Welcome to the
The Bridal Dictionary
Your guide to wedding dress terminology, from silhouettes and necklines to fabrics, waistlines and everything in between.
Gown Details
- Aline - Fitted through the bodice before flowing out from the waist, creating an effortless “A” shape. For example the gown to the left is a A-line.
- Fitted - A close-to-the-body silhouette designed to follow and highlight your natural shape.
- Fit & Flare - Fitted through the bodice, waist and hips before softly flaring towards the hem.
- Sheath Fit - A slim, streamlined silhouette that follows the natural shape of the body and falls relatively straight from the hips, with minimal flare through the skirt.
- Scoop - A gently rounded neckline that sits lower through the centre.
- Sweetheart - A curved neckline resembling the top of a heart.
- Straight - A clean, horizontal neckline.
- Highneck - A neckline that sits higher across the chest and towards the neck.
- Plunge - A deep V-shaped neckline extending lower through the bodice.
- Off shoulder - A strapless neckline with a feature of arm drapes or bust detail that continues across the shoulders.
- Straps - Straps that asscend off the neck line.
- Basque - A bodice that extends below the natural waist and dips into a V or U shape at the centre front.
- Dropwaist - The bodice extends below the natural waist before meeting the skirt, creating a longer torso.
- Straight - The bodice and skirt meet in a straight line at the natural waistline.
- No Waist seam - The bodice flows continuously into the skirt without a visible horizontal waist seam.
- Off-the-Shoulder - Sleeves or drapes that sit below the shoulders, creating a soft neckline across the arms and décolletage.
- Detachable Arm Drapes - Removable fabric drapes that sit around or fall from the arms, allowing you to create two different looks with your gown.
- Long Sleeves - Full-length sleeves extending to the wrist, often created in lace, tulle or the gown's main fabric.
- Straps - Fabric that extends from the front to the back of the bodice over the shoulders, providing both support and a design detail.
- Spaghetti Straps - Fine, delicate straps that create a minimal look while providing light support.
- Cap Sleeves - Short sleeves that sit over the shoulder without extending far down the arm.
- Wrist Loop - A small loop attached underneath the train that can be slipped over your wrist to help lift and carry the train.
- Boning - Structured strips sewn inside the bodice to provide shape and support, helping the gown sit securely against the body.
- Hanger Tape - Small loops hidden inside the gown that are used to hang the dress correctly without putting pressure on the straps or bodice.
- Crinoline - A structured material used inside the skirt of a gown to help hold its shape, create volume and encourage movement. It can be used throughout the skirt or just around the hem, depending on the desired structure and silhouette.
- Buttons - Decorative buttons sewn over the zip or extending down the length of the train. These are often non-functional and are added as a finishing detail to the gown.
- Cups - Built-in bra cups inside the bodice of a gown that provide shape and support, helping the dress sit securely and comfortably on the body.
Types of gowns
A sample gown is an already-made wedding dress that is available to purchase in its existing size, without the traditional made-to-order lead time. This means you can purchase the exact gown you try on, making samples a great option for brides working with a shorter timeframe or looking for something ready to go.
Once purchased, the gown can then be altered to create the best possible fit for you.
- Ex-Showroom - Previously used for bridal appointments in a boutique or showroom.
- Photoshoot Sample - Used for campaign or editorial photoshoots.
- Trunk Show Sample - Travels between bridal boutiques to showcase a designer's collection.
- First Sample - Created during the design process and may feature unique details that never went into production.
- Excess Stock - A finished gown no longer required by the designer, often completely unworn.
A made-to-order gown is a wedding dress that is specially ordered for you in your selected standard size, rather than purchased directly off the rack. Once your order is placed, the gown is produced by the designer and delivered within their specified lead time.
Unlike a sample gown, your dress arrives new and has not been used as a showroom sample. Made-to-order does not mean made-to-measure, so alterations are usually still required to tailor the gown to your individual shape, height and desired fit.
A Limited Edition gown is a unique concept by Yours Truly, giving us the freedom to have fun in the workroom and explore new designs, fabrics and creative ideas.
These gowns are produced in very limited quantities, with many styles created as a one-off piece in just one size. This allows us to experiment with beautiful fabrics and new design details, creating something a little different each time.
Most Limited Edition gowns are available off the rack and ready to go, making them perfect for brides who fall in love with something unique. Select styles may also be available to be made for you in another size upon request, depending on fabric availability and the design.
Alterations
- First Fitting - Your first alterations appointment, where your gown is tried on and pinned to your body to determine the adjustments needed to achieve the right fit.
- Handover - Your final appointment where you try on your completed gown and check the fit and finishing. Once you’re happy with everything, your gown is ready to take home for your wedding day.
The hem is the bottom edge of your gown. Hemming involves shortening the gown to the correct length for your height and wedding shoes, allowing you to walk comfortably while maintaining the intended shape of the skirt.
- Train Shortening - The train can also be shortened, either by the same amount removed from the front hem or to a shorter desired length. Please note that shortening the train is a separate alteration from hemming the front of your gown.
A bustle is a way of securing your train up after the ceremony, allowing you to move freely and dance into the night.
- French Bustle - Snaps along the hem secure the train underneath the gown, creating a seamless fold in the fabric. Commonly used for A-line gowns and heavier fitted trains.
- American Bustle - The train is lifted and secured to the outside of the gown at one, two or three points, creating a soft waterfall effect down the back; used for fitted gowns.
- Taking In - Making an area of the gown smaller for a closer fit.
- Letting Out - Using available seam allowance to create more room in an area of the gown.
- Strap Adjustment - Shortening or repositioning straps to improve the fit and support of the bodice.
- Cup Adjustment - Changing or repositioning the internal cups to better suit and support your bust.
- Customisation - Design changes such as adding sleeves, straps, drapes, lace or other details to personalise your gown.