3.Tafetta and Organza.   #3 of a 4 part series about the most popular silk fabrics used in wedding dresses.  Taffeta is a crisp, smooth, not too shiny fabric made from silk or synthetic fibers. It is a "high end" fabric, suitable for use in wedding dresses, Mother of the bride and ball gowns.  Lighter in weight than satin, but still has enough body to hold shape.  The most deluxe taffetas are woven in France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, but most silk taffeta is produced in India and Pakistan.  We have seen lovely 1950s vintage wedding dresses made from taffeta.   Shadows has many contemporary taffeta gowns by Casablanca and Sophia & Camilla in the ever popular ruched A-line and “Fit and Flare” styles.  Check out this one by Casablanca.

Organza is a thin, crisp, sheer fabric traditionally made from silk.  It is strong and durable with a firm hand and flat, smooth texture. Nowadays, though many organzas are woven with synthetic fibers such as polyester, the most luxurious organzas are still woven in silk. The open weave is naturally stiff without the addition of any "stiffeners", so it’s great for use in wedding dresses.  Silk organza is also lovely for Mother of the Bride.  It is suited to both the fanciest full ballgowns with appliquéd lace, or simple Tea length dresses with little or no embellishment.  Shadows has examples of both these styles:a Vintage 1956 Priscilla of Boston wedding gown, and Jasmine Couture style #T282.