Bridal Lingo Decoded: Your Ultimate Guide to Wedding Dress Terminology

Welcome to the world of bridal fashion, a space where the details hold as much significance as the dress itself, and the language may be a bit more specialised than you’d expect. If you’ve ever found yourself nodding along as your stylist mentions a "trunk show" or the intricacies of "appliqué," you’re not alone. This guide is here to equip you with the essential bridal terms, empowering you to navigate your wedding dress shopping journey with confidence and clarity. Now, without further delay, we present your curated glossary of bridal lingo. Keep it close for whenever you wish to elevate your experience.

Alterations
Your dream gown deserves nothing less than a flawless fit, one that feels as if it were crafted purposefully for you. That’s where expert bridal alterations come in. More than just adjusting a hem or shortening straps, this meticulous process refines every detail, sculpting the gown to your unique silhouette. A skilled seamstress will tailor each element with precision, ensuring your dress moves with you like a second skin. The result? A runway-worthy masterpiece that feels effortless and looks incredible.

Appliqué
The art of appliqué is where bridal design truly comes to life. Those intricate florals, delicate embroidery, and shimmering beadwork you admire on a gown? Each is a carefully placed embellishment, layered onto the fabric to create texture, depth and dimension. From hand-stitched botanical motifs that seem to bloom across the bodice to ethereal lace accents that whisper romance, appliqué is a masterful technique that transforms a gown into a true work of art.

Bespoke
The term bespoke envelopes your vision, your personality and most importantly, your story. It’s the art of crafting something entirely unique, built from the ground up to capture your individual essence and style. When it comes to bridal, bespoke is a deeply personal collaboration between you and the designer, where every stitch, fabric and intricate detail is tailored to your exact desires. Whether you’ve found inspiration in a specific design element or haven’t yet discovered the perfect match, we’re here to help bring your dream gown to life, exactly as you’ve always imagined. This can also be referred to as custom or couture.

Blusher
A blusher is the soft, ethereal layer of tulle that gently veils the bride’s face as she walks down the aisle. This timeless detail adds a touch of mystery and anticipation, creating a beautiful, intimate moment before the grand reveal.

Bodice
The bodice is the uppermost part of your gown that shapes and supports your torso. Whether designed with structured corsetry or soft, flowing draping, the bodice defines your silhouette and sets the tone for your bridal look.

Boning
Boning provides essential structure and support to a gown, creating a sculpted shape that flatters the figure. Typically positioned within the bodice, it ensures the gown stays perfectly in place. In corset-style dresses, boning is often visible, enhancing the silhouette with both stability and confidence. When showcased, visible boning can add a striking, elongating effect that emphasises the torso for a refined and dramatic look.

Bustle
A bustle is a practical feature that lets you move gracefully through your reception without the risk of tripping over your train. After the ceremony, the bustle lifts and secures the train to the back of your gown, allowing you to dance, mingle and move freely while maintaining that polished bridal look. Ordinarily, this is done with a button or buttons and a loop to make pinning your train up nice and easy.

Custom Measurements
For the bride who envisions every detail of her gown, custom measurements are the epitome of personalised precision. Crafted to your exact proportions, this bespoke service minimises the need for extensive alterations, ensuring your dress feels as though it was made exclusively for you. Perfect for brides with unique fit preferences, those who fall between standard bridal sizes or those who appreciate the added luxury of custom measurements offered complimentary by select bridal designers (yes, please). This approach elevates your bridal experience to a whole new level. TVC designers like Alena Leena, Elysian Bridal, Zavana Couture and Esty Style can be ordered with custom measurements. It is important to note, custom measurements do not remove the need for alterations, they simply reduce the quantity of alterations you can expect upon the safe arrival of your gown.

Split Size
Bridal sizing understands that no two bodies are the same, and a split size reflects this. If your bust, waist and hips fall into different standard sizes, your dress can be ordered with the necessary combination of sizes. This eliminates the need for excessive alterations and achieves the closest silhouette that feels tailored to you from the start.

Train
A train is an exquisite extension of your gown that creates a breathtaking silhouette as it trails behind you. From a subtle sweep to a dramatic cathedral length, a train adds movement, grandeur and a touch of drama to your bridal look. Whether adorned with intricate lace, beading or simple flowing fabric, the train elevates your gown to a statement-making masterpiece.

Trunk Show
A trunk show is a special event where you can view and try on a designer's latest collection, often available for a limited time and exclusively at select boutiques. These events offer the unique opportunity to preview new designs before they hit worldwide, often accompanied by special incentives or discounts. It’s the perfect occasion to discover something fresh and ahead of the trends. To be the first to know about our upcoming trunk shows, hit follow on our Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive insider announcements.

Bridal Lingo, Mastered
Armed with these bridal terms, you're now ready to approach your dress shopping with confidence. Understanding these essential details ensures you can make informed decisions and enjoy your bridal journey with clarity. Let this knowledge guide you as you step closer to finding your dream gown.

Any others you can think of? Flick us an email so we can expand on this glossary.