Don’t know satin from charmeuse? Stumped by terms like organza and Alencon? Get all of your questions answered right here before you go shopping for a wedding gown. These are bridal gown fabrics explained.

Satin: A very popular heavy material with a sheen. Be aware that while the finest satin is made from silk, not all satins are. Terms like “Italian satin” are a clue that man-made fibers are involved. Satin is best for formal weddings and fall or winter weddings due to its weight and shine. It is often embellished with ornate beading and embroidery, and pairs well with sparkly crystal bridal jewelry.

Organza: A very popular fabric these days, especially after seeing Chelsea Clinton’s feminine Vera Wang organza gown. Organza is a translucent material with no sheen and a crisp hand. Very lightweight, it is perfect for a summer wedding gown. Due to its sheer nature, organza gowns need an opaque lining. One often sees three-dimensional accents like organza petals or flowers stitched onto dresses made of the airy fabric. Lovely with pearl bridal jewelry.

Chiffon: Very similar to organza, except chiffon is a flowy material rather than a crisp one. This is the material of choice for a slender Grecian goddess style column gown. When draped on the bias, chiffon hugs every curve, and when hung straight and gathered, it is floaty and more forgiving. Chiffon is also very popular for bridesmaid dresses.

Tulle: The quintessential 1950s fabric has seen a comeback in popularity over the last couple of seasons. Tulle is a lightweight sheer netting which brings to mind ballerinas. It is an excellent choice for creating a fluffy full skirt that is virtually weightless. Tulle is often combined with other matte fabrics such as organza, and looks lovely with feminine pearl bridal jewelry.

Taffeta: This is the fabric that makes a rustling sound when it moves. Taffeta is a matte, opaque fabric which can vary in weight from tissue taffeta to a more substantial weave. Silk taffeta has a way of catching the air under it in a very appealing way, although the same is not true of synthetic taffetas. A very crisp material, taffeta works as well for the lining of a skirt as it does the outer layers. FYI, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy’s bridal gown was created from silk taffeta.

Charmeuse: A very fluid fabric with an exquisite drape, charmeuse is somewhat similar to the more familiar silk chiffon, except that it is opaque and shiny. A very luxurious fabric, charmeuse can be used as the main material of a body-conscious wedding gown which will move beautifully when the bride walks down the aisle. A colorful charmeuse lining would be gorgeous on the inside of a fur wrap or velvet cape for a winter bride.

Velvet: Strictly a winter fabric, velvet is luxurious and beautiful for a bridal gown. The cropped nap is the ultimate in holiday indulgence. Silk velvet has a much more fluid drape than one might expect from a fairly heavy fabric, especially if a charmeuse lining is used rather than a stiffer taffeta. Many velvets are also made from synthetic materials, and will tend to be less fluid than silk velvet. Cotton velveteen is a similar material with a stiffer hand and a shorter pile which lends itself well to elegant suits and styles like flower girl dresses.

Shantung and Dupioni: Often woven from silk, these are fabrics with minimal sheen. Both shantung and dupioni are noted for their signature slubby texture. Shantung is a little lighter weight and less slubby than dupioni. Dupioni is a stiff fabric which is excellent for holding an A-line shape; due to its weight, it is most often seen in the fall and winter.

Alencon, Chantilly, and Venise: These are classic laces which are used for bridal gowns. Alencon lace can be used for appliques or as whole cloth. Venise lace is even a little heavier than Alencon, and is often used for appliques onto a solid fabric like shantung or may be stitched onto an English net draped over a solid lining. Chantilly lace is lighter weight, and works beautifully for slender lace bridal gowns, as well as for appliques.

Author Bio: Bridget Mora writes for Silverland Jewelry about weddings, society, and style. Classic pearl bridal jewelry from http://silverlandjewelry.com is the perfect finishing touch for your wedding gown.

Category: Marriage
Keywords: pearl bridal jewelry, wedding gowns, wedding gown fabrics, lace