We just finished putting the last pages of our summer issue of Mpls.St.Paul Weddings to press a few days ago, and there were a handful of goodies that landed on the cutting room floor. One of those items, part of an article by writer Sarah Asp Olson, did a fabulous job of breaking down the wedding dress lingo that all brides-to-be can expected to hear when they start the search for their dream gown.

So we scooped up the information, expanded it a little, and found dresses to illustrate the stylistic words. Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be posting everything you need to know about silhouettes, necklines, train lengths, and fabrics, so you can go into your bridal salon appointments an expert.

First, we'll talk silhouettes. Nothing will sway your opinion on your dream dress than how the fabric falls over your curves. Here's what you need to know.

Ball Gown: A full, voluminous skirt with a fitted bodice and natural waist. Dress by Romona Keveza. Find Romona Keveza at The Bridal Salon at Macy's, 700 Nicollet Mall, 4th floor, Mpls., 612-375- 2162 
 
Empire: With a waist that falls just below the bust line, the fabric flows into often a smooth, sleek skirt. Dress from J.Crew.

A-line: A slimmer skirt than a ball gown that falls in an A shape, with a less defined seem at the waist. Dress by Amsale. Amsale available at Mestads Bridal, 1171 6th St. NW, Rochester, 507-289-2444
 
Mermaid: Very fitted around bodice and hips, with the skirt flaring dramatically at the knee. Dress by Badgley Mischka. Badgley Mischka available at Grace’s Bridal Boutique, 229 Water St., Excelsior, 952-474-3555

Sheath: Smooth and fitted from shoulder to floor, often in a fluid fabric like silk jersey or silk charmeuse. Dress by Claire Pettibone. Claire Pettibone available at L'atelier Couture, 493 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-602-9492