The Truth about Bridal Illusion Tulle in Wedding Dresses

Bridal illusion tulle on a wedding gown is a popular trend today that all the brides are wanting to purchase. Designers like Maggie Sottero are adding more sheer and risqué bridal illusion tulle options to their gown collections to have as a staple in their brand.

A bridal illusion tulle neckline wedding gown has thin nude/skin color fabric that looks like you are not wearing anything. It is called an allusion because it does not look like any fabric is there, per the name illusion. Bridal Illusion tulle wedding gowns have beadwork, lace appliques, and embroidery. They are used in wedding gowns to cover a plunging neckline, allow more room to let the sides out, or wanting a semi-sheer look in the bodice.

On the flip side, this style is very thin. It is not sturdy enough to hold in lots of movement and structure on a bride’s body.

Seamstress Recommendation

I have repaired countless gowns with rips and holes all over bodices with illusions because of the thin tulle used. The repairs are usually fixable, but I warn brides that there is a good chance the repairs will come out if wearing the dress again. The only thread that will hold any repairs in the thin nude mesh of illusion wedding gowns is silk thread. Silk thread is the only thread that is thin enough to fit through the small holes and opening of this fabric.

If you want to purchase a wedding gown with bridal illusion tulle elements, be careful of the thin mesh fabric. It is not study to hold the gown up all day. Be careful at your reception while dancing. This is where many illusion wedding gowns rip from the lack of sturdiness of fabric quality. Check out how I fixed the back of a gorgeous Martina Liana wedding dress post-wedding in the preservation process.