Category: Wedding Dress

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12 Wedding dresses that will make you say WOW!

Your wedding day is the most special day in your life! It is one occasion when you should simply look your best on this big day. Your wedding dress has the power to transform you into the magical princess or fashion diva, that you deserve to be.

Have you ever noticed how some dresses immediately make a statement, with the help of a unique design factor that makes it stand out from the rest? If you would love to have a dress with a beautiful Wow factor that will make it stunning and memorable, here are twelve great dresses to look at. These dresses belong to different designer collections, all of which are available at Best for Bride. Take a look at them and don’t forget to let us know which of these is your favorite.

1.Mori Lee 2791

A dazzling ball gown from the Mori Lee bridal collection, the 2791 is a beautiful gown with a sweetheart neckline and embellished bodice. Diamante and crystal beading adds extra sparkle to the beautiful embroidery on the lace appliques that are strewn throughout the bodice. The softly curved sweetheart neckline is defined by two strands of crystal details that accentuate the beauty of the gentle contours of the gown’s neckline. A similar flourish of details are added at the waist too. The clusters of decorative elements continue into the waistline, and scattered sparkles grow into a richly layered skirt that gently sweeps the floor. At the back of the gown, a strand of fabric covered buttons extend from the neckline to the derriere, and we can also see rich details at the back. This is a gown that looks great on almost every body shape.

2. Jasmine T172008


Regally bewitching, the T172008 wedding dress from the Jasmine collection is a masterpiece of elegant details. Starting with the illusion neckline and lace-embellished cap sleeve details, this dress has elaborate floral appliques all over the length of the gown and ends in a scalloped hemline with lace details. The illusion neckline of sheer fabric frames the sweetheart bodice, and the fit and flare gown flatters body types like the hourglass. The artistically created details that are placed strategically over the gown, so it contrasts against the tulle and has an overall 3-D effect. The beautiful illusion effect in the neck continues to the back, and frames the slender back with beautiful floral appliques at the edges. A strand of fabric buttons punctuates the center of the back of this gown.

3.Jasmine F171009


Sexy with a sophisticated finish, the Jasmine F171009 is a couture gown like no other. The strapless neckline is accentuated with an illusion effect that begins at the straps and continues into three-fourth length sleeves. Skin peeps out through the sheer fabric that decorates the arms, and the pure white details on the outer edges of the sleeves and circling the arms add an enchanting, romantic touch. This is a figure-flattering silhouette with a fit and flare design that is perfect on brides who wish to flaunt their hourglass figure. The magical effect of the neckline and sleeves continues into the back, with a dazzling neckline ending in a keyhole style opening at the back, which is embellished with a scattering of scintillating elements. The bold and elaborate lace applique details cover the back all the way to the hips, from where it cascades into a gentle foam of layers. This is a dress that can make a statement at a wedding, and render a romantic and sexy look to the bride in it.

4.Jasmine 4102


Now, here is a wedding dress that is unusually dramatic by playing up simple elements to extraordinary brilliance. Off-the-shoulder straps dressed up with crystal and diamante details add an exquisite and enchanting effect to the dress. It creates a beautiful effect with the soft and silky criss-cross bodice and the sweetheart bodice it sports. Asymmetrical draping continues along the length of the bodice and into a dropped waist. The highlight, however, is the culmination of the ruched details on one side, and this gives the dress a sophisticated finish. At the back is an illusion neckline, that is done with extraordinary beauty. The embellishments on the shoulder straps continue into the borders of a low cut illusion neckline at the back. The tasteful ruching in the front, continues at the back and ends at the hips, from where it becomes a beautiful skirt completing the beautiful fit and flare effect.

5.Alfred Angelo 2527


Rippling like the waves of the ocean, the skirt of this splendid Alfred Angelo wedding gown is enough to create a stunning statement at your wedding. Created in a fabulous mermaid silhouette, this wedding dress is one that gently follows the natural curves of the bride in a fit and flare fashion, and at the knees opens up into a ruffled skirt which captures the effects of the natural waves of the sea. It is the up and down effect of the skirt layers that adds extra charm to the rippling ruffles. Also adding extra dimension is the decorated sweetheart neckline with a band of shining details defining it. The entire length of the gown from the neckline to the beginning of the skirt is embellished with a scattering of crystals and beads that further add extra beauty. The dress is equally bewitching from the back, with the same effect as in the bodice continuing to the back. Perfect for a beach wedding, this dress is one that reminds us of fairy tales of mermaids and sea castles.

6.Alfred Angelo 2507


Astounding in it’s simplicity, this whimsical and dreamy 2507 wedding gown from the Alfred Angelo wedding collection is the epitome of romance. A tastefully ruched bodice that drapes to one side features a strapless neckline that is gently contoured to almost resemble the sweetheart style. Crystal beaded lace appliques add stunning accents to the soft wisps of tulle, that this gown is made from. These lace appliques begin at the neckline and graze along the length of the bodice and skirt and end in the scalloped hemline that is simply breathtaking. The dress features a corset back, with trimmings of lace along the corset openings and the border of the skirt. It is a dress that has simple details, but packs a punch with it’s beautiful placement of lace.

7. Sophia Tolli Y21440


The Y21440 from the Sophia Tolli wedding dress collection is a mesmerizing beauty in every way. The beautiful Grecian goddess-inspired single strap design is aesthetically enhanced with small but elegant crystal detailing around the arm. The pleated bodice has ruchings that look lovely as it drapes to one side, and ends with a matching brooch at the waistline. The layered ball gown skirt is elaborately done with several layers of fabric. The crystal details at the front continue into a scintillating band at the back, as do the ruchings that join at the center and give rise to the attractive skirt. With an elaborate train, this is a dress that is perfect for a formal wedding ceremony, and it has the power to transform any woman into a stunning bride. This dress also shows us that sparkle isn’t necessary to make a gown look good.

8.Sophia Tolli 221


Glamorous and gaudy, this wedding dress is a dazzling beauty with elaborate details done tastefully. The Queen Anne style neckline is decorated with lace appliques and crystal beads, that also cover the shoulders in enchanting cap sleeves. Sleek and shiny taffeta wraps around the details at the neckline, and falls into gentle pickups along the skirt and train. Each pickup is beautifully embellished with the most captivating stone details, that sparkle along the beautiful skirt and train. At the back, the lace appliques of the Queen Anne neckline join at the back of the neck, and reveals an open back keyhole detail.

9.Angelina Faccenda 1325


A couture gown from the Angelina Faccenda Collection, this 1325 wedding gown in Alencon Lace with crystal embroidery is an elegant work of art. Perfect for the bride who wants only the right balance of stunning details to create a striking effect, this dress features a bold and shiny motif crafted out of elaborate beaded embroidery and crystal work. The fit and flare silhouette in lace is striking by itself, but the addition of these fine embellishments adds further charm and finishing to this masterpiece gown. At the back is an elegant V-shaped neckline that finishes in a strand of silky buttons at the center. The intricate embellishments and fine fabric makes this gown a dress that will wow all your wedding guests.

10. Elegance 8711


Here is an absolutely glamorous stunner from the Elegance Bridal Collection at Best for Bride. This 8711 fit and flare satin gown will cause jaws to drop with it’s grandeur and charm. A scintillating waistband adorns the raised waistline of this dress, beneath a ruched criss-cross bodice fashioned in a sweetheart design. The ruching continues to drape towards one side, all the way down to the knee level where it finishes in a brooch that matches the stylish waistband. Further, the layers of the skirt are made up of loose layers that again continue in the ruched finish of the bodice, but flow towards the ground instead of going to one side. The back of this gown is just as stunning as it’s front. A lace up corset adorns the low-cut back, even as the ruchings and the waistband finish the effect in the back. This is a feminine gown with lashings of amazing factors that make it a an absolute show-stopper.

11.Bridalane 807


As many strapless and modern fit gowns as we have seen, hardly any compare with the finishing of this gown from the Bridalane collection. The shirred bodice extends from the sweetheart neckline to the waistline, where the beautiful ruchings from all sides gather into a stunning floral brooch formed of crystals, sequins and rhinestones. The soft wispy layers of the skirt gently cascade down from the gathered waist to the floor and continues into a magnificent train at the back. The dress features a lace-up corset back, that allows it to easily drape around the bride’s natural curves. This is a delightfully attractive dress that lends itself to most accessories like stoles and necklaces. Although the detail at the waist is not huge, it is one that captures attention instantly.

12. Alfred Angelo Sleeping Beauty


Some dresses are simply too good to be true, and this Alfred Angelo gown from the Disney collection is one that fits the bill. Inspired by the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale, this dress is a dress fit for any bride who wants to be a princess on her big day. Featuring an embellished bodice designed with a sweetheart neckline, the dress is designed in an A-line fashion. The skirt here has layers of fabric, with the upper layer softly colored in a light pastel pink and with a beautiful flower detail at the side. It is a seductive dress with a gorgeous finish. Club it with a wispy veil to complete your attire, and this breathtaking beauty with layers of gossamer tulle will amaze your guests on your big day.

This is only a sample of bridal gowns available in our vast collection at Best for Bride. Whether you want a trendy gown that conforms to the latest fashion trends, or you want a timeless masterpiece that will never look dated, Best for Bride has the solution to your needs. Visit our online web store today to take a look at the many designer collections we have in stock. We also have bridesmaids dress collections, dresses for mothers of the brides and many more bridal services, all at our store. Contact us today, and make all your dreams for your lifetime celebration a reality.

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Perfecting the Fit: What to Expect at Wedding Dress Fittings and 6 Expert Tips to Make the Most of Each Session!

Buying the perfect wedding dress is only half the task done! Now, you have to start the process of having it fitted to your exact measurements, so you can look perfect on your wedding day.

Ready-made wedding dresses are built to specific measurements, based on the designer collection they belong to. When you look at a particular wedding dress collection, you will observe that all the dresses in that size will have the same measurements for the bust, waist and hips. Unless you measure exactly the same for these three aspects, it is likely that you will need at least minimal alterations so your dress fits correctly.

Alterations

Let us make this more clear!

No two women are alike. Haven’t you noticed how the same dress can look different on two women who share the same dress size? Although your dress size may be the same, your structure and built are different. So, how a dress drapes around you will also be different. A dress is based on standard measurements that guide you to the closest fit. The fact is that it is nearly impossible to find a dress that will exactly match your body size and measurements.

This is where fitting sessions come into the picture. Every bride must have her wedding dress altered to fit her correctly, if she has to look her best on her wedding day. Wedding dresses are structured garments that usually follow your natural shape. Unless the silhouette enhances your best features, and fits comfortably, you can look either squeezed into a dress or holding it up like a hanger. Neither of these are good! Fortunately, it isn’t too difficult to alter your wedding dress, and all it takes is a couple of fitting sessions after you buy your dress.

Before we move on to how you can make the most of your fitting sessions, let us first look at some things that will help you make the job much easier, even before you book your first session.

  • Choose a dress in the closest possible size: Don’t make the mistake of choosing a dress that is too big or too small, believing that you can alter it to fit you later. If you want to retain the original charm of the dress, it should be in a size that is closest to your actual measurements.
  • When in doubt, choose the larger size: You may be certain that you will shed several pounds in the months leading up to the wedding. Nevertheless, err on the safe side by choosing a gown that is one size bigger than your current one as it is easier to take in fabric, than add extra to it.
  • Try not to make too many design changes: Adding sleeves, moving the neck up or shortening the hemline are easy and inexpensive. However, cutting up a dress and modifying it to meet your idea may not be a great idea. It can easily spoil the entire effect of the gown.
  • Pay attention to design factors: This is when you may love a gown for it’s beautiful lace hemline that follows a plain stretch of the skirt. In case the gown is too long, taking fabric from the skirt may cause the dress to look totally different once the hemline is cut and moved up. Check with your bridal consultant before you make the purchase, so you do not feel disappointed with the final look after the change is done.
  • Trust the job only to experienced wedding seamstresses: Set aside a part of your wedding dress budget for alterations, and trust this task to an experienced seamstress. Don’t ever make the mistake of going with a regular tailor, as experience in working on wedding dresses is absolutely necessary to do the job well.
  • Alterations of fabric that are soft and difficult to work with, may cost more: Wedding dresses are made in different fabrics, and some are easier to work with than others. Fabrics like chiffon and charmeuse are delicate and hard to work with. So, expect to shell out more money on altering these dresses, when compared to lace or tulle.

Once you take care of these factors, you will have a gown that will yield to your vision, with minimum alterations. Although you can always schedule as many alteration sessions as you want, it isn’t usually necessary to have more than three or four sessions to get the desired look.

 

Before you go for your wedding fitting session, it will be helpful to know what you can expect at it. Let us find out now.

What to expect at your wedding dress fitting sessions

During your wedding fitting, you will be working with a tailor or seamstress who has the well-needed experience to work on wedding dresses. Remember that not every tailor is capable of the task, as wedding dresses are complicated garments with several layers of fabric. The design details are also very intricate. Unless the person working on altering it knows her way around wedding gowns, it can become a disaster.

You will most likely have to attend more than one alteration session to have your dress look like it should, on your wedding day. Your seamstress should be able to give you an idea of how many sessions will be necessary, when you attend your first appointment.

 

The first appointment: At your first appointment, your tailor will take a look at your dress while you are wearing it. She will then suggest what fixes will be required to make it fit your actual measurements. This is also the time when you will have to discuss custom changes like adding a sleeve or altering any design details like the neckline, so it meets your vision.

Your tailor will be taking down measurements and notes, and will pin and tuck the fabric on the dress to make it match your curves and look good on your body shape. At this time, pay attention to whether you like what you see and make your suggestions on whether something should be different. If you want it a little loose or tighter than what she thinks is right, let her know.

Consecutive fitting sessions: Your tailor will work on the suggested changes after your initial appointment. You will have subsequent appointments once these changes are done, and it will be while you are wearing the garment. The following appointments are usually shorter than the first, and you will see your dress coming closer to the final form it should be in, for your wedding day.

If there are any changes that you aren’t quite content with, or you wish to make any further changes to the original plan, you can discuss this with your tailor. If it is practical and there is enough time to work on it, you should be able to have it done.

 

Now let us take a look at some handy tips to help you make the most of your fitting sessions.

1.Try to be at your target size in time for the final fitting: Fitting sessions are all about getting the dress to fit your natural size and curves perfectly. This will be impossible for your seamstress to do, if your size keeps fluctuating significantly, from one session to another. Schedule your final appointment close to the big day. A week before the wedding would be a good time. By this time, you should ideally have reached your final target size, and your seamstress can do the last-minute changes to make your dress fit you just right.

2.Wear your wedding shoes at the session: Once you buy your wedding dress, don’t delay buying your wedding shoes. This is because you must wear your actual wedding shoes at your alteration session, if you are to get your gown length right. Your seamstress will have to shorten the dress hemline to be just right so it covers your feet. If you buy the shoes after the hemline is done, and the heel length ends up being higher than you assumed, your dress will look shorter than it ought to be. If the heels are shorter, you risk tripping over the dress, and having an accident.

3.Wear undergarments and shapewear that you will actually use on the day: Make sure that your dress fitting is done to perfection, by having it altered over the actual innerwear you will be using on your wedding day. If you wear shape-wear, it will squeeze in any unsightly bumps, making your figure more attractive. Unless you wear it to your fitting session, your tailor would be working with your actual figure when altering the dress. This could cause you to lose the advantage of using shapewear for a more toned look on the actual day.

4.Make sure you feel comfortable in the dress: At each alteration session, the main thing you should look at is whether the dress looks and feels comfortable. If it is loose or too tight, inform your seamstress so she can make the necessary changes. Also pay attention to the neckline. If you have chosen a strapless or sweetheart neckline, see to it that the neckline stays taut and doesn’t shift. You should feel comfortable about where it begins and how tight it is. If the dress reveals cleavage, make sure you are comfortable with the amount of exposed skin. Ask your tailor to make adjustments if it doesn’t meet your expectations or is deeper than you are comfortable with.

5.Follow up on the previous sessions inputs: It will be helpful if you keep notes of the changes you suggested at the previous session. Also take pictures so you know what suggestions were made and can follow through. At the next session, make sure that the concerns you had previously were addressed. If not, ask your seamstress to prioritize them for the next time. If you had any more ideas after your previous session, note them down so you can discuss it with your tailor at the coming appointment.

6.Walk, twirl and make sure you can move comfortably in your dress: You will be in your wedding gown for several hours on the day you get married. Make sure that the dress is comfortable to wear during your fitting sessions. Lift your arms and stretch them to see if the neckline stays steady. Try sitting down, walking and twirling as you would on the dance floor to ensure the fabric doesn’t stifle your movements. Also walk around a lot, to make sure that the skirt length is correct and you do not run the risk of tripping over an excessively long hemline. Discuss the changes that may be necessary if the bodice is too tight or feels loose, and ask your tailor to correct it for the next session.

With these tips in mind, you should have no trouble with your alterations. Watch yourself love your wedding dress more and more with each consecutive appointment when the dress is made to fit you perfectly.

At Best for Bride, our wedding dress services include wedding gown alterations. Our seamstresses have years of experience working on wedding gowns and can offer you the best possible service you can get, for the most reasonable cost. We handle everything from simple dress fittings to complicated design changes easily. Whether you want to have your wedding dress altered or your wedding party’s dresses fitted to perfection, you have the solution at Best for Bride. Call us or drop in today to find out what we can do to help you. Watch our video for more tips and advice on using our alteration services.

Our store also brings you wedding dresses of every style from top-class designers and a range of wedding services. We pride ourselves on being a one-stop bridal destination and welcome you to visit and explore all that we offer you to make your dream wedding day a reality.

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Seaside Elegance: A Guide to Selecting the Perfect Wedding Gown for Your Beachfront Nuptials!

beach wedding gown

 

Wedding season falls between spring and fall for a reason – couples adore the clear, blue skies, warm (and mostly consistent) weather, and that laid-back summer feel that stays with people even if they do have to go to work every day.

Summer is nostalgia and swimming pools and catching fireflies after sunset. It’s ice cream and palm trees and sweet peach tea. It’s such a fun season myself. Vincent and my team here at Pixan Photography came up with more than 100 summer wedding ideas to inspire couples to get married then.

And if there’s one place that embodies summer the most, it’s the beach. Balmy breezes toes in the sand, salt-water skin.

The beach is such a perfect place to be during summertime, many couples figure, ‘why not spend one of the biggest days of our life there too?’

If that sounds like you and you’re planning a beach wedding, you might wonder what kind of gown is best.

Undoubtedly, a beach wedding has all kinds of pluses, but it also comes with its negatives. And sometimes, the pluses can also be negatives, so you should put extra time into choosing a wedding gown that will work wonderfully oceanside.

As a Mexico destination photographer, Pixan Photography shoots many beach weddings…a lot. Along the way, the Pixan team and I have made a few keen observations about the top considerations a bride will have when choosing a beach-ready wedding gown, and I’m ready to spill the beans.

So put on your sunshades, slather on the sunblock, and keep reading for how to choose a wedding gown perfect for a beach wedding.

TYPE OF SAND

One of the first things you’ll want to think about while shopping for a beach wedding dress is what kind of beach you’ll call your own (for the wedding day, of course).

Where is the beach, and what kind of sand does it have?

  •       Coarse sand will not do well for long trains and trailing dresses.
  •       Fine sand is easier to walk through, and there’s not as much worry about rips and tears in the bottom of the dress.

STYLE OF VENUE

Take a good look at your overall venue and select a gown that matches the formality of your venue, decor, and theme.

If you’re splitting time between a ceremony by the sea and a reception indoors and don’t plan to squeeze in a costume change, you’ll want to choose a dress that can transition between the two.

What kind of venue is it?

A simple cabana gives off a different feel than a ballroom with an ocean view.

What is the build of the ceremony space?

A wedding on the beach doesn’t necessarily mean a ceremony in the sand. Some venues own beach real estate and have built their custom structure right on the sand.

If the ceremony space is fully tiled, built on a wooden deck or a raised dock to the water, you’ll have fewer concerns about the style of dress because you won’t be walking on sand, except perhaps in a beach photo shoot.

What is the wedding theme?

The same goes for the decorations and wedding theme. If you’re aiming for a laid-back beach vibe and your reception space is decorated in bright colours and bohemian details, you’ll probably want to steer clear from a more formal, sleek silk wedding gown and go with one that embodies the same laid-back chic feel of your wedding.

How far will you need to travel to reach the venue?

Lastly, think about how far your venue is from home and all the little things that come with having a beach wedding.

  •       Will you have to check your dress at the airport or drive it cross country?
  •       Is it easy to pack and move? Will it wrinkle?
  •       Will it cost a fortune to get to your destination? A dress that is lightweight and fold-friendly is your best bet.

Packing Tip: When travelling with skirts and dresses, you’ll minimize wrinkles and creases if you roll the item rather than fold it. Or, if you’re flying with wedding attire, consider packing it in a garment bag.

FABRIC & DETAILS

Now, let’s talk fabric.

Think light and airy fabrics like organza, chiffon, charmeuse, cotton, and crepe, which all provide breathability and movement, not to mention they’ll dreamily billow in the breeze, which makes for stunning wedding photos.

For more lightweight fabric options, as well as heavier ones, check out The Knot’s epic Dress Fabric Glossary.

You can also attain airflow by choosing a dress with a lace bodice and a skirt with slits.

Be mindful of lace trim, as it can easily pick up debris, like sand and everything that has washed up. If you’ve been drooling over lace or highly detailed elements, consider a dress that features these in the bodice, not in the skirt’s trim.

Keep embellishments to a minimum. The more frills you add to your dress, the heavier it will get. If you want to add sparkle, consider a simple draping neckpiece or a garter belt with a little bling that wraps around your waist.

DESIGN

The overall design of the gown will influence your comfort significantly, so it’s probably a factor you don’t want to ignore.

Although you may have fallen in love with a certain style of dress, it might not serve you well on the beach.

  1. Keep the dress volume in mind. Ideally, you want something lightweight, something you can move in, especially during dancing time.

The heavier a dress is, the harder it will be to walk through the sand. Plus, heavy = hot, and with the possible humidity your area might have, hot, sweaty, and sticky is not something you want to endure.

  1. As for silhouettes, A-lines and shift dresses, and shorter lengths are ideal. Short wedding dresses eliminate straggling sand and other debris you might pick up on the beach.

If your heart is set on length, consider a shorter dress with a longer, lightweight veil to bring in that dramatic trailing effect.

Just as it is important to know what to wear, it’s equally important to know what not to wear. Mermaid (I know, it seems so appropriate, but trust us!) silhouettes, ball gowns, and empire dresses should be avoided.

  1. When comparing bodice types, consider that crop tops with a separate skirt, strapless dresses, halter tops, and backless dresses will do wonders for keeping you cool.

Even though that quarter-sleeve dress you may have your eye on seems like a lovely fit, think about how it will feel when you’re under the summer sun. And let’s not even think about sweat stains. No thanks!

COLOR

This decision might seem as easy and breezy as a day at the beach – white, obviously – but keep in mind that there are various shades of white. Even non-white colours can be beautiful, especially in a tropical setting.

A champagne or ivory dress in the bridal salon might look different once you’re strutting it in front of your home mirror. Different light spectrums will change the colour of your dress, even if just slightly.

Since you’ll most likely be spending a lot of time under blue skies and sunshine, take your potential wedding gown into natural light to see what it looks like to the naked eye and in photographs. Better to be safe than sorry.

And if you have a beach nearby with sand the same tone as where you’ll be wed, bring fabric swatches in shades of white, ivory, champagne or whatever other color you’re considering to compare against the sand. Because sand tends to fall in these same shades of neutral colours, your dress could blend in too much in your beach wedding photos. Finding a shade that contrasts well against the sand will enhance your photos drastically.

DECIDING ON YOUR IDEAL BEACH WEDDING GOWN

To recap what we’ve covered: your beach wedding gown should ideally be lightweight, cool, and easy to move around in; should match the formality of your venue and wedding theme; look great under natural light and against a sandy beach backdrop; and most importantly, look and feel beautiful on you!

With all that in mind, in the end, you have to go with your gut and pick the dress you’re gaga about. This is a day you’ve been dreaming of for years, so you may just throw all caution to the wind and get the dress you’ve been pining over, regardless of the drawbacks.

And, you know what? That’s OK! It’s your day to experience as you wish. Hopefully, these tips will simply give you some insight into considerations that can maximize your comfort and enhance your wedding photos too.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vincent owns Pixan Photography, a team of destination wedding photographers in Mexico who are as passionate about their clients as they are about their work. When he’s not shooting destination weddings, Vincent loves travelling the world with his wife and son.

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Unveiling Elegance: Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Lace Wedding Dresses!

Lace and weddings are a match made in heaven. Hence, it is no wonder that this fabric is the mainstay of wedding fashion and continues to be popular. Lace has recently evolved from romantic, ethereal and wispy forms to crisp, laser-cut wedding gown details. Nevertheless, the charm of this delicate fabric never ceases to impress.

Today, the wedding dress market has plenty of options in lace wedding dresses. There are allover lace gowns as well as dresses trimmed with lace in select locations. The options are numerous with lace details in the bodice, neckline, yoke or sleeves. One of the reasons for this astounding variety is that there are many different types of lace. Also, there are numerous ways in which designers add it to a dress.

Join me today, as I discuss the different factors you should know if you are in the market for a lace wedding gown.

Characteristics of Lace

This decorative fabric may use any of many different types of fibers. Thus, laces are made from Nylon, polyester, wool, silk, cotton and even linen fibers. Better quality laces have small stitches and use fine thread.

The delicate nature of lace makes it susceptible to damage. So, this fragile fabric requires a lot of care. Although it doesn’t unravel, it can lose shape and tear if roughly handled. Traditionally lace was handmade. However, much of the lace available today is sewn by machines.For more details on the general properties of lace, visit the Fabrics International website.

The different details on the lace determine whether it renders a modern or antique look to a dress. Antique lace features significant contrast between the dense and openwork sections. Meanwhile, modern lace has sharp details with similar texture throughout the surface. Antique lace is difficult to create, and hence more expensive.

Most of the lace used in wedding dresses is machine-made. This is usually because handmade lace involves a lot of time and labor. With so much effort involved, it is nearly impossible to make enough lace for an entire wedding dress. Nevertheless, handmade lace is usually seen in smaller sections of wedding dresses. It is used in trims for the neckline, sleeves, or hemline.

Lace by itself renders a whimsical, feminine and romantic look to a wedding gown. Lace also includes embellishments like rhinestones and crystal embroidery, so it is opulent and perfect for a bridal look.

If you look at wedding dresses, you will see more than just one type of lace. The variety of lace determines the overall impact of the gown. Most of the lace in wedding gowns is open-patterned. Seldom do we see wedding dresses that are entirely made from lace. Designers usually use the fabric as an overlay over other heavier fabrics to create a contrasting effect that highlights the intricate details on it.

Let us now look at the different varieties of lace commonly used in wedding dresses.

Types of lace commonly used in wedding dresses.

Bridal dresses with lace effects are very endearing. This fabric’s delicate and wispy nature makes it a great choice for the dreamy, romantic look that most brides seek. The beauty of lace gowns is that it is perfect for most wedding styles. While a short lace dress is ideal for an outdoor garden or rustic barn wedding, full-length sensual lace gowns suit traditional banquet venues. At the same time, lace-embellished dresses blend in with beach venues. Traditional gowns with lace trims are ideal for castles and similar heritage wedding sites.

Here are the different bridal lace varieties commonly used in wedding dresses.

Alencon Lace

Alencon lace is the queen of laces. It gets its name from Alencon in France, where it first originated. This lace resembles cotton in texture. The raised cording above the pattern characterizes this type of lace. Genuine Alencon lace is incredibly soft. This is in fact the defining factor of how authentic a sample is.

Alencon lace has floral motifs on a net background. Typical designs include Victorian floral details like cabbage roses, daisies, scrolls and medallions. It will usually have an eyelet or bearded edge. For more information on identifying Alencon lace, visit this article on Lady Violette. 

Chantilly Lace

Another type of lace that originated in France, Chantilly Lace, is very delicate. When compared with Alencon lace, this lace usually features larger flowers. There are many folds within the details. This gives the lace a rich, frothy effect. Vintage Chantilly lace is expensive and in high demand. Chantilly lace uses dense and light detailing through suitable half and whole stitches. This creates a shadowy effect. Original Chantilly lace was always black. The reinventions of this classic are white and are now used widely in wedding dresses.

Brocade Lace

This type of lace has rich fabric weaving and a raised pattern. Metallic gold and silver threads add to its grandeur. Brocade lace may also use coloured silk threads instead of traditional white. Brocade lace is usually manufactured using Shuttle loom weaving. Unlike Alencon and Chantilly laces, brocade lace is thicker and doesn’t possess its characteristic delicate effect.

Embroidered lace

As the name suggests, this lace type has motifs resembling embroidery on a base material. Hence, there is a pronounced three-dimensional effect. Appliques are strewn over the length of the fabric. Commonly used patterns include interconnected floral motifs that stretch over the entire length. The thickness of the base material varies between thin illusion netting and thicker material. For better effect, tulle is usually placed below the embroidered lace layer.

Eyelet lace

via Wikipedia

Eyelet lace is a unique style with cut-outs in the fabric and trimmed with thread. The sizes and shapes of the holes may vary. It is typically created in cotton, satin or silk. Eyelet lace is popular for Boho weddings, as it has a modern, flirty look. Unlike other types of lace, eyelet lace has a seamless effect. It stands out on its own without a base layer. However, the intricate cut-out designs are prominent when layered over a contrasting fabric. It is not a traditional choice. Hence, it is better suited to modern, casual wedding styles. Although it works for any wedding style, eyelet lace wedding dresses look best at beach and garden weddings.

Guipure or Venetian Lace

We can quickly identify Guipure or Venetian lace by looking at the links between different motifs. In the case of Alencon and Chantilly lace, the motifs connect through thin mesh or net-like structures. This has a wispy effect. In Venetian lace, dense plaits or thick strands replace this mesh structure. This forms a clear outline for the lace motif. Guipure lace is one of the oldest types of bridal lace. It is still favoured by many designers for its distinct quality.

Now that we know about the different types of wedding dress lace, let us look at how lace transforms a dress based on where it appears. I have also included suitable examples from our collection to illustrate each.

Allover lace wedding dress

Allover lace adorns this cap-sleeve fit and flare gown from the Sans Pareil collection. Wispy floral motifs span the entire length of the gown, creating uniform texture throughout the silhouette. There are no other embellishments on the dress. Despite this, the gown is beautiful in its unique way. Brides can accessorize with many options to achieve the intended look. The floral motifs create a vintage effect, and the dress suits vintage and traditional wedding styles.

Lace trims the tiers and hemline

In this vintage wedding gown from the Mori Lee collection, the tiers in the skirt have lace trims. The embroidered lace appliques on the tiers contrast beautifully against the pale ivory background. The dress has a feminine, youthful vibe, and the lace trim’s very presence enhances the gown’s glamour.

Lace bodice

A wedding dress looks beautiful when the bodice has lace embellishments. This effect contrasts beautifully against a smooth skirt. Alternately, the lace bodice also works well with layered or satin skirts. This mix of textures in the bodice and skirt creates a unique effect. Here is a gown from the Mori Lee collection that achieves the desired effect. The dress has a simple A-line silhouette, but the lace motifs in the bodice contrast beautifully with the soft pleats in the skirt.

Lace yoke and sleeves

Chantilly lace creates a mesmerizing effect for this A-line wedding gown from the Sans Pareil collection. Lace details adorn the yoke and full sleeves. Elaborate swirls spread over the entire misty collar. They extend into illusion sleeves for a slimming effect. This is in direct contrast with the silky satin skirt and textured waistband. Additionally, the slight collar has a scalloped edge with intricate detailing, ensuring that every part of the dress is a work of art.

Scalloped lace hemline

Alencon lace sweeps over the hemline of this wispy Mori Lee Wedding dress. The light, airy fabric forms a beautiful base for the white lace appliques. A scalloped hemline completes the length of this gown in full style. The delicate floral clusters also extend to the rear and into the train, creating a romantic feel.

Lace back detail

Lace appliques frame the cut-out back of this enchanting Mori Lee gown. The re-embroidered appliques appear on a barely-there sheer base, which creates a mesmerizing effect. Scalloped floral edges frame the cut-out. Lace appliques further extend into the skirt and thin towards the pleated layers. The light breezy sheer layer stands out against the off-white layers below it in the fully gathered skirt. Although the lace back features simple details, it is the statement feature of this delightful bridal gown.

Embellished lace details

We spoke earlier about how embellishments on lace add luxury and elegance to a wedding gown. Lace appliques in this Sophia Tolli gown have beautiful crystal and bead details. This adds an opulent touch to the gown. While the golden and silver hues add shimmer and shine, they also create a gently textured finish that accentuates the bridal effect of this gown.

Irrespective of whether a dress has sparse lace details or appears throughout the entire length of a wedding gown, this classic element is bridal in every way. The charm of this bridal element cannot be achieved by any other fabric, and hence it will continue as a bridal staple in years to come.

Apart from wedding dresses, lace is also an essential element in veils used by brides. The wispy nature of this fabric and its fluttering feel is just right to complete the bridal trousseau. Furthermore, lace is also typical in wedding garters, as trims for the bridal bouquet and neckpieces. Finally, many brides make handkerchiefs and bouquet embellishments with lace from heirloom wedding gowns is often made into handkerchiefs and bouquets by brides, as their something old.

Best for Bride has a fantastic collection of lace wedding gowns. Browse through all our designer collections and you are sure to find a wide range of gowns that suit your vision. In addition to this, you can also find enchanting lace dresses in our bridesmaids collection and dresses for special occasions. Visit our dress gallery today to explore all the different options available to include this heirloom-quality style element in your big day.