There is more to bridesmaids’ dresses than just colour and style. The fabric is an equally important factor. The material you choose has a significant impact on the overall effect of how your bridesmaids will look on your wedding day. For example, the same colour can be entirely different when done in two other fabrics. Similarly, the same dress pattern will drape differently depending on how structured or soft the fabric is.
Just like wedding gowns, bridesmaids’ dresses are available in different fabrics. When you know your options, you can find a dress that is better suited for the formality of your wedding. It is equally helpful to know what you will be getting if you are ordering your dresses online or aren’t attending the shopping session.
This primer on bridesmaids’ dress fabrics will provide you with the information you need to make your decision.
Every wedding dress starts with the fabric it is created from. The possibilities in wedding fabrics are endless, from opulent silks and satins to rustling taffeta and flowing chiffon.
Did you know that by simply varying the fabric of a wedding gown, the entire effect and feel of the dress is altered?
This is because there are many factors that the fabric of your gown determines—how the dress drapes, it’s pattern, and cut and whether it is suitable for the venue and weather on your wedding day. So, the textile you choose has a huge bearing on how you will look on your big day, and a basic knowledge of the different fabrics will help you choose your gown better.
Let us take a quick look at the various fabrics used in constructing wedding gowns and the features that characterize each of them.
To make it easier for you to understand, we have divided them into two categories: Soft flowing and Structured.
Soft Flowing
Chiffon: Made from silk or silk blends with manmade fibres, chiffon is sheer and soft. It drapes well, is transparent and is a good choice for warm weather.
Georgette: Made from polyester or silk, it resembles crepe but is very lightweight. The material is not entirely transparent, and it’s a good choice for summer.
Tulle: This fabric resembles a very fine net; it is stiffer than chiffon and adds volume to a gown. Tulle is crisp and see-through; it is the choice for wedding veils and is often mixed with other fabrics.
Structured
Silk: Synonymous with luxury, silk adds an elegant and formal touch to any wedding gown. Available in different forms, from smooth mikado to charmeuse, silk wedding gowns are the epitome of style and sophistication. While raw silk is the textured type, other forms of silk are characterized by their sheen.
Satin: Plain, lustrous and shiny, satin is luxurious and has a heavy structure. Duchess Satin and Larissa Satin are the two types used in wedding gowns, and it is an ideal choice for a formal wedding. However, the heavy structure would make it inappropriate for an outdoor wedding, but it is an ideal choice for cooler weather.
Crepe: Lightweight and crinkly, crepe is a soft fabric that is created by blending silk and man-made fibres. It flows elegantly and softly hugs your body. It emphasizes your curves, as it has an excellent drape.
Taffeta: Characterized by the rustle it creates with movement, taffeta is made from silk or a silk blend. The fabric has a glassy sheen and a definite structure. It is often used in ballgown skirts and gowns that need to hold their structure and look poufy rather than fall gently.
Organza/Organdy: Two fabrics that sound similar but are different for the fact that while organza is made of silk, organdy is cotton. Both are crisp and sheer. Organza is popularly used in overlays and embellishments and is stiff and can give structure to a gown. It resembles tulle but is softer.
This isn’t a comprehensive list as the fabric choices in wedding gowns continue to evolve and improve. Nevertheless, with this list in hand, you will be equipped to know whether you want a soft, flowing, dreamy wedding dress or a structured and poufy bridal gown and the fabrics that will work in this direction.
For more wedding dress tips and advice, visit us on Best for Bride.
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