Alterations - This refers to the adjustments made to clothing to create a better or custom fit.

Body Measurements - These measurements refer to the actual physical measurements of the body.

Bustle - Traditionally, this gathering of fabric was used to prevent the train of a wedding dress from dragging the ground.

Color - Wedding dresses are created using a variety of fabrics which come in a number of shades of white, which will dramatically effect how similar shades compare to each other when side by side. For instance, an ivory dress will look yellow next to a truly white shirt. The same truly white shirt will look dull next to a diamond white dress.

Couture - This high fashion creation is made to order for a specific customer, and it is usually made from high-quality, expensive fabric and sewn with extreme attention to detail and finish, often using time-consuming, hand-executed techniques.

Fitting - Once the wedding dress arrives or is purchased, most brides will need to meet with a seamstress for custom alterations.

Garment Measurements - These measurements refer to the actual size of the garments outside of the body. Most dress designers use garment measurements to create their dresses which is why most wedding and other female formal attire sizes are smaller than those the buyer would purchase at your local department store.

Headpiece - Whether veil or tiara, this piece is used to adorn the bride's head on her wedding day.

Pressing - Like ironing, pressing smoothes out wrinkles in wedding dresses and other formal attire.

Steaming - For delicate fabrics, steaming is used instead of pressing to smooth out wrinkles in wedding dresses and other formal attire.

Train - Referring to a longer portion of fabric trailing from the back of a wedding dress, the wedding train is typically reflective of the formality of the event, i.e. a longer train reflects a more formal event.

Triangle Bridal Association (TBA) - The Triangle Bridal Association is your local resource in the wedding industry. Its 50 member base includes a respected, diverse group of quality-oriented companies. Each provides a service to the newly engaged. And each has been approved for membership by the Executive Committee. Central to Triangle Bridal Association is its code of ethics, which every member has signed and committed. The code requires that each member pledge themselves to honesty and integrity, to an understanding of their client's needs, and to comply with the standards of the Association. For more information about the Triangle Bridal Association, log onto www.trianglebridal.com.

Veil - Formerly, brides wore their hair flowing down their back at the wedding to symbolize virginity. Now a white veil is often said to represent this pure quality.