We have been selling
Wedding Dresses &
Bridesmaid Dresses
For over 30 years!!!

Back Shoulder Measurement

This is the measurement from shoulder blade to shoulder blade. It is also called the Center Back.

Backpiece

A somewhat generic headpiece term used to describe any headpiece that attaches to the hair at the back. It is often a bow or cluster of flowers.

Ballerina

Ballet Veil

This term describes a tier of veiling that is approximately 60" in length. It comes to about your knees. It is sometimes referred to as a Ballet or Princess length. 

Ball Gown

The ball gown is a classic shape with a fitted bodice and very full skirt that brushes the floor. The pick-up skirt is a modern interpretation of this silhouette. 

Basque

A fitted bodice with a dropped waist that dips in the center. This style visually elongates the waist and narrows the hips.  

Bateau

French for "boat," this neckline opens from one inch of each shoulder with only a light curve. Similar to a Sabrina Neck. A variation is the Portrait Neckline.

Battenberg

Large cutout lace pattern of delicate floral or geometric designs.

Beading

Pearls, crystals, sequins, bugle beads and/or rhinestones that create patterns on a simple background for added sparkle.  

Bell Sleeve

A fitted sleeve that flares between the elbow and the wrist.

Bertha Collar

A decorative collar which is attached to the neckline. It ranges in length from 9 to 18 inches. It is often trimmed in lace. 

Bias Cut

If you look closely at most fabrics, you can see they are woven on a grid pattern (the warp and weft). Fabric is usually cut straight across these vertical or horizontal lines. A cut is made on the bias when it is made at a diagonal to the warp and weft. Typically, fabric cut on the bias moves and drapes very well.

Bishop Sleeve

The sleeve is alternately full and gathered from shoulder to wrist. Typically where it is gathered there will be a thin ribbon stitched. A full sleeve set into a normal armhole and gathered on a band. 

Blemish

A jewelry term referring to any flaw on the outside of a stone, like nicks, scratches or chips. 

Blue-White

A jewelry term referring specifically to diamonds that glow under ultraviolet light. 

Blusher Veil

A single tier of veiling used to cover the face before the ceremony, then removed or flipped back. Also called shoulder length veil.  

Bolero

Cropped jacket that remains open in the front. May not necessarily close shut. 

Bouffant Slip

The fullest skirt available. It makes your waist look very small. The bouffant is especially effective in Tulle or Duchesse.

Brilliance

The white light reflected back from a diamond.

Brocade

A heavier fabric woven with a rich raised design to create a tone-on-tone pattern. Often the pattern is a floral or ribbon design. A lighter weight alternative to brocade is damask. This is sometimes referred to as Jacquard.

Brush Train

Shortest train. It just sweeps or brushes the floor. Very effective on a slim fitting gown. 

Bubble Shaped Veil

A veil designed in a "bubble" or fountain shape to create a voluminous look. 

Bugle Beads

Long, tubular shaped glass beads.

Bun Holder/Wrap

A medium to small circular headpiece that wraps around a bun. Often decorated with beads or lace.

Bust Measurement

Take the tape around your back and bring it across your nipple line (typically the fullest part of the breast). Your arms should be relaxed, down at your sides.

Bustier

A bodice style which has no straps or sleeves. Many religious sites do not allow them and you will need to buy a coordinating jacket for your service. Also known as a Strapless or Corset.

Bustle

Very common in Victorian and Edwardian times, bustles are a pulling up and fastening of fabric at the back of a dress where the bodice meets the skirt. Many wedding gowns' trains may be bustled, pulled up, so they are out of the way at the reception. See also, French Bustle.

Butterfly Bow

At the back, large bow (hence, "butt bow") or fabric flowers where the bodice meets the skirt. Often the bustle is formed just below.

Butterfly Sleeve

Very similar to a Bell Sleeve, but the ends of the sleeves are actually connected behind the back.