When shopping for your wedding dress, you should first consider which gown style you prefer. When selecting your wedding gown style, consider the silhouette, sleeves, neckline, bodice and train. Following is guide to the basic terminology of popular wedding gown styles.

The Silhouette

* A-line - The A-line or princess dress has no marked waist and the vertical seams flow from the shoulders down to a flared skirt, creating a "A" shape.

* Ball Gowns - These gowns normally quite formal, reminding you of Cinderella. The bodice is fitted with a very full skirt.

* Empire - Empire gowns have a raised waistline that starts right under the bust, flowing to a slim (but not body-hugging) skirt.

* Mermaid - As the name indicates, the mermaid dress is contoured against the body then the gown flows out beginning around the knees. This is the sexiest of the styles.

* Sheath - The sheath or column dress has a slim shape that follows close to the line of the body. The straight design is form-fitting and doesn't allow for many body flaws.

The Sleeves

* 3/4 sleeves - end between the elbow and wrist.

* Bell - long sleeves, flare out toward the wrist creating a bell shape.

* Cap - rounded sleeves, just covering shoulders.

* Fitted point - long, fitted sleeves that come to a point over the hand.

* Juliet - long, fitted sleeves with puffy shoulders.

* Long sleeves - long sleeves that are normally form-fitting.

* Off-the-shoulder Sleeves - cover the upper part of the arm but leave the tops of shoulders exposed.

* Poet - long sleeves, fitted to the elbow then flared.

* Pouf - short sleeves, gathered to create a poufy look.

* Short sleeves - about the length of T-shirt sleeves.

* Sleeveless - strapless with no sleeves.

* Spaghetti straps - thin spaghetti straps with no sleeves.

The Neckline

* Bateau - close to straight across from the tip of the shoulder. Gives plenty of coverage.

* Halter - wraps around the back of the neck to create deep armholes. Often also a backless style, which is very ****.

* High - covers most of the neck. Creates a formal, somewhat stiff look.

* Jewel - similar to that of a T-shirt. Creates a bustier look.

* Off-The-Shoulder - as the name indicates, the top of the shoulders are bare. Showcases your collarbone and shoulders.

* Portrait - a very wide scoop from the tip of one shoulder to the tip of the other.

* Scoop - classic U-shaped neckline. Can be cut low for a more **** look.

* Square - squared neckline, often associated with empire gowns.

* Strapless - normally straight across. Not recommended for women with small busts.

* Sweetheart - shaped like the top half of a heart. Emphasizes the cleavage.

* V-Neck - dips in the front into a V-shape. Can be very deep.

The Bodice

The bodice refers to the portion of the dress between the neckline and skirt.

* Corset - a form fitting bodice with boning and lace-up closures.

* Halter - sleeveless bodice that wraps around you neck, normally backless.

* Midriff - fits very closely around the mid-section, accentuating your waist.

* Surplice - sections of fabric cross wrap in the front or back.

* Tank - sleeveless with wide armholes like tank top.

The Train

* Sweep - 8" to 12" in length, just a few inches longer than the gown.

* Court - extends about 3 feet from the waist.

* Chapel - extends about 4 feet from the waist.

* Cathedral - extends about 6 to 9 feet from the waist.

* Royal - extends more than 9 feet from the waist.

The Veil

* Birdcage - falls right below the chin, usually attached to a headpiece.

* Flyaway - ends at the shoulder.

* Blusher - worn over your face, about 28" long.

* Elbow Length - ends at the elbow or waist.

* Fingertip - ends at the finger tips or just below the waist.

* Ballet - ends at the ankles.

* Chapel - ends slightly longer than dress length.

* Cathedral - 9 feet or longer.

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By: Melissa Ingram

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Wedding dresses with short sleeves, spaghetti straps or those that are sleeveless are definitely getting more popular. A lot of brides now seem to prefer baring their arms. A bride however, should never forget that a long sleeve wedding dress is also still a good option. Why would anyone want to have a long sleeve wedding dress?

Classic History

Wedding dresses have been around for as long as weddings have been. We all know of course that a woman of long ago only had one dress option, a long sleeve wedding dress. It can perhaps be safely assumed that since the medieval era, the long sleeve wedding dress effectively gave off the message of female modesty. A traditional medieval long sleeve wedding dress would have a fully closed neckline and sleeves that went down to cover the fingers. The ancient long sleeve wedding dress however was also a statement of fashion. A wealthy bride could have a long sleeve wedding dress of velvet and damask with trimmings of satin and silk. As part of fashion, sleeve tips could extend down to the floor.

Modern Elegance

The modern long sleeve wedding dress need not follow its ancient look. A present day long sleeve wedding dress does not have to look ancient or vintage at all but still convey female modesty. Long sleeves can easily imply a highly ladylike and modest look regardless of the bodice and neckline cut. It can also effectively bring out the impression of elegant formality.

Basic Purpose

A long sleeve wedding dress has one basic purpose which is to draw attention to your upper parts. If you have hips that are either too full or too small, you may want to draw eyes to your chest and arms instead. Having long sleeves is also a great solution to square shoulders and big arms.

Modern Modesty

Some brides may still prefer a long sleeve wedding dress design simply because of modesty. You can have full long sleeves of the same material as your dress and a simple round neckline. It is possible however to still look modest but also daringly modern. Have the sleeves made of a lighter mesh material and then pick an off the shoulder neckline. You also have the option of a portrait neckline or a low v-neck cut.

For All Seasons

A ¾ or full long sleeve made of the same material as your bodice can help keep you warm and comfortable in a winter wedding. You may still however have an elegant long sleeve wedding dress even in summer. Choose light materials like chiffon and organza if you think the weather will be warm on your wedding day.

Avoid Only If

Elegant long sleeves are unfortunately not for every bride. You should avoid having a long sleeve wedding dress if you are small in stature. You will look out of proportion with a long sleeve wedding dress. You should also just consider having a sleeveless gown if you have beautiful, well-toned arms.

By: Lisa Carter

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