Wedding Dress Fabrics
Wedding dress fabrics is probably not something you have thought of. Typically a bride thinks about the style, glimmer and glitter and not what the it is actually made of. It is important to know the material particularily because it reflects the price of the gown.
One of the items that brides don't always consider is the material that the wedding gownis made of and concentrate only how it looks or fits. The material can contribute a great deal to the price tag. Not only is it a contributor to the price but it also needs to be considered for the time of year. Satin may be too heavy for summer event. Of course this is a brides preference, but it is helpful to understand the different materials and how they feel on. Satin in a large cinderalla style gown with a long train will be quite heavy, and not appropriate for a beach event.
Some fabrics just feel more comforable on. Depending on your theme may dictate what your gown is made of. Again, if you are considering a renaisannce or victorian style event you will want to consider the not only the look and feel, but the material and how it can change the price of the dress.. A cinderalla style gown with many layers of tulle, may not fit a victorian style wedding. You will need to be looking for more antique style garment.
The following gown fabrics listed will allow you to become familiar with the types so that when you begin looking at wedding gowns, you will also be checking out the material and lace for that matter. This may also be helpful if you are an accomplished seamtress and wish to make your own wedding gown.
FABRICS
Brocade - Fabric is a Jacquard-woven fabric with a raised design. This fabric is sometimes used in house furnishings like drapes and pillows. It is used often in period costume dress.
Chiffon - Transparent fabric of sheer silk or rayon. Used typically as an over-lay on top of another fabric.
Crepe - Soft fabric with a crinkled surface.
Eyelet - Open-weave embroidery, this is seen quite frequently with tiny holes for patterns around edgings.
Damask - Similar to brocade, but lighter in weight. This is a better choice if considering a period type wedding in warmer months.
Duchesse Satin - Silk-and-polyester mix woven to create a satiny finish. Lighter weight, but resembles silk and is much less expensive.
Doupioni - Silk with a thick, coarse finish and a slight sheen.
Illusion - Fine, sheer fabric. This is used most often on dresses for sleeves and necklines.
Organdy - Stiff, transparent silk or rayon fabric.
Organza - Sheer fabric, more stiff. Fabric can be silk or synthetic materials. Similar to tulle, but not as coarse.
Satin - Smooth fabric with a high gloss on one side. It is a heavy fabric.
Shantung - Plain-weaved cotton or silk with a rougher surface.
Silk - Smooth, soft fabric. This fabric is the most expensive dress material. It feels wonderful on and lightweight, but you will pay the price for silk.
Silk Mikado - This is a blended silk that is a bit heavier than regular silk, and also a bit less expensive.
Taffeta - Is a stiff, crisp russeling type fabric with luster made with a light-weave fabric.
Tulle - This is seen frequently as an overlay on wedding dresses and is a highly starched netting of fabric which is more coarse than than organza.
Lace Fabrics
Lace can be presented anywhere on a dress. On occasion a wedding dress may be entirely overlayed with lace, but typically just areas are covered with lace. The type of lace will also contribute to the price of the wedding dress. Beware of the lace fabric on the dresses you are looking at. Imitation laces look equally as nice. While you want to look elegant most cannot tell the difference of imitation machine made and hand made. It goes without saying that hand made lace is much more expensive. So be sure you understand the types so you can choose an equally beautiful wedding dress without the expensive laces.
Allencon -Re-embroidered, Chantilly lace. Very lovely.
Belgian - Laces made with machine-made grounds. A bit less expensive than, but can depend on the intricacy.
Chantilly - Fine mesh, often seen in the more traditional veils. It also typically comes with scalloped edges, and beautiful scroll work, as well as various floral designs.
French - Machine-made lace fabrics that imitate handmade French lace. This one goes without saying that it is much less expensive than the handmade french type, but looks just as beautiful.
Guipure - Heavy lace with large patterns made with needlepoint or by machine.
Schiffli - This is a more delicate floral type lace that is embroidered by machine.
Venise - This is a much heavier lace that takes on the design of geometric shapes, flowers, and foliage.
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