If you've decided to make your own dress to ensure it's nothing less than flawless on your special day, here are some hints to help you select the perfect wedding dress fabric.
Mirror, mirror
To ensure that you radiate beauty and capture every look on your big day, it's important to pick the right wedding dress. However, simple or extravagant, off-the-rack or tailor-made, it can easily take up a good chunk of your budget. Have you thought about making your dress yourself or asking a talented friend to make it for you? Or, why not hire a seamstress to create the dress you want. No matter how you decide to procure your dress, just make sure the fabric you choose perfectly suits your lifestyle and figure.
Style is everything
Classic, bohemian, princess, flowered or strapless: the style you set your sights on will determine in part which wedding dress fabric you should use. It all depends on whether the dress is meant to be flowing, structured, light, heavy, silky, modern or vintage-looking.
In addition, the time of year of your wedding will also play a role in your choice of fabric. Cotton, satin, linen and all other natural fibers are ideal for summer celebrations; while silk, velvet and cashmere are best suited for winter.
Popular fabrics
Your outfit should be elegant but comfortable. This is where your choice of fabric becomes very important. Here are the most popular materials.
- Silk satin: A soft and floaty fabric with a shiny surface on the right side and matte finish on the wrong side.
- Lace: Its fineness is a symbol of elegance.
- Muslin: A fine linen that is supple and transparent. Muslin suits floaty dress designs, making it ideal for bohemian or empire-style gowns.
- Organza: Light, shiny and transparent, organza is valued for its high elegance. It is similar to muslin, although thicker of texture.
- Tulle: Very economical, this material is constantly brought back into fashion by designers because of the volume it brings to a dress. It should be used for princess-style gowns and for the veil, of course.
- Mikado silk: Very firm and thick, this fabric gives wedding dresses a classy look. Avoid it if you’re getting married in the summer, as this fabric is very warm.
A little patience
Whatever the fabric for your wedding dress, the making of your gown will take time and precision. The process could take several months, including the time you may need to solve any unforeseen problems. In the meantime, think about how beautiful you’ll look when you walk down the aisle on your special day!
