Wedding Industry Terminology
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LWPI RESOURCE LIBRARY Wedding Industry Terminology Familiarize yourself with these and other traditional wedding industry terms. A mesh lace background that has been re-embroidered to outline the pattern. Alencon Traditionally used in wedding gowns, this lace usually has a scalloped border that can be used as an accent and along the hem. Ankle Length A dress that just barely reveals the ankles, a tad shorter than floor length. Appliqué Lace or trim pieces that are sewn onto another fabric. A wide necktie (almost like a scarf) that is looped over and held in place beneath the Ascot Tie chin with a tie tack or stickpin. Worn with a wing-collar shirt and the daytime wedding cutaway jacket. B2B Bride-to-be. A comb or a barrette that goes on the back of your head. The veil then attaches to Backpiece the backpiece. Baguette A diamond shaped like a small rectangular stone. May be tapered at one end. Ball Gown A tight, fitted bodice and definite waistline with gathered or pleated full skirt. A veil that falls somewhere between the knee and the ankle. Also known as a Waltz Ballet veil. Collar that stands up around the neck and above the buttons; this is the most Band Collar contemporary style. Band Neckline A high neckline that circles the neck like a turtleneck but is shorter. A cake frosting technique that features interweaving vertical stripes and horizontal Basket Weave lines of frosting to look like a wicker basket. Basque A neckline that follows the collarbone. Basque Waistline A waistline that is below the waist and dips down to a point in the front. A neckline that goes straight across the shoulders with just a small dip in the front. Bateau Neckline Also known as a boat neckline. Beaded Alencon Lace A re-embroidered mesh lace with pearls and sequins sewn onto the lace. A nosegay made up of concentric circles of different flowers for a striped effect of Beidermeier rings (think of an archery target). Assistant to the groom and the head of the groomsmen, he is in charge of the Best Man bachelor party, getting the groom to the church, paying the officiant, signing the marriage license, holding the rings, and giving a toast at the reception. Dress silhouette that is cut on a diagonal grain so that it gently curves to the body Bias Cut through the hips then falls into soft folds at the hem. A veil that falls just below the chin and is worn at informal weddings. Also known as a Birdcage Veil Madonna veil. Blemish An imperfection on the exterior of a diamond, such as a scratch or chip. A short, single layer of veil material. It’s usually worn over the face during the Blusher wedding ceremony and then flipped back over the hair when kissing. BM Bridesmaid; acronym often used in newsgroups or email messages. A neckline that goes straight across the shoulders with just a small dip in the front. Boat Neckline Also known as a bateau neckline. 1 LWPI RESOURCE LIBRARY Bodice The close fitting upper part of a dress. Term used to describe sheer or opaque hosiery providing more support and control in Body Shapers the panty and thigh portion of the garment with maximum support for stomach, hips, thighs, and butt. An Italian term for favors which are passed out to wedding guests as a keepsake in Bomboniere appreciation of their attendance. Flat plastic inserts sewn into a bodice’s understructure. Boning gives shape and Boning support. It allows for a smoother appearance around a body’s curves because it stiffens the outside fabric and prevents creases at the waistline. A single bloom of one or more buds worn by men on the lapel of their jackets. Usually Boutonniere worn on the lapel by grooms, attendants, ushers, and the bride’s and groom’s father. Middle French from bouton for button. A short tie, shaped like a bow that can be worn with a wing or lay down collar. Most bow ties adjust to fit all neck sizes and are available in a variety of widths, colors, and Bow Tie patterns to match the vest or cummerbund, though black is classiest and doesn’t scream ‘high school prom’. Be sure to get a real bow tie and not a clip-on. A satin with a shiny surface, sometimes used as an accent. Not recommended for an Bridal Satin entire dress, as this fabric can be overwhelming. Brilliance The white light that is reflected back from a diamond. An intricately woven jacquard fabric with a raised overall interwoven design giving an Brocade embossed effect. Contrasting metallic yarns often highlight the embossed effect. Bunwrap A band that encircles an up-do type hairstyle. The way a dress with a train is lifted off the ground in a decorative way. There are Bustle several different bustle styles available; your seamstress will design a bustle for your individual dress using snaps and/or hooks. A light, creamy frosting made with softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, egg yolks, and milk or light cream. This uncooked frosting is beaten until light and creamy. It can Butter Cream be flavored and colored in many ways and is used both as a filling and frosting. It is very smooth and stays soft so it is easy to cut through, but it may melt if very hot or humid weather. Candelabra A floral arrangement placed on a candelabrum. The shortest sleeve style, it usually covers only the shoulder, though off-shoulder Cap Sleeves dresses sometimes also have small cap sleeves. The metric carat, which equals 0.200 grams, is the standard unit of weight for Carat diamonds and most other gems. If other factors are equal, the more a stone weighs, the more valuable it will be. Resembles a cascade or waterfall with the flowers flowing downward in a free Cascade flowing, loose appearance. Traditionally made using white flowers such as roses, stephanotis, and white or calla lilies. The most formal veil, it is usually three and a half yards long. Also known as the ‘royal Cathedral veil’. Extends 6 ½ to 7 ½ feet from the waist. Diamond graded based on an internationally accepted system for color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The grading is performed by an independent gemological Certified Diamond organization, and the certificate details of all the characteristics that the diamond possesses, including an estimated retail replacement value for insurance purposes. Delicate bobbin lace design of scrolls and floral on a soft mesh background, often Chantilly with scalloped edges. Good for all-over use on bodices and sleeves when a soft, romantic look is desired. 2 LWPI RESOURCE LIBRARY A formal veil that extends to the floor, the chapel veil is usually seven or eight feet Chapel long. Often paired with a blusher veil or another shorter veil. Extends 3 ½ to 4 ½ feet from the waist. A sheer, transparent soft-flowing fabric made from silk or rayon and used as an Chiffon overlay for dresses. Also used as long neck scarves. Chip The place where a diamond has a tiny piece missing. A single strand of pearls worn around the collar; the most classic style of pearl Choker Necklace necklace, it looks good with a jewel or bateau neckline. A stone’s relative position of a flawless to imperfect scale; one of the four C’s of diamonds. Clarity characteristics are classified as inclusions (internal) or blemishes Clarity (external). The size, number, position, nature, and color or reliefs of characteristics determine the clarity grade. Very few diamonds are flawless. Classic Hand-Tied Gives the illusion of a “just picked” bouquet of flowers; anchored in a bouquet Bouquet holder, wired, or hand-tied. Cloud A group of tiny white inclusions that result in a milky or cloudy appearance. A necklace consisting of three or more strands of pearls fitting snugly around the Collar Necklace neck; this style looks good with low necklines. Grading color in the normal range involves deciding how closely a stone’s body color approaches colorlessness. Most diamonds have a trace of yellow or brown body Color color. With the exception of some natural fancy colors such as blue, pink, purple, or red, the colorless grade is the most valuable. One of the four C’s of diamonds. A headpiece that is held to the head with comb teeth; it can be decorated with either Comb a veil or flowers and beads. A handmade bouquet in which different petals or buds are wired together on a single Composite stem, creating the illusion of one giant flower. Pantyhose with spandex in the top for soft girdle or “control” effect for thighs, Control Top stomach, and hips. A single bloom or a small cluster of blooms usually featuring a ribbon. They come in Corsage various styles, including those that are pinned on, held on the wrist with elastic, and hand held. Usually worn by the mothers/grandmothers of the bride and groom. A lightly crinkled textured fabric with a flowing hand; available in rayon for a more Crepe clingy dress or polyester for a less clingy look. A lightly textured reversible fabric with crepe on one side and a high luster satin on Crepe-Back Satin the other. Very slinky and flows well. Crosswyck This collar style crosses in front and is fastened with a shiny button. The top of a diamond above the girdle. Consists of a large flat area on top called a Crown table, and several facets below it. Similar to a tiara, but is a full circle rather than a half-circle. It sits on the head and is Crown usually decorated with rhinestones, beads, or pearls.