It is quite essential for all the brides to know the basic wedding dress styles and the terms which are used to denote them - so before you go to the bridal boutique, you better have the knowledge of all this. There are typically five parts of A Wedding Dress which include train, sleeves, neckline, silhouette and bodice. For each of these parts which make up the couture wedding gowns, there are different designs and styles that you can choose from for your special day. Following can be a great guide to help the brides understand what options they have and what are these options called:

The silhouette is referred to the basic shape of the gown. There are many types of shapes in which silhouettes are available such as:

The Ball Gown: It features a tight bodice and a waistline which develops into a full skirt.

The Empire: It has a high waistline and a skirt which is not very tight.

The A-Line: Also known as the princess, this shape is characterized by vertical seams which flow from the shoulders down to the flared skirt that creates a V or A shape

The Sheath: Closely following the line of your body, this shape forms a fitted look.

The Mermaid: As the name indicates, this style is fitted at the top, quite like the sheath, and then flows out around the knees - - just like a mermaid.

Sleeves for Wedding Gowns can be found in many different shapes such as:

T-Shirt Sleeves: As you can understand from its names, these sleeves are like the sleeves of your t-shirts. A bride who wants to conceal her upper arms can go with these ones.

Spaghetti Straps: These include skinny straps and no proper sleeves.

3/4 Length Sleeves: These elegant sleeves end midway between the elbow and the wrist.

Off-The-Shoulder Sleeves: In this style, the upper arms are covered whereas the top part of the shoulders is exposed.

Sleeveless: Ideal for many body types, you can go for this style as it is immensely popular nowadays. These are strapless gowns with no sleeves.

The bodice is actually the "body" of the gown.

Corset: It refers to tightly fitted bodice.

Empire: Ending right under the bust, it flares into a full skirt. It suits all body shapes.

Halter: Also known as the backless style, it is sleeveless.

Midriff: Brides with small waists can ideally choose to wear these as this style makes the waist prominent.

Princess-line: Brides with shorter heights should go for these as they make you look taller; this style also makes you look slimmer. It features two vertical seams traveling from bust to hem.

The right neckline plays an important role in making your dress stylish and complete for you.

Off-The-Shoulder: The name shows that this neckline is the type that rests below the shoulders, show off the collarbones and the shoulders of the brides, and at the same time the sleeves cover the upper arms.

Portrait: This style resembles an off-the-shoulder style but there is more fabric to conceal the shoulders.

Sweetheart: Ideal for fuller chest women, this has a shape like a heart.

The train can be defined like the tail of the gown, which sweeps the floor as the bride walks.

Royal: This is nearly 10 feet long.

Cathedral Train: It is 7 feet in length.

Chapel Train: It is 5 feet in length.

Court Train: 3 feet from the waist.