Choosing your bridesmaids, picking out their dresses, and generally having their support during your planning is one of the highlights of wedding planning. But even though it can be fun, it can also be a bit daunting at times to choose what they will wear. In the eight years that I have seen weddings day in and day out, plus my eternal love for evening wear, I found myself being a regular visitor of fabric stores in Manila. (Even my friends would normally ask me for fabric advice before their wedding!) But today, I’m giving you a rundown on some fabrics you can use for your bride tribe (or even as a general reference for evening wear!).
P.S. – Here’s a fun tip and personal preference of mine: You can actually mix and match these fabrics while still following your color scheme. Trust me, this will add texture and chicness to your whole bridal gang!
If you want flowy and airy dresses, then chiffon fabric is something you can consider for your bridesmaids. It gives off a very romantic and soft vibe too. The nice thing about chiffon is that it is usually available in a lot of colors, so you can take your pick on the shade or shades you want for your entourage. The downside is that chiffon tends to be a little delicate. There is a chance of it snagging on jewelry or bejeweled footwear, leading to possible wear and tear by the end of the day. It’s important to note that there are various kinds of chiffon out there. Some will have better flow than others, while some are also extra sensitive.
This fabric is slowly becoming very popular in the bridesmaid dresses scene. The durability and stain resiliency of neoprene is making it a favorite choice for designers. The thickness is also great for a structured look while the weight of the fabric, applied to a flattering design, means form-fitting clothes that are more forgiving. Overall, neoprene dresses give off an elegant and polished look. A thing to remember though is that this fabric is not a breathable type, and tends to be hot to wear on a summer day!
Now this is not your usual go-to fabric. But for beach weddings, I think it would be a brilliant choice to use linen as the fabric for your bridesmaids’ dresses. Besides it looking very chic, it’s also all the rave right now! Linen easily crumples, but that’s actually what gives it its charm. This fabric looks very effortless as well as timeless.
If you want a mix of form and flow, then check out duchesse satin. The matte-ish sheen gives off a very dressy feel. And whether you opt for a simple sheath cut or a highly elaborate styled gown, this fabric does the job of making you look stylish and gorgeous. Thickness for this fabric sometimes varies, so be sure you get one that is appropriate to the style of gown you want to have.
If we’re talking structure, then mikado silk is your bet. It is definitely a thick fabric that only works well with structured designs. It also usually has a slight sheen that makes it look very elegant and expensive.
Do you want a fabric that stretches? Explore crepe spandex! Since this fabric is heavy, I love how it drapes over one’s body beautifully, even with a very simple design. Crepe spandex tends to be very matte in color while jersey has a sheen to it. Crepe spandex is also usually thicker. Try checking out both and see which you prefer!
A lighter option for a structured look is gazar fabric. This is also a fast rising choice in a lot of women’s dress designs. The weight and feel allow for simple yet stunning designs you usually see on the red carpet. Note that this fabric is definitely not on the soft and flowy side, but it certainly looks very sophisticated once made into a dress.
This fabric is often used for soft romantic dresses with a touch of whimsy. Tulle is very durable, which makes it popular for flowy pieces. It also has a bit of weight, making it perfect for draping.