Lord Thompson Manor

A Bride considers numerous factors as she chooses her perfect Wedding Dress.  The style of the sleeves, the shape of the neckline, the height of the waistline, the drape of the skirt and the length of the train are only a few of the details she has to take into account.  It can be especially difficult to choose the proper fabric for a wedding gown, so the Lord Thompson Manor put together this guide describing different popular Wedding Dress fabrics by the effect they create.

1. Shine.  Satin is a very popular Wedding Dress fabric, with one smooth, shiny side and one matte side.  Charmeuse is similar to satin, but the shine is a bit more subtle.

2. Flow.  Taffeta is known for the whispering rustle that sounds when the person wearing it moves, but it gives a dress a very flowing look.  Chiffon is an airy, translucent fabric often layered on the outside of a dress specifically to give it a floating, flowing feel.  Organza is similar to chiffon in effect, but slightly stiffer.

3. Texture.  Crepe is a gauzy fabric, often layered on the outside of a dress for its intentionally crinkled texture.  Damask is a good choice for obvious but gentle texture.  Shantung is a silk or cotton fabric with rough texture, and dupioni is similarly textured, but with a slightly shinier finish.

4.  Shape.  Some Wedding Dresses depend on stiffer fabrics that can hold their shape.  Tulle is a netted fabric, usually starched, that is often used in veils or to create the full skirt of a gown.  Another option for stiffness is organdy, which is a very sheer cotton fabric.

5.  Weight.  Winter Weddings call for heavier, warmer fabrics.  Velvet is one example, with a soft, lush texture on one side.  Another possibility is brocade, a weighty and highly ornamental fabric.