Wedding Fabrics 101

In choosing a wedding gown, one of the often overlooked factors to consider is the fabric. It is what sets the overall look of the dress. It is crucial to choose the right wedding fabrics that will be used for the gown, drapery and even the tablecloths. Knowing what different materials can do will allow you to make the right choice.

Educating yourself about the different types of wedding fabric would be helpful in letting your suppliers and event coordinators know exactly what you like. At least you’ll be able to know why satin works for this motif, why jute is a sustainable choice and why chiffon works well for draping.

 

Top 5 most popular wedding fabrics for wedding gowns and formal occasions

The choice of fabric affects the wedding gown’s silhouette, the dress’ level of formality and its overall cost. You should consider these factors before going to a bridal shop for a dress fitting.

 

Silk

This is the most popular material used in making wedding dresses, especially for brides who want a dreamy ball gown. You may choose from different types of silk, such as gazar, charmeuse, faille, crepe de chine and dupioni. Silk may appear flowy and airy or stiff and structured, depending on the weaving style used.

 

Tulle

This fabric is usually made of silk, nylon, polyester or a combination of fibers. It is often used to design fairytale-like dresses because its layers can quickly provide the necessary volume the gown needs. Tulle wedding fabrics work well with sequins, horsehair trim, beading or sequins.

 

Satin

Satin is not a type of fabric but a particular weave or finish on materials that could be made of polyester, silk or nylon. Brides often encounter terms such as duchess satin, silk satin, crepe back satin or charmeuse satin. If the bride wants a slight sheen on her wedding gown, satin can give her that.

 

Lace

This is another popular choice for wedding dresses and formal occasions. It offers diverse textures, patterns, embellishments and weights. It looks romantic and feminine, making it the perfect choice for a wedding gown. Lace comes in Venise, Chantilly or Alencon styles. It is best worn during winter.

 

Mikado

This fabric feels a bit grainy, smooth, thicker and heavier with a satin-like material. Its heavy texture makes it an ideal choice for couples who want a winter wedding. Brides can wear clothes in Mikado to make them look warm and stylish at the same time. Mikado is popular in dresses with A-silhouette, trumpet or fit-and-flare lines.

 

Most popular fabrics used for wedding arch and drapery

The best fabrics for decorating a wedding reception include almost the same ones used for wedding gowns. Here’s why:

 

Chiffon

If you want draping all over the reception, chiffon fabric is the way to go. It is because chiffon can stay structured without any stitching or pinups. Since chiffon is light, it does not add weight to the wedding arch and allows light and air to flow through it, making it look luxurious and beautiful.

 

Organza

Organza is another lightweight fabric that you can easily drape. Since it has an inherent sheen like chiffon, it works well in weddings and other evening celebrations. It’s easy to figure out how to decorate a wedding arch with fabric like an organza. Just drape it, and it will complement other draping fabrics.

 

Tulle

Tulle is the ideal material for various decorations such as flowers, bows and ribbons. If you want something more than regular drapery, tulle’s smooth and soft yet structured fabric is the wedding drapery fabric for the job. It is easy to wash and dry without ruining the fabric’s voluminous and fluffy feel.

 

Satin

Satin does not only look luxurious for draping. It does not wrinkle easily, saving you all the time other fabrics need to be ironed. Satin also has a natural shine, just what weddings and other occasions need. Your satin drapes will still look new and soft despite getting washed multiple times.

 

Voile

If the draping covers indoors and outdoors, voile is a good choice. It can withstand outdoor elements and still look good with its sheer fabric. It works as a half-moon drapery on the ceiling or as a backdrop. Since it conducts light well, it makes the venue look ethereal.

 

Top options for wedding tablecloths and other materials

If you like to consider everything, you should know that wedding fabric does not stop with choosing a fabric for a wedding dress and drapery. It also covers the tablecloths and other materials that will be used during the celebration.

 

Jute or burlap

One of the most eco-friendly products would be 100% jute linens, which are made of natural fibers, making the product biodegradable. For instance, you can use burlap jute round tablecloths for rustic-themed weddings.

Jute tablecloths are eco-friendly because jute can be cultivated without pesticides or fertilizers. Jute is both biodegradable and recyclable. Since the plant matures at 4-6 months, it can be considered a highly renewable resource, making it a sustainable material.

 

Polyester

This is the most popular tablecloth used in weddings and other significant occasions because polyester is stain resistant, durable, affordable and machine-washable. It can be used for regular and fancy events indoors and outdoors. It is available in a wide range of colors, sizes, shapes, themes and patterns.

 

Satin

Tablecloths made of satin look classy and elegant, making them suitable for weddings. It is made from synthetic polyester or silk, giving it a mesmerizing sheen. If cared for properly, you can use satin tablecloths for a long time without showing early signs of wear.

 

Knowledge on wedding fabrics will not only do you well on your wedding day, but also, in your future events with family and friends. You get to further look into event suppliers and stores that offer not only sustainable fabric, but decorations that are durable, sustainable and consciously produced!

With a basic understanding of fabrics, you are able to make informed and empowered choices for the sustainable wedding that you envision, and more importantly, in making conscious environment-friendly everyday decisions!

 

 

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