From the traditional to the bold, wedding gowns have a unique place in culture and history as being classic and sophisticated while at the same time drawing attention to the beauty of the bride. There are very many styles of wedding dresses, which often makes choosing the perfect one an adventure. With so many textures and styles to choose from, some may find it difficult to pick the perfect one, but we hope that this guide to wedding gown fabrics will help make your decision a bit easier.
Tulle
Looking for a delicate, flowing wedding gown that will drape around you like a cloud? Tulle may be what you’re looking for. Tulle is a mesh fabric that’s usually made of silk, nylon, polyester, or rayon woven into a very fine netting. Often, wedding dresses made from tulle are very light and airy, and they tend to make a spectacle at the wedding. Tulle fabric can rip quite easily, but with care, it can make for an amazing wedding dress. Usually, tulle is paired with other materials, as tulle is best used for the gown skirt and not other parts of the dress.
Silk
Silk has a broad and rich history, dating all the way back to ancient China, where it was first discovered and woven into textiles. When we think of silk, we often think of the far east and countries such as China, India, and Thailand, but silk is now readily available in all countries. Wedding dresses made from silk will often be smooth and shiny. The shine comes from the silk fiber itself, which is organized into tiny prism structures that reflect light in various ways. This shimmering effect looks amazing on a wedding dress, as the effect will give the gown the appearance of changing colors. Absolutely gorgeous and elegant, wedding gowns made of silk are sure to turn heads.
Satin
Many people don’t realize this, but satin isn’t actually a fabric but a type of weave that can be made from several fabrics, such as cotton, silk, polyester, or nylon. The way in which the fabric is weaved allows for satin to have a similar shimmering effect to that of silk, even though the material itself is heavier and can create a more voluptuous gown. Satin tends to be more durable than other fabrics and is often chosen for wedding gowns for this very reason. Due to its natural body, satin is great for most styles of gowns, whether they be ruched or draped.
Organza
Similar to tulle, organza is a tight-knit mesh-style fabric that is often made from silk, but it can also be made from nylon or polyester. As with tulle, organza is best suited for the wedding gown skirt. It is a see-through material, so a wedding gown made from organza will be layered, thus creating a flowing, cloud-style effect that will look amazing in photographs. The material is also quite stiff, which keeps it in place so it won’t wrinkle or bunch up.
Lace
Historically made of other fabrics such as linen or silk, lace is usually made today using cotton. Lace is similar to tulle and organza in that it can have a netted pattern; however, lace fabric tends to be adorned with decorative patterns and is more often used for veils and decorations, even though some dresses are made entirely of lace fabric. When choosing lace, you have a few options. Chantilly lace comes from France and is often decorated with floral patterns. Venise lace has a tighter weave, making it heavier and more durable and eliminating the netted look, which can be great for wedding gowns. Another type of lace is alençon, which is similar to Chantilly, only the decorative floral designs tend to be outlined with stiff cord for a more raised appearance.
Chiffon
Made from silk or nylon, chiffon has a gossamer quality that requires it to be layered or worn as an overskirt. Chiffon tends to be very light and airy, making it delicate and required to be handled with care, but its light and airy quality are what makes it stand out so gorgeously. Chiffon wedding gowns flow similarly to satin and silk but don’t have the same stiff feeling some other fabrics may have. The material is also great for summer gowns, as the material tends to breathe very well.
Charmeuse
As satin is more a type of weave than a fabric, charmeuse can be made of silk or a synthetic fiber such as polyester. It is the weave itself that makes charmeuse shimmer like satin or silk, only the process for making charmeuse is a bit different from satin. Because of this, charmeuse tends to be shinier than satin, which may make it a better gown choice for certain gowns. Brides who prefer sheer dresses that cling to their curves will appreciate charmeuse, as it is more often used in form-fitting dresses rather than voluminous, flowing ones.
If you walked into a wholesale wedding superstore, you would find all of these materials in many, many different designs, which will make it difficult to choose only one for your special day. They’ll all be so beautiful, elegant, and crafted with care. Fear not, though. Because all of them are so amazing, it’ll be impossible to make a bad choice. Just go with your feelings, focus on the features that you admire the most, and pick the wedding dress that is right for you.
Does the material truly matter? Well, yes and no. In some instances, you may want a more voluminous, flowing dress. In these cases, going with satin may be the better choice. Similarly, if you’re looking for a dress that shimmers when you move, silk, satin, or charmeuse can all be excellent candidates for your wedding gown. If you’re looking for something more delicate and sheer, try tulle or organza.
Whatever your choice, know that you’ll look fabulous on your wedding day. With luck, these tips will help you find the best wedding dress for you.
