Bridesmaid dress shopping is an exciting experience for the bridesmaids and the bride. The dresses you choose will have a huge impact on the overall look of your event. Yet you also want to consider the comfort of the people who will be wearing them. There are pros and cons to every type of fabric, but the most debated are chiffon vs. tulle. Materials that happen to be two of the most common fabrics used to create bridesmaid dresses. 

At Kennedy Blue, our collection of bridesmaid dresses are made using a range of fabrics, including tulle, chiffon, velvet, embroidery, and sequins. We offer high-quality designs for every type of bride and bridesmaid, with a multitude of styles and colors. To help you differentiate between chiffon and tulle, and to come to a confident buying decision, we’re breaking down the difference between these popular materials. Plus get inspired by some of our best-selling chiffon bridesmaid dresses and tulle bridesmaid dresses!

Tulle Vs. Chiffon: Which Bridesmaid Dress Fabric Should I Choose?

There is a very big difference between chiffon and tulle bridesmaid dresses. Both fabrics are beautiful but have their own merits. But which one is right for you and the vision you have for your wedding? Let's explore more about chiffon and tulle!

What are Tulle Bridesmaid Dresses?

Tulle is a mesh fabric that is used in a lot of different types of clothing but is especially popular in the wedding industry. It is used to make wedding veils, as well as wedding dresses, usually for skirts. Tulle dresses usually have one or two under layers as tulle is rather sheer on its own. In comparison to chiffon, tulle has more flow. It moves better, to lend an airy or dreamy look. This makes it a popular choice amongst brides who prefer a more romantic or ethereal vibe.

What are Chiffon Bridesmaid Dresses

Of the two fabrics, chiffon is more popular than tulle in regards to bridesmaid dresses. It’s softer and smoother than tulle, but usually only has one to two layers since it’s a more opaque fabric.

Chiffon bridesmaid dresses are typically offered in more styles and colors than tulle, due to popularity reasons. Chiffon is not stiff by any means, but it does not lend as soft or light of a look as tulle bridesmaid dresses. 

Reasons to Choose Tulle for Your Bridesmaid Dresses

Love the idea of tulle bridesmaid dresses? Let us tell you some of the reasons you might want to prefer this fabric over chiffon.

1. You Want Your Wedding to Be Unique

Tulle bridesmaid dresses are still considered unconventional, as most bridesmaid dresses are made out of chiffon. Tulle is a fun way to be unique and to express yourself! If you like however, it can be used alongside chiffon bridesmaid dresses, for a modern mismatched bridal look.

2. Flowy Bridesmaid Dresses Are Your Style

If your goal is a light and romantic wedding look, then opt for tulle. It adds something extra to your wedding, thanks to the beautiful volume and shape it lends. Your bridesmaids will also love it, as it will allow them to move freely and comfortably. It looks especially beautiful if you give it a twirl!

3. You Can Perfectly Match Tulle Wedding Decor to Your Bridesmaid Dresses

Carrying over a romantic wedding theme is easy with tulle. It is easy to work with to create decor, particularly for an outdoor wedding or venue. The wind and light will complement the fabric beautifully, whether you use it to line walkways or an aisle way, or to decorate tables, chairs or an alter.

4. You Want to Add Texture to Your Bridesmaid Lineup

Tulle is such a fantastic way to add texture to your wedding aesthetic! It is soft and feminine, perfect for a modern wedding and bridesmaid dresses. Not to mention it looks absolutely stunning in wedding photos.

Chiffon Bridesmaid Dresses May Be for You If...

There are so many reasons to purchase a chiffon bridesmaid dress. Chiffon has been a long-standing fan-favorite amongst brides and bridesmaids alike!

1. Your Bridesmaid Dress Color Is Already Set (& Not Available in Tulle)

Chiffon bridesmaid dresses tend to come in significantly more colors than tulle.  If you have a certain color that you’re set on (and it doesn’t come in tulle), chiffon will likely be for you. At Kennedy Blue, our chiffon bridesmaid dresses come in 44+ stunning colors! Meanwhile, our tulle bridesmaid dresses come in 8 dreamy shades.

2. You Want to Stick to Wedding Traditions

If you want your bridesmaids to have the traditional bridal style, chiffon is your answer. The material is more smooth and less sheer than tulle, for a slightly more sophisticated look. Chiffon bridesmaid dresses offer a timeless wedding look that you (and your girls) will look back on with pride for years to come. 

3. Fitted Bridesmaid Dresses are Your Style

Chiffon bridesmaid dresses are available in so many different styles, including stylish form-fitting designs. If you’re looking for dresses that will hug your bridesmaids’ curves, chiffon is a great option. Tulle bridesmaid dresses are not available in fitted styles, since they are made of a flowy, more voluminous fabric. Therefore, if your goal is a slightly sexier look, chiffon is the best option.

Popular Tulle Dresses for Your Bridesmaids

Now that we've established some good reasons why you should consider both fabrics, let’s take a look at our most popular tulle bridesmaid dresses. Check out these beautiful tulle designs available in 8 modern colors. Including Ivory, Blush, Bordeaux, Desert Rose, Latte, Navy, Sapphire, and Slate Blue! 

1. Dory Tulle Bridesmaid Dress

A stunning one-shoulder bridesmaid dress that's perfectly romantic and airy for your big day! Made from our super soft english net, this A-line gown is known for it's comfort!

2. Elliot Tulle Bridesmaid Dress

Looking for the perfect dress to flatter every body type? Kennedy Blue Elliot is a V-neck bridesmaid dress made from our super soft english net fabric and is the perfect silhouette to complement any shape!

3. Joelle Tulle Bridesmaid Dress

Joelle is a flattering V-neckline bridesmaid dress made from our soft english net fabric. You'll love the effortless airiness of this gorgeous gown.

4. Cora Tulle Bridesmaid Dress

Cora is a gorgeous off-the-shoulder bridesmaid dress featuring our super soft english net fabric. This style has a pleated bodice for an ultra-flattering fit and a-line skirt with pockets!

Try-On Tulle Bridesmaid Dresses At Home

Still not sure on your choice between chiffon and tulle bridesmaid dresses? Via the Kennedy Blue Try At-Home Program, your bridesmaids can try on a variety of different dress before purchasing a gown. Simple pick both a tulle and chiffon gown of your preference from our line up, and we’ll ship it straight to your door. Once it has arrived, take three days to play dress up before shipping it back. From there, you’ll be able to make a much more confident buying decision, to find a gown that best aligns with your wedding day vision.

How to Incorporate Tulle Bridesmaid Dresses in Your Wedding: Ideas + Inspiration

Aside from tulle bridesmaid dresses, this material can also be used in a variety of ways to decorate for your event. Check out just a few ways that you can incorporate this soft and light material into your big day, from the ceremony to the reception!

Slate blue and white are the dreamiest wedding duo, perfect for a bride who wants a chic and bright wedding look! For this wedding reception, tulle was used throughout the tablescape for a soft and airy look. For a more luxe vibe, consider adding touches of silver metallic into the mix!

A stunning alternative to classic white, Ivory is a beautiful bridal color. For this wedding it was paired with a blue-grey and greenery, for a look that is oh so timeless. Take a peek at this outdoor wedding ceremony set-up, which features a classic arbor draped in ivory tulle.

 

We are loving this beautiful Bordeaux, Claret and Pink color palette! Perfect for the springtime, it's a color combo that also traditionally feminine. Notice how at this indoor barn reception, tulle was used to drape the rafters, for a look that is modern and romantic.

Tulle Ceremony Decor

When it comes to using tulle for your wedding ceremony, the options are endless. While many rely on tulle as drapery for an arbor, there are a range of other uses. For starters, it can be used to decorate the back of ceremony seating. Whether it be to mark the aisle or to reserve specific areas. Most often it is tied into the shape of a bow or left to flow in the breeze! It can also be used at entryways and exits, to complement the existing doorway.

Tulle Reception Decor

On to the reception, tulle is especially useful for complementing your existing set-up, versus being standalone. For example, at tablescapes it can be placed beneath table decor as a runner. Kept a decent length, it will run over the edge of your table and create a romantic vibe. At your sweetheart table, it can be used to create a soft backdrop. Simply cut long pieces and tie them around a sleek metal arbor. You might also add in white string lights or fresh greenery, like eucalyptus, for a more romantic look! 

Dreamy Tulle Wedding Dresses for the Bride

If you love tulle for your bridesmaids, we have the perfect tulle wedding dresses for you! A tulle wedding dress is a stunning choice, whether you prefer a light, ethereal vibe, or a romantic modern look. Check out a few of our dreamy tulle wedding dresses, now in-stock at Kennedy Blue!

Carina Tulle Wedding Dress 

A fun and beautiful dress, Carter is a crystal and embroidered lace A-line wedding dress, with a lace bodice, v-neck, double belted waist band, and buttons along the low back. A layered tulle skirt lends a romantic vibe, perfect for the modern bride. This tulle wedding dress is a good choice for a young, traditional bride.

Carter Tulle Wedding Dress 

Carter is an elegant and beautiful dress that will leave everyone in complete awe when you walk down the aisle. With it’s beaded lace bodice, deep v-neck, beaded spaghetti straps, and buttons along the low back. Meanwhile a a soft tulle skirt give it a beautiful full look that is fun yet feminine. Consider this tulle wedding dress gown for a trendy spring or summer affair.

Let’s Chat!

It is our hope that this information and inspiration will help you come to a decision on chiffon or tulle bridesmaid dresses. Although chiffon is beautiful, there’s no material quite as dreamy as tulle. Making it the best option for a woman who wants a soft and romantic yet traditional bridal style. Love one of our dreamy tulle bridesmaid dresses or tulle wedding dresses? Let us know which design was your favorite in the comments below!

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Prefer a more glam look for your big day? You want want to miss our sequin bridesmaid dresses! These trendy designs are perfect for a bride who wants to make a statement. They lend a sense of elegance and opulence that simply can’t be beat. Not to mention they make the color of the dress POP!