Wedding Gown Details: Frequently Asked Questions

When a bride starts her search for the perfect wedding gown on the big day, there may be terms and phrases used that may not be recognizable or understandable. This is quite common, so don’t feel bad if you read a wedding gown description and end up scratching your head at some of the description details. Dress designers tend to coin new words and phrases every year, and the list keeps growing. Below is a rundown on some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to wedding gown details.

New Wedding Gown from Pronovias
Stylish wedding gown design from Pronovias.

What is ruching?

Ruching is a type of sewing method used quite often in wedding gowns. Small pieces or strips of fabric or material are gathered in a redundant pattern to create lovely petals, scallops or ruffles. “Ruching” is actually derived from the French word for ruffle. Ruching creates the illusion of a smaller waist or hip line in wedding dresses. It is very popular in plus-sized designs.

What does a modified silhouette mean?

While reading through dress descriptions you will see terms such as “modified A-line” or “modified ball gown.” This simply means that the original silhouette has been altered to be a little different and understated. It still show the style, but in a more subtle way. For example, a modified ball gown may have a less puffy skirt, or a modified a-line may be a tad more form fitting than the norm.

What is a bateau neckline?

A bateau neckline is just another name for a boat neck. It is a higher neckline that stays close to the collarbone. It is a fantastic option for those brides who want to be a little more conservative but still feel sexy on their big day. Popular choices include bateau necklines made from lace or a sheer material.

What is an architectural dress?

Architectural wedding gowns have become popular over the past five years. They are targeted toward the modern or contemporary bride. The term architectural means a very structured gown without lots of movement. Mermaid style dresses lend themselves well to this type of design. Thicker fabrics are used (such as satin or taffeta) for durability.

What are pick-ups?

Many wedding gowns have pick-ups on the skirt—especially ball gowns. This is created by using strategic stitching in the dress skirt every couple or several inches apart to create a ripple effect. It makes the skirt look more traditional and even more full than normal.

See also:
4 biggest monetary concerns for a wedding
5 tips for buying a wedding gown online
Figure flattening gowns