Summary:
- Lace fabrics are a go-to choice for wedding gowns
- Some of the most popular are Chantilly, Venice, and Alonçon
- Lace can be beaded or unbeaded
- Jacquard is a heavier fabric with lace prints, Eyelet lace is very light
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Lace is a timeless choice for your wedding dress and is a go-to fabric for bridal designers. There are many different types of lace, each just as beautiful as the next! What is the right lace for you?
When shopping for your bridal gown, you will come across a variety of lace options. 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. Whether your Bridal look includes allover lace or just a touch of lace appliqués, read on and find the perfect choice for your big day!
Chantilly Lace
This ornate French lace is named after the town of Chantilly in France, where it was first created in the 16th century. It is a bobbin lace known for its delicate and intricate floral patterns, which give it a feminine and ethereal look. It is 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!
Roxanne by Evie Young is a Chantilly lace dress with eyelash edging, illusion lace bodice, sleeves, and corset back.
Venice/Guipure Wedding Dress Lace
Also called Guipure, Venetian lace is a stiff lace without a net background. Patterns including floral design, 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, therefore have many patterns from which to choose, from vintage all the way to Boho designs. This lace has a beautiful structure and is a very romantic fabric for a wedding dress.
Uma by WToo is a great example of the Venice design with eyelash lace trim and a demure high neck.
Alençon
Sp named after the town of Alençon in France and dating back to the 16th century. This is a needlepoint type of lace-making techniques, usually found with floral designs on a netted background. A lovely and delicate lace, it is a decorative fabric with designs that can be beaded or unbeaded. A most popular type of lace used in bridal fashion. You will find many wedding dresses made from the alencon lace fabric due to its timeless elegance. Also referred to as the “Queen of Lace”.
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. This is a perfect example of the appearance of lace floating directly on skin.
Knitted (or Crocheted)
Knit lace is very soft and comfortable. Suitable for all body types, this handmade bridal lace 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. This is the perfect lace for a more casual wedding while still feeling very bridal.
Brocade & Jacquard Lace
Brocade is a heavy fabric interwoven with a rich, raised design, often with gold or silver thread creating patterns and shadows. It is a rich, elegant, and heavy lace bridal fabric and classic choice for a formal and traditional style wedding gown. Jacquard is a loom or a machine-made lace that weaves designs into the fabric. These two photos show the lace look of both of these bridal fabrics.
Eyelet Wedding Dress Lace
A lovely cotton lace, eyelet is a very lightweight lace and delicate fabric. It is made by pierced small holes and finished with stitching, like a needlepoint lace. 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 and so sweet it looks like a handmade lace.
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. A very detailed lace that is often edged with lace applique.
3D Wedding Dress Lace
The 3-D effect type of lace pops off from the dress or the veil in a multiple dimension effect. These raised motifs can also be in colors for a romantic, nature-inspired wedding day aesthetic.
Petal by Morilee is a lovely example of colored 3-D lace.
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. Beaded lace gowns are great for formal or black-tie affairs, lending to quiet luxury if your personal style is looking at an Old Money or Gatsby-themed aesthetic.
A modern bride hosting a smaller, more intimate affair would be lovely in a slim A-line skirt or fitted beaded lace gown like Reagan. Add matching beaded shoulder straps for extra sparkle!
Scalloped Wedding Dress Lace
Scalloping is when the edges of the lace follow a rounded pattern that can have points or simply a wave like effect. The scallop can be at the hemline or even detailing at the sweetheart neckline.
Floral on Point d’Esprit
Floral lace is exactly that, it is just a pattern that makes up a flower of any type. They can be embroidered into the fabric or as appliqués. The underneath layer of this dress illustrates point d’esprit lace, which is simply a dotted lace pattern giving subtle detail to the gown.
Now that you are aware of some of the different varieties of lace used in wedding dresses, be sure to try all of the various wedding dress silhouettes 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 delivery time, any alterations you may need like cutting or hemming any of these laces. When you find your dream dress, it will be a memory you keep forever and another chapter in your love story!