Spaghetti straps -- A neckline characterized by very slender, supportive straps at the shoulder Square neck -- This neckline has a horizontal line across the front of the bodice terminating in sheer vertical straps or shaping on either side. V-neck -- This neckline is defined by the shape of a plunging or shallow letter V. It's available in many different weights and color. Mermaid -- Also called a trumpet or fishtail design, the mermaid dress hugs the body and begins to flair, usually at the knee. Drop waist -- Sporting either a loose or fitted bodice, drop-waist gowns add styling that accentuates the area just below the waistline or the waist itself. Viewed from the front, it looks like a cutout in the shape of a square or rectangle. Sweetheart -- A component characterized by a curve over each breast to dip into a shallow or deep V like the top of a Valentine's heart. Depending on the amount of volume involved, can include: Juliet, bishop, leg-of-mutton, balloon, poet and pouf Three-quarter length -- Terminating between the elbow and wrist Tulip -- Overlapping fabric that creates a series of petal shapes Fabrics Wedding gown fabrics serve a number of functions, from creating stiffness to support an overskirt, to adding sheen or an attractive drape to a sleeve, bodice or train. This short list will help you to begin to identify some common wedding textiles: Batiste -- A fine, sheer and delicate cotton or cotton/linen blend Brocade -- A heavy, woven fabric with a raised or sculpted design, typically only worn during cool seasons Chantilly -- A fine, mesh lace that often features floral designs outlined with silk threads Chiffon -- Sheer, mesh fabric that can be made from silk, cotton or polyester Crepe -- Lightweight, soft fabric that appears slightly crimped or crinkled Crepe de Chine -- A thinner variety of the crepe fabric described above Crinoline -- A stiff foundation fabric that's used as an underskirt with a ball gown style wedding dress Organza -- A sheer, fine, translucent and textured fabric made from silk, polyester or nylon Satin -- Shiny fabric that's usually very smooth and densely woven. The flare can be modest or exaggerated. Sheath -- Unconstructed, long and slim, the sheath is body-hugging and doesn't have a fitted waist. Dress Styles The dress style you choose may be classic, trendy or have elements of both. This design accentuates a woman's figure and shows particularly well on tall, athletic women. You may run across some fabrics you've never heard of before, or fabrics you recognize but don't understand very well. They're gathered at the waist or an inch or two below. It's also known as a bateau. Dress Features Once you've chosen a basic dress style, the components, like the neckline, sleeves and hem length may vary. Blouson -- Blouson designs are, as the name implies, blousy. The exotic world of wedding dress design can be fascinating, fun and -- confusing. It has lots of fullness, created with petticoats or hoops. This is a universal classic that suits almost any body type. The empire styling elongates the body, minimizes pear-shaped figures and can conceal a disproportionately large or small bust. Voile -- Very lightweight, semi-transparent fabric woven from cotton, linen, synthetics and cotton blends Once you can recognize the basic wedding dress designs you'll begin to see different elements, like sleeve styles, as separate components that can be mixed and matched to create unique and dramatic effects. Chances are, the basic construction will be similar to one of the styles below: A-line -- A fitted bodice that has a modest flair in the skirt, A-line wedding-dress designs are among the most popular sold today. This compendium of dress and textile terms will be a handy reference as you start sourcing the most important garment you may ever wear. Asymmetrical -- Dresses with features like one shoulder strap or layering that creates an uneven, spatial arrangement or silhouette. When you start shopping for a wedding dress, you'll probably be introduced to a whole new lexicon of terms for specialty fabrics, gown shapes and embellishments. This style is supported by the structure of the bodice. Bodice and Neckline Boat neck -- This style rests along the shoulder points, revealing the collar bone. Mini -- A gown with a hemline that falls at or above the knee. It's typically a cool-weather choice. Ball gown -- This is the fairytale princess dress style you remember from Lady Diana's wedding and Grace Kelly's ceremony a few decades before. That and an awareness of your body type and personal preferences will help you identify the perfect wedding gowns for you . Hem Length Ballerina -- At or just above the ankle Floor -- Brushing the floor or slightly above Hi-lo -- Also called an intermission hem, it hits at mid-calf in front and is floor length in back Mini -- Above the knee Street -- Just covering the knee Tea -- Terminating a few inches above the ankle Sleeves Bell -- Snug to the elbow and then flaring to the wrist Capped -- Very short, closely fitted and slightly rounded Dolman -- Joined to the bodice above the elbow and tapering to the wrist. It's considered a slimming design that will suit most body types. Shantung -- Rough-textured woven silk or synthetic fabric that crushes easily Taffeta -- A high-end, woven fabric with a slight sheen that's often reserved for fine garments. Strapless -- As the name implies, this look leaves the shoulders bare. It's available in two varieties: Piece-dyed taffeta, which is soft and often used as a lining material, and heavier, stiffer yarn-dyed taffeta used in evening gowns and wedding dresses. Princess -- Created from unbroken vertical panels, this style can take a classic A-line shape or have a more exaggerated flare. It has a long, flowing skirt and a fitted bodice. Cowl neck -- Loosely draped fabric, styled either high or low at the neck and bust characterize this component Drop shoulder -- A look consisting of bands or sleeves that start below the curve of the upper arm Halter -- The top is angled at a diagonal along the outer bust and neck to fasten behind the neck Jewel -- A neckline that follows the curve at the base of the neck and does not include a collar Portrait collar -- This drop-shouldered look consists of a folded, sometimes exaggerated collar Sabrina -- This style is characterized by a straight neckline beginning well inside the curve of the shoulder Scoop neck -- This neckline can be daring or modest with this component but ends in a curve instead of a point. Also called a bat sleeve Kimono -- Sleeves extending into the main column of the dress and lengthening deep and wide to the wrist Puff -- Gathered or pleated at the shoulder. Empire -- Distinguished by a high waist, hitting just below the bust. Tulle -- Sheer, stiff mesh made from rayon, cotton, silk or nylon Velvet -- A fabric with a distinctive pile, velvet can be made with silk, cotton or a number of blends.
