Bridal Glossary
Bridal glossary: terms you will actually use.
Wedding dress shopping introduces a vocabulary most brides have never needed before. Silhouette names, fabric types, construction terms, and accessory vocabulary arrive all at once during the first appointment. This glossary covers the terms that come up most frequently.
Silhouette terms
Silhouette refers to the overall shape of a gown as seen from a distance. It is the first decision most stylists make when pulling gowns — it filters hundreds of options down to a manageable set.
The main silhouettes
- A-line: fitted bodice that flares gradually from the waist, resembling the letter A. The most universally flattering silhouette.
- Ballgown: fitted bodice with a dramatically full, voluminous skirt. The most formal silhouette.
- Mermaid: fitted through the bodice, hips, and thighs, flaring dramatically below the knee. The most body-conscious silhouette.
- Fit-and-flare: similar to mermaid but flares at or slightly above the knee, creating a slightly softer transition than a true mermaid.
- Sheath: straight and close to the body from top to hem, with minimal flare. The most minimalist silhouette.
- Empire: raised waistline just below the bust, with a relaxed, flowing skirt. Associated with a romantic, less structured look.
- Tea-length: hemline falls between the knee and ankle, typically at mid-calf. Less formal than floor-length.
- Two-piece: separate bodice and skirt, sometimes with a coordinating belt or sash connecting them.
Train terms
The train is the portion of the gown's skirt that extends behind the bride. Train length is measured from the waist to the end of the fabric.
Common train lengths
- Sweep train: extends just a few inches past the feet. The most casual train option.
- Court train: extends approximately 12 to 18 inches from the waist. Subtle and practical.
- Chapel train: extends approximately 4 feet from the waist. The most popular full-length option.
- Cathedral train: extends 6 to 8 feet from the waist. The most dramatic and photographed train.
- Watteau train: attaches at the back shoulders or waist and flows behind, leaving the skirt front clean.
Construction terms
Understanding how a gown is built helps you evaluate fit and explain what you need to a seamstress.
Structural vocabulary
- Bodice: the upper portion of the gown from the waist up. Where most fit adjustments concentrate.
- Boning: thin vertical supports sewn inside the bodice to help it hold its shape and provide structure.
- Bustle: a series of loops sewn into the train that allow it to be lifted and held up during the reception. There are several bustle styles; your seamstress will recommend one based on the gown.
- Corsetry: lacing at the back of the bodice, usually with a modesty panel, that can be adjusted for fit and is popular for brides between sizes.
- Illusion: sheer mesh or tulle fabric used in necklines, backs, or sleeves to create the appearance of exposed skin while maintaining coverage.
- Lining: the inner layer of the gown that sits against the skin. Quality lining affects how the gown feels all day.
- Hem: the finished bottom edge of the skirt. Hemming is the most universal wedding dress alteration.
- Dart: a sewn fold of fabric used to shape the bodice to fit the contours of the body.
Fabric shorthand
These are the fabric terms that appear most frequently on designer spec sheets and in boutique conversations.
Quick-reference fabric definitions
- Mikado: heavyweight, structured fabric with a slight sheen. Holds its shape. Used in ballgowns and structured silhouettes.
- Crepe: textured woven fabric with a matte surface. Modern, minimal, drapes smoothly.
- Liquid crepe: stretch version of crepe that moves with the body. Common in sleek fit-and-flare gowns.
- Tulle: fine net fabric used for layered skirts and veils. Comes in soft, French, and silk varieties.
- Organza: crisp, sheer fabric that holds dramatic volume. Used in cathedral ballgowns.
- Duchess satin: heavyweight satin with a structured feel and deep sheen on one side.
- Silk satin: softer, more fluid version of satin. Drapes against the body rather than away from it.
- Corded lace: lace with a raised, defined pattern created by cord-wrapped motifs. Crisp and detailed.
- Beaded lace: lace with hand-applied beading. Dimensional, catches light, couture appearance.
- Embroidered lace: lace motifs stitched onto a base fabric. Delicate and romantic.
- Illusion lace: lace applied to a sheer mesh or tulle panel.
- French lace: lace produced in France's historic mills. Exceptionally fine and lightweight.
Appointment vocabulary
These terms come up during the shopping and ordering process.
Process terms
- Sample size: the size of the gown on the showroom floor. At Boulevard Bride, bridal samples range from size 6 to 28.
- Special order: a gown ordered from the designer in a size not available as a sample. Special orders at Boulevard Bride go from 0 to 34W.
- Rush order: an expedited production request for a gown needed sooner than the standard timeline. Subject to availability and additional fees.
- Trunk show: a short-period event where a designer's expanded collection — beyond the boutique's standard inventory — is shown in-store.
- Cutting date: the last date by which an order can be placed to guarantee delivery by a certain date. Boulevard Bride's prom cutting date is April 1st.
- First look: a pre-ceremony moment where the groom sees the bride in her dress for the first time, often before guests. Requires a gown that photographs well from behind.
FAQ
Common questions
What is the difference between a mermaid and fit-and-flare?
Both are fitted through the bodice, hips, and thighs, but they differ in where the skirt begins to flare. A mermaid flares below the knee, creating a very body-conscious silhouette. A fit-and-flare flares at or just above the knee, giving a slightly softer, more fluid transition. In practice, the distinction is gradual — different designers place the flare point at different heights.
What is an illusion back?
An illusion back uses sheer mesh or tulle to fill in the upper back of a low-back gown. The mesh panels appear to expose the skin while actually covering it, creating a dramatic visual effect with full structural coverage. Enzoani is particularly well known for illusion lace back designs.
What is the difference between a chapel veil and a cathedral veil?
A chapel veil extends approximately 4 feet from the waist. A cathedral veil extends 6 to 8 feet. Both photograph dramatically, but cathedral veils require a spacious venue and a long, unobstructed aisle.
What does it mean when a boutique says a gown is "sample size"?
Sample size refers to the size of the gown hanging on the showroom floor. At Boulevard Bride, bridal samples run size 6 to 28. If the sample is a different size than yours, the stylist uses clips and pins to simulate a proper fit during the appointment. The ordered gown is then made in your size by the designer.
By Appointment
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