Wedding Dress Embellishments
Embellishments are a bit like cake icing: They can add flavour, texture, and individuality to a simple, structured form. Although most aren't actually edible! Through the centuries, brides have taken to adorning their wedding dresses to achieve a more striking appearance. Queen Victoria added fresh orange blossoms onto her otherwise pure ensemble back in 1840, and throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries it was widely believed that the more elaborately trimmed a woman's gown, the wealthier she was.
Today, it's the artistry and the visual effect of the embellishment that count. Elaborate beading and embroideries are used to add richness and texture to plain fabric. Small iridescent sequins are sewn on to add light and to give dresses a decorative twinkle. And layers of fringe, cascades of crystals and colourful beading - the 'jewellery' of a gown - are all favoured flourishes for adding the illusion of movement.
Unique touches such as floral appliqués, feathers or fur are fanciful additions that can take a gown from average to outrageous. Here are the main embellishments you might like to consider:
Appliqués
Fabric elements like flowers, ribbons or cut outs stitched or embroidered onto a gown. These are often raised to add more visual stimulation.
Beading
Pieces of glass, crystal, gems or other material sewn onto lace or fabric.
Crystals
Faceted and polished beads that reflect light.
Edging
A narrow decorative border of lace, embroidery, braid or ribbon used for trim.
Embroidery
Fancy needlework patterns of various fine threads done by hand or machine.
Fringe
Ornamental trim consisting of loose strands of thread or beads fastened to a band.
Gems
Faux sparkling jewels such as rhinestones, which are often glued or sewn onto net or tulle.
Sequins
Little shiny iridescent plastic discs sewn into a gown to add sparkle.
Pailettes
Larger versions of sequins, these shiny or matte plastic discs with a hole off-centre at one end are sewn onto the gown to provide movement in the appearance.
