So-called because wedding dress this dress shape looks like the letter A. Basically, an A line dress hugs the body at the shoulders and then flares gently outwards.
Apron
Extra material on a skirt that falls a bit like a kitchen apron and has the effect wedding dress of making the skirt look fuller.
Ballgown/full skirt
A wide skirt that flares out from a narrow waist, and reaches at least to the ankles. A ballgown dress often comes with a fitted bodice.
Ballerina
A wide skirt that reaches just above the ankles.
Ballet veil
A veil that reaches the ankles.
Band
A neckline with a high collar giving a choker-like effect.
Basque
A long, tight-fitting bodice that finishes with a V shape at the front of the dress. Also a type of corset.
Bodice
Upper part of a dress.
Bias cut
Material cut at a 45-degree wedding dress angle across the length and width of the fabric, to very flattering effect.
Bustle
Material wedding dress gathered at the back of the skirt to make the bottom look shapelier.
Cap sleeves
Small, tight sleeves, slightly wider at the top, which only just cover the shoulder.
Classic
A dress with a timeless quality and clean lines.
Column/straight
A long, straight dress.
Contemporary/modern
Used to describe a dress with clean, straight, uncluttered lines.
Corset
A corset-style bodice is strapless, fitted, boned and often laced or snap-fastened like a corset.
Décolletage/décolleté
A low-cut neckline.
Draped
Loose, soft material attached to a garment, usually a skirt.
Dropped waist
This type of dress has a waistline with a seam that falls a few inches below the natural waist.
Elbow gloves
Gloves that go up to the elbow.
Empire line
Dress with a high wedding dress waistline and a seam just under the bust.
Fish tail
A figure-hugging dress where the skirt fits tightly to the knee before flaring out at the bottom.
Flounced
A skirt with a ruffle at the bottom, or with lots of layers.
Garter
A traditional part of the bride’s underwear, a bride’s garter belt is a prettily-decorated piece of elastic which goes on the top of the stocking.
Gauntlet glove
A long glove which goes down to the wrist but doesn’t cover the hand.
So-called because wedding dress this dress shape looks like the letter A. Basically, an A line dress hugs the body at the shoulders and then flares gently outwards.
Extra material on a skirt that falls a bit like a kitchen apron and has the effect wedding dress of making the skirt look fuller.
A wide skirt that flares out from a narrow waist, and reaches at least to the ankles. A ballgown dress often comes with a fitted bodice.
A wide skirt that reaches just above the ankles.
A veil that reaches the ankles.
A neckline with a high collar giving a choker-like effect.
A long, tight-fitting bodice that finishes with a V shape at the front of the dress. Also a type of corset.
Upper part of a dress.
Material cut at a 45-degree wedding dress angle across the length and width of the fabric, to very flattering effect.
Material wedding dress gathered at the back of the skirt to make the bottom look shapelier.
Small, tight sleeves, slightly wider at the top, which only just cover the shoulder.
A dress with a timeless quality and clean lines.
A long, straight dress.
Used to describe a dress with clean, straight, uncluttered lines.
A corset-style bodice is strapless, fitted, boned and often laced or snap-fastened like a corset.
A low-cut neckline.
Loose, soft material attached to a garment, usually a skirt.
This type of dress has a waistline with a seam that falls a few inches below the natural waist.
Gloves that go up to the elbow.
Dress with a high wedding dress waistline and a seam just under the bust.
A figure-hugging dress where the skirt fits tightly to the knee before flaring out at the bottom.
A skirt with a ruffle at the bottom, or with lots of layers.
A traditional part of the bride’s underwear, a bride’s garter belt is a prettily-decorated piece of elastic which goes on the top of the stocking.
A long glove which goes down to the wrist but doesn’t cover the hand.
A design which incorporates elements of dresses from different periods, eg 1920s, Edwardian, 50s, medieval. Can resemble wedding dress period costume. Perfect for themed weddings.
Historical design
A design which incorporates elements of dresses from different periods, eg 1920s, Edwardian, 50s, medieval. Can resemble wedding dress period costume. Perfect for themed weddings.