Lace Wedding Dresses

Although lace is one of the oldest materials used in the making of wedding dresses, modern lace wedding dresses are anything but old-fashioned. The placement of the lace, as well as the amount, will influence the look and feel of the gown. However, even just a touch will add a romantic and traditional effect. Lace comes in a variety of price ranges, some of which are more expensive than others. If price is a concern, then simply choose a less expensive type, since all lace is inherently beautiful.

Why a lace wedding dress

One of the attractions of lace is that it acts as a cover yet is revealing at the same time. There are many ways to incorporate lace into a wedding dress. It can go directly over another material, like silk or satin, to add extra interest, texture and detailing, or it can modestly cover the bare skin, revealing just enough flesh to be sexy without being vulgar. The lace can encapsulate the entire gown or be placed in select spots such as the across the neckline, on the arms, at the bodice or on the skirt or train. While lace looks very fragile and delicate, it is actually quite strong. Embellishments that can be sewn into the lace for a more elaborate impact include:

beads
sequins
pearls
rhinestones
diamonds, can be sewn into the lace for a more elaborate impact.

Styles of lace wedding dresses

There is a seemingly endless variety of lace weaves and shades, thus creating more options and diversity. Some have distinct patterns, while others are more random and abstract. The seven most popular choices for wedding gown lace are: Alencon, which has a background of flowers and swags; Chantilly, which has flowers and ribbons on a plain net background; Duchesse, which features irregularly spaced lace with raised floral designs; Guipure, which has a large series of motifs on a coarse mesh net; Ribbon, which has cords of ribbon drawn and tied together over a mesh or net background; Schiffli, which has an all-over embroidered design; Spanish, which has flat roses on a mesh or net background; and Veinise, which incorporates a dense needlepoint design of various patterns like foliage, florals or geometrics.

Vintage lace wedding dresses

Vintage lace wedding dresses are worn by many brides, whether for sentimental reasons, or to try to recapture the air of another era. They can be handed down through a family member or picked up somewhere like a thrift store, antique store or swap meet. However, they almost always need some tweaking or minor alterations to make the dress more modern, specially if it's an antique dress.

Gothic lace wedding dresses

On the opposite end of the spectrum are Gothic wedding dresses. These have a hard, funky edge and may even be entirely black. To add a hint of Goth to a white dress, use black lace. It can highlight the train, the sleeves or cover the whole gown. Having said that, black does not always equate with Goth. In fact, it can actually be quite sophisticated and current when done in the right way.

Choosing a lace wedding dress

It is very easy for brides to become overwhelmed when they first begin the process of selecting a wedding dress. There are so many styles, silhouettes and necklines, as well as variations in the color white, that it is a daunting task. Add to that the cost, which can span from a few hundred pounds, to several thousand pounds, and it is surprising that they do not have a nervous breakdown. However, once the bride settles on the shape of the dress, she can then look at just those styles and concentrate on the other elements like the neckline, the desired amount of lace and other embellishments.

The shape and silhouette choice will depend on the bride's body shape and personal preferences. The most traditional style is the ball gown with a fitted bodice, a defined waist and a full skirt. It is the fairy tale dress for many women. Next is the A-line shape that gently flares out as it drops from the waist. Empire line dresses have a fitted top with a skirt the begins right below the bust line and gently falls away from the body. Column or sheath dressed have a slim outline that is cut close to the body, often cut on the bias. One of the most dramatic styles is the mermaid or fishtail dress. It, too, hugs the curves, but it flares out below the knees, often with a train.