When shopping for a wedding gown, terminology can be overwhelming. Let us help you with a few descriptions for some of the different lace fabrics that are available for your big day!
Alencon lace has a floral design on a clear net ground showing a classical design. The individual motifs are delicate and are always completely outlined with cord with the scallops around the edge being subtle.
Allover lace has a repetitive pattern similar to a printed material. On less expensive lace the edges are straight, sometimes with a long edge on each side and sometimes left unfinished.
Chantilly lace is a fine, open lace that features a delicate design of branches and flowers held together by flowing ribbons or scrolls. Finished with picots (decorative loops on the edge), the edges are more deeply scalloped than Alencon.
Guipere lace is sometimes called Venise, point de Venise or burned out lace. Unlike most laces, it does not have a net background and is an embroidered design. A common reference would also be the “doily” look.
Metallic lace is made with metallic threads.
Re-embroidered lace is any lace embroidered lace with a heavy cord, lace, ribbons, beads or sequins on the surface.
When comparing laces, compare the overall patterns as well as the variety of textures in the net and motifs. Lace gowns do not denote a particular era or style of wedding and can be transformed to fit almost any theme or venue.
Gowns pictured by Justin Alexander and Wtoo. Veils pictured by Sara Gabriel Veiling and Headpieces
