By Jessica Booth Published on 06/13/22 We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

PHOTO BY CHRIS & RUTH PHOTOGRAPHYOften 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. Wedding Dress Fabric and Material Guide 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 BUY ON BHLDN 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. 19 Elegant Slip Wedding Dresses for the Minimalist Bride Most Budget-Friendly: Reformation Tullamore Silk Dress BUY ON REFORMATION 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 BUY ON JUSTINALEXANDER.COM 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 BUY ON SACHINANDBABI.COM 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 BUY ON REFORMATION 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 BUY ON OLIVIABOTTEGA.COM 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 BUY ON JENNYYOO.COM 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 BUY ON GRACELOVESLACE.COM 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 BUY ON REFORMATION 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 BUY ON JUSTINALEXANDER.COM 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 BUY ON GALIALAHAV.COM 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 BUY ON AMSALE.COM 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. Best for the After-Party: Cucculelli Shaheen Deco Constellation Borders Two Piece BUY ON CU-SH.COM 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 BUY ON SACHINANDBABI.COM 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 BUY ON PRONOVIAS.COM 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. 20 Strapless Wedding Dresses For Every Bridal Style For a Backyard Wedding: Reformation Barrow Silk Dress BUY ON REFORMATION 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 BUY ON JENNYYOO.COM 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 BUY ON PRONOVIAS.COM 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. Best Vintage: Gossamer Gown BUY ON SHOPGOSSAMER.COM 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. 18 Best Vintage-Inspired Wedding Dresses Most Chic: Reformation Rya Silk Dress BUY ON REFORMATION 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.