Charmeuse?

saacjw

Does anyone know how charmeuse compares to satin, particurally in how colors look? I am doing the whole length, fabric, color, guidlines for my BMs and the fabric is satin. My MOH just found a really pretty dress that is charmeuse and online it looks like it has a satin quality to it and if it does, would it make sense to open up my fabric options to charmeuse and satin? (Also, I realize it's kinda early to deal too much with BM dresses, but we're being lame and staying in tonight and having fun looking at dresses.)

brookerich

Generally charmeuse is more "drapey" that satin.  Charmeuse is actually silk finished with a satin finish (if that makes sense). 

In my opinion satin is more beefy and heavy than charmeuse but (I think) you can find more colors in satin. 

And 10 months isn't too far in advance at all to be thinking about bridesmaid dresses.  I'm still 13 months out and I'm weighing options.

bltata

CMGr the OP never even mentioned the figures of her bridesmaids.  That is incredibly insulting to say that only women shaped like runway models will look good in that fabric.  When the OP asks about colors... don't call her BMs fat.

OP,  I think charmeuse and satin do have similar fabric qualities, but what of your best bets is to possibly go to a bridal store and see if a particular designer carries any dresses in both charmeuse and satin and compare the colors, just to see if there is much of a difference.  Since computer screens often have different color settings and resolutions, the swatches on websites aren't always the most reliable.

raehny

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_charmeuse-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:15Discussion:6fc8d5d8-a1a9-4460-b640-8801aa727f4bPost:53c76b1a-86da-4be1-8032-e5828b98d2d3">Re: Charmeuse?</a>:
[QUOTE]<strong>CMGr the OP never even mentioned the figures of her bridesmaids.  That is incredibly insulting to say that only women shaped like runway models will look good in that fabric.  When the OP asks about colors... don't call her BMs fat.</strong>

OP,  I think charmeuse and satin do have similar fabric qualities, but what of your best bets is to possibly go to a bridal store and see if a particular designer carries any dresses in both charmeuse and satin and compare the colors, just to see if there is much of a difference.  Since computer screens often have different color settings and resolutions, the swatches on websites aren't always the most reliable.
Posted by bltata[/QUOTE]

CMGr didn't call her BMs fat...OP obviously is unfamiliar with the properties of charmeuse (not surprising since it's not a fabric you see often).  Charmeuse is very unforgiving, and there are definitely a lot of people with even small image issues (girls who dont like form-fitting clothes for any number of reasons won't like how charmeuse looks on the body,) so she was just giving OP a heads-up.  No need to get your panties in a bunch.

OP - as far as colors go, I would assume that they would be pretty similar, but definitely check out swatches from that designer in person (most bridal salons carry swatchbooks from the BM dress designers they carry so you can see exactly what color you want to order).  Colors can often vary between designers even in the same fabric.

BeachLover2885

I went with charmeuse BM dresses for a few reasons.  First, the color looked prettier in the charmeuse fabric than it did in the chiffon.  Second, my wedding is in July and the charmeuse was super lightweight.  Third, initially I was worried that the charmeuse would be clingy, but because of the cut and style of the dress it's actually very flattering.  There is rouching in the front that automatically slims down the stomach area, which some of my BMs mentioned as super flattering on their figure. There is also a lining in the dress that prevents it from showing every little flaw.  

I think it really depends on the style of dress and how well made it is.  Definitely go and look at dresses in person and try different styles on to see what looks best. I do agree that satin is heavier and less "flowy" than charmeuse, as PP mentioned  GL!

notyetavet

My bridesmaids all tried on at least one charmeuse dress even though I had chosen satin as the fabric and I think it would have blended in just fine.  The only problem was that every single dress hugged the body just a little too much and you could see panty lines on everyone regardless of the sort of undergarments they were wearing.  The dresses worked on a variety of different figures, though.  David's Bridal has a whole line in satin and one in charmeuse so it's easy to walk into the store and compare. 

saacjw

Thanks! 

Of my 4 BMs, 3 are size 4 and under, so I'll let them decide about the whole figure issue thing. My MOH, who found the dress is actually rail thin, so the body clinging thing isn't a problem (if she likes the dress, whole other issue there) and I kinda think my FSIL wanted something a bit revealing like that, so it might turn into a good option for her, again, if she likes it.