Prefacing dumb question: what fabric of gown did you go with and why

View Quoted Comment OP wasn’t really clear about what she meant— I think for a lot of people, material/fiber content can be used interchangeably. And my reply is meant to educate anyone who, like myself, didn’t pay attention to these details when dress shopping.


When I was dress shopping, I didn’t think much of it. I have always HATED polyester but in the rush and magic of dress shopping, I didn’t stop to look at fiber content. I think I assumed that because I was paying $3000 for a dress and the material and construction felt so high quality, it couldn’t be polyester. But like and behold, when I went to try it on again after paying the deposit, i looked for the tag and there it was.

View Quoted Comment Sorry, WW cut me off in the middle of my comment. My reply wasn’t meant to nitpick, rather to educate people like myself, who do care about these details but may overlook them in the magic of dress shopping. And also to reassure people who, like myself, May be disappointed to learn that their gowns are synthetic.


I’ve heard a few brides boast about their gowns being pure silk because, I assume, they also thought that a $3-4000 satin dress just must be silk. Or they bought a designer gown and figured it must be silk because of that. And then they were disappointed when they actually looked at the tags to see that the gown was polyester. I’m here to say that there’s no shame in not spending a fortune on a silk dress. There are many high-quality synthetic fabrics and likewise, many low-grade silks. Buy the dress you can afford, and the one you feel like you look amazing in. But I hate to see people think they’re getting one thing and find out they got another. Silk may very well be important to some people and if you want to go that route on a budget, there’s always the used gown option.

From what Pinterest has shown me, and what I've seen on social media, satin and more flowy fabrics are big right now. Less is more, Think of BHLDN and Sara Seven!

I knew I didn't want lace or a lot of beading, but I went into my appointments with an open mind because you really never know what you'll like! I ended up getting two gowns and one is very fitted, which I had been against from the start lol. I'll attach a link to my posts that have photos of them!

They're both satin like fabric, but aren't heavy at all, which I loved!

https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/confidence-through-the-roof/912fbfc627edbf89.html

https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/i-finally-found-my-dress/346c46dd42be2ea6.html

View Quoted Comment

For sure! I think a lot of people don't distinguish between the two. Silk vs satin is such a common one I see confused/interchanged all the time. There are a lot of retail websites that don't list the fiber/material content of garments for purchase online. I also didn't see it listed on any of the description tags at the bridal boutique I went to (it might have been on the actual garment labels, but I didn't check those). I actually just looked up my ceremony dress (which I purchased off of StillWhite) and sure enough there isn't a single website that actually lists the fiber content of the fabric used, but I'm pretty sure the lining is polyester.

For my reception, I spent the extra money on 100% silk because I expected to be dancing in it and wanted to feel comfortable. Also, I think the modest sheen of silk looks so elegant but the high sheen of polyester satin looks so cheap to me! It's really sad how many designer and high price point items are made with inferior, cheap, or synthetic materials. The worst is when you find a nice designer dress that is silk only to find out the shell is 100% silk but it has a polyester lining. Why do that?!?!

I wasn’t too picky but I knew satin was a no go from the start…shows absolutely everything and as I mama of 3 I did not want my pouch on display for my big day. I went with all tulle but I guess that’s a big factor due to the fact that it is a ballgown

And my second dress I’m not even sure what the fabric is but it is very plain and mermaid fitted

I have an organza dress and it was because it was the dress I liked. I knew I didn't want satin or any kind of lace, so I made that known when I went in. Satin clings and sometimes it can wrinkle easily (at least my best friend's satin gown did). And I just never liked lace.

I didn’t have a preference toward a fabric that I wanted. But I definitely knew what DIDN’T want…. NO lace and NO illusion styles. In general, I just don’t like lace. But on top of that, I felt like the illusion look was becoming just so overly used. However, I knew that I wanted a fitted style with an understated sexiness.

Hi! Before I started my shopping, I was 100% set on an A line dress, one that would hide the not-so-toned areas of my body. But once I tried on my now fit and flare crepe satin dress, I fell in love! I highly recommend a crepe satin material. It is beyond beautiful!!

Hi there!

I too was ALL about having a lace dress until I tried them on.. for some reason they just did NOT flatter my body type. I fell in love with a simple/ elegant Mikado trumpet dress! Mikado fabric is a type of silk that is a bit heavier weight material. The top of my dress has wiring so its a bit more structured which the fabric really complements. The mikado fabric is shiny/silky with a bit of stretch and is comfy! Love it!

Goodluck to you!