has a soft, matte finish. Crepe is often used for simple, classic gowns and is perfect for brides who want a timeless, elegant look.
Sweetheart:
A sweetheart neckline is a neckline that's shaped like the top half of a heart. It's a classic, romantic neckline that's perfect for brides who want to show off their décolletage.
Ruching: Ruching is a technique where fabric is gathered to add texture and detail to a gown. It's often used to add interest to a simple gown, or to accentuate a bride's curves.
Applique: A decorative element, such as lace or beading, that is applied to the dress using a sewing technique.
Illusion:
You might hear bridal boutiques talking about an 'Illusion neckline' or 'Illusion back'. This refers to a type of sheer fabric that is often used as an overlay or as a part of a dress's design. It's typically used to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to a gown, and it can be used to create the illusion of a bare back or a plunging neckline.
Bardot: The Bardot neckline is a type of off-the-shoulder neckline that is named after the French actress, Brigitte Bardot. This neckline is characterized by its wide, off-the-shoulder straps that sit just below the shoulders. It's a feminine and flattering neckline that's perfect for brides who want to show off their shoulders.
Wedding Dress Shapes
Ballgown: A ballgown is a full, voluminous gown that typically has a fitted bodice and a full skirt. It's a classic, fairytale style that is perfect for brides who want a traditional, romantic look.
Mermaid:
A mermaid gown is a fitted gown that hugs the body from the bodice to the knee before flaring out at the bottom. This style is perfect for brides who want to show off their curves.
Fit-and-flare: A fit-and-flare gown is similar to a mermaid gown, but it flares out at the hips instead of the knee. This style is perfect for brides who want to show off their waistline.
Column: A column gown is a straight, slim gown that typically has a simple, elegant silhouette. It's a great option for brides who want a more understated, modern look.
A-line:
An A-line gown is a gown that flares out from the waist. This style is perfect for brides who want a classic, feminine look.
With this guide, you'll have a better understanding of the different styles, fabrics, and terms that are used in wedding dress shopping. Remember, the most important thing is to find a gown that makes you feel beautiful and confident on your special day.
