There are tens of thousands of bridal fabrics on the market, and if you plan to have your wedding dress custom-made, it may be a challenge to find your preferred choice.
From light floating fabrics like tulle and organza to heavier fabrics like Duchess satin and guipure lace, you can make your wedding memorable with the fabric you choose, its construction, and the dress design.
How do you know what best to choose and which fabric will you like for the bridesmaids’ attire?
Here are some vital questions:
- Event – Will the event be casual, informal, or formal, and will it be indoors or outdoors?
- Theme – Are you planning a themed wedding or a simple one with a few attendees?
- Style – Will the wedding be all pomp and pageantry, whimsical, or cultural?
- Comfort – How comfortable will you feel a few hours into the ceremony?
Having answers to these questions should be a part of your planning process because it will help in no small measure in ensuring that your bridal fabric choice looks absolutely perfect for your day.
What Are the Most Suitable Textiles for Bridal Wear?
There are two major categories of fabrics best suited for wedding gowns and dresses; the soft fabrics and the heavier structured ones.
Bridal attires can come with a combination of both categories of fabrics, and others can be made entirely from heavier structured fabrics. The popular trend, however, is to have a mix. Both categories holistically constitute vital segments of the wedding outfit.
Structured Fabrics
A structured fabric is made with different weaving techniques characterized by a combo of fine and coarse yarns woven into the material. Their properties include:
- Softness.
- Elaborate details.
- Volume.
- Versatility.
Soft Fabrics
These are just what they are called, soft and sometimes sheer, but mostly lightweight and fluid, beautifully flowing when made into gowns.
Soft fabric dresses give an air of softness, gentleness, femininity, and romance. Knowing which fabric works best for you will depend on whether it’s an outdoor wedding or indoor nuptials.
7 Bridal Fabrics Suitable for Wedding Dresses
Satin
Satin is one of, if not the most popular fabric desired by today’s bride. Satin material is a good choice for bridal wear because its construction, body, and weight let a dress fall graciously in place. This makes it ideal for most shapes or styles of wedding gowns.
Duchess satin looks beautiful whether sewn plainly, combined with lace, or adorned with embellishments.
Organza
Organza is a beautiful structured fabric that makes striking wedding gowns, especially when combined with ornamentation. When embellished with sequins, beads, diamante, or lace, it is breath-taking and classic.
Without ornamentations, the organza material looks clean and contemporary.
Silk Taffeta
A wonderful thing about silk taffeta is its elegance and versatility. Silk taffeta is crisp, smooth, and a high-end material that makes lovely ball gowns and wedding dresses.
Similar to satin but crispier, it comes in various weights and textures. Some find its subtly rustling sound annoying, so if you do, you may need to reconsider using this fabric for your gown.
Tulle
Tulle is sheer, airy, and gauzy, and a popular choice among brides-to-be. Don’t be deceived by its appearance; it is more durable than you think. Tulle is often used for bridal veils and layered ballet-style dresses, including undergarments meant to puff out skirts into bell shapes, creating a fairy tale, whimsical, or ethereal look. Tulle is not only pretty and versatile, it is also lightweight and can be used to make lovely designs of gowns.
Georgette
Light, delicate, and translucent, Georgette bridal fabrics are often used to make wedding dresses with excessive draping. This ‘seductive’ fabric can be used for full-skirt designs with overlays or body-skimming cuts that are fashionable and chic. It can also serve as a train attachments.
If you choose Georgette as the dominant fabric, it will require lining.
Chiffon
Chiffon comes in various finishes and weights, so careful thought must be given when choosing chiffon for a wedding dress. It is mainly utilized as an overlay or for simple, lightweight wedding gowns. Because the fabric is so sheer and completely see-through, satin underlay (or lining) is necessary. Chiffon is perfect for late afternoon wedding ceremonies or evening events.
Silk
Silk can be said to be one of the most desired materials for bridal gowns and also the most expensive. It is smooth and divinely soft and feels comfortable on the body. It is hardly surprising that through the ages, pure silk has been the most sought-after fabric for wedding dresses, much more than any other fabric.
Other Great Bridal Fabrics for Wedding Gowns
Aside from the luxury bridal fabrics mentioned, you can make wedding dresses with velvet, linen, brocade, and cotton, including synthetic blends. With some thought and careful consideration, you can choose the most appropriate fabric for the wedding dress that will work perfectly for you.