LENGTHS Ankle Reveals the ankles, slightly shorter than floor length. Floor Skirt is1/2 to 1 1/2 inches from the floor. Short Skirt is at knee level or above. Tea Hemline is several inches above the ankles. STYLES A-Line Two vertical seams follow the A shape, starting from the shoulders and falling to the skirt which then flares out. Ball Gown A tight, fitted bodice and definite waistline with a very full skirt. Basque Waistline An elongated waist, about two inches below the natural waist, that may dip to a point at the center point. Bouffant A very, very full skirt, most often accompanied by a hoop slip Box-Pleated Skirt A natural waist, with deep pleats of parallel fabric folds. Empire Characterized by a very high waist (right under the bust); the skirt is fairly slim. Mermaid A very slim-fitting dress that ends in a little fishtail skirt. Natural Waist The bodice and skirt are joined by a seam at your natural waistline. Princess A fitted shape defined by vertical seams; has a seamless waist and flares slightly to hem. Redingcoat Skirt An A-line or sheath with an overskirt, giving the appearance of an open skirt. Sheath Like the mermaid, this very modern style is form-fitting, usually with a flare at the bottom. Shirred Waistline A waistline characterized by gathered fabric that creates a horizontal panel at the waist. Tiered Skirt This features a series of layers or panels that fall in graduated lengths to the floor. TRAINS Sweep The shortest train, it extends back 8 to 12 inches after touching the floor. Chapel Extends 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 feet from the waist. Semi-Cathedral Extends 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 feet from the waist. Cathedral Extends 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 feet from the waist. Extended Cathedral/Monarch Extends 12 feet (or more) from the waist. Watteau A train attached at your shoulders instead of at the waistline (can be sheer like a veil). Note: If your dress does not have a detachable train, you will need to bustle it so you can move around freely at the reception. This entails pulling the train up and attaching it to your dress by tiny hooks sewn into the back of the gown and the train. VEILS Ballet/Waltz Falls to the ankles; this is also becoming popular, in simple, multiple layers. Blusher A short veil worn over the face. After the ceremony, it is turned back over the headpiece. The blusher can often be attached to a longer veil or a hat. Cathedral-Length The longest of veils, generally at least 3 ½ feet in length. Trails behind the bride several feet and attaches to headpiece or waist Fingertip Several layers of veiling that extend to the fingertips. Fly-Away Multiple layers of veiling that brush the shoulders; usually worn with informal, ankle-length dresses, but this style is becoming more and more popular with all kinds of gowns. SLEEVES Cap The shortest of sleeves, it traditionally covers the shoulder only. Fitted Very close to the arm, no excess material. Juliet Fitted A tightly fitted sleeve with a small pouf at the shoulder. Leg of Mutton Very full at the shoulder, the sleeve remains full until it narrows to become very fitted at the forearm. Melon An extravagantly rounded sleeve that extends from shoulder to elbow. Off-the-Shoulder Exactly what it sounds like- the sleeves have a sort of "fallen" look, like they fell off your shoulders Poet A fitted long sleeve with an outward flare just above the wrists. Spaghetti Straps Simple straps between 1/8" and 1" wide Three-Quarter A sleeve that ends between the elbow and middle forearm- can be fitted or loose Tulip A cap sleeve made of overlapping fabric that curves into a petal like shape over the top of the arm. NECKLINES Boat (bateau) Straight across shoulders with a slight dip in front Band Like a mock turtleneck, this high neckline circles the neck. Decolletage A revealing, deep, plunging neckline. Halter A la Marilyn Monroe, the neckline scoops in front and ties behind the neck, leaving your arms bare. Illusion Yoke Has transparent fabric from the neckline to the bust line. Jewel A high neckline which follows the natural shape of your shoulders and neck. Keyhole Back A tear-shaped opening, either small and close to the nape of the neck or larger and dominating the back of a gown. Queen Anne A high-standing collar with a sweet-heart style cut in front. Scoop Neck A low, curved neckline cut deep in the back, front, or both. Square Forms a half-square around the neck. Strapless Neckline A neckline designed to reveal the shoulders, often designed with a coordinating jacket or wrap. Sweetheart Heart shaped; there are many variations of this look.

Wedding Gown Terms

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