When searching for your wedding dress, there is a good choice when it comes to fabric and sometimes it can be overwhelming trying to decide whether the work of the right fabric for you. Many dresses are made from materials that you wouldn’t normally wear for your day-to-day clothes, so it’s handy to know what to look for, and the different attributes of each type of fabric. Here is a general guide to wedding dress fabrics and how to wear:

Chiffon

Soft, sheer, and transparent, Chiffon can be made from silk (more expensive) or rayon (more affordable). Due to its delicate transparency, chiffon is often layered and is popular for sleeves, overskirts, and wraps.

Lace

Lace is a huge trend right now with all of the “vintage” inspired wedding themes. Lace doesn’t just have to have a vintage feel, it can also be used for a dress with a very feminine and romantic feel.

Silk

The most popular and expensive wedding dress fabric, silk is a smooth, soft, natural fiber. Silk threads are used to create many other fabrics including charmeuse, chiffon, organza, satin, and tulle. Many of these fabrics can also be made with a less-expensive silk/rayon blend, or with rayon alone.

Taffeta

Taffeta is a popular choice for wedding gowns as it is useful to create structure and shape. A fairly heavy fabric, taffeta has a stiff weave and is made from silk or a silk mix. Great for big gowns and full skirts, taffeta comes in matte or with a slight sheen.

Duchess Satin

This is a luxurious fabric; smooth and rich. Often chosen for traditional and simple dresses, Duchess satin also combines wonderfully with structured wedding gowns. Made from a heavy silk or silk-rayon blend, this fabric is beautifully glossy and looks expensive.

Tulle

Tulle is a slightly stiff, fine net fabric that can be used to add fullness and structure. Made from silk or a silk mix, tulle is light and sheer and is often used to make trains and veils.

Organza

Similar to chiffon though stiffer but still flowing, organza is often used for skirts, sleeves, and overlays. Organza is much like georgette, except it has a little more body and stiffness, helping to create shape and structure in your dress.

What fabric to choose for your wedding dress, take the time to feel and try a variety of dresses, most comfortable and flattering to see. Some very structured clothes, or have built in corsets, can be very heavy and unwieldy. If you plan a lot of dancing at your wedding, you may want to half outfit to change into consideration.