Tuesday's Tip #3: Bridal Lingo

For our third tip we thought it would be important to brush up on those bridal terms! Bridal lingo can throw you off and cause confusion between you and your sales consultant. If you find you are unsure about a certain word, always ask your stylist to clarify what they mean so you can ensure you are both on the same page. It's not an easy task to remember a handful of words when you're trying to focus on finding your dress. Here's some vocab to help you speak and understand bridal chat.

Dress Terms:

A-line- Follows the shape of the bodice and gradually angles out from the waist giving the shape of an 'A'. 

Sheath- This style gown is straight, clean, and slender style. 

Goddess- An updated style of an empire waist, this style flows from under the bust line. 

Mermaid- Fitted from the torso down to bellow the knees, this style then dramatically flares out. 

Trumpet- This gown is a mix between a-line and mermaid. It hugs the torso and flows out from the mid-thigh. 

Ball gown- Fitted torso with a full skirt. 

Straight Neckline- This neckline fits straight across bust. 

Sweetheart neckline- Dips in the middle creating a heat shape neckline. 

Portrait- This neckline has straps that come straight down and meet the sweetheart bust. 

V-neck- Strapped gown the v's into the bust line. 

Scoop Neck- Strapped gown that scoops into a u-shaped neckline.

Crinoline- Material under the gown to provide fullness. 

Bustle- A bustle is the pick up of your train so its off the floor for your reception. The bustle to your gown is not added until your 1st fitting. 

Traditional (over) Bustle- This type of bustle is pinned up from the outside leaving the appearance of an upside down 'v'. 

French (under) Bustle- This type of bustle is tied up from underneath using numbered strings. This bustle appears as a bubble. 

Sweep Train- This is the shortest type, just barley sweeping the floor. It is Ideal for a destination wedding. 

Court Train- This train extends a bit further than a sweep train trailing about one foot behind gown. 

Chapel Train- Most typical train length that extends about three to four feet behind the gown. 

Cathedral Train- This is the most formal train extending for six to eight feet. 

Veil Terms:

Bird Cage- Netted veil that sweeps across the front of your face. 

Blusher- This comes on a double layer veil and can be pulled over the front if your face. 

Flyaway- Reaches to your mid arm. 

Elbow Length- Reaches to your elbow. 

Fingertip Length- Reaches to the end of your fingertips. 

Ballet Length- Reaches to the back of your knees. 

Chapel Length- A chapel sweeps the floor, just like a sweep train. 

Cathedral Length- This veil length is the longest and stretches as far as a cathedral train. 

Boutique Terms: 

Alterations- Specific changes that need to be done to your gown to ensure a perfect fit.

First Fitting- This is the first time you will try on your gown. At the appointment, your seamstress will pin your gown, and help you decide on jewelry and accessories if you have not chosen any yet. 

Second Fitting- At this appointment you and your seamstress will decide if there are any adjustments that will need to be made to your gown after the seamstress has sewn the garment once. If changes need to be made the dress will be re-pinned. 

Pick Up/Press Date- This will be the date you determine as the day you want to pick up your completed gown. It is recommended you try it on one last time to ensure the perfect fit.

Special Order- If you are measured or request a specific size to be ordered, this is considered a special order because the gown is being specifically ordered just for you. 

Size Chart- Each company has their own chart with specific measurements to determine what size you are according to that company. Every company has different measurements for each size. This is because every dress is constructed differently. 

Alteration Terms: 

Hem- Adjust the length of your dress. 

Take In- Make the dress smaller. 

Let Out- Make the dress bigger. 

Bra Cups- Cups sewn into the garment to avoid the need of a bra. 

Abbreviations:

WG- wedding gown

BM- bridesmaids 

FG- flower girl 

MOB- mother of the bride 

MOG- mother of the groom

Now you know how to speak like an expert! With these terms you and your consultant can help each other find your dress. And again, if you are ever unsure of a term or are not sure if you are using the term correctly, always ask questions. Our consultants are here to help you and most of all enjoy the experience of working with you.