NECKLINES:     The style of the dress neckline will frame your face.  Make sure it sits appropriately no matter what way you would move in it.

         What is …

Bateau - slightly curved \below the collarbone follows this from shoulder to shoulder, often dipping in front, usually    trimmed in lace

Jewel - sits so as just to circle the base of the neck similar to a T-shirt

Halter - straps go around to back of neck and generally has a deeper V neck front

 

Off-the-Shoulder - gown sits just below shoulder line and is held up by bodice

Portrait - wide scoop that sits just on shoulder bone

Queen Anne - covers the nape of the neck, plunging in the front, high at the sides and back, with an angled open bodice in a sweetheart shape

Sabrina - straight neckline that starts about two inches inside the shoulder (somewhat higher than bateau) is often trimmed in lace

Scoop - wide "U" shape low and rounded

Spaghetti Straps - thin straps that go over shoulders

Square - square shape at the neckline (particularly flattering for small busted women)

Strapless - no straps, gown is kept up by bodice, neckline is designed to reveal the shoulders and is often  designed with a coordinating jacket or wrap

Sweetheart - open neckline that begins 2 inches inside the shoulder line and dips into a heart shape at the bustline

V-Neck - shaped like a "V"

   SLEEVES:     The sleeve style you select for you gown needs to be what is most flattering on you.  Don’t worry about the season you are getting married in, choose what looks best.   It is common to not be able to move your arms very high in formal wear sleeves.

         What are …

Balloon - sleeves are puffy from shoulder to elbow

Bishop - sleeves are somewhat full from shoulder to cuff

Cap - sleeves are short, fitted and cover just the shoulder

Dolman - sleeve very wide at armhole and tight at wrist, often cut in one piece with the bodice

Leg-of-mutton - sleeve characterized by a full puff shoulder and a fitted forearm

Lily point - sleeves are long and fitted and extend to a point on top of the hand just below the wrist  

Peplum - short sleeve with layered panels

Petal – sleeves are short, two overlapping layers for movement

Pouf - sleeves are very short, full sleeves that may be worn off or on the shoulder

 

   WAISTLINES:    This choice can emphasize the positive aspects of your figure and help detract from the negative.

         What is …

Antebellum - natural waistline that dips 2 to 2 1/2 inches to a point in the center front

Apron - overskirt joined at the back waist of the gown   

Asymmetrical - begins at the natural waistline and angles to one side (best for curvaceous figures)

Basque – elongated waistline dips below natural waist forming a "V" in the center

Bustle - exaggerated gathering of fabric or a gathering of fabric caught up with a detail at the back of the gown

Dropped - waistline falls several inches below the natural waistline sits more on hips (makes brides look longer and thinner and waistline slimmer)

Empire - waistline begins just below the bustline

Natural - Waistline sits between the empire and dropped waistlines

Princess Cut - Many gowns especially a-lines have no defined waist

Shirred waistline - waistline characterized by gathered fabric that creates a horizontal panel at the waist

SIL    SILHOUETTES:    This is the overall shape of your wedding gown.  Through trying on a number of dresses you will get a feel for what is most attractive for you body style.

         What is …

2 Piece - separate skirt and top. This may apply to any silhouette.

A-line - fitted bodice with slight flare starting at the waist or higher and going to the floor

Ball Gown - refers to the classic wedding gown silhouette. There is a natural waistline, well defined across and full skirted with a fitted bodice.  This style looks good on most brides.

Basque - is similar to the ballgown, but has a drop waist in a V shape.