Mastering the Magic of Bridal Lingo
Congratulations you’re engaged, and now you’re diving headfirst into the exciting, yet sometimes overwhelming, world of wedding planning. Don’t worry, I am here to help you with mastering the magic of Bridal Lingo!
In this blog I’ll focus on the 3 most relevant bridal topics and their lingo to help you better understand wedding dress silhouettes, veil styles and bridal fabrics.
Dress Silhouettes: Find Your Perfect Fit
- Ballgown: Think fairytale princess. This full-skirted beauty is perfect for that “Bridgerton” vibe. The full Ballgown skirt is often paired with a tight fitted corset that can accentuate many figures but really not the best choice for the Petite bride as it doesn’t add the length you’re looking for. (Read more on this style here.)
- A-Line: The ultimate “flatter-every-figure” friend! This silhouette hugs your bodice and flows outwards, creating a universally lovely A-shape, gentler than the full Ballgown skirt above. (Read more on this style here.)
- Mermaid: Feeling fierce? A mermaid dress hugs your curves for a bombshell effect, then flares dramatically from the knees for a show-stopping entrance. (Read more on this style here.)
- Fit & Flare: Less dramatic than the Mermaid shape above, this style will still show off your shape beautifully but with a softer feel to the lower end of the dress. (Read more on this style here.)
- Sheath: Simple and elegant, this dress skims your figure for a sleek and sophisticated look. This style is great for the Petite bride as it adds the illusion of height and length. (Read more on this style here.)
Unveiling the Mystery of the veil lengths and styles:
- Blusher: A short and sweet veil that covers your face before being lifted during the ceremony. Perfect for a vintage touch or a cute little mini dress.
- Fingertip: This veil grazes your fingertips, adding a romantic touch without overpowering your dress.
- Chapel: A timeless choice that reaches the floor and often extends a bit beyond. Perfect for a formal ceremony.
- Cathedral: The queen of veils! This one extends well beyond the floor, creating a dramatic and regal look.
One of the tips I give my brides is that I love to extend the veil slightly longer than your dress train, especially if there’s gorgeous detailing along the lower edge (initials, wedding vows, etc). This way as you walk the veil will naturally extend past the end of your dress and create that gorgeous “Just Married” look!
Fabric Jargon: From Fairytale Tulle to Luxurious Lace
- Tulle: The quintessential bridal fabric. It’s light, airy, and creates that dreamy, cloud-like effect. Tulle comes in a silk or polyester version and my advice is to go with the best quality you can afford, especially if it’ll be against your skin all day!
- Satin: Luxurious and shiny, satin adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. Satin can also come in a silk or polyester version as well as a matt or shiny finish. The silk versions are at the high-end of the luxury scale but most bridal satins are now of very high quality. (see my blog on understanding natural silk fabrics here.)
- Lace: Delicate and romantic, lace is perfect for a vintage-inspired or bohemian wedding. The beauty with the modern laces is that they incorporate many new “Forest” style designs as well as the gorgeous floral 3D elements that add the extra romantic touch to any lace details.
- Mikado: Originally only found as a luxurious silk but now there are many stunning polyester Mikados available for the bride on a tighter budget. Both have a beautiful sheen, perfect for a structured and elegant gown, especially the A-Line silhouettes.
In conclusion remember this is YOUR big day, so don’t be afraid to ask when you need to! There’s no way you can turn the clock back after your BIG day, so if you have anything you’re still struggling with simple message me here and let me help you further! Embrace your inner self and have fun finding a dress that reflects your unique style.
Now that you know how to master the magic of bridal lingo, enjoy finding the wedding dress of your dreams!
With love, Jo xx