Wedding Planning Advice and Tips from the Experts in share their knowledge

Style, cut, texture, drape, and season are all-important factors in determining the best fabric for a wedding gown. The same style dress can look and feel quite different in a variety of fabrics, since each material is designed to produce a distinct effect. Some fabrics cling to the body, while others stand away. Some are flowy , while others are more stiff and crisp. It all comes down to your style preference. Here is a list of terms that you might come across throughout your dress shopping adventure.

Batiste: A lightweight, soft, transparent fabric.

Brocade: A Jacquard-woven fabric with raised designs; traditionally popular for fall and winter, now also worn in warmer weather.

Charmeuse: A lightweight, semi-lustrous soft fabric, that is satin-like to the touch.

Chiffon: Delicate, sheer, and transparent -- made from silk or rayon, with a soft finish; often layered because of its transparency, making it popular for overskirts, sheer sleeves, and wraps.

Crepe: A light, soft, and thin fabric with a crinkled surface.

Damask: Similar to brocade with raised designs, but woven in a much lighter weight.

Duchesse Satin: A lightweight hybrid of silk and rayon (or polyester) woven into a satin finish.

Dupioni: A finish similar to shantung, but with thicker, coarser fibers, and a slight sheen.

Faille: A structured, ribbed finish like grosgrain ribbon; usually quite substantial.

Gabardine: A tightly-woven, firm and durable finish, with single diagonal lines on the face.

Georgette: A sheer, lightweight fabric often made of polyester or silk with a crepe surface.

Jersey: A very elastic knit fabric; the face has lengthwise ribs and the underside has crosswise ribs.

Moire: A heavy silk taffeta with a subtle, wavy design.

Organdy: A stiff transparent fabric.

Organza: Crisp and sheer like chiffon, with a stiffer texture similar in effect to tulle, but more flowing; popular for skirts, sleeves, backs, and overlays.

Peau de Soie: A soft satin-faced, high-quality cloth with a dull luster, fine ribs, and a grainy appearance.

Pique: A knit fabric with a waffle-weave appearance, pique has distinct sides. The outside resembles a honeycomb or waffle and the underside is flat and smooth.

Polyester: An inexpensive man-made fiber that can be woven into just about anything, including duchesse satin

Rayon: Similar to silk, but more elastic and affordable.

Satin: A heavy, smooth fabric with a high sheen on one side; very common in bridal gowns.

Silk: The most sought-after, cherished fiber for wedding dresses (and also the most expensive); there are several types with different textures: raw silk and silk mikado are just two examples.

Silk Gazar: A four-ply silk organza.

Silk Mikado: A brand of blended silk, usually heavier than 100-percent silk.

Silk-faced Satin: A smooth silk satin, with a glossy front and matte back.

Shantung: Similar to a raw silk, shantung is characterized by its rubbed texture.

Taffeta: Crisp and smooth, with a slight rib.

Tulle: Netting made of silk, nylon, or rayon; used primarily for skirts and veils (think ballerina tutus).

Velvet: A soft, thick fabric with a felted face and plain underside.