As most people know, lace has been used in clothing and wedding gowns for centuries. It can be, by far, the most versatile fabric, but can also make you feel a tad confused and overwhelmed especially because there are so many options out there. Is it too little? Is it too much? Do I want it to be a statement? Or do I want it to be soft and subtle? Is it too old fashioned? Can I make it modern and stylish? Or maybe you like the more country feel. All these questions are valid and here you can discover the many ways you can have a lace wedding dress.
Designer: d’Italia / Photographer: Dan Brannan Photo
Firstly, it is all dependent on the type of lace that you fall in love with. This will ultimately change the overall look of your dress. There are many styles of lace, all with different characteristics and styles. If you like light yet intricate, you may want to focus on a Chantilly lace. This lace is very fine and has an abundance of detail. If you would like a more 3D style lace, but still want to keep it light, you would focus more on the corded laces. Embroidered lace is also a 3D style but it is created by hand sewing a style onto a sheer fabric base. Finally, the heaviest style of lace is the Guipure Lace. This is not based on a sheer fabric and is created with close embroidered stitches.
1. ALL-OVER LACE
Designer: d’Italia / Photographer: Andrew Avi Photography
If you want a simple style but still a statement piece with detailing, this style might be the perfect one for you. These elegant lace bridal gowns will make your guests go “wow” due to the gorgeous detailing of the lace being a feature. This style usually works for dresses that are either a fitted or straight style, as the lack of extra fabric, pleating or gathering means there is not an overwhelming amount of lace. It can also be used to the knee in a mermaid tulle style dress. This will give the same effect as a full lace gown, but also give the beautiful texture contrast between the lace and the tulle.
2. SHEER LACE SLEEVES
Designer: d’Italia / Photographer: Corey Wright Photographer
This style can be quite beautiful if you would like to showcase the detail of the lace (and why wouldn’t you?). This is because the sheer lace sits on your arm which contrasts beautifully with your skin tone. It can also be very beneficial if you are considering a church wedding venue, as it allows you to cover your shoulders without it being too heavy.
3. LACE BODICE
Designer: d’Italia / Photographer: Love Made Visible
A lace overlay on the bodice is popular when there is tulle on the skirt. It creates a gorgeous contrast between the detailed lace bodice and the simplicity of a tulle skirt. It can also work with satin, as seen on Duchess Catherine’s dress. This style can incorporate lace as a statement piece, without being as overwhelming as a fully encompassed lace dress.
4. EMBROIDERED LACE CASCADING DOWN
Designer: d’Italia / Photographer: Hello Chloe May
This placement is quite common on a tulle skirt overlay. This involves the lace slowly transitioning from the bodice into the skirt. This is a lovely way to stop the bodice from cutting you off at the waist, instead creating a smooth continuation. This can also be completed in the opposite direction- as seen when a train features a gorgeous lace edging and trickles up the skirt.
5. SCALLOPED LACE EDGING
Designer: d’Italia / Photographer: Haven Still and Moving Images
This style is usually created with a trim or using the scallop edge of a lace. It is typically used when there is no lining bridal fabric underneath, as it creates a lovely finish on the dress. It means there is no hem, or excess fabric, allowing the lace to float around the body. It can be used at the edge of sleeves, necklines, hemlines or trains.
6. LACE TRAIN
Designer: d’Italia
A lace train can be useful when you have lace on the bodice or all over the dress. A scalloped lace edge or tulle overlay with lace embroidered on it, is also beneficial as it keeps the edge clean. It is recommended to not have anything too heavy or beaded if it is a tulle overlay, as it can destroy the shape of the train.
7. LACE VEIL
Designer: d’Italia / Photographer: Shot from the Heart
If you want to incorporate a bit of lace into your wedding but not confident on having it on your actual dress, why not look into a lace trim on your veil? This is by far the most subtle way to incorporate a special lace touch. The wedding dress veil is also usually taken off after the ceremony which means that you don’t need to worry about committing to that lace look all-day long. It can also create a cohesiveness between elegant lace bridal gowns and the veil, especially if there is no tulle used in the gown. You can also use excess lace from your gown as there will often be little bits and pieces left over. Again, it is recommended to not have anything too heavy, as it will distort the shape of the veil and the tulle will not be able to hold the weight.
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