About Ball Gown Wedding Dresses

Ball gowns are a popular choice for a traditional, romantic bride.

Many different types of wedding gowns exist, but a ball gown is the most traditional and most popular. Ball gowns evoke a sense of fairy-tale magic and can add a fantasy element to any wedding. Ball gowns are flattering to all body types and can add drama and glamour to the right wedding, making a woman's fairy tale a reality. Your wedding day should be the day you feel most beautiful, and a ball gown will definitely fit the bill.

Types

Ball gowns come in various types. They can be strapless, have one shoulder bared, and have sleeves and a neckline. A different ball gown silhouette exists for every woman. A ball gown is a good bet if you are curvy, as these gowns can be very forgiving. The bottom of the dress can be ruffled, lacy, slightly angled or made of tulle, or it can fall straight to the ground. Dresses come in varying lengths, from tea length to floor length, and can incorporate many materials such as taffeta or satin. Some gowns are elaborately embellished with pearls or crystals, while others are much simpler.

Shopping for a Ball Gown

When shopping for your ball gown, start with a budget. Know your spending limit, and stick with it to avoid confusion later. Pick several stores to narrow down your choices. Trying to shop at too many stores can become overwhelming. Consider your frame when choosing the right gown. If you are petite, a simpler gown may work better for you than a gown with too much lace or tulle. Alterations can perfect the proportions of the dress to fit your body once you find the gown of your dreams. Don't forget to add a tiara for that perfect princess look.

Considerations

Several factors come into play when choosing your ball gown. If the ceremony will occur outdoors in warmer weather, a heavy elaborate ball gown might not be the best idea. In that situation, a simpler gown made of lighter fabric would provide a more comfortable option. You can still do the ball gown silhouette---just not as dramatic. If the wedding will take place inside a church, check to find out the width of the aisles; if your dream gown is a full ball gown with layers of tulle, you may get caught up in the pews walking down the aisle. Consider the venue when choosing your perfect dress. Also, think about the reception---whether your gown will allow for comfortable dancing, for example. Maybe a shorter gown would work better for dancing the night away, or a strapless would be more comfortable than sleeves. Consider all of these elements when picking the right ball gown.

The Romantic Bride

Many people associate ball gowns with romance. If you arranged weddings for your Barbie and Ken dolls as a girl and pretended you were Cinderella, a ball gown will make the perfect dress for you. A woman's wedding day should be her most glamorous and beautiful day, and a ball gown is the perfect wedding dress to fit the bill. Whether it's embroidered with crystals, fashioned with layers of tulle and lace, or simply a satin flared gown, ball gowns equate to magic. If you are a dreamy, romantic bride, you will love shining on your wedding day in a ball gown.

Features

A ball gown can turn your wedding day into your fairy tale come true.

A ball gown is typically tight around the bust and torso and comes in at the waist, defining your tummy and flattering your figure. It then flares out into a full skirt made of tulle, satin, lace or a combination of materials. Most ball gowns are strapless, but you have other options such as light sleeves, or one shoulder bared. Some ball gowns also incorporate a halter top.

A ball gown is a flattering wedding option for many women. The gowns tend to emphasize the best parts of a woman and hide the ones you are not eager to show. A full skirt can be very flattering and minimize hips or thighs if needed. A ball gown can also be flattering on tall and slender women. These dresses can work on practically anyone.

References

• "One Perfect Day;" Rebecca Mead; 2007
• Say Yes to the Dress

Resources

• The Knot