There are many different types of lace, each just as beautiful as the next. While some laces may look similar, they are made very differently and will feel different on the skin. Some are soft, some are stiff, some can be a bit scratchy especially if they are beaded. In this blog, we will focus on the seven most common laces found in wedding dress fabrics.
Chantilly
This ornate lace is named after the town of Chantilly in France, where it was first created in the 17th century. It is a bobbin lace known for its delicate and intricate floral patterns, which give it a feminine and ethereal look and used to create overlays or appliques on wedding dresses, adding a touch of softness and grace. One of the most popular, Chantilly lace wedding dresses are a timeless and romantic choice for brides who want a touch of elegance and luxury on their special day!
Venice/Guipure
Also called Guipure, Venetian lace is stiff without a net background. Patterns such as floral, vines, and ornamental braid are created by embroidered stitches onto a fabric that disappear when completed. Venice needle lace can also have intricate laser cuts look to it and therefore have many patterns from which to choose, from vintage all the way to Boho designs. This lace has a beautiful structure and is perfect for a wedding dress.
Alençon
Named after the town of Alençon in France, this is a needlepoint type of lace-making techniques, usually found with floral designs on a netted background. A lovely and delicate decorative fabric, these designs can be beaded or unbeaded. There are many wedding dresses made from this fabric, which is a traditional and true classic.
Embroidered
This type of lace typically forms the appearance of an appliqué where intricate patterns are stitched onto an illusion base. There are many bridal gowns with long sleeves and high mesh necklines and backs with embroidered lace and it gives the appearance of lace floating directly on skin.
Knitted (or Crocheted)
Knit lace is very soft and comfortable. This can be a body con type dress that will contour and shape the figure and be flexible enough for movement. Having a wedding dress in knit lace designs allows a bride to show off her figure yet is comfortable enough to dance the night away. Knit lace is perfect for a more casual wedding while still feeling very bridal.
Brocade
Brocade is a decorative fabric, often made in colored silks with gold or silver thread creating very distinct types of lace patterns and shadows. It is a rich and elegant bridal lace fabric and appropriate for a formal and traditional wedding gown.
Eyelet
Often made from cotton, eyelet lace is very lightweight and delicate fabric. It is made by pierced small holes and finished with stitching. Usually, the designs are laid together at random spacing creating a beautiful netlike ornamental fabric. This type of lace can be stitched together, each in different size range, and patterns come together for a very unique and lovely look. Eyelet lace is perfect for a summer outdoor wedding.
There are also a few lace patterns and variations to know when shopping for your wedding dress:
Basket Weave
This is a type of cross stitch, which can be done with threading or beading.
3D
This type of lace pops off from the dress or the veil in a multiple dimension effect
Beaded/Sequined
Lace can be elevated with a sparkle by going over the stitching with sequins or beads, such as seed pearls or bugle beads.
Scalloped
A scalloped edge follows a rounded pattern that can have points or simply a wave like effect
Floral
Floral lace is exactly that, it is just a pattern that makes up a flower of any type.
Now that you are aware of some of the most common laces and patterns used in wedding dresses, be sure to try them on and see for yourself the different look and feel of each. Make sure to ask your bridal stylist if you have questions such as any alterations you may need like cutting or hemming any of these laces.