So the day has finally come, it’s time to find your dream dress at your wedding gown appointment! At this point you’ve probably been endlessly scrolling Pinterest for weeks getting as much bridal inspo as possible. Maybe you have an exact vision of what the perfect dress looks like. Maybe you love literally every type of fabric and silhouette out there and have convinced yourself that five dress changes will be necessary. Either way, this bridal lingo guide is the perfect place to start your wedding gown selection journey. In this blog, I’ll be covering everything you need to know from fabrics, to cuts, accessories and more. Keep reading and you’ll be a bridal gown expert before you even get to your Love Era appointment…

The Basics (Fabrics & Materials)

As you can imagine, the details of your wedding day like the season, venue, and vibe are all going to dictate what your dream dress could look like. Let’s start with fabrics and material. More specifically, the options that we all know- lace, tulle, chiffon, and silk satin. More than likely, most of the dresses you’re obsessing over are a combination of these fabrics. Here’s what you can expect from each option…

• Lace: As the most popular wedding dress fabric option, lace is extremely versatile. From feminine and romantic chantilly lace to bold and boho geometric lace, this is the quintessential bridal gown material. It’s important to remember how delicate this fabric can be, so keep your venue or setting in mind when exploring this option. Lace doesn’t have to mean classic bridal or one-size-fits-all either. Just look at Julie Vino’s unique lace designs and you’ll see exactly how versatile this fabric can be. 
• Tulle: You’re probably envisioning a classic ballgown as soon as you hear this one. This net-like material can be used to add volume and structure or give a gown that light and airy feel. While you can go for a full tulle skirt to achieve that classic look, tulle is also used to create an illusion necklines or dreamy puff sleeves on your gown. Tulle is lightweight, affordable and versatile, making it a popular option for your wedding veil as well. 
• Chiffon: Ethereal and delicate, chiffon gowns and details will make you feel like a goddess on your wedding day. This lightweight fabric is typically used for overlays and accents (think flowy sleeves and bridal capes) and is great for warmer temperatures. If you’re a boho bride looking for that dreamy and natural look, try a gown with a flowy layered chiffon skirt like this stunning design from Bo & Luca. 
• Silk Satin: One of the most popular fabric options, silk satin wedding gowns exude classic elegance and are truly timeless. This material is soft, sexy, and makes for beautiful and flattering structured silhouettes like this Temple by Bo & Luca design. Silk satin is very durable but not the most forgiving fabric- it can wrinkle easily and will show sweat and spots. Something to keep in mind if you’re planning a sunny summer wedding! 

A few more options to consider…

• Crepe: This fabric is used in combination with a lot of the fabrics above due to its ability to create soft, romantic, and flattering silhouettes. Its structured fibers are ideal for hugging your curves and works well for any season. If you want a dress you can dance in comfortably all night while still showing off your figure, crepe is a great choice. Have your heart set on lace or tulle overlays? Select a dress with a crepe lining to get the best of both worlds- cue this stunner from Bo & Luca as just one example. 
• Georgette: Calling all summer brides, this is the fabric for you. This light and breathable material combines the sexiness of silk with the durability of polyester and the comfort of crepe. If your bridal aesthetic is feminine and romantic, georgette is your match made in heaven. 
• Organza: This fabric will help you achieve that structured and crisp silhouette ideal for a classic wedding aesthetic. Plus, it’s super lightweight and perfect for adding dramatic layers to your train or creating a voluminous skirt. I love this fabric for ethereal spring weddings or secret garden vibes. This hand beaded number from Bo & Luca has to be one of my favorite organza options. 

Shapes & Silhouettes

Now for the fun part! Choosing the shape and style of your dress. It’s important to ask yourself what will make you feel sexy, confident, and comfortable during your wedding day. You also want to come in with an open mind. Maybe you’ve always envisioned rocking a form-fitting mermaid style gown, but the dress you love is difficult to sit in when it’s time for dinner. Or the incredible tulle skirt on that ball gown won’t allow you to show off your dance moves properly at the reception. 

Luckily, there are so many silhouettes to compliment everyone’s unique and beautiful figures. Here’s the bridal lingo you’ll want to know when it comes to shapes and styles…

• A Line: Probably the most popular and universally complimentary wedding dress shape, A-line gowns are fitted to accentuate the waist and flare out over the hips. You’ll have the most amount of options here as these dresses come in just about every neckline, fabric, or aesthetic you can dream of. Just explore Studio Levana’s gown collections and you’ll see what I mean. 
• Mermaid + Trumpet: For the bride looking to show off her silhouette, this shape definitely gives main character energy. This sexy shape hugs your curves and flares out below the knees to give that true hourglass look. Keep in mind that these gowns are meant to accentuate your shape, so be prepared for a tighter fit that might make it tough to dance. But then again, we’ve never been opposed to a dress change…or a few 😉
• Sheath + Column: Classic, elegant and timeless, the sheath style is more relaxed with a straight skirt that will lightly skim over your curves. If you’re looking for a dress that will stand the test of time and feels effortlessly chic, this shape is for you. 
• Fit + Flare: A popular style within the Temple by Bo & Luca line, the fit and flare accentuates your natural shape by cinching at the waist and softly flaring out below the hips. Fit and flare gowns will naturally create an hourglass figure and are truly flattering on anyone. This fit will give you that sexy form-fitting look without feeling tight or restrictive. 
• Ballgown: We all know this classic “princess-style” shape for its key characteristic- a full, billowing (oftentimes tulle) skirt. If you really want to show off your shape, a ballgown adds extra definition by cinching in at your natural waist and creating contrast with a voluminous skirt. Another selling point? This silhouette will literally make you feel like royalty. 

Necklines

The silhouette isn’t the only element of your wedding gown that helps accentuate your figure. The neckline is just as important, and there are so many gorgeous options here. These are some of my favorites and ones that you’ll definitely find at Love Era…

• Strapless: While this one is pretty self explanatory, it comes in a few variations. The sweetheart or semi-sweetheart neckline creates a natural shape and highlights your décolletage for an ultra-feminine feel. While your tailor can help this heart-shaped neckline feel a bit more secure, a modern and classic straight neckline can help you achieve the strapless look while providing a bit more coverage. 
• V-Neck: This timeless option can help give you the appearance of a longer torso and gives a bold yet classic look. Keep the party going by opting for a plunging v-neck to show off even more of your curves. If you’re worried about potential wardrobe malfunctions with this option, an illusion neckline can help you achieve that daring look while feeling sexy and secure. 
• Off The Shoulder: Dreamy and elegant, this neckline has become increasingly popular over the last few years and it’s easy to see why. This subtly sexy option shows off your collarbones and shoulders and can include ethereal tulle sleeves, boho lace long sleeves and even removable draping sleeves for a customizable look (like on the unreal Jasmine Gown from Temple x Bo & Luca). If you love this style but want a little more coverage, a portrait neckline that sits a bit higher on the chest is a beautiful option. 
• Square + Scoop: Both of these timeless shapes are universally flattering and create a sleek and slimming silhouette by accentuating the décolletage and elongating the neck. It’s also the perfect choice for brides who want to show off some special wedding day jewelry. Straps will provide some extra support and comfort and work beautifully with just about any material and silhouette. 
• High Neck: If Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn come to mind when you think of wedding gown inspo, the high neck dress is for you. The epitome of elegance and sophistication, this option can be just as bold as a plunging neckline and looks beautiful on dresses with long sleeves. Illusion lace, dainty mock-necks, or statement sleeves are a great way to add a unique touch to this look. 
• One Shoulder: If your wedding day vision includes European or goddess-like styles, consider choosing a one shoulder wedding dress. It adds a unique touch to your look and will highlight your hair and makeup beautifully. Plus, the strap will give you some support and added comfort for a dress that’s easy to wear from getting ready to last call. 
• Halter:  I love this option for the fashion-forward or retro inspired bride. If you’re envisioning wearing a bridal updo or short hairstyle on your wedding day, the halter wedding dress is the ideal compliment. A sleek silk halter gown is also a beautiful option for your reception look and the supportive neckline will allow you to dance your heart out without worrying about any wardrobe malfunctions. 

Dress Lengths

When it comes to the length of your wedding gown, this is where you can get really creative. While there are only a few options available, opting for something outside the realm of the usual floor length gown can help you achieve a seriously unique wedding day look.

• The Mini: Did someone say cool bride aesthetic? While you could rock this option during the entirety of your wedding day for a badass look, we also love it for a reception or elopement dress. This daring option would also be perfect for warm weather nuptials. Plus, if you’re all about showing off those amazing wedding shoes you bought, the mini hemline is for you. 
• Midi + Tea Length: Falling between the calf and ankle, this dress length exudes stylish elegance and will allow you to achieve that classic bridal look while adding a twist. I love this option for a courthouse or backyard wedding. You can also still have any silhouette you want here from a full skirt to a sleek column look. Win win! 
• Floor Length: The most popular wedding dress option, this length comes nearly to the floor while leaving a slight gap to show off your shoes and help you avoid stepping on your dress all night. If you’re looking for a little more drama, add an overlay skirt or removable train for a customizable look. 
• Trains + Bustles: From chapel to cathedral length, we all love a statement-making train. Ranging from two-to-ten feet long, you can get creative by adding custom lace, sleek buttons, or intricate beading to the length of your train. But beyond your ceremony entrance and wedding photos, this gorgeous style can become a nuisance. That’s where you’ll need your tailor’s help bustling the dress to keep it out of your way while not compromising the beauty of the gown. 

Bridal Accessories 

It’s time for the finishing touches! Nothing screams classic bride and completes your wedding day look like a veil. But adding a veil to your bridal style doesn’t have to mean the classic tulle blusher we’re all thinking of (although we love this option, too). There are so many fun and updated options- pearl embellished, vintage lace trim, tulle ruffles, COLOR… you name it. Something to keep in mind when browsing here is that you don’t want to combat or cover up the elements of your wedding hairstyle or gown, so make sure your veil complements the other aspects of your look instead of competing with them. Here are the most popular options you’ll come across…

• Short + Classic: Starting with the shortest option, the birdcage veil is often made of netting and is the ultimate art-deco inspired veil. From there, a shoulder-length veil (20-22”) is the most traditional option and is great because it won’t take away from the details of your gown. Similar in style is the blusher veil which drapes over your face and gives that drama as you walk down the aisle. What’s nice about the blusher is it can be added to just about any veil, so you get the best of both worlds with this one. 
• Mid-Length: These veils usually fall between 32” and 48” hitting somewhere between the elbows and the knees. A mid-length veil is the perfect weight and won’t feel bulky or overwhelming. These are popular options because the use of sheer fabric will allow the back of your dress to peek through. Choose elbow, fingertip, or knee length based on what best compliments your gown. 
• Cathedral: For the bride who wants that ethereal and show-stopping moment, a chapel or cathedral length veil makes for a seriously dramatic ceremony entrance. A Cathedral veil will fall to about 90” just slightly beyond the back of your gown, while a cathedral veil can be as long as 120” and will likely extend beyond your train. You’ll want to enlist the help of your bridesmaids for this one to keep your dress and train sweeping beautifully behind you- especially for that grand entrance. 

Phew! Clearly we’ve covered a LOT of information in this post. But don’t let it overwhelm you, this guide is meant to educate and inspire you as you get excited for your appointment. The good news is that your Love Era Stylist will be with you every step of the way to ensure you find the perfect dress for your wedding season, venue, aesthetic, and everything in between. 

Want to get on our calendar? Book your appointment today via the link here. You can also check out our designers to get a preview of the dresses you want to try on here. 

If you have any questions in the meantime, don’t hesitate to contact our team. We seriously cannot wait to meet you! alexandria@loveerawedding.com