When it comes to wedding gown fabrics I think that lace is far underutilized. I mean you always see the Melissa Sweet gown, Hallie, that is beyond overused, but we want something new and fresh. Beware that the wrong silhouette of lace can be super matronly, so just look for modern shapes. So I am here to tell you that lace can be an amazingly sexy, sophisticated, and chic when done right.

The 2 most common types of lace for wedding gowns are Chantilly and Alencon. Chantilly lace is “a form of bobbin lace. It was originally made in the town of Chantilly, France. It was very popular during the 17^th century. It is characterized by fine a net ground and delicate flowers, scrolls and branches. The pattern is commonly outlined with heavy silk thread. Alencon has “a fine net ground and a raised outer edge (cordonnet). The majority of this type of lace is made by machine today.”  Thanks Fabrics.net for those titillating descriptions.  

Here are my favorite lace gowns.

Left to right: First Row, Rivini, Vineyard Collection, Melissa Sweet. Second Row: Vera Wang, Juno by Augusta Jones.

Large Photo: Monique Lhuillier. Clockwise from the top left: Jenny Lee, Priscilla of Boston, Pronovias, Jim Hjelm.

Large Photo: Judd Waddell. Top to bottom: Sunshine by Adele Wechsler, Eden Bridals, Jewel.

So tell me!? Do you dig lace? or could you do without!? why!? Who makes your favorite lace gowns!? Tell me, Tell me.

Lauren