Rhiannon Hendricks
A ballgown wedding dress is a timeless choice that brings elegance, romance, and a touch of fairy tale magic to your special day. The beauty of a ballgown is that it holds enough glamour on its own, but there are still many ways to style it to make it your own. From the fabric and silhouette to the accessories, there are endless options to customise your ballgown and create a look that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Style | Timeless, elegant, sophisticated, romantic, fairy tale |
| Venue | Grand setting, e.g. cathedral, historic mansion, ballroom |
| Fabric | Chiffon, organza, tulle, lace, satin, crepe, charmeuse, duchess satin, lightweight |
| Details | Tiers, beads, bows, sequins, detachable sleeves, detachable trains |
| Accessories | Veil, hair comb, hat, floral crown, tiara, jewellery, shoes |
| Comfort | Lightweight materials, structured bodice, free movement |
| Figure | Flattering on all figures, especially taller brides with hourglass, pear-shaped, or rectangular figures |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a fabric: chiffon, organza, tulle, satin, lace, or lightweight materials
When it comes to choosing the fabric for your dream ballgown wedding dress, there are many options to consider. Chiffon, organza, tulle, satin, lace, and lightweight materials are all popular choices for wedding dresses and each has unique qualities.
Chiffon is a lightweight, soft, and transparent fabric, often made from silk or rayon. It has a floaty and ethereal vibe, making it perfect for a bohemian-style wedding or a garden celebration. Chiffon is a great choice for spring or summer weddings as it is airy and breathable. Its sheer style and weightless appearance lend themselves to diaphanous silhouettes and goddess-like styles.
Organza is traditionally made from silk but can also be made with polyester or nylon. It has a smooth and shiny appearance, with a slight sheen. Organza is stiffer than chiffon and has no stretch, making it ideal for structured silhouettes. It is a popular choice for overlays or veils, as it is sheer and lightweight.
Tulle is a versatile fabric that can vary in texture. It can be made from woven nylon, knit, or silk mixes, and is a sheer and flexible material. Tulle is often used to create airy volume and fullness in skirts, making it perfect for a ballgown style. It drapes nicely and can hold its shape relatively well. Tulle is another fabric that is suitable for warm-weather weddings.
Satin is a classic and elegant choice for a wedding dress. It has a glossy sheen on the outside and a matte finish on the inside. A heavy satin gown may be uncomfortable for summer weddings, but it can be a good choice for a simple and slim-fitting dress.
Lace is a timeless and romantic option, often favoured for its texture and classic elegance. Lace dresses can be form-fitting or have a simple silhouette. They are often chosen for their versatility, as they can be elegant and sophisticated, or romantic and whimsical, depending on the style and details of the dress.
Lightweight materials such as brocade, damask, and dotted Swiss are also options for a wedding dress. Brocade is made from silk or synthetic fibres and has raised designs woven into the fabric. Damask is a lightweight material with raised designs, often in the same colour as the base fabric, and is suited to more formal wedding styles. Dotted Swiss is a lightweight and breathable muslin fabric with dotted motifs, perfect for a sweet and ladylike garden-party reception.
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Necklines and adornments: customisable to complete your look
The décolletage of your bridal gown can determine the overall look of your appearance, making it a top factor to consider when choosing your dress. Here are some neckline styles to consider for your ballgown wedding dress:
Sweetheart
A sweetheart neckline reflects the romance of the ceremony with the top of the bodice in the shape of the top of a heart. Sweetheart necklines are ideal for pear-shaped body types as they broaden the shoulders while slimming the hips. This neckline is also a good option for those with a fuller bust, as it provides support without completely covering up.
Square
Square necklines offer a sleek and elegant look with a structured bodice that captures a modern style. The rectangular shape accentuates the collarbones and shoulders. This neckline is also said to emanate a princess look.
V-neck
V-necks are a timeless, elegant, and slimming option for many body types. They create the illusion of a narrower waist, drawing attention to the middle of your silhouette. Deep V-neck designs can add a sensual, feminine allure to your bridal attire. This style is perfect for those with an inverted triangle body shape, as it slims the shoulders while creating vertical lines to balance out the width of the hips.
High-neck
High-neck dresses are a good choice for brides seeking more coverage and a timeless look. A lace high-neck dress provides intricate, floral detailing, while an illusion high-neck in tulle allows for extra support.
Off-the-shoulder
Off-the-shoulder necklines are romantic, especially when paired with a ballgown silhouette. This combination is perfect for brides seeking a princess effect.
In addition to the neckline, adornments such as jewellery can further customise your look. For instance, a square neckline can be paired with a minimalist pearl necklace, or an artistic statement piece with vibrant colours for a stunning contrast. Similarly, a gown with a portrait neckline can be accessorised with a fabulous necklace or earrings, especially if you wear your hair up.
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Hair accessories: veils, hair combs, hats, or floral crowns
When it comes to styling a ballgown wedding dress, the key is to enhance the natural beauty and grandeur of the gown without overwhelming it. The right hair accessories can add the perfect finishing touch to your bridal look. Here are some ideas for veils, hair combs, hats, and floral crowns:
Veils
A veil can be a beautiful accessory to a ballgown wedding dress. To create a cohesive look, any details on the veil should be focused at the top or on the train. Embellishments at the fingertip level may truncate your silhouette. Work with a designer to create a custom veil that complements your gown and personal style.
Hair Combs
If you prefer something more subtle, hair combs or pins with pearls, crystals, or floral designs can add a touch of elegance without overpowering your look. These delicate accessories can enhance your hairstyle while complementing the grandeur of the ballgown.
Hats
Although less commonly mentioned, hats can be an option for a ballgown wedding dress. A delicate headband can work well with both updos and loose hairstyles, adding a touch of vintage glamour or modern chic.
Floral Crowns
Floral crowns can be a fun and unique hair accessory for a ballgown wedding dress. However, opinions vary on whether they pair well with ballgowns. Some say that floral crowns are more commonly paired with sheath or narrow silhouette dresses, while others believe that a ballgown with stripes may not be the best canvas for a floral crown. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference, and you can always experiment with different styles and sizes of floral crowns to find what works best for you.
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Footwear: stilettos, flats, or something unique
When it comes to footwear, there are a few options to consider when styling a ballgown wedding dress. The most popular choice is a pair of heels, which can add to the drama and elegance of the dress. Stilettos or low heels can offer both comfort and stability, and a thicker heel is recommended for added balance. Pointed or almond-shaped toes can also help elongate the legs, especially when paired with a long dress. A heel height of 2-3 inches is generally recommended for ballgowns to avoid the dress dragging on the floor and to provide support without overwhelming the dress's silhouette. If you're planning on wearing the same shoes all day, it's best to keep the heel height to 3 inches or less to avoid sore feet before the dancing starts!
The colour of the shoes is also important. Classic colours like ivory, white, or nude are timeless and elegant, while metallics like gold, silver, or rose gold can add a modern touch. If your dress is a soft ivory or champagne, nude or blush-coloured shoes can create a seamless, sophisticated look. For a simpler dress, a pop of colour on the shoes can also add a dramatic effect. The material of the shoes is another factor to consider. Satin, silk, and lace are popular choices as they reflect the luxurious texture of most ballgown wedding dresses. If your dress has intricate beading or embroidery, shoes with embellishments like crystals or pearls can complement the gown's details. Velvet is also an option, providing richness and texture, especially when paired with a show-stopping ballgown.
However, comfort is key, and many brides opt for comfortable shoes like flats or sneakers, especially for dancing. Customised sneakers or trainers are a playful option and can be a fun way to add a personal touch to your outfit. You could also consider switching between heels and flats throughout the day, with one bride choosing to wear heels for the ceremony and photos before changing into tennis shoes for the reception and dance floor.
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Jewellery: pearls, lace, sparkle, or shine
When styling a ballgown wedding dress, it's important to remember that the dress itself is a statement piece. Therefore, choose jewellery that enhances the natural beauty and grandeur of the gown without overwhelming it. Here are some tips for styling jewellery with your ballgown wedding dress:
Pearls
Pearls are timeless and romantic, adding a chic, vintage-inspired touch to your wedding look. They pair beautifully with lace, beaded bodices, shimmery trim, and whimsical accessories. If you're wearing a lace wedding dress, consider incorporating pearls into your look with a pearl veil, pearl bridal headpiece, or pearl drop earrings. A pearl necklace is also a classic choice, especially if you have a sweetheart or strapless neckline. For a modern twist, opt for a pearl choker or collar necklace.
Lace
Lace is inherently feminine, romantic, and elegant. When choosing jewellery with a lace wedding dress, look for pieces that mimic or accentuate the intricate details and patterns in the lace. For example, if your dress has floral patterns, choose a hairpiece with similar floral motifs. Crystals also pair perfectly with lace, adding a luxurious finish. Consider a crystal veil, headpiece, or drop earrings.
Sparkle
If you want to add some sparkle to your ballgown wedding dress, choose jewellery with sparkly crystals or diamonds. A statement necklace with sparkly crystals can add a focal point to a sweetheart or strapless neckline. If your dress has a high neckline, focus on sparkly earrings or a bracelet instead. Chandelier earrings, large studs, or intricate drop earrings can add a touch of sparkle to an updo hairstyle.
Shine
To achieve a cohesive and elegant look, ensure your jewellery aligns with the overall theme and formality of your wedding. For example, a rustic barn wedding may call for simpler, more natural jewellery, while a black-tie event allows for more opulent choices. A well-chosen veil can also add shine to your look. A cathedral veil creates a dramatic, traditional effect, while a fingertip or waist-length veil adds elegance without overwhelming your dress.
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Frequently asked questions
Ballgowns are perfect for a variety of settings, from grand venues like cathedrals and ballrooms to more intimate garden ceremonies. The dramatic silhouette of a ballgown complements the grandeur of larger venues, while its versatility and timeless elegance suit low-key celebrations as well.
Ballgowns are known for their fitted bodices and voluminous skirts, which flatter every figure. To find the most suitable style for your body type, consider elements like necklines, waistlines, and embellishments. For instance, open necklines and dainty embellishments may complement a petite frame, while princess seams elongate the body for a more statuesque look.
Ballgowns offer endless customisation options to reflect your unique style. You can experiment with fabrics, tiers, beads, bows, and sequins. To complete your bridal look, choose from various accessories like veils, hairpieces, jewellery, and shoes. For a fairy-tale vibe, add some sparkle, or opt for pearls and lace if you're aiming for a vintage feel.
