bridal gowns 101: breaking down the options
As my daughter and I made our way from one dress consultation to the next by way of appointments at several bridal boutiques in the D.C. metropolitan area, we found ourselves becoming dizzy from the overwhelming choices. Who knew wedding gowns came in such a bewildering amount of options! So I thought, with the wedding season approaching soon, it may be useful to share some of the dress terms to help those soon to be brides find the most perfect style.
It seems May, June, September, and October are considered the peak season for weddings, but no matter the month, there are a dizzying amount of style options. Which is why most bridal boutiques require an appointment with one of their trained dress experts to provide you with the attention needed when selecting a wedding gown, which can range in price from $1,500 to more than $20,000.
And, of course, once you’ve chosen your wedding dress, then it’s time to choose the jewels, and there’s nothing more beautiful than pearls! That’s why Coco Blanca keeps replenishing our bestselling collection of baroque pearls from Italy. Every bride will glow even brighter wearing these fabulous pearls, with their stunning and natural luminescence.
DRESS LENGTH
Floor, Ankle, Tea, Above knee, and Knee
TRAIN LENGTH
Cathedral: The longest, and usually 2-1/2 yards
Chapel: usually 1-1/3 yards
Court: generally hangs 3 feet behind waist
Sweep/Brush: the shortest
SILHOUETTE
Mermaid: body hugging to the knee, then flares out to the hem
Sheath: also fits closely to the body, but hangs straight down with no waist
Ball gown: contours to the bodice with a waistline leading to a full skirt
A-line: just as it sounds, has an outline like a capital “A”
Trumpet: similar to the Mermaid, but flairs from mid-hip instead of below the knee
WAISTLINE
Empire: the dress flows down from a raised waistline sitting just below the bust
Princess: vertical seams running down the front of an A-line silo
Basque: low U- or V-shape waistline
Natural: waist line hits between the hips and the rib-cage
Dropped: waistline hits at mid-hip
FABRICS
Silk, Cotton, or Polyester, all available in different weaves
WEAVE
Charmeuse: semi-lustrous, soft with satin-like touch
Satin: smooth with high sheen on visible side
Tulle: ballerina-like netting
Taffeta: smooth and crisp
Crepe: thin, crinkled surface
Shantung: rough, nubby texture like raw silk
Dupioni: the most popular of silk blends, very similar to Shantung but slightly rougher texture with a slight sheen
Faille: one of the more structured silks, glossy, finely ribbed
Moiré: heavy, crisp silk taffeta with a watery-like design
Georgette: sheer, crepe surface
Peau de soie: soft satin textile with a dull luster and grainy appearance with a heavy twill weave
Chiffon: sheer and quite transparent, usually layered
Organza: similar to chiffon, with a stiffer texture
NECK STYLE
Square, Sweetheart, Scoop, V-neck, Sheer (net or lace), Halter, Off the Shoulder, One shoulder, Strapless (sweetheart or slight curve), Bateau, Queen Ann and High Neck
SLEEVE STYLE
Straps, Strapless, Sleeveless, Spaghetti Straps, Cap Sleeve, Short Sleeve, 3/4 Sleeve and Long Sleeve
- About the boutique
Using the soothing color palette of a coconut by the sea—whites, neutrals and splashes of turquoise—Coco Blanca has created a trademark look. Her lifestyle boutique offers expert solutions for home design and women’s fashion—blending a clean, fresh, sophisticated, feel-good style.
210 South Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.535.8002
