Shopping for bridesmaids dresses can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. There are so many styles, colours, and fabrics to choose from, and it can be challenging to understand the different terms used to describe them. To help you navigate the world of bridesmaids dress shopping, we have put together a guide to common bridesmaids dress lingo that you need to know.

Neckline

The neckline refers to the shape of the dress around the neck and shoulders. The most common neckline styles for bridesmaids dresses are:

Strapless: A dress without straps or sleeves, with a straight or curved neckline that sits above the bust.

V-neck: A neckline that dips down in a V-shape, usually with straps or sleeves.

Sweetheart: A neckline that forms a heart shape, usually with straps or sleeves.

Halter: A neckline that has a strap that goes around the neck, with the back of the dress left open.

One-shoulder: A neckline that features one strap or sleeve that sits on one shoulder, leaving the other shoulder bare.

Scoop: A neckline that is rounded and scoops down in a U-shape.

Silhouette Bridesmaids dresses

The silhouette refers to the overall shape of the dress. The most common bridesmaids dress silhouettes are:

A-line: A dress that is fitted at the waist and flares out gradually to the hemline, creating an A-shape.

Sheath: A dress that is fitted from the neckline to the hemline, creating a slim and streamlined shape.

Ballgown: A dress that is fitted at the bodice and flares out dramatically to the hemline, creating a full and voluminous skirt.

Empire: A dress that has a high waistline that sits just under the bust, with the rest of the dress falling straight to the hemline.

Hemline Bridesmaids dresses

The hemline refers to the length of the dress from the waist to the hem. The most common bridesmaids dress hemlines are:

Floor-length: A dress that falls to the floor, usually with a small train at the back.

Tea-length: A dress that falls to the mid-calf.

Knee-length: A dress that falls to the knee.

Mini: A dress that falls above the knee.

Fabric of Bridesmaids dresses

The fabric of a bridesmaids dress is one of the most important aspects to consider, as it affects both the look and feel of the dress. Common fabrics used in bridesmaids dresses include:

Chiffon: A lightweight, sheer fabric that drapes beautifully and is often used in flowy, romantic dresses.

Satin: A shiny, smooth fabric that has a luxurious look and feel, often used in more formal dresses.

Tulle: A fine, net-like fabric that is often used in full, voluminous skirts.

Lace: A delicate, intricate fabric that is often used in dresses to add a touch of femininity and elegance.

Colour

Choosing the right colour for your bridesmaids dresses is a crucial decision that sets the tone for your wedding. Common bridesmaids dress colours include:

Neutral: Such as white, ivory, beige, and grey. These colours are classic and timeless, and work well in any wedding setting.

Pastel: Such as blush, lavender, and mint. These colours are soft and romantic, and work well in spring and summer weddings.

Bold: Such as red, navy, and emerald. These colours make a statement and work well in fall and winter weddings.

Metallic: Such as gold, silver, and rose gold. These colours add a touch of glamour and work well in formal and evening weddings.