Silk and Silk Wedding Dress Alternatives For The Glamorous Bride

Of all the choices surrounding your dream wedding dress, the most important factor to consider is material. The fabric of your gown determines its volume, structure, and texture, and should complement your skin tone and body type (not to mention your personal style!).

Despite the variety of fabrications available to modern brides, few are as simple yet luxurious as silk fabric and silk alternatives. You’re likely the romantic and glamorous type if you’re looking for a silk wedding dress, so keep scrolling for our breakdown of this fabric’s qualities and care, as well as gorgeous alternatives and unique styles.

What Is Silk?

Natural silk is a soft, glossy fabric that has been around for over 6,000 years. Originating in China and kept secret for over two thousand years, this luxurious fabric has traditionally been reserved for wealthy dynasties and aristocratic families. Production of natural silk fabric is a time-consuming process that requires meticulous attention to detail. However, in more recent times, synthetic and blended fabrications have become widely available to brides searching for their dream dress.

Silk fabric is made from the protein fibers of the mulberry silkworm cocoon. In its short lifespan (about five days), a silk moth lays around 500 eggs, which hatch baby worms with voracious appetites. In silk production, these silkworms are hatched and fed in a controlled environment to increase their body weight. Once they have enough energy, the worms build cocoons with a jelly-like excretion. After a week or so, the worms are killed, and the cocoons lowered into hot water to break up the threads, which are unraveled, spooled, and spun into silk.

Natural, high-quality silk fabric is, well, silky! This soft and shimmery fabric is very strong, but its colors fade after regular exposure to the sun.

What Kinds of Silk Fabric Are Available for Wedding Dresses?

A wedding dress made from 100% natural silk fabric is both rare and expensive. Today, most silk wedding dresses are combinations of silk, rayon, polyester, or nylon, which simulate the feel and iridescence of silk without the cost. One of the most popular blended silk fabric options is Mikado, which combines silk and nylon for a heavier fabric. Mikado is perfect for wedding gowns that showcase elegant, sweeping lines and structured details.

When shopping for a wedding dress, you will likely come across “silk” gowns that are actually synthetic satin or charmeuse. These fabrics offer the gloss and slinkiness of silk at more affordable price points.

What Dress Styles Work Well with Silk Fabric or Satin Alternatives?

Traditional silk fabric and satin alternatives pair well with natural silhouettes, such as a Grecian-inspired sheath or boho-chic A-line. Some of our favorite satin styles include glamorous Fabienne by Maggie Sottero, and sleeved ballgown Brennon by Sottero & Midgley.

Mikado fabric is an excellent choice for simple wedding dresses, as its opulent shine and texture add glamour and intrigue to an understated silhouette. Check out our favorites below.

McCall by Sottero and Midgley features a bateau neckline and a sexy open back. This style is perfect for the sophisticated bride with a little edge.

Another elegant and understated style is Benecia by Maggie Sottero, featuring a sweetheart neckline with optional encrusted illusion cap sleeves and elegant Swarovski crystal buttons cascading down the train.

For the classic bride, Erica by Rebecca Ingram is adorned with delicate bow and pockets too! Opt for Erica Ann by Rebecca Ingram a full length version.

Luxe Mikado and crystal embellishments shimmer in Gentry by Maggie Sottero, featuring beading that dance over the shoulders and elegant princess seams. Try Cassidy if you’re looking for more simplicity, less bling.

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How Do I Care for These Shimmering Fabrics?

Silk, satin, and Mikado wedding dresses can be spot-cleaned with mild liquid detergent, warm water, and a soft, clean cloth. Stain removal products like Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover are a great choice as well; just remember to test a soap or cleanser on a hidden area of your dress first. For an allover clean, take your wedding dress to a professional dry cleaner recommended by your Authorized Retailer.

Wedding dresses made with silk, satin, or Mikado can be ironed on a low setting; just be sure to place a protective cloth between the heated surface and the fabric. You can also de-wrinkle your gown with a steamer appliance, or by hanging the gown in a safe area of your bathroom and allowing steam to build up from a hot shower.

Over time, these expensive fabrications are prone to attack from moths and mildew. Store your silk, satin, or Mikado wedding dress in a cotton pillowcase away from artificial and natural light. For top-notch protection, take your gown to a professional gown preservationist.

Looking for more? For a comprehensive breakdown of satin fabric, check out our full article.