Bridal Glossary

The words of the salon, explained. Tap the small “i” on any quiz card for the same notes.

Silhouettes

Ballgown: Fitted bodice with a full, voluminous skirt from the waist.; Good to knowThe most formal shape; reads beautifully in large venues.; Stylist tipAsk about the skirt's weight. Layers of tulle are lighter than structured satin.
A-line: Fitted at the bodice, the skirt flares gently to the floor in an "A".; Good to knowEasy to wear and works on almost everyone.; Stylist tipThe most versatile shape to start with if you're unsure.
Mermaid: Fitted through the hips and knees, flaring sharply below the knee.; Good to knowDramatic and body-skimming; walking and sitting take practice.; Stylist tipSit down and take a few steps in it at the fitting.
Sheath / Column: A straight, narrow line from neckline to hem.; Good to knowMinimal, modern and easy to move in.; Stylist tipFabric and tailoring do all the work, so prioritize fit.

Necklines

Strapless: A straight or softly shaped top edge with no straps.; Good to knowBack in a big way for 2027; shows off necklaces and shoulders.; Stylist tipAsk how the bodice is structured so it stays put all night.
Sweetheart: The top edge curves into a heart shape at the bust.; Good to knowRomantic and flattering; pairs well with lace and corsets.; Stylist tipA softer, shallower curve reads more modern.
Off-the-shoulder: Sleeves or straps sit just below the shoulders.; Good to knowFrames the collarbone; feels romantic.; Stylist tipLift your arms at the fitting to check movement.
Square: A straight horizontal line across the chest with straight sides.; Good to knowClean and a little vintage; great with a corset bodice.; Stylist tipWorks especially well with minimal and heirloom looks.
V-neck: The neckline dips into a V at the center.; Good to knowLengthening and modern.; Stylist tipThe depth is adjustable; ask about adding mesh for coverage.
Illusion: Sheer mesh or tulle over the skin with lace or beading on top.; Good to knowThe look of bare skin with built-in support.; Stylist tipSee it in daylight; the mesh color should match your skin tone.
High neck: The neckline sits at or near the base of the neck.; Good to knowElegant and covered; shows off the back and arms.; Stylist tipPair with a low back or bare arms so it doesn't feel heavy.
Halter: Straps wrap around the back of the neck.; Good to knowSporty-chic; shows off the shoulders and back.; Stylist tipGreat for warm-weather and destination weddings.

Fabrics

Lace: Openwork fabric with woven or embroidered patterns, like Chantilly, Alencon and guipure.; Good to knowRomantic, textured and timeless.; Stylist tipAsk what kind. Chantilly is fine and soft; guipure is bold and heavier.
Satin: Smooth fabric with a glossy front and matte back.; Good to knowStructured and luxurious, with a soft sheen in photos.; Stylist tipHeavier satins hold shape; lighter ones drape. Feel both.
Silk crepe: Matte, finely textured fabric that drapes close to the body.; Good to knowThe signature of minimal, modern dresses.; Stylist tipIt shows the body clearly, so tailoring and undergarments matter.
Tulle: Lightweight netting, often layered for volume.; Good to knowAiry and romantic; the classic ballgown skirt.; Stylist tipSoft tulle moves; stiff tulle holds a dramatic shape.
Chiffon: Sheer, lightweight fabric with a soft flow.; Good to knowIdeal for warm weather and outdoor weddings.; Stylist tipMoves beautifully in wind and on the dance floor.
Organza: Sheer, crisp fabric with more body than chiffon.; Good to knowVolume and structure while staying light.; Stylist tipGreat for sculptural sleeves and 3D florals.
Mikado: Heavy, structured silk blend with a subtle sheen.; Good to knowHolds architectural shapes; modern and regal.; Stylist tipBest for fall and winter and clean, structured silhouettes.
Beaded: Fabric embellished with beads, sequins or crystals.; Good to knowCatches light and photographs with sparkle.; Stylist tipBeading adds weight, so check how it feels after 10 minutes on.

Details

Corset bodice: A structured, boned bodice that shapes the waist.; Good to knowOne of the strongest 2027 trends.; Stylist tipAsk whether the boning is internal or exposed.
Buttons down the back: A row of small covered buttons along the closure.; Good to knowClassic and photogenic.; Stylist tipAsk if there's a hidden zipper underneath; it saves time getting dressed.
Low back: The back dips below the shoulder blades.; Good to knowElegant from every angle; a ceremony-photo favorite.; Stylist tipCheck bra options at the first fitting.
Long sleeves: Sleeves to the wrist, often in lace or sheer fabric.; Good to knowTimeless and great for cooler months.; Stylist tipSheer sleeves keep it light; lift your arms to check movement.
Bows: A bow at the back, shoulder or waist.; Good to knowA big trend; tiny ties are the newest version.; Stylist tipOne bow is chic; many can feel costume-like.
Cape: Fabric draped from the shoulders down the back.; Good to knowDrama without a heavy train; great for cold weather.; Stylist tipOften detachable for the reception.
Dramatic train: Fabric extending well behind the dress.; Good to knowBeautiful for processionals and photos.; Stylist tipAsk how it's bustled for dancing.
Pockets: Hidden side-seam pockets.; Good to knowA favorite once brides have them.; Stylist tipMost seamstresses can add them during alterations.

Veils

Birdcage: A short netted veil covering part of the face.; Good to knowRetro and playful; great for courthouse and city weddings.; Stylist tipPairs best with sleek hair and a simple dress.
Mantilla: A circular, lace-edged veil worn on top of the head, framing the face.; Good to knowSpanish in origin; romantic and dramatic.; Stylist tipChoose a lace edge that complements, not competes with, your dress.
Blusher: A short front layer worn over the face for the processional, then lifted.; Good to knowA traditional moment at the altar.; Stylist tipCan be added as a separate layer to any veil.
Juliet cap: A veil gathered into a cap on the back of the head.; Good to knowVintage, very 1920s-30s.; Stylist tipBeautiful with drop waists and heirloom looks.
Fingertip: Falls to about the fingertips.; Good to knowThe most popular length; works with most dresses.; Stylist tipA safe, elegant choice if you're unsure.
Cathedral: Extends well past the train of the dress.; Good to knowThe most dramatic and formal veil.; Stylist tipPlan for someone to help with it, and for photos with it fanned out.
No veil: Hair accessories, florals or nothing at all.; Good to knowModern and personal.; Stylist tipA hair bow, pin or fresh flowers can do the same job with less fuss.

Shades

Bright white: The crispest, coolest white.; Good to knowVery bright in photos.; Stylist tipHold it next to your face in daylight before deciding.
Soft ivory: White with a warm, creamy undertone.; Good to knowThe most common bridal shade; flattering on most skin tones.; Stylist tipIf you're unsure, start here.
Champagne: Ivory with a golden or beige underlay.; Good to knowWarm, rich and a little vintage.; Stylist tipEspecially beautiful by candlelight.
Blush: White with a soft pink undertone.; Good to knowRomantic and part of the 2027 muted-color trend.; Stylist tipSee it in natural light; blush can read white or pink depending on the room.
Something with color: Pale tints like sky blue, sage or soft gold, or a bold color.; Good to knowPersonal and unexpected.; Stylist tipGreat for a second look if you're not ready to wear it down the aisle.