If you’re not familiar with the wedding dress industry, or fashion, it might seem overwhelming and confusing when trying to find the perfect wedding dress.
When it comes to wedding gowns, dresses, and formalwear, you need to keep track of designers, styles, collections, silhouettes, and more.
In this post, we’re going to break down wedding dress naming conventions and why wedding dresses are named the way they are.
How Wedding Dress Collections Are Named
By Season and Year
Most bridal designers release collections twice a year, aligned with the fashion calendar:
- Spring/Summer (SS): Released in the fall of the previous year.
- Fall/Winter (FW): Released in the spring of the same year.
For example:
- Pronovias Spring 2024 Collection
- Vera Wang Fall 2023 Collection
This naming tells you:
- Pronovias is the designer.
- Spring 2024 indicates the collection’s intended season and year of relevance.
By Theme or Inspiration
Some designers give their collections thematic names to reflect the inspiration behind the designs:
- Berta “Muse” Collection: Suggests ethereal, dream-like designs.
- Marchesa “Ethereal” Collection: Indicates delicate and airy styles.
- Elie Saab “Golden Age” Collection: Inspired by vintage glamour.
These names give you a feel for the mood and aesthetic of the collection.
By Capsule or Limited Editions
Sometimes, designers release smaller collections with very specific focuses:
- Carolina Herrera Bridal Capsule Collection 2024
- Vera Wang Luxe Collection
Capsule collections usually have fewer gowns and focus on a particular style or trend.
How Individual Dresses Are Named
By Style Number
Most dresses are identified by a unique style number or code, often combining letters and numbers:
- Pronovias Style DR1234
- Maggie Sottero Style MS2101
- DR or MS refers to the designer’s initials.
- The numbers correspond to the season or sequential order in the collection.
By Romantic or Thematic Names
Some designers give each dress a name to match the collection’s theme:
- Monique Lhuillier – “Seraphina”
- Jenny Packham – “Celeste”
- Galia Lahav – “Venus”
These names often evoke emotion, elegance, or mythical beauty.
Combination Naming
Some designers use both names and numbers:
- Berta 21-110 “Evelyn”
- Marchesa Notte Style MN-4532 “Lucia”
The numbers are practical for cataloging, while the names make them more memorable.
Differences Between Collections and Lines
Some designers have different lines or sub-brands under their main brand:
- Vera Wang Luxe: Ultra-luxury, couture-level gowns.
- Vera Wang Bride: Standard luxury bridal collection.
- Pronovias Atelier: High-end, custom gowns.
- Pronovias Privée: More intricate designs, premium detailing.
- Marchesa Notte: More affordable, ready-to-wear wedding dresses.
Each line serves a different audience or price point.
4. Key Takeaways
- Collection Name: Indicates season, year, or theme (e.g., Spring 2024, Golden Age).
- Style Number: A practical identifier (e.g., DR1234).
- Dress Name: Adds an emotional connection (e.g., Seraphina).
- Designer Line: Differentiates between couture, luxury, or affordable lines (e.g., Pronovias Atelier vs. Pronovias Privée).
When shopping, you’ll often hear consultants reference a gown as:
“This is Berta, Style 21-110, from the Fall 2021 Collection, called ‘Evelyn’.”
