Glossary - Elderberry Bridesmaids
What do all the terms mean exactly?
Confused by the jargon? Read our jargon buster.
Our glossary of terms is intended to help you with choosing dress styles by describing different types of necklines, silhouettes and sleeves.
Necklines
Halter
A plunging V-collar that fastens in the back leaving the shoulders and back bare.
Illusion Yoke
Has transparent fabric from the neckline to the bust line.
Jewel
Neckline is rounded to fall just around the base of the neck.
Portrait Collar
Has fabric that frames the shoulders, often with gathers and some decorative fabric detailing in the centre above the bust line.
Queen Anne
A high-standing collar with a sweetheart style cut in front.
Sabrina
Lays on the contour of the chest from collar bone to collar bone.
Scoop Neck
A low, curved neckline cut deep in the back, front, or both.
Sweetheart
A low-cut neckline which forms the top half of a heart at the bust line.
Square
Has a half-square cut-out at the neckline.
Silhouettes
A-line Gown
This gown generally has a flared hem and the waistline is not as defined as other types of gowns.
Ball Gown
This gown has a fitted waist and bodice that leads to a very full skirt. This is a more popular style for wedding gowns.
Empire Gown
The waistline of this gown falls right under the bust line. The skirt is not form-fitting but is slimmer than a full skirt.
Princess
A fitted shape defined by vertical seams, has a seamless waist and flares slightly to hem.
Sheath Gown
This is a form fitting gown that usually hugs the hips. This gown often comes with a detachable train.
Sleeves
Cap
A very short sleeve only covering the shoulders.
Dolman
This sleeve generously billows from the armhole down to a gather at the wrist.
Juliet
A long-sleeve with a small pouf at the shoulders extending down to a fitted lower arm.
Tulip
A cap sleeve made of overlapping fabric that curves into a petal-like shape over the top of the arm.
Poet
A fitted long-sleeve with an outward flare just above the wrists.
