When it comes to selecting your wedding gown, one of the most underrated but crucial aspects to consider is the fabric.
The material will influence the dress’s formality, style, and pricing. It will even influence the theme of your wedding. Before you start your wedding gown shopping at a bridal boutique, it’s a good idea to learn about the many types of fabrics available.
The material you pick will significantly influence how your garment appears and feels. There are plenty of different materials to pick from, so finding the right one without a bit of background information might be challenging.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll be more confident and knowledgeable regarding dress choices and fittings. You’ll be able to describe your vision and find your perfect wedding gown.
And there’s even better news: with knowledge of wedding gown fabrics, you’ll be better prepared for your bridal gown shopping appointment.
Wedding Gown Fabric Choices
Choosing the fabric for your dress can be difficult. You need to find a material that matches your wedding theme, looks good and feels great. You can do this by choosing from Viero Bridal’s extensive collection of fabrics. Our experts can help you find the suitable fabric for your big day.
Velvet. Silk. Chiffon. Linen. Satin. Organza. Wedding fabrics aren’t as difficult to understand as you might imagine. Once you grasp the basics, it’s easy to determine which material is right for you.
Some textiles are more prevalent in wedding gowns than others. The following are some of the most popular wedding gown fabrics and their advantages and disadvantages:
Silk
Silk is a trendy fabric for wedding gowns. Silk wedding dresses are glamorous and create a very romantic bridal look. Plus, they’re comfortable to wear on your special day because the fabric is lightweight and breathable.
Silk comes in different varieties. One of the most popular options is raw silk, and you can find silk fabric in various weights. The fabric’s weight will influence the price and fabric feel. Silks range from light silk habotai, ideal for summer weddings, to thicker silk charmeuse, perfect for winter weddings.
Why you’ll love it:
- Classy look that stands out from the crowd
- Comfortable fit for your big day
- Naturally resistant to wrinkles and creasing
Why you may not:
- Silk is a higher price point, luxury bridal fabric.
Tulle
Tulle is a netting fabric that can create an ethereal look perfect for a dreamlike for your wedding.
Tulle is often used playfully for unique bridal looks, adding flirty flair to a tea-length gown: tulle skirt overlay or underlay/underskirt are often added for a more dramatic bridal look. Tulle is versatile and perfect for a wedding brunch, a formal wedding, or even outdoor nuptials.
Why you’ll love it:
- Ethereal bridal look without the price tag of silk fabric
- Versatile
Why you may not:
- Not the best option if looking for comfortable fabric for your wedding day. Tulle can be rather stiff or itchy, depending on placement.
Lace
Lace is beautiful and has an intricate design that can be seen on your wedding gown. Brides love lace fabric because it creates a romantic and sophisticated look. Lace also adds detail to a simple silhouette. It is versatile as you can use different types of lace on your wedding dress or incorporate elements of it into a custom-designed couture-inspired gown.
The more expensive the lace fabric, the softer it will feel on your skin. Many different types of lace look beautiful on a dress for any wedding theme, from a net-backed Alençon, Guipure (also known as Venetian) lace at a boho or rustic themed wedding, to a luxurious brocade gown at a formal wedding event.
Why you’ll love it:
- Sophisticated look that still stands out from the crowd without being too avant-garde
- Different types of lace fabric to choose from depending on your needs
Why you may not:
- Lace is one of the most expensive wedding dress fabrics on the market.
Organza
Organza is a lightweight and sheer material often used to create formal wedding gowns. It is not very durable, but it beautiful and versatile.
Organza is a lightweight, airy fabric often mistaken for chiffon but is stiffer and is frequently used in high-end gowns. It can be worn in layers or alone. Organza is perfect for a black-tie-themed wedding.
Why you’ll love it:
- Gorgeous fabric option that will make your wedding dress stand out from the crowd
- Can be dressed up or down
- Lightweight design
Why you may not:
- It’s a delicate fabric, so it isn’t as sturdy as silk or satin
Chiffon
Chiffon is a fabric option suitable for unique bridal looks. Due to its lightness, chiffon effects make for a dreamy wedding gown.
No wedding dress is made entirely of chiffon: wedding gowns often have bits of chiffon here and there to add texture and flow to the gown, making it look graceful and sensual. Many designers add appliqués to a chiffon wedding dress for texture and dimension. From dramatic ballroom to trendy hotel weddings, you will turn heads if you choose chiffon fabric as it looks sophisticated and exquisite.
Why you’ll love it:
- Lightweight fabric that is ideal for summer weddings. Chiffon is also not too hot to wear on a warm summer day/night wedding.
- Unique fabric option that stands out from the crowd because it is sheer and lightweight.
Why you may not:
- Chiffon fabrics are not as durable as other types, so they can be a bit fragile, especially if there are many embellishments on your wedding dress.
Satin
Satin is one of the most popular wedding dress materials. If you choose satin, your wedding dress will be smooth and sleek with a high shine finish. Satin is a finish, not an actual fabric, made from silk or polyester (or a blend). Most bridal satin is made entirely from silk. Satin has a smooth surface and plenty of body, and because it can be worn in various wedding gown styles, it is a perfect option for a large number of wedding themes.
Why you’ll love it:
- Shiny finish that makes it eye-catching
- One of the more affordable options when looking for luxury fabrics (more affordable than taffeta or lace)
- Durable and can stand up to wear and tear
Why you may not:
- Satin is often more structured, so it may not be suitable for casual weddings
Your Wedding Theme and Wedding Fabrics
Your wedding theme can play a role in determining the fabric you use for your wedding dress.
You might go with cotton or lace fabrics if you have a rustic or farm-style wedding. You could also choose to add a pop of color by picking a different material for the underskirt while choosing a sleeker fabric for the top.
If you have a more formal wedding, satin and taffeta might be a better option as these fabrics are considered luxury materials. If your wedding will be on the beach or in the park, silk is probably your best bet as this fabric is lightweight. Chiffon would also work well since it’s lighter than silk.
What your venue requires should be taken into consideration. If you have an outdoor wedding, choose a fabric that will breathe. You don’t want to get hot under the sun while wearing a bridal garment made of wool or velvet. Chiffon might be lovely if you have an indoor wedding because it’s not too heavy, but it also looks stunning in pictures.
Your personal preference is also significant when choosing the right fabric for your wedding dress. If you have a rustic or vintage theme, you might want to go with lace, cotton, or satin fabrics. If you are looking for something formal, you can stick to silk or chiffon.
You can also pick a fabric that will make your gown stand out. Brocade is a popular choice, but it can be pricey compared to other fabric options.
The Importance of Finding the Right Wedding Dress Fabric
The type of fabric that you choose for your wedding dress is significant. You want to make sure that you select a material that will look good on you and be comfortable for the day of the event.
Choosing a wedding gown is a very personal decision. The dress should be perfect for your personality and your wedding theme. The fabric should be comfortable and flattering—and something you don’t regret when looking back at photos.
Our professional and friendly bridal consultants are ready to help you at any one of Viero Bridal’s flagship wedding dress boutiques in New York, Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles. Browse our selection of designer gowns or make your vision a reality with a custom design.
Are you ready to find your wedding gown? Contact us for an appointment.