Lace and crepe are both popular bridal fabrics, but they attract completely different brides — and create completely different wedding dress looks. Here's how to decide which is right for you.
What Is Crepe?
Crepe is a smooth, matte fabric with a slightly textured surface (from the twisted yarns in its weave) and a beautiful drape. It's soft against the skin, fluid in movement, and creates a sleek, body-conscious silhouette. Unlike satin, it doesn't reflect light — it absorbs it, creating a muted, sophisticated finish.
What Is Lace?
Lace is an openwork fabric with a pattern — usually floral — created either by needle, bobbin, or embroidery. In wedding dresses, lace adds texture, visual depth, and a traditional or romantic quality that no other fabric replicates. It's almost always used with an underlining fabric to give it structure and opacity.
Which Body Shape Does Crepe Suit?
Crepe is particularly flattering on slim and athletic figures because it skims the body without adding volume or texture. It follows every curve — which is beautiful on some figures and less forgiving on others. If you love your body exactly as it is and want a modern, minimal look, crepe is one of the most elegant choices available.
It's less ideal if you want to add visual texture, disguise certain areas, or create a more traditionally bridal aesthetic.
Which Body Shape Does Lace Suit?
Lace is more universally flattering because its texture creates visual interest rather than highlighting a specific silhouette. The pattern draws the eye across the surface of the fabric rather than to the body beneath it. It works particularly well for:
- Brides who want a romantic, classic wedding look
- Those who want to soften a very straight silhouette with texture
- Brides who prefer more coverage — lace over a nude underlining creates the appearance of skin without being sheer
Style and Venue
Crepe reads as modern, minimalist, and editorial. It suits contemporary venues — industrial spaces, art galleries, modern hotels — and brides who want to look chic rather than traditionally bridal.
Lace reads as romantic, traditional, and timeless. It suits churches, garden weddings, and historic venues — and brides who want to feel undeniably bridal.
Can You Have Both?
Yes — a lace bodice with a crepe skirt (or vice versa) is one of the most elegant combinations in modern bridal design. You get the romanticism of lace where it frames the face and décolletage, and the sleek modernity of crepe through the skirt.
Explore our lace gowns, including the Aria strapless lace mermaid and the Tonika embroidered lace mermaid, or the sleek Katrine crepe mermaid. Contact our designer to discuss fabric options for your bespoke gown.