Top Ten Bridal Fashion/Style Terms

Have you ever purchased a widescreen TV, camera or a laptop? Every industry has its own terminology and many insiders forget that not every customer is familiar with the expressions. It can be a huge learning experience with a whole plethora of alien terms and phrases.  The bridal industry is no different.  Many people know the different fabrics and ornate flourishes found on bridal gowns, such as those wonderful dresses available in the Wedding Boutique. However, there are some who don’t.  So this article will detail some of the more unique phrases on our elegant wedding gowns.

Bodice – part of the dress from the neck to the waist

Fishtail – A figure hugging, slinky style which narrows at the knee and then flares to fullness around the ankles giving it its fishtail name

Boning - rigid strips of ‘bone’ which is sewn into the bodice giving the garment shape and rigidity. This is an excellent way of giving the wearer waist definition and support.

Dupion silk – sometimes referred to as raw silk. Dupion has a slightly stiff feel, but is not too heavy, and is easily identified by the occasional “slubs” or lumpy horizontal lines within the weave.

French Alençon lace – A French needlepoint lace with a floral design on a sheer net background.

French Chantilly lace – a handmade bobbin lace named after the city of Chantilly, France known for its fine ground, outlined pattern, and abundant detail.

Silk georgette – Lightweight semi-sheer silk with a fine, barely discernible crepe surface; has a softer hand than chiffon but is less transparent.

Silk chiffon – A very lightweight, sheer, flat-crepe textured silk with a dull, soft finish.

Ruching - Ruching is a sewing technique in which fabric or ribbon is gathered in a repeating pattern to form ruffles, scallops, or petals.

Liquid silk satin – A thicker weave silk with a luxurious flow and sheen. Often cut on the bias to hug the body.