Charmeuse wedding dresses– This lightweight satin follows the wearer’s curves. It is less shiny than regular satin
Chiffon wedding dresses – This semitransparent fabric moves and drapes well. Look for it in layers, sleeves, and veils
Organza wedding dresses– Stiffer than chiffon, this fabric still flows with the bride
Satin wedding dresses– Satin is a heavy fabric that is shiny on one side, dull on the other. Duchesse satin combines silk and rayon for a lighter and less expensive option.
Shantung wedding dresses– Thick and thin yarns create a nubby texture similar to raw silk.
Silk wedding dresses– This fiber is luxurious, resilient, and expensive.
Taffeta wedding Dresses– Shiny or matte, this fabric has a crisp, papery feel.
Embellishments and Finishers
Appliqués – These usually raised details are stitched onto the gown.
Beaded wedding dresses– Glass, crystal, gem, pearl, or other types of beads are sewn onto the dress. Glass or plastic bugle beads, small cylindrical shapes, can also be glued or sewn onto the gown.
Border trims – These edgings can be braids, ribbons, ruffles, or scalloped pieces.
Bows – Bows can be made from a variety of materials and found in many lengths and sizes as a single element or part of a grouping.
Edging – Edgings made from lace, cord, embroidered bands, and silk satin outline sections of fabric.
Embroidered wedding dresses – Fancy needlework patterns can be stitched by hand or machine in the same color as the gown or in a contrasting color.
Fringe – Loose strands of beading or threads fastened to a band.
Jewels – Crystals attached to a gown will catch the light.
Laser cut – A laser cuts intricate patterns into the fabric.
Quilting – Batting is sandwiched between layers of fabric that is stitched in a pattern.
Ribbons – Ribbons could be used as closures on a corseted gown or could decorate a floor-length gown with streamers.
Seed pearls – These small irregularly shaped pearl can be added to the dress, headpiece or shoes.
Sequins – Shiny plastic disks sewn flat to the gown add sparkle. Paillettes are larger sequins with a hole at one side so they can move with the bride and catch the light.
Silk Flowers- – Matching or contrasting color flowers can decorate the neckline, waist, or all over.
Elements like color and sheen from the fabric and sparkle from the finishers create the base for a wedding gown. These dress basics can greatly affect the cost of a dress, so a bride should look at these elements when shopping within her budget