Wedding Fabrics
As Individual As You
Your choice of wedding gown fabric is an important one and you
would be wise to seek expert help. You need to think very
carefully about the effect you want to create before selecting
your fabric. All fabrics sit differently, and have different
characteristics in terms of their weight, their tendency to
crush, and the way they fall.
If you are having a gown made especially for you, discuss
with your designer the types of fabric that would best suit the
style you have chosen, and be guided by his or her advice.
Getting the Look
Specialty fabric stores stock a dazzling array of wedding
dress fabrics, laces and trims, as well as materials suitable
for bridal party attire, junior attendants and the mothers’ of
the bride and groom:
- Silk: Silk is soft, versatile and flows
gracefully over the body’s contours. It’s also a pleasantly
cool fabric to wear in hot weather.
- Satin: In silk or polyester, satin is sensuous.
The sheen of its smooth surface catches the light and
accentuates female curves. An ideal choice if your wedding
is in the cooler months.
- Slipper satin: This is a lighter, softer satin
and therefore suitable for warmer weather.
- Dupion Silk, duchess Satin, watermark taffeta: To
hold the structure and shape of a full skirt, choose a
dupion silk, duchess satin or watermark taffeta. These
fabrics have plenty of body and are available in a variety
of vibrant colours as well as pastels, ivory and white.
- Organza: Organza is a light, delicate,
transparent fabric with a stiff, gossamer finish. It is the
perfect fabric for the bride who wants a bouffant gown.
- Brocade: Suitable for winter weddings, this
heavy, lush fabric is woven with a raised design.
- Cotton: Cotton is fresh and cool to wear, and is
an ideal fabric choice if you are getting married in spring
or summer. With the exception of some imported varieties,
cotton is generally less expensive than silk and satin and
offers great variety: cotton pique, voile, lawn, fine or
heavy lace, broderie anglaise, spotted cotton, seersucker
and cotton jacquard.
- Laces: Many exquisite laces are available. Some
of the more popular bridal laces include:
- chantilly: A sheer lace usually made of silk or
linen and often woven in a floral or scrolled design. Some
chantilly lace is beaded.
- guipure: This heavier cotton lace features a
striking floral weave.
- ribbon: Although reminiscent of lace in its look,
this is actually a fabric with ribbon stitched over it in
intricate and beautiful designs.
A Fabric to Suit You
Generally, shorter, thinner women look best in soft silks,
sheers, georgette, chiffon, soft jerseys, all-over lace or rich
lace trim. Shorter, fuller-figured women suit soft silks,
georgette, chiffon, lightweight crepe and soft lace.
Women of average height look wonderful in sheers, silk
jersey, chiffon, taffeta and shantung, while taller, slimmer
women can wear whatever they like, including those beautiful,
rich laces and fabrics with more body.
Taller, fuller-figured women can choose any of the softer
fabrics but should avoid the stiffer ones. Women with voluptuous
figures should also avoid stiffer fabrics. Their best choice is
a soft jersey, which drapes beautifully over crepe.
A Winning Combination
All fabrics will lose their pristine smoothness after hours of
wear, but some materials remain crush-free longer than others.
Usually, fabrics with a blend of synthetics offer a winning
crush resistant combination.
Quality Fabrics
Fabric prices vary tremendously. Be aware that the quality of
your finished gown will depend on the quality of the fabric.
This is your fairy tale, so choose the very best you can afford.
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