Choosing your wedding dress and other accessories to go along with it is one of the most important aspects of planning your wedding. So, learning as much as possible about the process ahead of time is a great way to give yourself the tools to get it right. However, there are several terms that only apply to wedding fashion; so getting familiar with them can be a bit of a challenge. And, of course, it can help you to avoid purchases that are a complete waste of money.
If you’ve ever gone shopping for hours on end searching for that perfect pair of pants or exquisite tank top, you know that there are a plethora of different styles and fabrics regardless of what you’re shopping for; and wedding fashion is no exception. To give you the tools to help you succeed, we have comprised a guide to wedding fashion terminology below to help you learn what you need to know in a big hurry.
Standard Wedding Fashion Terminology
- A-line: Slim on top, fitted through the waist, and softly flares away from body. A great look to go with your versatile clutch or handbag.
- Ball Gown: Boned bodice, full skirt supported by crinolines, petticoats, and more.
- Empire: A style with a high waistline that is nipped in just below the bust line. Good for small-busted women or women with curvy figures.
- Trumpet: A fitted gown that flares out at the knees. It is great for brides who want to show off some curves. It is similar to the mermaid silhouette style.
- Mermaid: This shape tightly hugs the torso, and then flares out from the knee or just below the knee. It is a very similar to the trumpet with some slight differences.
- Sheath: A close-to-the-body shape that outlines every curve; very similar to the column but with less structure in certain areas to show off more curves.
- Column: Quite similar to sheath; it is a straight-lined skirt with no flare or fullness at the hem, but offers a bit more structure than the sheath style.
The Bottom Line
The terminology listed above for wedding fashion should give you the tools to get started on your shopping adventures. Whether you want the perfect dress or need conflict-free jewelry, these terms can help. Though designers are always coming out with new styles or twists on old classics, the wedding dress styles we have listed in this guide should cover the vast majority of the styles you’ll run into when you’re shopping. Moreover, it is always best rely on the help of the staff at the bridal store in which you are browsing. However, knowing some of the terminology for yourself will make the process less confusing. If you found this guide to wedding fashion terminology helpful, please feel free to share it on your favorite social media platform. Good luck and happy dress shopping!
