The biggest confusion around a wedding dress, we find, is the fabric it’s made of.

Luckily, we’re here to lay it all out for you in our Wedding Gown Fabric Guide! Now, you will also be able to distinguish between lace and tulle, and all the other beautiful fabrics which form part of your wedding dress.

Why do you need to know what your wedding dress is made of? Well, keep in mind that different fabrics deliver different end-results and therefore, it plays a vital role in conveying the look you adore. The same silhouette can look completely different when made in a variety of different fabrics, and each fabric is designed to produce a different feeling and appearance.For a modern look, you would most likely opt for Mikado Satin, Silk and Crepe which offer structure and clean lines, whereas lace detailing screams vintage and romance or perhaps you’re a bohemian bride, where chiffon would be the ideal choice, creating the soft, free-spirited finish you’re looking for.

LACE

To begin with, we will start with LACE. Lace can vary from highly delicate to notably textured, it is most commonly perceived as the floral motifs you’d find on a wedding dress. Lace detailing is often linked to a more vintage look but can still be found in many combination and modern styles seen today. It is used in many ways from an illusion neckline, to finish of the hemline of your skirt or throughout the entire design for an overall soft look. Lace is feminine and great for hiding those lumps and bumps. It is available in a vast selection of styles, as seen in the examples below.

TULLE & MESH

Next, we’ll be discussing Tulle – you know that “net-like fabric” your gran uses to cover Sunday lunch with – that’s Tulle! You’ll find it in most wedding dresses, and although it’s beautifully used in conjunction with lace, tulle can also be used independently and is generally seen in skirts (both inside and outside). It gives a dress volume while conveying a soft and feminine look. Tulle can be found in different weights and stiffness which determines the amount of body given to a skirt. The harder the net, the more volume you can expect. Another material that looks very similar to tulle is mesh, the difference being the softness, stretch and weight of the fabric. Mesh is softer and quite stretchy, perfect for a bodice or long sleeves.

SATIN

Then you get Satin which is a lustrous, structured fabric and perfect for that royal sophisticated look, (and yes, it is making a come-back). The fit of a satin gown can be absolutely magical if it is well constructed.  It can be lightweight or heavyweight depending on the type of Satin used, for example, Mikado Satin is matt with a firm and solid texture resulting in a structured look, versus Duchess or Royal Satin which offers a much more lustrous look and a softer, silkier touch. Another part of the Satin family is Raw Silk, however, it is rarely found due to its difficulty to clean, nonetheless it is a highly sought-after fabric which delivers a beautiful crisp, natural texture.

CREPE

Crepe is like Satin in the sense that it conveys those perfect clean, sophisticated lines however it’s slightly softened with a crinkled surface. It offers the perfect solution to a bride who doesn’t want lace on her dress & who’s looking for the “less is more” effect. It is a bit lighter than satin and usually results in a sexy, modern look with a soft silhouette.

CHIFFON

Chiffon is another beautiful, soft flowing, lightweight material. It drapes beautifully and really gives you that ethereal look desired by so many brides. It is most commonly available in white or ivory and can be draped over a nude lining to enhance its softness.

ORGANZA

Organza is a sheer & lightweight fabric full of body with a delicate texture. It gives a crisp, yet feminine appearance, with a slight sheen finish. Organza can often be found in layered gowns to add fullness to the wedding gown.

Now that you know some of the basics, you can go try on those wedding dresses with adequate knowledge and confidence. We hope to see you soon at Bridal Manor!