A Guide to Bridal Gown Sleeves

Last week, you learned all about the different bridal gown silhouettes and necklines offered; today you'll learn the last section: sleeve lengths. There are so many options to choose from when it comes to sleeve length, but don't worry, the guide below will help you distinguish between them.

Strapless: A strapless gown is just as it sounds: there are no straps.

Halter: A halter is created through straps wrapping around the back of the neck.

Spaghetti: A spaghetti-strap gown has thin, single shoulder straps. This gives security, while still showing off a bride's shoulders.

Straps: Gowns with straps feature thicker straps than a spaghetti, attaching at the neckline.

Sleeveless: A sleeveless gown is similar to a gown with straps, only it's one continuous piece of fabric without sleeves.

Cap: Capped sleeves cover the shoulders, but don't extend beyond the armpit.

Flutter: Flutter sleeves are short-sleeves that are wider at the bottom, creating a draped effect.

Short-sleeve: Sleeves of this style extend midway between the shoulder and elbow.

Elbow-sleeve: Elbow-sleeve gowns feature sleeves that extend to the elbow.

3/4-sleeve: These sleeves extend midway between the elbow and wrist.

Long-sleeve: This is the most fabric sleeves can have, with the sleeves going to the wrist.

For spring and summer weddings, I love anything that shows off a bride's shoulders. For fall and winter weddings, I love the idea of covering up a little, whether that be short- or long-sleeves, to tie in the season's weather.

What style of sleeve do you like best?

Dress Sources (from Left to Right):

Strapless 1 2 3 | Halter 1 2 3 | Spaghetti 1 2 3 | Straps 1 2 3 | Sleeveless 1 2 3 | Cap 1 2 3 | Flutter 1 2 3 | Short 1 2 3 | Elbow 1 2 3 | ¾ 1 2 3 | Long 1 2 3

Photography Sources (from Left to Right):

Strapless 1 2 3 | Halter 1 2 3 | Spaghetti 1 2 3 | Straps 1 2 3 | Sleeveless 1 2 3 | Cap 1 2 3 | Flutter 1 2 3 | Short 1 2 3 | Elbow 1 2 3 | ¾ 1 2 3 | Long 1 2 3

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

A Guide to Bridal Gown Necklines

Now that you know the different types of bridal gown silhouettes, it's time to learn the different types of necklines. Below is a complete guide to the different styles of necklines offered to brides on their big day.

Straight Across: This type of strapless cut is just as it sounds - straight across the top of the dress.

Sweetheart: A sweetheart neckline is shaped like the top of a heart. It is most commonly a strapless style, but can also be accompanied by straps.

Modified Sweetheart: A modified sweetheart neckline is the same as a sweetheart neckline, but is less pronounced at the center.

Asymmetrical or One-Shoulder: An asymmetrical cut is often called a one-shouldered gown, as it features a single strap, cut asymmetrically across the dress.

Off-the-Shoulder: An off-the-shoulder neckline has straps that sit below the shoulders, showcasing the collarbone and shoulders, covering part of the upper arm.

Portrait: A portrait neckline is meant to frame the face. It features a wide, soft scoop from the top of one shoulder to the other.

Bateau: A bateau neckline cuts straight across, following the curve of the collarbone, almost to the tip of the shoulders.

Jewel: A jewel neck is similar to that of a t-shirt as its round and sits at the base of the throat.

Scoop: A scoop-neck is defined by its u-shaped neckline.

Square: A square neckline follows the shape of the bottom half of a square.

V-Neck: This neckline dips down in the front in the shape of a "V."

Illusion: An illusion neckline features sheer fabric or lace along the top of the bodice that extends to fit near the neck. This neckline is perfect for brides who like the look of a strapless or off-the-shoulder gown, but don't feel comfortable in a dress without true straps.

Queen-Anne: This old-fashioned style is defined by a turtlneck neckline, secured in a collar-like fashion around the back of the neck. It creates a beautiful shape around the bride's neck and décolletage.

Which type of neckline do you love most?

Dress Sources (from Left to Right):

Straight Across: 1 2 3 | Sweetheart: 1 2 3 | Modified Sweetheart: 1 2 3 | Asymmetrical: 1 2 3 | Off-the-Shoulder: 1 2 3 | Portrait: 1 2 3 | Bateau: 1 2 3 | Jewel: 1 2 3 | Scoop: 1 2 3 | Square: 1 2 3 | V-Neck: 1 2 3 | Illusion: 1 2 3 | Queen-Anne: 1 2 3

Photographer Sources (from Left to Right):

Straight Across: 1 2 3 | Sweetheart: 1 2 3 | Modified Sweetheart: 1 2 3 | Asymmetrical: 1 2 3 | Off-the-Shoulder: 1 2 3 | Portrait: 1 2 3 | Bateau: 1 2 3 | Jewel: 1 2 3 | Scoop: 1 2 3 | Square: 1 2 3 | V-Neck: 1 2 3 | Illusion: 1 2 3 | Queen-Anne: 1 2 3

A Guide to Bridal Gown Silhouettes

Finding your wedding gown is an incredibly exciting time, but can sometimes be confusing. Should you go with a trumpet or a mermaid? What makes those styles different?

Below is a guide to help you answer those questions and more. Enjoy narrowing in on your choice of silhouette and saying yes to the dress!

 Ballgown: A ballgown silhouette features a fitted bodice that flares at the waist into a full skirt.

A-line: An a-line silhouette also has a fitted bodice, but rather than flaring at the waist, it flows to the ground. It loosely resembles an upper case "A" with an unbroken line.

Modified A-line or Fit & Flare: This style features a silhouette that is fitted through the bodice and hips, and gradually flares to the hem. The lower half of the dress resembles an upper case "A." 

Trumpet: A trumpet gown is fitted through the body and flares at the mid-thigh. 

Mermaid: A mermaid gown is fitted through the body and flares at the knees. 

Sheath or Column: A sheath, sometimes called column, gown is narrow in shape, flowing from the neckline to the hem.

Tea-length: The skirt hem of a tea-length gown falls between the ankle and the knee.

What's your favorite silhouette of wedding gowns?

Sources (Left to Right):
Ballgown: 1 2 3 | A-line: 1 2 3 | Fit & Flare: 1 2 3 | Trumpet: 1 2 3 | Mermaid: 1 2 3 | Sheath: 1 2 3 | Tea-Length: 1 2 3