Tag: chiffon

Posted on by — 5 Comments

The Essential Guide to Wedding Fabrics

Every wedding dress starts with the fabric it is created from. With opulent silks and satins, to rustling taffeta and flowing chiffon, the possibilities in wedding fabrics is endless.

Did you know that by simply varying the fabric of a wedding gown, the entire effect and feel of the dress is altered?

This is because, there are many factors that the fabric of your gown determines—how the dress drapes, it’s pattern, cut and whether it is suitable for the venue and weather on your wedding day. So, the textile you choose has a huge bearing on how you will look on your big day, and a basic knowledge of the different fabrics will help you choose your gown better.

Let us take a quick look at the various fabrics that are used in the construction of wedding gowns, and the features that characterize each of them.

To make it easier for you to understand, we have divided them into two categories: Soft flowing and Structured.

Soft Flowing

Chiffon: Made from silk or silk-blends with manmade fibres, chiffon is sheer and soft. It drapes well, is transparent and a good choice for warm weather.

Georgette: Made from polyester or silk, it resembles crepe but is very light weight. The material is not completely transparent, and its a good choice for summer.

Tulle: This fabric resembles very fine net, it is stiffer than chiffon and adds volume to a gown. Tulle is crisp and see-through, it is the choice for wedding veils and is often mixed with other fabrics.

Structured

Silk: Synonymous with luxury, silk adds an elegant and formal touch to any wedding gown. Available in different forms, from smooth mikado to charmeuse, silk wedding gowns are the epitome of style and sophistication. While raw silk is the textured type, other forms of silk are characterized by their sheen.

Satin: Plain, lustrous and shiny, satin is luxurious and has a heavy structure. Duchess Satin and Larissa Satin are the two types used in wedding gowns, and it is an ideal choice for a formal wedding. However, the heavy structure would make it inappropriate for an outdoor wedding, but it is an ideal choice for cooler weather.

Crepe: Lightweight and crinkly, crepe is a soft fabric that is created by blending silk and man-made fibres. It flows elegantly and softly hugs your body. It emphasizes your curves, as it has excellent drape.

Taffeta: Characterized by the rustle it creates with movement, taffeta is made from silk or a silk-blend. The fabric has a glassy sheen and definite structure. It is often used in ballgown skirts and gowns that need to hold their structure and look poufy, rather than fall gently.

Organza/Organdy: Two fabrics that sound similar but are different for the fact that while organza is made of silk, organdy is cotton. Both are crisp and sheer. Organza is popularly used in overlays and embellishments, and is stiff and can give structure to a gown. It resembles tulle, but is softer.

This isn’t a comprehensive list as the fabric choices in wedding gowns continue to evolve and improve. Nevertheless, with this list in hand, you will be equipped to know whether you want a soft flowing, dreamy wedding dress or a structured and poufy bridal gown, and the fabrics that will work in this direction.

For more wedding dress tips and advice, visit us on Best for Bride.

Posted on by — 1 Comment

Trends we love: V-necklines

We see so much variety in wedding dresses. While we are amazed with the overall effect in most cases, some particular features strike a chord, and become our all-time favorites. One such feature is the V-neckline.

This neckline has been the rage on runways, with variations of subtle, demure soft V’s to deep and daring low cut V-necklines. The beauty of this trend is in how versatile it is. If you aren’t comfortable with sporting a plunging V, you can still opt for a smaller dip, and still look great. Every woman can find a V-neckline that flatters her shape and emphasizes her figure.

A deep V is dramatic, and adds personality to a soft romantic gown. It shows off your bold edge, even when the dress is floral lace gown that is very feminine. A wide-cut V exposes your collar-bones, allowing you to show off your slender neck. The general shape of this pattern elongates your upper body, and makes you look longer and leaner.

V-necklines go beautifully with most gown silhouettes and sleeve patterns. They add style to a full-sleeved dress, and add a sexy and dramatic edge to a cap-sleeved gown.

We’ve seen plenty of V-necklines this year, in wedding dresses, bridesmaids dresses, mother-of-the-bride dresses and evening gowns. Let us take a look at our favorite from each category.

via Best for Bride

Here is an example of a stylish sparkling wedding gown,where the soft V-neckline draws focus to the upper body. This Mori Lee 2715 from the Spring 2015 collection is a spectacular gown with scintillating elements running all over the bodice and thinning into floral applique clusters towards the skirt. The mermaid silhouette is glamorous, and the magnificent waistband and stylish V-neckline together add the finishing touches to the stunning gown which is fit for a modern bride.

via Best for Bride

The Sophia Tolli Spring 2015 collection brings us this fairy tale gown with a stunning wide V-neckline in sheer fabric over a sweetheart bodice. It dips slightly in the center, allowing a subtle display of cleavage and draws focus to well-toned collar bones and facial features. The crystal beading that runs across it sparkles and adds texture and finesse to the dainty floral lace appliques over the body. The fit and flare tulle skirt has a dreamy delicate finish.

via Best for Bride

Now, take a look at this sophisticated red bridesmaid dress sporting a modest V-neckline. The chiffon beauty which belongs to the Mori Lee Bridesmaids Fall 2014 collection has the two sections criss-crossing at the center and forming a V-neckline that balances out an empire waist. The ruffles that flow down the center add an element of drama and make this gown a perfectly unique piece.

via Best for Bride

This navy mother-of-the-bride dress from the Mori Lee Spring 2014 collection beautifully blends a V-neckline with sheer butterfly sleeves, to create a gorgeous dress in which mom will look glamorous. The elegant design has asymmetrical ruchings criss-cross at the centre to form a snug V-neckline that drops into a well-defined waistband that adds extra pizzazz.

You will find many more pretty wedding gowns, stylish bridesmaids dresses and perfect mother-of-the bride dresses with beautiful V-necklines, at the Best for Bride gallery. Come and visit us today, and you will realize why we love this trend so much.

Posted on by — 2 Comments

Top Tips to choose the Ideal Beach Wedding Dress

via Best for Bride

The popularity of destination weddings is growing, and with good reason. Is there a more romantic setting for a wedding, than a sun-kissed sandy beach where surf and turf come together to create a beautiful ambiance?

Once you have set your mind on a destination wedding, and booked the location, the next most important decision is finding the right wedding dress for the day. A destination wedding is chic and fun, and this opportunity presents you with the chance to dress up in anything, but a traditional wedding gown.

There are some important factors to consider when choosing your beach wedding dress, and let us dive into these details now.

Fabric selection is important

Travelling with your gown means it will be subjected to more handling than you ever would, if you were having a wedding at home. So, the fabric shouldn’t be wrinkle-prone, but should be light and convenient to carry around.

Heavy gowns with elaborate details are not only impractical, but may also appear inappropriate for the relaxed style of ceremony. Inform your bridal consultant that you are having a beach wedding, and she will help you choose a suitable fabric. Chiffon is a good choice, as it doesn’t wrinkle easily. This breathable fabric is light-weight too. Other options are cotton, crepe, georgette and organza.

Pay attention to length and cut

Both length and pattern are to be chosen with due diligence. Strapless gowns in straight silhouettes look fashionable in outdoor settings. Make sure that the gown doesn’t flow to below your ankles, as you risk tripping over if it does.

Since you will have to spend the greater part of your wedding day in your wedding dress, make sure it is comfortable and manageable. Remember that you will be traveling days before your wedding, so schedule your fitting sessions well ahead of this date. This will make sure that your dress will be ready in time for you to pack your bags.

Be adventurous

A destination wedding is the ideal occasion for you to think outside the box, and be adventurous with your dress choice. Go for a patterned wedding gown, a shorter style or cool and trendy accessories for a unique look.

Be inventive with your headpiece and bouquet. If you want to go for the traditional white, play up the drama with vibrant accessories. You can add pops of bright and bold colors not just to your dress, but also to your wedding décor. Finally, make sure that you wear appropriate footwear that will make it practical to walk on the sand.

Carry your wedding dress on you

The last thing you want is to end up at your destination with your wedding dress in shambles. To prevent such a scenario, don’t check it in with the rest of your luggage on the flight but carry your wedding dress with you, Make sure that there is a provision to hang it up on your plane ride. Use a good travel garment bag, so your dress is crisp and clean, even after the long journey.

Best for Bride brings you the Mori Lee Voyage collection of perfect dresses for destination weddings. Visit us online to browse through this stylish collection, and make your pick.