The top, or bodice, is the upper part of the Bride's outfit that covers the bust and waist area - the bottom of the bodice/top forms the waist line from which the skirt will fall.
There are a number of popular bodices and tops that are used in Wedding dresses and each can be individually tailored by adding a preferred neckline, straps/sleeves and skirt. The main options are outlined in this article.
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Bodices
A bodice is the usual accompaniment to a ballgown or A-line skirt.
Exceptionally fitted, the traditional bodice often features 'boning' (support which runs from the bottom of the bodice to the bust to create a near perfect body shape, hold you in all the right places and support even the most ample of bosoms).
A bodice sits on the hips just below the waist and then forms a point approximately 4 inches below the navel. It is this waist line which makes it one of the most traditional looks for Bridal gowns. |
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There is an alternative to the bodice outlined above.
Featuring a waistline that is rounded from hip to hip, this option sees all points of the line sit on the waist rather than protruding from it in a point. |
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There is a third bodice option as well.
Rather than coming to a point or sitting on the waist, this final option features a dropped-waist.
In a dropped-waist bodice, the bottom of the bodice sits 3 inches lower than normal on the hips. The waistline is normally rounded, though it can occasionally form a point. |
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Empire Line
The Empire Line isn't officially a bodice, in fact it describes one of the two most poular tops for Wedding dresses.
The Empire Line is basically a very high waistline. The seam which defines the Empire Line lies just under the bust. The bust area is normally very fitted and expert seamstresses can include additional padding to really maximise cleavage. The rest of the dress flows down in a single piece from this seam. See our section on skirts for ideas for the lower part of this dress. |
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Princess Line
As with the Empire Line, the Princess Line isn't a bodice - instead it is the name given to one of the most popular tops for a Wedding dress.
In a ‘Princess Line’ gown the material flows from top to bottom without horizontal joins - darts at the bust provide shape and support. Material can be used over the base dress to give definition and highlight certain areas (a crumb catcher effect around the bust or rouching at the waist for example), however it is the initial cut of the dress that makes it a ‘Princess Line’.
The Princess Line can be used with A-line and Column profiles but it wouldn’t work with a ballgown profile as it couldn’t provide the required definition at the bodice to get the ‘big’ skirt look. |
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Related: There are hundreds of wedding articles on the site, each filled with superb ideas, advice and inspiration. Check out the links in the left hand column to read more. Alternatively, to search for a local wedding venue, product or service provider, try our Wedding Directory. With over 13,000 companies already listed, you're sure to find what you're looking for.
