Tag: alencon

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Wedding dress Ideas for Brides who love floral details

wedding dress with flowers

Who doesn’t love flowers? Feminine and romantic, flowers are a permanent fixture in the wedding world. They have inspired many weddings, and have taken center stage in wedding décor.

Flowers are so varied and abundant, that we can easily say that there is something for everyone. If you are a bride who is madly in love with flowers, and want them not only in your décor and wedding details but on yourself as well, here are some ideas. These make the most of the floral trend that simply cannot go wrong. And while we are at it, we wouldn’t want to forget the pretty ladies beside you at the altar. So, we’ve also compiled some fabulous ideas to dress yourself and your bridesmaids in beautiful florals. Let us begin with you, the bride!

Flower power for the beautiful Bride

Floral details in Alencon Lace

Called the queen of lace, Alencon lace is an ideal background for elaborate floral motifs in a wedding dress. This type of lace was initially used in trims for royal garments and dresses for the elite. Now, it plays a valuable role in adorning wedding dresses, and adds dainty, whimsical touches to a bride’s ensemble.

The Mori Lee Gown 2814 features elegant floral finesse in Alencon lace, with crystal beading and sparkling embroidery adding shimmer to the beautiful design. The bodice is a rich carpet of floral extravaganza, but our attention is drawn to the clusters of flowers in the skirt. These pretty details have an almost 3D effect, as they appear at various points along the length of the skirt.

For even more Alencon Lace work that extends to sheer sleeves as well, check out the Mori Lee 2812 here.

Flowers on a beautifully embellished back

Brides these days know how important it is to look good from all angles. If you are a bride who is in love with floral details, you should feature some in the back too! Illusion back details are simply enchanting, that none of your guests will be able to take their eyes off the beautiful details in the back of your dress. Another factor that we cannot overlook is the modest yet subtly sexy appeal of this design feature in a wedding dress. Add magnificent floral details to this area, and there is simply no stopping the bride. Here is an example.

The Mori Lee 5410 is a classic wedding gown, featuring an illusion bateau neckline over a sweetheart bodice and a fit and flare silhouette. Although floral lace details dance along the entire length of the gown, we think the most beautiful part of this dress is the richly embellished back. Clusters of flowers decorate the entire back region, adding a romantic touch to this angle. Take a closer look at this dress, by visiting this link here.

Vintage Floral

Vintage designs have a unique charm of their own. Throw in some floral beauty into the mix and you have a bride who looks like a dream. Vintage dresses popularly feature waistlines that are distinct for their placement above or below the natural waistline. This makes it the perfect place to accent with floral details. With a gathered skirt that is just poufy enough for the right touch of drama, and sleeves that skim the arms, these dresses are very feminine and ethereal. This modern version of a vintage dress shows us how flowers can magically add to the effect of these spectacular dresses.

This wedding dress, inspired by the vintage era but with it’s own modern updates that make it appealing to the modern woman. Here, the bodice and sheer neckline are tastefully decorated with beaded flowers that stand out to make a definite statement. Further, the same embellishments are used as an accent in the waistline, along the grossgrain ribbon, adding a splendid effect to the dress overall.

Boho Florals

Unusual colors and non-traditional fabrics characterize the Boho bride. Nevertheless, this bride like every other would most likely have a penchant for flowers, and there are numerous ways to add this element into her outfit. Brides who would like to sport a Bohemian style with an element of sophistication, and just the right dose of femininity strewn in can do it by choosing floral patterns in an unusual color or pattern. The look will definitely be more Boho than traditional or trendy. Here is what we mean.

This is a wedding dress that will find favor with the Boho bride for its unusual mix of features. The sheer capped yoke forms an overlay over the bodice and ends in a cap-sleeve finish that is unusually attractive. The entire fit and flare silhouette is accented with impressive crystal beading over delicate floral lace appliques. The intricate detailing of the floral elements and the added charm of the tiny glittering specs of crystal beads makes this a dress par excellence. No element is overwhelming, yet it strikes a statement with ease. Not featured here is the beautiful back, which is a continuation of tiered lace details all the way from the neckline to the train. With a gown as ravishing as this, all you need are a few flowers weaved into your hair, and don’t be surprised if your Prince Charming falls in love with you all over again, on your wedding day!

Blush Florals

Blush is perhaps the next most popular wedding dress color after white. This is also a beautiful base color for flowers to pop up against. Hence, our next suggestion—blush florals. White lace motifs literally pop off a blush base, and this is the best choice to go with when you want a colored wedding dress with a whimsical floral touch. You don’t even have to make white your flower color. You can achieve an equally attractive effect with colored flowers on blush, more so if they have a 3D appearance. And did you know that blush with flower designs has a vintage charm? Check out our next pick and you will see what we mean.

This gown is a modern vintage gown in blush, with excellent floral elements that make it a work of art. All over lace features flower details that are beautifully complemented by the pearl garlands that skim the shoulders along the beaded straps. With a non-fussy silhouette, this dress has a refined sophistication that is perfect for the bride who wants to look unique, but not over-the-top.

Just a hint with a floral waistband

If you do not want to go with flowers all the way, this is a style that is sure to look right. Instead of having a dress drowned in floral details, keep it sharp and spectacular with just a floral element on the waistband. This is best done when the dress has a defined waistline that coincides with the natural waistline. When placed either above or below the natural waistline, it may not have the intended impact. This dress shows us how to do it right.

This dress has a waistband with a trimming of floral details along the edge. Since the rest of the dress is relatively simple, this stands out as a statement element. The noticeable dimension of the faux flowers in the waistband are emphasized by the draped ruching in the bodice and the soft layering of the skirt. The textures are simple and breezy, making it the perfect combination for a fluttering flower in the waistline.  If you aren’t able to find a ready-made dress with this detail, you can have it customized. All you need to remember is to choose a dress that isn’t too busy with details, and add a waistband with floral details on it as the main accessory.

Fluttering wildflower details

Princesses, lush palace gardens and flowers; these fairy tale elements simply belong together. And if you have your heart set on a fairy tale wedding ever since you were a little girl, a gown with a sprinkling of floral elements would be perfect for your royal look. And for a change, let’s leave out the roses and regulars, and go with something more adventurous instead. Take a look.

The cage-silhouette has fluttering wisps of net, with wildflower motifs strewn in abundance. They begin at the empire waistline and continue all the way down to the knees, like a bloom of flowers scattered in the wind. How romantic is this gown!

Now that we’ve seen a fair share of bridal dresses that feature flowers in the most attractive way, let us move on to some ideas to dress up your bridesmaids with these beautiful elements of nature.

Sheer top with floral appliques

Do the floral details in moderation by choosing a dress that doesn’t overwhelm with print or pattern for your bridesmaids. Either limit the floral details to the top or only to the skirt. Make it look extra stylish by choosing an illusion style sheer top that beautifully sits over a monochromatic dress with a short hemline. Here is an example from the After Six collection.

The 6746 is a beautiful white mousseline dress with a high-low hemline and a sweetheart neckline. However, the addition of a sheer top with clusters of floral appliques immediately raises its style quotient. A satin waistband with a pretty floral detail on one side draws attention to a slender waistline, making it a figure-flattering choice for a slim girl. This is a dress that your bridesmaids will love wearing, for it is certainly not typical bridesmaid stuff.

Floral embroidery in bodice

If you prefer an uncomplicated floral dress for your bridesmaids, but one that is elegant and attractive, choose a dress with lace appliques in a color that contrasts with the rest of the fabric. This will allow it to vividly stand out, and the floral details will not be lost in the fabric as usually happens in a lace dress. The Dessy bridesmaids collection has a couple of pretty picks that do this perfectly.

 

This elegant A-line dress is a universally flattering choice, and is modest but very feminine. The tumbling white floral lace appliques extend from the illusion scoop neckline to the waist and slightly beyond.  Another dress that is similar but has a more formal touch is the full-length 2948 tulle gown with a sweetheart neckline. You can check this dress out at this link.

Bouquet print for total style

If you want to do it right, and do it big, dress your girls in dresses that feature rich floral colors and designs. Watercolor prints were a big hit in the recent years, but you can also go with bouquet prints like you see here.

The D722FP from the Alfred Sung collection is a beautiful dress with a rich floral print running all over it. The print is created on an A-line silhouette with cap sleeves and a V-neckline, with a waistband defining the natural waistline.

So, tell us, will you be incorporating some beautiful flower details into your wedding dress? Or will it be your bridesmaids who will be sporting this detail?

For more information on all the dresses featured here, or to check out more options, visit us online at Best for Bride—the one-stop wedding destination for all your bridal needs.

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Unveiling Elegance: Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Lace Wedding Dresses!

Lace and weddings are a match made in heaven. Hence, it is no wonder that this fabric is the mainstay of wedding fashion and continues to be popular. Lace has recently evolved from romantic, ethereal and wispy forms to crisp, laser-cut wedding gown details. Nevertheless, the charm of this delicate fabric never ceases to impress.

Today, the wedding dress market has plenty of options in lace wedding dresses. There are allover lace gowns as well as dresses trimmed with lace in select locations. The options are numerous with lace details in the bodice, neckline, yoke or sleeves. One of the reasons for this astounding variety is that there are many different types of lace. Also, there are numerous ways in which designers add it to a dress.

Join me today, as I discuss the different factors you should know if you are in the market for a lace wedding gown.

Characteristics of Lace

This decorative fabric may use any of many different types of fibers. Thus, laces are made from Nylon, polyester, wool, silk, cotton and even linen fibers. Better quality laces have small stitches and use fine thread.

The delicate nature of lace makes it susceptible to damage. So, this fragile fabric requires a lot of care. Although it doesn’t unravel, it can lose shape and tear if roughly handled. Traditionally lace was handmade. However, much of the lace available today is sewn by machines.For more details on the general properties of lace, visit the Fabrics International website.

The different details on the lace determine whether it renders a modern or antique look to a dress. Antique lace features significant contrast between the dense and openwork sections. Meanwhile, modern lace has sharp details with similar texture throughout the surface. Antique lace is difficult to create, and hence more expensive.

Most of the lace used in wedding dresses is machine-made. This is usually because handmade lace involves a lot of time and labor. With so much effort involved, it is nearly impossible to make enough lace for an entire wedding dress. Nevertheless, handmade lace is usually seen in smaller sections of wedding dresses. It is used in trims for the neckline, sleeves, or hemline.

Lace by itself renders a whimsical, feminine and romantic look to a wedding gown. Lace also includes embellishments like rhinestones and crystal embroidery, so it is opulent and perfect for a bridal look.

If you look at wedding dresses, you will see more than just one type of lace. The variety of lace determines the overall impact of the gown. Most of the lace in wedding gowns is open-patterned. Seldom do we see wedding dresses that are entirely made from lace. Designers usually use the fabric as an overlay over other heavier fabrics to create a contrasting effect that highlights the intricate details on it.

Let us now look at the different varieties of lace commonly used in wedding dresses.

Types of lace commonly used in wedding dresses.

Bridal dresses with lace effects are very endearing. This fabric’s delicate and wispy nature makes it a great choice for the dreamy, romantic look that most brides seek. The beauty of lace gowns is that it is perfect for most wedding styles. While a short lace dress is ideal for an outdoor garden or rustic barn wedding, full-length sensual lace gowns suit traditional banquet venues. At the same time, lace-embellished dresses blend in with beach venues. Traditional gowns with lace trims are ideal for castles and similar heritage wedding sites.

Here are the different bridal lace varieties commonly used in wedding dresses.

Alencon Lace

Alencon lace is the queen of laces. It gets its name from Alencon in France, where it first originated. This lace resembles cotton in texture. The raised cording above the pattern characterizes this type of lace. Genuine Alencon lace is incredibly soft. This is in fact the defining factor of how authentic a sample is.

Alencon lace has floral motifs on a net background. Typical designs include Victorian floral details like cabbage roses, daisies, scrolls and medallions. It will usually have an eyelet or bearded edge. For more information on identifying Alencon lace, visit this article on Lady Violette. 

Chantilly Lace

Another type of lace that originated in France, Chantilly Lace, is very delicate. When compared with Alencon lace, this lace usually features larger flowers. There are many folds within the details. This gives the lace a rich, frothy effect. Vintage Chantilly lace is expensive and in high demand. Chantilly lace uses dense and light detailing through suitable half and whole stitches. This creates a shadowy effect. Original Chantilly lace was always black. The reinventions of this classic are white and are now used widely in wedding dresses.

Brocade Lace

This type of lace has rich fabric weaving and a raised pattern. Metallic gold and silver threads add to its grandeur. Brocade lace may also use coloured silk threads instead of traditional white. Brocade lace is usually manufactured using Shuttle loom weaving. Unlike Alencon and Chantilly laces, brocade lace is thicker and doesn’t possess its characteristic delicate effect.

Embroidered lace

As the name suggests, this lace type has motifs resembling embroidery on a base material. Hence, there is a pronounced three-dimensional effect. Appliques are strewn over the length of the fabric. Commonly used patterns include interconnected floral motifs that stretch over the entire length. The thickness of the base material varies between thin illusion netting and thicker material. For better effect, tulle is usually placed below the embroidered lace layer.

Eyelet lace

via Wikipedia

Eyelet lace is a unique style with cut-outs in the fabric and trimmed with thread. The sizes and shapes of the holes may vary. It is typically created in cotton, satin or silk. Eyelet lace is popular for Boho weddings, as it has a modern, flirty look. Unlike other types of lace, eyelet lace has a seamless effect. It stands out on its own without a base layer. However, the intricate cut-out designs are prominent when layered over a contrasting fabric. It is not a traditional choice. Hence, it is better suited to modern, casual wedding styles. Although it works for any wedding style, eyelet lace wedding dresses look best at beach and garden weddings.

Guipure or Venetian Lace

We can quickly identify Guipure or Venetian lace by looking at the links between different motifs. In the case of Alencon and Chantilly lace, the motifs connect through thin mesh or net-like structures. This has a wispy effect. In Venetian lace, dense plaits or thick strands replace this mesh structure. This forms a clear outline for the lace motif. Guipure lace is one of the oldest types of bridal lace. It is still favoured by many designers for its distinct quality.

Now that we know about the different types of wedding dress lace, let us look at how lace transforms a dress based on where it appears. I have also included suitable examples from our collection to illustrate each.

Allover lace wedding dress

Allover lace adorns this cap-sleeve fit and flare gown from the Sans Pareil collection. Wispy floral motifs span the entire length of the gown, creating uniform texture throughout the silhouette. There are no other embellishments on the dress. Despite this, the gown is beautiful in its unique way. Brides can accessorize with many options to achieve the intended look. The floral motifs create a vintage effect, and the dress suits vintage and traditional wedding styles.

Lace trims the tiers and hemline

In this vintage wedding gown from the Mori Lee collection, the tiers in the skirt have lace trims. The embroidered lace appliques on the tiers contrast beautifully against the pale ivory background. The dress has a feminine, youthful vibe, and the lace trim’s very presence enhances the gown’s glamour.

Lace bodice

A wedding dress looks beautiful when the bodice has lace embellishments. This effect contrasts beautifully against a smooth skirt. Alternately, the lace bodice also works well with layered or satin skirts. This mix of textures in the bodice and skirt creates a unique effect. Here is a gown from the Mori Lee collection that achieves the desired effect. The dress has a simple A-line silhouette, but the lace motifs in the bodice contrast beautifully with the soft pleats in the skirt.

Lace yoke and sleeves

Chantilly lace creates a mesmerizing effect for this A-line wedding gown from the Sans Pareil collection. Lace details adorn the yoke and full sleeves. Elaborate swirls spread over the entire misty collar. They extend into illusion sleeves for a slimming effect. This is in direct contrast with the silky satin skirt and textured waistband. Additionally, the slight collar has a scalloped edge with intricate detailing, ensuring that every part of the dress is a work of art.

Scalloped lace hemline

Alencon lace sweeps over the hemline of this wispy Mori Lee Wedding dress. The light, airy fabric forms a beautiful base for the white lace appliques. A scalloped hemline completes the length of this gown in full style. The delicate floral clusters also extend to the rear and into the train, creating a romantic feel.

Lace back detail

Lace appliques frame the cut-out back of this enchanting Mori Lee gown. The re-embroidered appliques appear on a barely-there sheer base, which creates a mesmerizing effect. Scalloped floral edges frame the cut-out. Lace appliques further extend into the skirt and thin towards the pleated layers. The light breezy sheer layer stands out against the off-white layers below it in the fully gathered skirt. Although the lace back features simple details, it is the statement feature of this delightful bridal gown.

Embellished lace details

We spoke earlier about how embellishments on lace add luxury and elegance to a wedding gown. Lace appliques in this Sophia Tolli gown have beautiful crystal and bead details. This adds an opulent touch to the gown. While the golden and silver hues add shimmer and shine, they also create a gently textured finish that accentuates the bridal effect of this gown.

Irrespective of whether a dress has sparse lace details or appears throughout the entire length of a wedding gown, this classic element is bridal in every way. The charm of this bridal element cannot be achieved by any other fabric, and hence it will continue as a bridal staple in years to come.

Apart from wedding dresses, lace is also an essential element in veils used by brides. The wispy nature of this fabric and its fluttering feel is just right to complete the bridal trousseau. Furthermore, lace is also typical in wedding garters, as trims for the bridal bouquet and neckpieces. Finally, many brides make handkerchiefs and bouquet embellishments with lace from heirloom wedding gowns is often made into handkerchiefs and bouquets by brides, as their something old.

Best for Bride has a fantastic collection of lace wedding gowns. Browse through all our designer collections and you are sure to find a wide range of gowns that suit your vision. In addition to this, you can also find enchanting lace dresses in our bridesmaids collection and dresses for special occasions. Visit our dress gallery today to explore all the different options available to include this heirloom-quality style element in your big day.