Generic Wedding Gown Descriptions

Generic Wedding Gown Descriptions

A. NECKLINES

1. Bateau- Follows a line curving slightly downward below the collarbone from shoulder to shoulder.
2. De'colletage- Plunging, cleavage revealing neckline.
3. Fichu collar- Similar in shape to portrait collar but envelops more off the shoulders with shawl like effect.
4. High Neck- Covering collar extending to just below jawline.
5. Illusion- Transparent lace or netting that begins at high or jeweled neckline and ends just above the bustline.
6. Jewel- Circles the base of the neck.
7. Portrait Collar- Wraps around shoulders, gathering at a point just above the bustline in front center.
8. Queen Anne- High at the back and sides of the neck, angling outward and then across top of bustline.
9. Queen Elizabeth- High standing collar in back of the neck that flows to a V-front.
10. Sabrina- Straight neck line beginning 2" inside the shoulder line; slightly higher that bateau neckline.
11. Scoop- Low, rounded neckline.
12. Square- Shaped like half a square.
13. Sweetheart- Begins 2" inside the shoulder line and dips to a heart shape at bustline.

B. SLEEVES

1. Balloon- Very large pouf sleeve extending from shoulder to elbow.
2. Bishop- Softly gathered at the shoulders and full to the cuffs
3. Cap- Very short fitted sleeves that just cover the shoulders.
4. Fitted Point- Long sleeves with little or no fullness that fall just below the waist.
5. Gauntlet- Lace or fabric that covers forearm and wrist (detachable).
6. Juliet- Long sleeve with poufed top. Fitted on the lower arm.
7. Leg of Mutton- Full and rounded from shoulder to just above the elbow, tapering to more fitted sleeve from forearm to wrist.
8. Pouf- short, full, gathered sleeve, can be worn on or off the shoulder

C. LACES

1. Alencon- Delicate floral or leaf design in a fine net background outlined with heavy threads to define the pattern and add dimension.
2. Battenberg- Made by applying a coarse linen tape to the design and connecting tape with decorative linen stitching.
3. Chantilly- Web-like floral pattern on a lace background outlined with silk threads, soft to the touch.
4. Point D'Esprit- Oval or square dots woven in a pattern on net fabric.
5. Schiffli- Intricate floral pattern embroidered directly onto the gown as opposed to a separate lace sewn to the fabric.
6. Lyons- Ornamental design on a net background outlined in silk or cotton.
7. Venise- Heavy needlepoint, floral or leaf pattern with motifs connected by bars.

D. WAISTLINES

1. Asymmetrical- Begins at the natural waistline and angles down to one side.
2. Basque- Slightly elongated, dipping to a point at the center front.
3. Dropped- Falls to several inches below the natural waistline.

E. DRESS LENGTH

1. Ballet- Hemline falls just above the ankles.
2. Floor- Hemline falls ½" to 1 ½" from floor.
3. Intermission- Hemline falls mid-calf in front, floor length in back.
4. Street- Hemline just covers knees.
5. Tea- Hemline falls several inches above ankles

F. SKIRT DETAILS

1. Bustle- Gathering of fabric at the back waistline of gown.
2. Flounce- Wide piece of fabric of lace, gathered and attached at the hem.
3. Peplum- Short overskirt of flounce starting at the waistline.
4. Tiered- Layered panels of fabric that fall from the waist to the hem in varying lengths.

G. TRAINS

1. Catherdral- Extends 2 ½ yards from the waist.
2. Chapel- Extends 1 & 1/3 yards from waist.
3. Court- Extends 1 yard from waist.
4. Extended Cathedral or Royal- Extends 3 yards from waist.
5. Sweep- Short train, barely sweeps the floor.
6. Watteau- Attaches at the shoulders of the gown.

H. SILHOUETTES

1. Ballgown- Sleeves may be short and full or off the shoulder with a natural waistline and very full skirt.
2. Empire- High waist that starts just beneath a fitted bodice with a slim skirt.
3. Mermaid- Narrow, body-hugging style with a skirt flaring from or just below knee.
4. Princess- Vertical seams extended from shoulders to hem with skirt curving outward at waistline.
5. Sheath- No-waisted, narrow, form-fitting style.

I. HEADPIECES

1. Floral Wreath- Circle of flowers that sits on top of the head or rests at mid-forehead.
2. Half Hat- Small hat covering half or less than half the crown.
3. Juliet Cap- Small cap that hugs back of head.
4. Mantilla- Lace-trimmed veiling that frames the face and is usually secured with a comb.
5. Picture Hat- Wide brimmed hat, usually decorated with lace, pearls, or sequins.
6. Pillbox- Structured, rounded, brimless hat worn on top of the head.
7. Profile- Floral comb worn asymmetrically on one side of the head and adorned with lace, pearls, or crystals.
8. Tiara- Ornamental crown of pearls, crystals, rhinestones, or lace worn on top of the head.

J. VEILS

1. Ballet or Waltz Length- Falls to the ankle.
2. Blusher- Shot, single veil worn forward to cover bride's face as she enters ceremony and worn back afterward, usually attached to longer veil.
3. Cathedral Length- Falls 3 ½ yards from headpiece, usually worn with cathedral train.
4. Chapel Length- Falls 2 ½ yards from the headpiece.
5. Fingertip Length- Touches fingertips when arms are held straight at sides.
6. Fly-Away- Multi layers that brush shoulders, usually worn with an informal dress.
7. Pouf- Short, gathered veiling attached to a headpiece, usually worn with an informal dress.

Generic Wedding Gown Descriptions