Terms You Need to Know Before You Go Wedding Dress Shopping

When it comes to bridal gowns, there is a whole new world of silhouettes, designs, fabrics, and cuts that you never knew existed and they can easily make your head spin. So if you don’t know Charmeuse from satin and Chantilly from Giupure lace, then definitely keep reading and make yourself familiar with the basic terms of wedding dress lingo.

Bustle
If you have chosen a gorgeous gown with a long train, then you’ll definitely need a bustle added to your dress so you can move freely (and dance!) at your reception. It pulls the back of your gown and with a few options to choose from you can pick one that matches the style of your dress.

Bodice
This is the upper part of a wedding dress but it does not include the sleeves. The difference between a bodice and a corset is that a corset is meant to be worn as shapewear underneath the dress, while bodices are meant to be visible.

Boning
If you pick a strapless wedding gown, chances are it will have boning inserted in the seams to prevent the bodice from drooping.

Train
This is the long back part of your dress that trails behind you. There are several types you can choose from like cathedral that’s perfect for a formal wedding and starts at the waist, and fishtail which is much shorter and flares out from the knee.

Silk Mikado
This blend of silks is heavier and preferred for winter weddings. It is also a great option for structured gowns.

Organza
Usually made by blending silk with synthetic fabrics, organza keeps some of the qualities of silk—it’s lightweight, sheer, and smooth to the touch. Because it’s stiff, it is widely used to create fuller skirts for wedding dresses.

Taffeta
Similar to organza, taffeta (Persian for twisted woven) is also made from and looks like silk, but it has a more textured feel to it. If you are going for a ballgown silhouette, consider using taffeta for your skirt.

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Crêpe
This is a fabric that has distinctively crimped or grainy surface. It can be used to create beautiful drapery.

Chantilly Lace
Named after the French city of Chantilly, this type of bobbin silk lace has a web-like floral pattern and is the lightest and most delicate of all laces.

Guipure Lace
A type of handmade lace where the motifs are connected with plaits rather than mesh or net.

Charmeuse
Charmeuse is very similar to satin in that it has the same sheen, but it is much lighter and softer. Unfortunately, just like satin, charmeuse shows sweat easily so if you are planning an outdoor summer wedding, opt for a different fabric.

Tiers
A tiered skirt usually falls in a series of multiple layers that would look gorgeous on a boho or art deco-inspired dress.

Illusion back
A sheer panel attached to the back of the bodice that would look incredibly sexy if constructed of lace.