20 Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (2023)

  • Wedding Dresses

This elegant fabric is a bridal favorite.

By

Jessica Booth

20 Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (1)

Jessica Booth

Jessica Booth is a journalist with over 10 years of experience and a freelance writer whose work has appeared on sites such as Bustle, Insider, and Refinery29.

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Published on 06/13/22

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20 Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (2)

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.

The Complete Guide to Wedding Dress Fabrics and Materials

For those on the hunt for a silk wedding dress, chances are you'll want a gown that feels classic and timeless. So, to help ease your search, here are our top picks you can buy now.

Best Slip Gown: Jenny Yoo Collection Celeste Gown

20 Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (3)

Size: 0-16 |Materials: Silk |Length: Floor-length

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.

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Most Budget-Friendly: Reformation Tullamore Silk Dress

20 Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (5)

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Size: XS-XL |Materials: Silk charmeuse |Length: Floor-length

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.

Best Ballgown: Justin Alexander Scarlet Gown

20 Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (7)

Size: Custom |Materials: Mikado silk |Length: Floor-length

This is your classic bridal ballgown: a full skirt, V-neckline, and simple but stunning fabric. Soft, shiny, and beautiful, it even has pockets.

Best Column Gown: Sachi & Babi Bonnie Gown

20 Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (9)

Size: 0-14 |Materials: Stretch Mikado silk |Length: Ankle-length

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.

Best Cutouts: Reformation Astor Silk Dress

20 Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (11)

Size: 0-12 |Materials: Silk charmeuse |Length: Floor-length

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.

25 Cut-Out Wedding Dresses for Every Style and Budget

Best Off-White: Olivia Bottega Beige Silk Evening Dress

20 Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (13)

Size: 0-12 |Materials: Silk |Length: Floor-length

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.

Best Off-The-Shoulder: Jenny Yoo Meredith with Sleeves

20 Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (15)

Buy on Jennyyoo.com

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20 Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (16)

Size: 00-32 |Materials: Mikado silk |Length: Floor-length

Elegant and classic, this fit and flare dress has the most gorgeous off-the-shoulder sleeves that drape into a cowl neckline.

Best Fitted Gown: Grace Loves Lace Honey Silk

20 Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (17)

Size: Made-to-order or S-XL |Materials: Crepe de Chine silk |Length: Floor-length

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.

Most Romantic: Reformation Chania Silk Dress

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Size: XS-XL |Materials: Silk charmeuse |Length: Floor-length

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.

The 18 Best Utterly Romantic Wedding Dresses of 2023

Best Modern Twist: Justin Alexander Alder Gown

20 Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (21)

Size: Custom |Materials: Mikado silk |Length: Floor-length

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.

For the Trendy Bride: Galia Lahav Elise Satin Dress

20 Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (23)

Size: 32-49 EU |Materials: Silk satin |Length: Floor-length

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.

Best for a Summer Wedding: Amsale Fatima Gown

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Size: Contact retailer |Materials: Silk Faille |Length: Floor-length

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.

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Best for the After-Party: Cucculelli Shaheen Deco Constellation Borders Two Piece

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Size: Contact retailer |Materials: Silk crepe |Length: Floor-length

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.

The 21 Best Wedding After-Party Dresses of 2023

Best for a Winter Wedding: Safiyaa Aleah Ivory Long Dress

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Size: 2-16 |Materials: Heavy crepe and silk satin stretch |Length: Floor-length

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.

Best Strapless: Pronovias Day Gown

20 Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (31)

Size: Made-to-order |Materials: Mikado silk |Length: Floor-length

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.

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For a Backyard Wedding: Reformation Barrow Silk Dress

20 Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (33)

Size: 0-12 |Materials: Silk |Length: Floor-length

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.

Best Back Detail: Jenny Yoo Marciana

20 Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (35)

Size: 00-32 |Materials: Silk crepe |Length: Floor-length

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.

Most Dramatic: Pronovias Austin Gown

20 Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (37)

Size: Made-to-order |Materials: Mikado silk |Length: Floor-length

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.

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Best Vintage: Gossamer Gown

20 Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (39)

Size: Small |Materials: Silk |Length: Floor-length

For a more sustainable dress option, choose something that has already been worn. This one is in great condition and has the most beautiful ruffles in the back.

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Most Chic: Reformation Rya Silk Dress

20 Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (41)

Size: XS-XL |Materials: Silk charmeuse |Length: Floor-length

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.

What to Look for in a Silk Wedding Dress

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.

FAQ

  • Are silk wedding dresses expensive?

    Silk is one of the most expensive fabrics for a wedding gown, so may want to increase your budget if you're looking for this style of dress. However, gowns that aren't 100% silk may be more affordable.

  • What are the different types of silk fabrics?

    There are several different types of silk fabrics, including silk chiffon, silk organza, and silk georgette, which all tend to be more lightweight and flowy. Silk satin, silk crepe, and silk velvet can be heavier and have more of a satin finish to them. Mikado silk is a popular type of choice that is ideal for structured dresses. Silk shantung is more coarse and can have a slightly different look.

  • Is silk high-maintance?

    Silk is a surprisingly durable fabric, but it does have its downsides. Dresses made of this fabric can attract a lot of static clings and can easily shrink, so be sure to always get your silk garments dry cleaned.

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Why Trust Us

Contributing writerJessica Boothis a freelance writer and formerly served as an editor for seven years. Her work has been featured in Bustle, Insider, Redbook, and Refinery29.

FAQs

What type of silk is best for wedding dress? ›

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.

What is the number one wedding dress style? ›

What is the most popular style of wedding dress? Fit-and-flare gowns are flattering on many different body types, which is why they're among the most popular wedding dress shapes. This silhouette looks incredible when paired with a sweetheart or deep V-neckline.

What is the most expensive silk dress? ›

The most expensive dress in the world currently is the Nightingale of Kuala Lumpur designed by Faisal Abdullah. Released in 2009, the dress is valued at an astounding $30 million. It's made of crimson silk and taffeta, and has over 750 real diamonds sewn into it.

What is the most popular wedding dress of the decade? ›

The Duchess of Sussex's Givenchy gown ranked most popular wedding dress of the decade.

Which silk is the highest quality silk? ›

Mulberry silk is the most popular and finest quality silk. It is extremely soft and shiny. Muga, tussar and eri are the different types of silk.

What feels better silk or satin? ›

Satin feels cool to the touch, whereas silk warms up with body heat. For those who prefer to sleep on a cool surface, satin is the better choice. Satin is easy to launder and will look beautiful for years. Silk's thin, delicate fibers usually require hand washing and hanging to dry, and will degrade over time.

What is the most popular wedding dress color? ›

White: White is associated with light, goodness, innocence, purity, and virginity. It is considered to be the color of perfection. This color of choice for the traditional bride is and will always a staple in bridal fashion.

How to look thinner in a wedding dress? ›

Best Tips to Look Slimmer on your Wedding Day
  1. Pick a darker colour for the blouse. ...
  2. Opt for solid colours over Prints. ...
  3. Pick flowy and breezy fabrics. ...
  4. Get the right kind of jewels. ...
  5. Stick to one colour family. ...
  6. Go for simple necklines. ...
  7. Be particular about the embroidery & work you choose. ...
  8. Show minimal skin.

Who wore most expensive dress in the world? ›

On May 19, 1962, Marilyn Monroe made history when she famously sang “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy for his 45th birthday at Madison Square Garden in a stunning, provocative flesh-colored gown.

How much do high end dresses cost? ›

Average Wedding Dress Cost by Designer Brands

The average wedding dress cost is usually between $2,000 and $4,000 for luxury brands, although the most extravagant gowns can exceed $10,000 (Oscar De La Renta gowns cost $14,000 on average).

How much did Marilyn Monroe's dress cost? ›

Ripley's bought the dress for $4.8m (£3.9m) in 2016, setting a Guinness World Record for the most expensive dress sold at auction. It is now estimated to be worth more than $10m, the museum says.

Can a 50 year old wear a wedding dress? ›

Vintage and vintage-inspired wedding dresses can work well at any age. Just make sure you pick an era that suits your style, whether that's 1970s boho or 1920s glamour. One of the great things about being an older bride is that although you know what suits you, you also have the confidence to experiment.

What do older ladies wear to a wedding? ›

Fit-and-flare wedding guest dresses for older women

A fit-and-flare dress, knee-length or longer, can be chic and flattering. If the wedding isn't super formal, you could buy shop for something that's re-wearable — more of a cocktail dress vs. a ball gown.

How can you tell if silk is high quality? ›

Simply touch your silk and get a good feel for the smoothness of it. Real silk is completely smooth to the touch, with a soft and almost waxy feeling. Further to that, if you scrunch it up a bit in your hand, you should hear a crunching noise – that sound should tell you that it's the real deal.

What are the 4 types of silk? ›

In short, there are four types of natural silk produced around the world: Mulberry silk, Eri silk, Tasar silk and Muga silk.

What quality of silk makes it so attractive? ›

Answer: The lustrous appearance of silk makes it attractive.

What silk does not wrinkle? ›

Ahimsa silk -- also known as "Peace Silk" because it is made from silkworm cocoons in which the silk worms are not killed -- wrinkles less than other silks.

Is silk or satin better for wrinkles? ›

Satin is also soft, so it won't pull at your skin or hair which means it's better compared to a cotton pillowcase and can help prevent the formation of wrinkles or reducing breakage and frizz. A satin pillowcase can easily be thrown in the wash with the rest of your laundry (silk requires more careful care).

Is satin silk the same as silk? ›

Silk and satin – often get confused for each other, they look similar but what are the differences between the two? Despite their similar appearance the biggest difference is that satin is a weave and not a natural fibre, whereas silk is a natural fibre fabric.

Is satin or mulberry silk better? ›

What is better silk material or satin material? With our focus on natural materials, we think silk is by far superior to satin made with a man made fiber. Long strand mulberry silk is not only a natural fiber unlike most satin's but has many other benefits making it far more desirable material.

What type of silk is commonly used in Vietnam for bridal gown? ›

Shantung is a type of silk plain weave fabric historically from the province of Shandong. It is similar to Dupioni, but is slightly thinner and less irregular. Shantung is often used for bridal gowns.

Which is better art silk or silk blend? ›

Silk and blended silk are very similar in appearance, texture, and strength. Blended silk is seen as a cheaper alternative that is more durable due to its mixed fabric. The blended fabric increases antimicrobial properties, air permeability, and UV protection. Mixed silk can be used as a great alternative.

What is the best type of silk fabric? ›

Mulberry silk has been recognised the world over as the best quality of silk. The production involves silk worms feeding on the leaves of the Mulberry tree. The best-known silk is obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the Mulberry silk worm Bombyx mori.

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