Necklines
Spaghetti Straps – Thin straps that go over shoulders
V-Neck – Shaped like a “V”
Off-the-Shoulder – sits below the shoulders to showcase a woman’s collarbone and shoulders
Sweetheart – Shaped like a heart
Strapless – No straps, gown is kept up by bodice
Halter – Straps go around the back of neck
Sabrina or Bateau – Follows collarbone from shoulder to shoulder
Square – square neckline
T-shirt or Jewel – Round like a t-shirt
Portrait – Wide scoop that sits just on shoulder bone (it’s similar to off-the-shoulder neckline, but made w/ more fabric)
Scoop – Wide “U” shape

Silhouettes
A-line: These dresses are fitted at the waist with a skirt that forms a triangle or “A” shape. A-line wedding dresses are the most common shape. Flattering to many body types.

Ballgown: Has a full, flouncy skirt and a very fitted bodice. Some ballgowns have a corset style, while others have elaborate, full sleeves. Some ballgowns feature a basque waist—a V-shaped dropped waistline. It’s like a traditional princess dress.

Empire: Is cut directly below the bust and usually features a fairly simple skirt with minimal volume.  It’s very Greek goddess style-like / medieval look, the empire waistline has a sweet, flirtatious look.

Mermaid: Hugs the waist & hips and flares dramatically from the knee down. It’s a sexy cut; definitely shows off a woman’s curves.

Sheath: Resembling a slip;  column or tube shaped gown following the contours of the body. A sheath dress shows every curve because of the lack of embellishments.

Fabrics
Polyester – Man made fabric often blended with silks or made to mimic a certain type of fabric
Silk – A soft and fine fabric that comes in a variety of finishes such as shantung or satin
Satin – Smooth textured fabric very common in wedding gowns. Comes in Silk or Polyester
Silk Mikado – A type of blended silk that is heavier than regular silk
Shantung - Rough textured fabric with lines and “nubs”. Comes in Silk or Polyester
Taffeta – Crisp, rustling fabric
Tulle – Stiff netting similar to organza but stiffer and coarser
Batiste – Semi-transparent fabric
Brocade – Heavy material with a pattern
Charmeuse: lightweight, smooth, semilustrous satiny fabric.
Chiffon – Lightweight, flowing sheer fabric, transparent fabric of silk or rayon with a soft finish.
Crepe – Lightweight porous-like fabric; silk or rayon fabric made with crepe yarn, with a slight pebbly texture
Damask – Medium weight patterned fabric
Duchess Satin – Hybrid of silk and polyester
Dupioni – Thick coarse looking silk
Gazar – Criss cross weaved fabric,linen-like
Illusion – Semi-transparent fabric similar to organza
Organdy – Stiffer transparent fabric
Organza – Sheer fabric similar to tulle but more tightly woven
Rayon – Similar to polyester but more elastic
Linen: a cloth made of flax, that is noted for its strength, coolness,and luster
Eyelet: open-weave embroidery
Voile: fine, sheer fabric; more like linen than cotton

Waistlines
Basque – Waistline dips below natural waist forming a “V” in the center
Dropped - Waistline dips below natural waistline and sits more on hips
Empire – High waistline just under bust
Princess Cut- Many gowns especially a-lines have no defined waist
Natural- Waistline sits between the empire and dropped waistlines.
Asymmetrical Waistline – where it starts either on one side at Empire Waistline and falls to a Natural Waistline on the other side, or starts on one side at a Natural Waistline and falls to the other side down to a Dropped Waistline.

Viels
Blusher: loose veil worn forward over face and, after the ceremony, turned back, over the headpiece; often attached to longer, three-tiered veil
Flyaway: multiple layers that brush the shoulders; usually worn with informal dress
Fingertip: several layers of veiling that touch the fingertips
Ballet-length/Waltz-length: falls to the ankles
Chapel-length: cascades 2 1/3 yards from headpiece
Cathedral-length: cascades at least 3 1/2 yards from headpiece, usually worn with a cathedral train

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