In Part 1 of this series, the terms pick-up, ruching, sweetheart neckline, and chapel train were defined. Below, brides can explore some of the most common fabrics used for wedding dresses, in order to better determine what will best suit their needs on the wedding day.
Satin
Satin is a lightweight, woven fabric with a shiny or glossy finish. It can be man-made or made of silk, and it is very smooth to the touch. Satin is a lovely fabric for wedding dresses because of its shine, but be aware that it wrinkles very easily. Without a structured bodice or crinoline underneath, satin can be very unforgiving because it clings to the body and can put unwelcome emphasis on rolls or bulges.
Taffeta
Taffeta is a stiff, medium weight woven fabric that is made from silk or synthetic blends. It is used to give a luxurious feel to a garment, and is typically only used in formalwear. As a bride wearing taffeta walks, her dress will make a “swishing” sound. Wrinkles in taffeta can be particularly bothersome because it is not recommended to use a high-heat iron on this delicate material.
Tulle
Tulle is easily recognizable because it looks like fine netting. Most bridal veils are made of tulle, and it can also be used in wedding gowns to give body and fullness to the skirt. Tulle can be rather stiff, and is typically separated from the body by a layer of another fabric as it can be irritating if it rubs directly on the skin. Tulle can be made from silk, but is typically made from synthetic fibres.
Chiffon
Lemon chiffon pie is a delectable layered dessert, and the fabric chiffon is delectable when layered in a wedding gown! Chiffon is sheer, made from silk or synthetic silk and it is often used as an outer layer on the skirt of a wedding dress. It is less stiff than tulle, and more comfortable against the skin, so it can also be used for transparent sleeves or wraps on a wedding gown.
Lace
A very popular material used in wedding gowns, most brides will recognize lace when they see it. Lace is a decorative mesh, which is not strong, so it is most often used as an overlay over other fabrics. There are many different kinds of lace; the different types refer to the patterns made by the threads. Some kinds have floral patterns or designs, still others have geometric shapes. Common types of lace include Battenberg, Chantilly, and Spanish.
When shopping for a wedding dress, brides will no doubt encounter these common fabrics. Keeping in mind the formality of her wedding, her own personal preferences, and the time of year the wedding is to take place will help the bride narrow down her preferred choice of fabric for that all-important gown.
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