Tips on Fabrics and Styles of Wedding Gowns, as seen on the Perfect Wedding Guide

Necklines of Wedding Dresses

  • Off the Shoulder – The wedding dress sits just under the shoulder line
  • Spaghetti Straps – Thin or very thin straps that go over the shoulders to back
  • Bateau – “Boat” neckline slightly scooped from shoulder to shoulder
  • Halter – Straps go around the back of neck
  • Scoop – U-shape
  • Square – Square neckline
  • Strapless – No straps
  • Sweetheart – Heart-shaped
  • Jewel – Rounded
  • V-Neck – V-shaped

Fabrics

  • Batiste – Lightweight, sheer, delicate fabric in a plain weave; similar to cotton, but thicker
  • Brocade – Heavy material with a pattern
  • Chiffon – Lightweight, flowing sheer woven fabric with a soft drape
  • Crepe – Lightweight fabric with a “wrinkled” surface
  • Peau de Soie – Is a medium to heavy, drapable fabric with a satin weave and de-lustered finish
  • Damask – Medium weight fabric with pattern formed by weaving
  • Dupioni – Thick, heavy 100% silk
  • Gazar – Sheer stiff fabric similar to organza, linen-like
  • Organdy – Stiffer semi-sheer fabric
  • Organza – Sheer fabric similar to tulle but heavier
  • Polyester – a Man-made fabric often blended with silks or made to mimic a certain type of fabric
  • Rayon – Similar to polyester, but more elastic
  • Satin – Smooth and heavy fabric typically used for wedding gowns. Comes in Silk or Polyester
  • Shantung – Rough textured fabric with lines and “nubby”.
  • Silk – The most popular fabric for wedding gowns. It’s soft and has a beautiful luster
  • Taffeta – Crisp, rustling fabric
  • Tulle – Stiff netting similar to organza but stiffer and coarser

Shapes and Styles

  • 2 Piece – Separate skirt and top.
  • A-line – Fitted bodice with no waist, but gently flares at or near the natural waistline
  • Ball Gown – Traditional full skirt and fitted bodice
  • Mermaid – Very fitted at waist and hips then flares out at knees.
  • Sheath – A very fitted gown; almost tube-like.

Waistlines

  • Basque – Waistline dips below natural waist forming a “V” in the center
  • Dropped – Waistline dips below natural waistline and sits more on hips
  • Empire – High waistline just under bust
  • Princess Cut – Many gowns, especially A-lines, have no defined waist
  • Natural – Waistline sits between the empire and dropped waistlines.