There is nothing quite as romantic as a lace wedding gown. Lace is so feminine and beautiful that it makes any bridal gown even lovelier. Used to trim a veil, lace turns something simple into something spectacular. There are a variety of types of lace, each of which is wonderful in its’ own way.

Some of the finest laces for wedding gowns include Alençon, Chantilly, and Venise. The exquisite workmanship of Belgian lace is also treasured, especially for veils. Needle and bobbin laces are usually made of cotton or rayon, and machine made laces are generally made of synthetic fibers. Lace first became widely used in 16th Century Europe, and it remains just as popular today.

Chantilly and Alençon are French laces which are most frequently designed with a floral motif. Chantilly lace is soft and supple; Alençon lace has a heavier cord re-embroidered over the floral base to give it a substantial feel. Venise is a more three-dimensional style of lace from Italy, which is also frequently seen with floral patterns. Venise lace was especially popular in the 1960s, and on a personal note, it is what I chose for my custom wedding gown (I chose the most beautiful three dimensional roses appliqués, which were handstitched onto silk shantung).

Lace can be used in many ways from traditional to modern, and everywhere in between. A look that is currently in style is to use a continuous piece of lace as fabric (known as “all-over lace”) for a look that is textural and surprisingly subtle. When done with an Alençon lace, the result is a wedding gown that is both gorgeous and forgiving (the weight of the lace helps to hide any lumps or bumps!). Alençon is most commonly seen over a stiffer under-fabric, but I have also seen it done over silk charmeuse with the result being a gown that is substantial but fluid at the same time – incredible!

Another way that lace is often employed is as an appliqué. This technique can be done with a heavy hand or a very sparing one. Venise lace is most commonly used as an appliqué because of its’ stiffness when used as a whole piece. The lace motifs can either be stitched onto a solid background, or over a net for a sheer look (as in a sleeve or a veil).

Appliquéd lace is often embellished with handbeading. This is great, because you can use the beadwork as inspiration for handmade wedding jewelry to coordinate. For instance, if your bridal gown has Swarovski crystal accents, then have your jeweler create unique handmade wedding jewelry using the same crystals. Pearl beading is always classic, and of course, pearl jewelry to coordinate would look perfectly polished.

Lace doesn’t have to be traditional, by the way. One of the most stunning wedding gowns that I ever saw was a slender sheath created from all-over Chantilly lace, heavily beaded with Swarovski crystals. The lightweight lace paired with the heavy crystals created a sensuous curve-hugging effect that was definitely not your grandmother’s lace bridal gown. The variety of laces, and the unique ways in which designers use them means that there is a lace wedding gown perfect for almost every bride.

Would you like Bridget write about a particular aspect of weddings,romance,jewelry or fashion. She has extensive experience of providing advice for Silverland Jewelry.com

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Handmade Synthetic Crystal
Handmade Synthetic Crystal
Handmade Synthetic Crystal