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PHOTO BY CHRIS & RUTH PHOTOGRAPHY
Often thought of as the epitome of luxury and elegance, silk makes the perfect fabric choice for a wedding gown due to its smooth, shiny, and sumptuous look. What's more, dresses made from this beautiful material are durable and versatile, making silk one of the most popular wedding gown fabrics out there.
While you might have one image of a silk dress in mind, there are actually several options of the material to choose from. Popular choices for wedding gowns include silk chiffon, which is very lightweight; silk satin, which is extremely popular and has a lustrous shine that is impossible to miss; silk georgette, which is floaty with a crepe texture and matte finish; and silk organza, which is lightweight and voluminous.
For those on the hunt for a silk wedding dress, chances are you'll want a gown that feels classic and timeless. We conducted hours of research on the best silk wedding dresses, evaluating each on the fit, design, fabric details, and length.
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What is more glamorous than a slinky silk slip dress? This one is ideal for the bride who doesn't want a long train or a lot of embellishments. The plunging open back and delicate embroidery are just enough for any minimalist bride.
Size: 0-16 | Materials: Silk | Length: Floor-length | Closure Type: Pullover
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Coming in at under $1,000, this silk gown is a budget-friendly option that is still gorgeous. The subtle sweetheart neckline and thin straps make it feel so luxe.
Size: XS-XL | Materials: Silk charmeuse | Length: Floor-length | Closure Type: Button
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This is your classic bridal ballgown: a full skirt, V-neckline, and simple but stunning fabric. Soft, shiny, and beautiful, it even has pockets.
Size: Custom | Materials: Mikado silk | Length: Floor-length | Closure Type: Unlisted
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This sleek column gown only hits the ankles, making it ideal for the bride who doesn't want a very long skirt or train. The asymmetrical neckline and bow at the shoulder also add to its elegance.
Size: 0-14 | Materials: Stretch Mikado silk | Length: Ankle-length | Closure Type: Side zipper
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If you want something unique and modern, opt for this slinky silk dress. Lightweight and soft, this one features interesting cutouts for the more casual bride.
Size: 0-12 | Materials: Silk charmeuse | Length: Floor-length | Closure Type: Buttons
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Not every bride wants to wear white to their wedding. This gown comes in beige, light ivory, peach, or nude, and has the most beautiful glistening sheen.
Size: 0-12 | Materials: Silk | Length: Floor-length | Closure Type: Unlisted
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Elegant and classic, this fit and flare dress has the most gorgeous off-the-shoulder sleeves that drape into a cowl neckline.
Size: 00-32 | Materials: Mikado silk | Length: Floor-length | Closure Type: Concealed back zipper
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Made of a thick silk crepe material, this body-hugging gown is a true stunner. The skinny straps and cowl neckline, with a criss-cross back, are all beautiful details worth mentioning.
Size: Made-to-order or S-XL | Materials: Crepe de Chine silk | Length: Floor-length | Closure Type: Concealed finger loop
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This lingerie-inspired dress is romantic enough to be worn all day and night, but can also double as a second dress or after-party look. The touches of lace and pretty cutouts make it extra feminine.
Size: XS-XL | Materials: Silk charmeuse | Length: Floor-length | Closure Type: Back button closure
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Bright white Mikado silk looks so beautiful in this clean and structured version of a ballgown. The cuffed neckline and high slit give this classic silhouette a modern feel.
Size: Custom | Materials: Mikado silk | Length: Floor-length | Closure Type: Unlisted
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This gorgeous silk satin dress is just right for the bride who wants to really stand out. Offered in a pale gold color, with a diagonal slit and asymmetrical strap, this look is daring and sexy.
Size: 32-49 EU | Materials: Silk satin | Length: Floor-length | Closure Type: Unlisted
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Thick, sumptuous, and perfectly shiny, this silk faille gown has the most beautiful draping and one-shoulder silhouette. It's the perfect choice for a summer black-tie wedding.
Size: Contact retailer | Materials: Silk Faille | Length: Floor-length | Closure Type: Unlisted
Best for the After-Party
Cucculelli Shaheen Deco Constellation Borders Two Piece
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Courtesy of Cucculelli Shaheen
If you're looking for the perfect after-party ensemble (or just a casual wedding look), this trouser and bustier combo is the one. Pair with matching constellation motif gloves for an outfit that is out of this world.
Size: Contact retailer | Materials: Silk crepe | Length: Floor-length | Closure Type: Unlisted
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This long-sleeve gown is lovely for a fall or winter wedding thanks to the heavy crepe material paired with silk satin. The shawl collar adds just a touch of drama to the understated look.
Size: 2-16 | Materials: Heavy crepe and silk satin stretch | Length: Floor-length | Closure Type: Pullover
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This mermaid gown has the most classic silhouette and is made of a beautiful thick Mikado silk fabric. The asymmetrical pointed neckline makes it stand out among other strapless gowns.
Size: Made-to-order | Materials: Mikado silk | Length: Floor-length | Closure Type: Unlisted
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It's not easy to find a simple, strapless dress that looks this chic. The wrap silhouette, draped bodice, and high slit make this piece so appealing.
Size: 0-12 | Materials: Silk | Length: Floor-length | Closure Type: Center back zipper
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Chic and feminine, this gown features a cowl neckline and a long train. The back is especially beautiful, as it features covered buttons and floral embroidery.
Size: 00-32 | Materials: Silk crepe | Length: Floor-length | Closure Type: Center back zipper
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When we say dramatic, we mean it in a good way. This strapless gown has a draped bodice and fishtail skirt—featuring a ruffled train—that makes a huge statement.
Size: Made-to-order | Materials: Mikado silk | Length: Floor-length | Closure Type: Unlisted
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This loose-fitting gown is so different, yet so chic. It's the quintessential dress for the bride who wants something a bit more casual with a bit of sex appeal.
Size: XS-XL | Materials: Silk charmeuse | Length: Floor-length | Closure Type: Wrap tie
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Made of satin with a 100% silk lining, this dreamy dress exudes elegance. And with a corset-style construction and thigh-high slit, it has a flattering fit that showcases your figure.
Size: US 0-14 | Materials: Satin shell, silk lining | Length: Floor-length | Closure Type: Unlisted
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Especially in silk, a dress with a skirt cut on the bias creates a soft draping effect. The Lilou dress has an open back and double-strap detail, giving it a bold, sexy vibe.
Size: US 0-14 | Materials: Silk shell, 92% silk, 8% elastane lining | Length: Floor-length | Closure Type: Unlisted
What to Look for in a Silk Wedding Dress
Materials
Silk wedding dresses are effortlessly elegant, chic, and luxurious, and the fabric works well for the bride who wants something more classic. When shopping for this style, be sure to look for the type of silk that works for your vision of the gown you want. Some silks are more lightweight and floaty, like silk chiffon or silk organza. If you want something more shiny and heavy, look for silk satin or silk crepe. And for a gown that has a structured silhouette, opt for silk crepe or Mikado silk.
Fit
Silk wedding dresses come in different cuts, including bias cuts, which give a lot of movement to the gown. Along with sheath and other form-fitting fits, you'll find ballgown styles like the Justin Alexander Scarlet Gown and column gowns like the Sachin & Babi Bonnie Gown.
Details
A silk dress can be the perfect canvas for eye-catching details like crisscross and open backs, high slits, and off-the-shoulder sleeves. Embellishments like lace accents or cutouts, seen on Reformation's Chania Silk Dress, add visual interest.
Why Trust Us
Contributing writer Jessica Booth is a freelance writer and formerly served as an editor for seven years. Her work has been featured in Bustle, Insider, Redbook, and Refinery29.
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