The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Dress Fabrics: From Satin to Sparkle

Dresses | August 5, 2025

Spotted: brides-to-be diving headfirst into a sea of tulle, silk, and scandalously sheer lace—and no clue what any of it actually means. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back (and your train). Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek satin moment or going full-on sparkle with drama to match, this ultimate guide to wedding dress fabrics is your cheat sheet to saying yes to the dress. Consider this your backstage pass to the most stylish runway of your life!

Want to find the perfect wedding dress fabrics for your vibe? Take our Style Quiz to get matched with your dream gown before reading our wedding fabric guide.

Style Quiz

Lace: Timeless, Romantic, and Always On Trend

It wouldn’t be a wedding fabric guide without mentioning lace. Perfect for vintage, boho, and classic brides, lace is a timeless option that never goes out of style. Effortlessly bridal, lace styles include Chantilly, Alençon, and corded lace. It is commonly layered with tulle or lined with satin to provide brides looks that are both sleek and elegant, as well as whimsical and romantic.

Love lace? Here are some Maggie matches!

Dakota by Maggie Sottero

Full-length view of a bride wearing a strapless fit-and-flare wedding dress with a sweetheart neckline, floral lace overlay, and chapel train.

Close-up of a strapless fit-and-flare wedding dress featuring a sweetheart neckline and bold floral lace motifs over sheer illusion bodice.

If you’re all about texture and detail, Dakota is the perfect boho allover lace mermaid bridal dress to make your best day ever feel like a masterclass in style.

Halle by Sottero and Midgley

Full-length view of a bride in a fit-and-flare wedding dress with a strapless illusion lace bodice, floral appliqués, and a dramatic chapel train with layered lace detailing.

Close-up of a fit-and-flare wedding dress featuring off-the-shoulder straps, illusion lace bodice with exposed boning, and intricate beaded floral embroidery.

Call it fate, call it magic, call it written in the stars – you just may be destined for Halle. This cat eye 3-D lace mermaid wedding dress is the epitome of elegant and stylish charm.

January by Sottero and Midgley

Full-length front view of a bride wearing a strapless ballgown wedding dress with a structured corset bodice, pearl trim, and voluminous jacquard skirt.

Back view of a strapless ballgown wedding dress with a pearl-trimmed bodice and textured jacquard fabric, featuring a row of pearls along the back seam.

January’s a pearl edged lace has glam aplenty. But what about vintage styling? What about texture? What about a sexy nod to boudoir styling with a cinched bodice and lush skirt? We’re here for all the gorgeous potential of this regal statement.

Tulle: Light, Airy, and Twirl-Worthy

Tulle is one of the most beloved wedding dress fabrics out there. When we think of tulle, we think soft, flowy, and whimsical. Tulle works great with ballgowns and layered skirts, although it is also often used in veils and overskirts for that stunning feather-light effect that is just oh-so romantic.

The Maggie matches for brides stepping into their tulle era? Here are some great options:

Nina by Maggie Sottero

Front view of a bride in an A-line wedding dress featuring a high illusion neckline, lace-embellished bodice, and full tulle skirt with symmetrical lace motifs.

Back view of an A-line wedding dress with a high illusion neckline and intricate lace embroidery cascading through the tulle skirt and train.

Nina is a halter neck illusion lace A-line wedding gown that strikes the perfect balance of chic sophistication, timeless elegance, and graceful allure.

Sasha by Maggie Sottero

Full-length view of a bride in an off-the-shoulder sheath wedding dress featuring a ruched lace bodice, illusion sleeves, and a soft chapel-length train.

Close-up of a strapless sheath wedding dress with a soft sweetheart neckline, ruched lace bodice, and delicate illusion details.

Sasha features unexpected details that elevate this basque waist corset lace mermaid wedding dress into a true couture masterpiece.

Angie by Rebecca Ingram

Front view of a bride wearing an A-line wedding dress with a beaded lace bodice, square neckline, and sheer tulle straps over a flowing blush-toned skirt.

Back view of an A-line wedding dress with delicate lace embroidery, soft blush tulle layers, and dainty ribbon tie straps flowing from the shoulders

Angie is a square neck beaded A-line wedding gown that blends fairytale charm with vintage flair—pure romance from every angle.

Mikado: Structured, Sleek, and Ultra-Modern

Mikado is a stunning heavyweight silk blend with a subtle sheen that is absolutely perfect for minimalist brides who want structure they won’t get with other wedding dress fabrics. It holds its shape beautifully for ultra-clean silhouettes that brides can’t get enough of.

Sound like your vibe? Here are some gowns you’re sure to love:

Braxton by Sottero and Midgley

Front view of a strapless satin wedding dress featuring a structured corset-style bodice with exposed boning and a pearl-beaded neckline.

Braxton is the kind of gown that captures pure magic. Perfect for that “some kind of wonderful” feeling on your best day ever.

Radiance by Sottero and Midgley

Front view of an A-line wedding dress featuring a strapless draped satin bodice and a full skirt adorned with vibrant hand-painted floral motifs.

Back view of an A-line satin wedding dress with covered buttons down the skirt and a sweeping train accented with delicate hand-painted floral details.

Radiance is a cat eye hand-painted A-line wedding dress that proves dreamy satin and a bold touch of color are truly timeless.

Brooke by Rebecca Ingram

Brooke is the tie bodice Mikado A-line bridal gown that’s made to stand out—sleek, striking, and effortlessly modern.

Satin: Smooth, Glossy, and Regal

When you think of wedding dress fabric, you think of satin. Ideal for winter weddings or formal venues, satin is slightly heavier in terms of bridal gown fabrics with a beautiful drape that is perfect for classic brides and dramatic entrances. In a word, fabulous! If you’re seeking luxury, trust us, look no further than a Satin bridal gown.

If you’re head-over-heels for that polished, clean-girl look, here are some styles that totally match your aesthetic:

Melissa by Maggie Sottero

Front view of a strapless fit-and-flare wedding dress with a draped satin neckline, corset-style bodice, and side-draped skirt flowing into a chapel-length train.

Close-up of the back of a satin fit-and-flare wedding dress featuring covered buttons and visible boning on the structured bodice.

Melissa is a peekaboo pearl satin mermaid bridal gown that enchants with luxurious layers, delicate accessories, and ultra-romantic touches.

Rhoda by Maggie Sottero

Full-length view of a bride wearing a strapless satin sheath wedding dress with a softly draped bodice, figure-hugging silhouette, and sweeping train with button detail.

Close-up of a strapless sheath wedding dress with a draped satin bodice featuring delicate topstitched detailing for a textured, modern look.

Rhoda blends romantic, vintage-inspired fabric for your “something old” with a breathtaking silhouette for your “something new.

Nova by Rebecca Ingram

Close-up of the back of a sheath wedding dress featuring beaded spaghetti straps, a low V-back, and floral lace appliqués cascading into satin fabric with covered buttons.

Nova is designed for the effortlessly cool bride, a satin V-back sheer mermaid gown featuring a flattering neckline and a shimmery, statement-making bodice.

Crepe: Soft, Stretchy, and Curve-Hugging

This wedding dress fabric is a must if your heart leads you in the direction of sleek, simple silhouettes, Crepe has a matte finish with a hint of texture. If your top priority is the dance party at the end of the night, crepe is going to be your best friend. After all, it moves with your body for all-day comfort!

Here are a few dresses we can totally see you dancing your way down the aisle in:

Fantasia by Rebecca Ingram

Full-length view of a bride in a ruched satin sheath wedding dress with off-the-shoulder floral appliqué sleeves and a soft sweep train.

Close-up of an off-the-shoulder sheath wedding dress featuring ruched satin and 3D floral appliqués adorning the neckline and sleeves.

You’re looking like a dream on your best day ever, and we’re pretty sure it all started when you discovered Fantasia, the asymmetrical crepe cat eye mermaid bridal dress that set your destiny in motion.

Barrington by Maggie Sottero

Front view of a bride wearing a strapless satin sheath wedding dress featuring a ruched bodice, sweetheart neckline, and gentle draping across the hips.

Back view of a strapless satin sheath wedding dress with a V-cut back and a row of buttons cascading down the train.

Barrington is a ruched satin sweetheart neck sheath bridal dress with an air of red-carpet glamor, perfect for unforgettable aisle walks.

Bianca by Maggie Sottero

Front view of a bride in a lace fit-and-flare wedding dress featuring a plunging illusion neckline, beaded straps, and floral lace motifs over a soft tulle skirt.

Back view of a lace fit-and-flare wedding dress with beaded spaghetti straps, a low illusion back, and a dramatic chapel-length train adorned with floral lace appliqués.

Bianca proves that little details make a big impact. This sexy plunge beaded fit-and-flare wedding gown is the perfect blend of elegance and luxe.

Chiffon: Dreamy, Lightweight, and Beach-Ready

A staple amidst wedding dress fabrics. Flowy and breathable with a soft drape, chiffon is a no-brainer when it comes to destination and boho weddings. Did we mention it is also gorgeous for layered skirts or flutter sleeves?

For the barefoot, beachy bride:

Francesca by Rebecca Ingram

Front view of a bride in a strapless A-line chiffon wedding dress with a sweetheart neckline, ruched bodice, and softly draped skirt.

Back view of a strapless chiffon A-line wedding dress featuring soft ruching, a row of covered buttons, and a gentle train with flowy movement.

We can’t help but steer you in the direction of Francesca, with its Grecian ruching and natural silhouette, it’s a timeless choice for your big day.

Finley by Rebecca Ingram

Full-length view of a bride in a flowing A-line wedding dress with a plunging lace bodice, delicate beaded straps, and a soft chiffon skirt.

Close-up of an A-line wedding dress featuring a plunging illusion neckline, beaded spaghetti straps, and a lace-embellished bodice with floral motifs and subtle sparkle.

Finley is chic and exquisite, yet perfectly un-stuffy. This flowing plunge neckline A-line bridal gown is made to appease your boho heart.

Cory by Rebecca Ingram

Cory is a side slit chiffon A-line wedding dress that delights in its dreamy blend of textures, shimmer, and flawless fit.

Organza: Sheer and Structured

This wedding dress fabric is often used in ballgowns and overskirts because it is crisp, light, and slightly stiffer than tulle. If you’re a “bigger is better” kind of bride, this fabric should definitely be on your radar. It is perfect for adding volume without weight, so you can move effortlessly through your big day but still get that storybook princess feel you’ve always wanted.

Allow us to present the following options:

Devon by Maggie Sottero

Devon lets you play up your best assets with dazzling details in a lace pearl corset mermaid wedding dress that’s all about the glam.

Lagos by Sottero and Midgley

Front view of a fit-and-flare wedding dress featuring a sheer ruched bodice with a draped cowl neckline, textured satin skirt, and chapel-length train.

Lagos is an organza asymmetrical mermaid wedding dress that deserves the glitziest, most show-stopping aisle walk of all.

Landri by Maggie Sottero

Landri is a sparkly slit A-line wedding gown inspired by all things springtime and happily-ever-after.

Beaded & Sparkle Wedding Dress Fabrics: Extra Glam, Extra You

If you love a little (or a lot) of shimmer, we have just the thing. We’re talking sequins, glitter tulle, and beaded lace that add drama and dimension under any lighting. You already light up the room, but slip into one of these bridal gowns, and you’ll be dropping jaws as you walk down the aisle. As you should!

Here are some of our favs in these types of wedding dress materials:

Ireland by Maggie Sottero

Ireland is a sparkly slit A-line wedding gown inspired by all thing’s springtime and happily-ever-after.

Salvadora by Maggie Sottero

Full-length view of the Maggie Sottero Salvadora A-line wedding dress featuring a sparkling lace overlay, flowing skirt, and a romantic, whimsical silhouette.

Salvadora is a square neck sparkly silver beaded bridal dress that radiates glamor and modern elegance.

Amadora by Sottero and Midgley

Bride wearing a strapless A-line wedding dress with structured pleating, thigh-high slit, and floral beaded embroidery on the bodice.

Close-up of a sweetheart neckline wedding gown with floral beaded lace embroidery and a dramatic beaded floral choker necklace.

Amadora is made for the spotlight. Embrace your curves, love your assets, and play up your impeccable glamour in this unforgettable bridal dress.

Floral & 3D Floral Appliqués: Whimsical and Textured

What’s more happily-ever-after than flowers? A bridal staple, floral wedding dress fabrics are perfect for garden weddings and romantic themes as it adds visual interest and couture vibes to any wedding gown. It is also often layered over tulle or illusion netting to really make those feminine florals stand out.

If you’re looking to add a little petal-themed romance to your bridal ensemble, try on one of these gorgeous gowns:

Malone by Maggie Sottero

Bride in a romantic strapless fit-and-flare wedding dress adorned with floral lace motifs, illusion side panels, and a dramatic scalloped train, posing with hands in pockets.

Bride wearing a strapless fit-and-flare wedding gown featuring 3D floral lace appliqués and off-the-shoulder illusion straps, with a plunging illusion neckline and side cutouts.

For women of both style and substance, Malone is the gown that transcends in fit, form, and function, pure glamour with purpose.

Isoline by Maggie Sottero

A wedding look can be many things, and sometimes you just need it to be really, really pretty in a chic and ultra-luxurious way, which is exactly where Isoline comes in. This crepe square neck floral sheath bridal dress features artful flourishes and a lovely illusion bodice that’s all about elevated elegance.

Natalie by Maggie Sottero

Back view of a floral A-line wedding dress featuring a strapless illusion corset bodice, fabric-covered buttons, and dimensional floral appliqués trailing down a soft tulle skirt.

Natalie is a flattering floral A-line bridal dress with delicate illusion panels, designed to highlight your natural beauty with effortless elegance.

Lower-Impact Materials

Are you looking for your perfect lower-impact look? You’ve come to the right designer! Lower-impact types of wedding dress fabric are featured in Maggie’s Rebecca Ingram line and select gowns throughout our other collections. The secret to finding lower-impact styles? Look for recycled linings, organic cotton blends, or lower-impact production methods.

Take a peek at these lower-impact gowns:

Skylar Leigh by Maggie Sottero

Bride in a modest A-line wedding gown with a square neckline, cap sleeves, and full lace skirt. The delicate floral embroidery and soft tulle train add classic charm and graceful movement.

Skylar Leigh is a feminine, sparkly, modest floral A-line wedding gown that brings all the romance and just the right touch of drama.

Sheridan by Maggie Sottero

A bride wearing the Maggie Sottero Sheridan A-line wedding dress, featuring a square neckline, wide straps, and botanical embroidery on Mikado fabric. The full A-line skirt flows elegantly to the floor.

Sheridan is inspired by stately venues and chandelier lighting, a square neck tank strap A-line bridal dress that’s effortless to wear from ceremony to happily-ever-after.

Jude by Rebecca Ingram

Bride wearing the Rebecca Ingram Jude ballgown wedding dress featuring off-the-shoulder straps, a plunging illusion neckline, and layered floral lace motifs over a soft tulle skirt.

Close-up of the back of the Jude ballgown wedding dress, showcasing illusion cutouts, covered buttons, and floral lace details over a sheer bodice and flowing train.

Feeling Alice in Wonderland vibes for your big day? Jude, a floral plunge lace wedding gown, will send you down a particularly glamorous rabbit hole.

Stretch Wedding Dress Fabrics: Comfortable and Custom-Feeling

Is dancing, moving, and living in your gown a priority? With built-in flexibility, stretch wedding dress fabrics are just what you’re looking for. Often blended with crepe or jersey, stretch fabric is great for plus-size and form-fitting gowns.

A totally glamorous lineup of stretch fabric gowns our brides love? You’ve got it:

Jorie by Rebecca Ingram

The back view of the bride shows a row of fabric-covered buttons trailing down the back of the dress and train, accentuating the clean design and elegant drape of the gown.

Jorie is a modest simple square neck sheath bridal gown that gives minimalist romance.

Ellamay by Rebecca Ingram

Ellamay is a floral square neck modest A-line wedding gown with an inspired, graceful air that’s simply unforgettable.

Adeline by Rebecca Ingram

Adeline is the perfect Chantilly lace wedding dress, complete with a jaw-dropping slit for that effortlessly sultry statement.

Your perfect gown isn’t just about the silhouette, it’s also about the bridal gown fabrics that make you feel beautiful, confident, and 100% you.

Ready to run your fingers across these wedding dress fabrics IRL? Visit an Authorized Boutique to try on gowns in every texture, shimmer, and silhouette you can dream of.

Find an Authorized Boutique

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