We Found the 21 Best Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (2024)

  • Wedding Dresses

This elegant fabric is a bridal favorite.

By

Jessica Booth

We Found the 21 Best 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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Updated on 06/21/23 01:42PM

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We Found the 21 Best 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.

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.

Our Top Picks

Best Slip Gown

Jenny Yoo Collection Celeste Gown

We Found the 21 Best Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (3)

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

Best Budget-Friendly

Reformation Tullamore Silk Dress

We Found the 21 Best Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (4)

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

Best Ballgown

Justin Alexander Signature Scarlet Gown

We Found the 21 Best Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (5)

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

Best Column Gown

Sachin & Babi Bonnie Gown

We Found the 21 Best Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (6)

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

Best Cutouts

Reformation Astor Silk Dress

We Found the 21 Best Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (7)

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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Best Off-White

Olivia Bottega Peach Silk Evening Dress

We Found the 21 Best Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (8)

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

Best Off-the-Shoulder

Jenny Yoo Meredith with Sleeves

We Found the 21 Best Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (9)

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

Best Fitted Gown

Grace Loves Lace Honey Silk

We Found the 21 Best Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (10)

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

Most Romantic

Reformation Chania Silk Dress

We Found the 21 Best Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (11)

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

The 13 Best Utterly Romantic Wedding Dresses

Best Modern Twist

Justin Alexander Signature Alder Gown

We Found the 21 Best Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (12)

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

For the Trendy Bride

Galia Lahav Elise Satin Wedding Dress in Pale Gold

We Found the 21 Best Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (13)

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

Best for a Summer Wedding

Amsale Fatima Gown

We Found the 21 Best Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (14)

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

We Found the 21 Best Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (15)

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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Best for a Winter Wedding

Safiyaa Aleah Gown

We Found the 21 Best Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (16)

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

Best Strapless

Pronovias Day Dress

We Found the 21 Best Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (17)

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

17 Strapless Wedding Dresses for Every Bridal Style

For a Backyard Wedding

Reformation Barrow Silk Dress

We Found the 21 Best Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (18)

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

Best Back Detail

Jenny Yoo Marciana with Applique

We Found the 21 Best Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (19)

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

18 Elegant Slip Wedding Dresses for the Minimalist Bride

Most Dramatic

Pronovias Austin

We Found the 21 Best Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (20)

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

Most Chic

Reformation Rya Silk Dress

We Found the 21 Best Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (21)

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

Best Corset-Style

Galia Lahav Greta

We Found the 21 Best Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (22)

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

Best with a Bias Cut

Galia Lahav Lilou

We Found the 21 Best Silk Wedding Dresses for the Contemporary Bride (23)

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.

FAQ

  • Are silk wedding dresses expensive?

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

    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.

  • What is the difference between silk and bridal satin?

    Bridal satin tends to be a heavier-weight fabric with more density and structure to it, while silk is somewhat flimsy and soft. The advantages of bridal satin are its durability and structure that helps give shape to a gown, but silk is desirable for its softness and sheen, as well as being a natural fabric.

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.

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