Wedding Gown Silhouettes
Ball Gown - A fitted bodice and a very full skirt is just what Cinderella wore.
A Line or Princess - This is a vertical seam going down to a flared skirt that makes an A.
Sheath - This wedding gown is a slim-fit dress that outlines the body.
Mermaid is form fitting at the top and then starts to go outwards at the knee looking like a mermaid's tail.
Amazon or riding habit style is like a fitted bodice with gigot sleeves and full skirt with bustle. Worn with a jacket it looks very chic.
Wedding Gown Fabrics
Chiffon is a beautiful delicate and translucent fabric that is soft and light.
Satin with pearls is the classic choice for brides with the right amount of sheen, body, and fall.
Tulle is used like chiffon to build body around a slinkier satin skirt. It is firm but soft with a net of silk, cotton, or synthetic fabric.
Taffeta is again a wedding favorite and is available in different finishes. It is stiff enough to work as a lining or outer fabric.
Brocade is a marriage of raised patterns on a satin background. It is a beautiful fabric and denotes richness.
Faille is a gros grain member but is definitely shinier and smoother. Its heaviness makes it perfect for fuller, layered gowns.
Mousseline de Soie is silk muslin which has a crisp texture and is much like chiffon.
Peau de Soie, literally translated from French into "skin of silk", is a soft heavy twill ribbed satin-weave fabric that drapes the best and has a grainy appearance and a dull lustrous finish.
Silk Satin Organza is a lighter cousin of organza which is satiny in feel and has a soft shimmering quality. Also called Zibeline or organzine satiné, it is also expensive.
Wedding Gown Neck Styles
Off shoulder is the style that flatters everyone and sits on the arms below the shoulders and shows off the collarbone and shoulders.
Portrait is the same as above, but the fabric covers the shoulders. It has a wide scoop from one shoulder to another.
Sabrina/Bateau is what you also call boat-neck and showcases the décolletage. It is cut in a line across the collarbone to the shoulder tips.
V-Neck and U-Neck are just what their names state.
Sweetheart is the lovely heart shaped neckline that has the top half of the heart. It works on the décolletage and is great for full chested women.
Halter is a very sexy style that wraps around the neck and leaves the arms.
Finally, the back of your wedding dress is equally important, as that is what your guests are going to see when you are at the altar during the wedding ceremony, so make sure that it looks equally stylish.
