Bridal Lace: Get the 411
You’ll find that lace is a popular wedding gown choice. However, don’t be tricked into thinking all lace is created equal. It SOOOO isn’t. And the quality of the lace greatly affects the price of your bridal gown. Some laces are soft intertwined delicate cotton, while others are pressed plastic commonly found on curtains at Grandma’s house. Guess which one costs more? Yep, the natural fibers always cost more and look better.
This lace beauty (pictured left) is by one of our couture gown designers. It features all over lace with long eyelashes. Eyelashes are the fringe that overhangs the edge of the fabric. The little fringes are called eyelashes on lace. And the best way to sum them up - status symbol. The longer the eyelashes, the more costly the lace.
If you look at Grandma’s curtains closely, you’ll notice that there are no eyelashes. This is a very EASY way to tell how much the gown you are looking at should cost. And by all means, if you are lucky enough to get an awesome gown with long eyelashes - don’t cut them off! It’s like ripping the Cadillac emblem off the hood of your new Catera.
The two most popular types of lace:
Chantilly lace: a delicate silk, linen, or synthetic lace having a six-sided mesh ground and a floral or scrolled design (pictured at right). Chantilly lace offers a nice soft romantic feel. It isn’t as thick as all over lace. Entry couture lines may utilize this lace in part of the design of the gown, thereby creating a more
affordable product. Notice the little eyelashes on this lace around the scalloped edge. This is a moderately price lace (approx $60/ yard). The chanitilly laces carried in Belle’s Bridal Boutique in Abilene, is totally stunning.
And did you know you can purchase matching lace for your wedding gown? Say you want a cap sleeve, to embellish a purse, or have a custom veil made by our excellent seamstress. Remember, wedding gowns are customizable! You can easily add come lace, a lace cap sleeve, or other detailing that makes your gown all its own.
Acelon lace: This type of lace is more commonly known as “all over lace.” It’s an intricate design and made out of natural fibers such as cotton. This type of lace originated in France and is some of the most expensive lace you can buy.
The gown in the photo above is an example of acelon lace. This gown has nice long eyelashes and the weave feels three dimensional. Very cool. Very nice gown.
And the best part about these two most common types of lace - the real thing smells so much better than the PVC knock offs. Better yet - if you come in during a sample sale - you can often purchase a REAL lace gown for the same price as a knock off. So, ladies, let’s skip the pressed plastic. There is no reason for it when you can get the real thing.
PS - this time of year there are a lot of trunk shows and sample sales going on. Take advantage of the savings. You’ll be glad you did!