Franklin Dean
A ball gown wedding dress is a dream come true for many brides, with its full skirt, fitted bodice, and timeless silhouette. It is a style that is perfect for a fairytale wedding and will ensure that you feel like a princess. However, with its dramatic and voluminous silhouette, it is easy to overdo it with accessories. The key is to choose accessories that enhance rather than compete with your look. This guide will help you choose the perfect veil, jewellery, and other accessories to complement your ball gown wedding dress and create a cohesive and stunning look.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Volume | Fuller than an A-line dress, with a fitted bodice and a voluminous skirt |
| Silhouette | Timeless, dramatic, grand |
| Accessories | Veil, statement earrings, bracelets, necklaces, hair accessories |
| Fabric | Tulle, lace, satin, organza |
| Style | Ethereal, whimsical, rustic, black-tie, formal |
| Details | Slits, floral prints, bows, ruffles, embroidery, beading, pockets |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right veil
Veil Length
The length of your veil is an important consideration. The general rule is that the veil should be proportional to your dress. Longer veils are typically paired with long dresses, while short veils go well with shorter gowns. If you want to showcase the details of your dress, a shorter veil such as an elbow-length, shoulder-length, or fingertip veil can draw attention to the dress while also highlighting your face.
If you're wearing a ball gown with a full tulle skirt, a fingertip veil can blend in and give the illusion of a longer veil without covering the skirt. For a dramatic flair, a thicker chapel veil (90-inch length) can be a stunning choice.
For a ball gown with a low back or generous embellishments, a shorter veil like a shoulder veil (19 to 22 inches) can be a great option to showcase the details of your dress.
If you're opting for a long veil, such as a chapel or cathedral length, it should ideally be longer than the train of your dress to create a seamless and elegant look.
Veil Style and Fabric
The style and fabric of your veil should complement the overall aesthetic of your wedding and enhance your gown without overpowering it. Consider the silhouette of your dress when selecting the veil. Simple veils with fewer layers of fabric are ideal for detailed dresses, allowing every aspect of the gown to stand out. Embellished dresses often pair well with veils that have raw edges or details that echo the design of the dress.
For a bohemian or rustic dress, a veil with soft, flowing lines, such as a mantilla or a veil edged with lace, can complement the effortless beauty of the gown.
When it comes to fabric, tulle and lace are popular choices for their soft and delicate qualities. Italian tulle is an excellent option for a contemporary or understated look. Silk veils, though harder to find, offer understated glamour and fluidity.
Veil Colour
Matching the colour of your veil to your dress is crucial for a cohesive look. Bring a swatch of your dress fabric when shopping for your veil to ensure an exact match in colour and texture. Wedding dresses come in various shades of white, ivory, champagne, and blush, so choose a veil that complements the tone of your gown. For a pure white dress, select a bright white veil, while a neutral white dress pairs well with a softer "bridal white" veil. Ivory veils should be matched to the specific tone of your ivory dress, ranging from off-white to warm ivory.
Remember, while these guidelines can help, ultimately the choice is yours. Feel free to mix and match to create a unique look that reflects your personal style and vision.
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Selecting complementary jewellery
Neckline Considerations:
The neckline of your ball gown will play a significant role in determining the type of jewellery you should wear. If your gown has a high neckline, opt for statement earrings and an elegant wristband instead of a necklace. Strapless or sweetheart necklines offer more skin to work with, so consider a collar-length necklace, such as a tennis necklace or a delicate pendant, to add a touch of elegance. V-necks pair well with simple drop necklaces or pendants, while chokers and statement necklaces complement strapless and sweetheart necklines.
Embellishments and Simplicity:
If your ball gown wedding dress already has a lot of embellishments, sequins, or intricate lace, opt for simpler and more refined jewellery. Remember, "simple is best," and you want your jewellery to complement the dress, not compete with it. A classic ball gown, for example, pairs well with understated jewellery like diamond clusters, hanging earrings, or a simple pendant.
Metal and Gemstone Choices:
The colour of your gown and your skin tone can guide your choice of metals and gemstones. For a bright white gown, cool tones like platinum or silver create an elegant look. Ivory or champagne-coloured gowns pair beautifully with yellow gold to enhance their warm tones. Blush pink dresses are complemented by rose gold, while a touch of yellow gold can add warmth to a cream-coloured gown. Consider your skin tone as well; silver often complements pink or rosy-red undertones, while gold works well with apricot or olive undertones.
Personal Style and Sentiment:
Ultimately, your wedding jewellery should reflect your unique personal style and taste. Don't be afraid to break the rules and make your own! If you're a minimalist, you might prefer subtle jewellery or none at all. On the other hand, if you love bling, you might want to be dripping in diamonds. Incorporating sentimental jewellery pieces, such as family heirlooms, can also add a special touch to your big day.
Remember, the key is to create a harmonious look where your jewellery enhances your natural beauty and complements the grandeur of your ball gown wedding dress.
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Ensuring the gown is the right fit
Secondly, when purchasing a ball gown wedding dress, opt for adjustable styles. A-line, ball gown, or empire-waist silhouettes are more adjustable than fit-and-flare, mermaid, or sheath styles. A lace-up back or corset back can also provide flexibility, allowing for adjustments if your measurements change. Additionally, consider the fabric; stretch fabrics or knit linings are more forgiving and adaptable to fluctuations in size.
Thirdly, during your wedding dress fittings, work closely with your seamstress or alterations specialist. They will help you put on the gown and determine the necessary alterations. Typical adjustments include refining the bodice, seat seams, and hem for a perfect fit. Communicate your preferences and concerns clearly to ensure the final version aligns with your comfort, style, and vision.
Lastly, on the day of your wedding, ensure you have assistance. Putting on a ball gown wedding dress is intricate, and having two people help you get into the gown will ensure it is positioned correctly. Remember, the gown should be at your natural waist, and your bust should sit comfortably in the cups.
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Picking the right shoes
When choosing the right shoes for a ball gown wedding dress, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the style of the shoe is important. Ball gowns are known for their full skirts and fitted bodices, so it's essential to choose a shoe that complements the silhouette of the dress. If you want to showcase your shoes, opt for a dress with a high slit or a shorter hemline. In this case, statement shoes such as pumps, strappy heels, or even custom sneakers can be a great choice. On the other hand, if your dress will mostly hide your shoes, you might prioritise comfort and go for a pair of ballet flats, sneakers, or even sparkly Keds.
The heel height of your shoes is another crucial factor. While taller heels can elongate your legs and create a sleek profile, they can also be uncomfortable and tiring to wear all day. A good rule of thumb is to keep the heel height to 3" or less, especially if you plan to wear the same shoes for the entire wedding. Thicker heels, such as block heels or wedges, can also provide more comfort and stability than skinny stiletto heels. Additionally, consider the length of your dress and whether you want your heels to be visible or hidden. If you're worried about your dress hem getting caught in your heels, opt for a closed-toe style or a shoe without a slingback.
The level of formality of your wedding should also be considered when choosing your shoes. For a formal wedding, elegant options such as closed-toe pumps, court shoes, or peep-toe heels might be more suitable. On the other hand, if you're having a rustic barn wedding, cowboy boots could be a fun and unique choice. If you're going for a vintage-inspired or retro look, metallic accents, embroidered textures, or platform heels can add a stylish touch. For a modern twist, pointed-toe flats or mules can balance tradition with contemporary elegance.
Comfort is also key when selecting your wedding shoes. You'll be on your feet all day, walking down the aisle, posing for photos, and dancing the night away. It's important to choose a pair of shoes that you can comfortably walk and stand in for extended periods. Additionally, don't forget to break in your shoes before the big day to avoid any last-minute blisters or discomfort.
Lastly, don't underestimate the power of colour and sparkle when choosing your wedding shoes. A pair of colourful shoes can add a personal touch and gently contrast against your white gown. Sparkly shoes, such as those with rhinestones or glittered detailing, can also elevate your look and beautifully highlight the luxurious design of your gown. Remember, your wedding shoes are a chance to showcase your style and personality, so have fun with it and choose a pair that makes you feel confident and special.
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Deciding on detachable elements
A ball gown wedding dress is a classic, timeless choice, and with detachable elements, you can achieve multiple looks with just one dress.
One of the most popular detachable elements is the skirt. Detachable skirts come in various styles, from full ball gowns to sleek silhouettes, and can be made from different fabrics such as tulle, lace, or satin. They offer versatility and flexibility, allowing you to transition from a full ball gown to a fitted gown or a more streamlined look. This can be especially useful if you want to showcase your shoes or feel more comfortable during the reception.
Another option for detachable elements is sleeves. Detachable sleeves can be added for a more formal look during the ceremony and then removed for a strapless or spaghetti strap style during the reception. This is perfect for brides who want to showcase their collarbones or prefer a more relaxed feel.
Detachable trains are also a popular choice, providing drama and elegance to your walk down the aisle. You can opt for a dramatic cathedral-length train or a shorter, waist-length train to accentuate your silhouette.
Other detachable elements to consider are jackets, overlays, and bows. A detachable jacket can be ideal for a formal ceremony, while an overlay can add subtle shimmer. A detachable oversized bow can be a fashion-forward finishing touch.
When deciding on detachable elements, consider the overall theme and formality of your wedding. For example, a rustic barn wedding may call for simpler accessories, while a black-tie event allows for more opulent choices. Additionally, think about the season and venue of your wedding when choosing fabrics. Airy fabrics may be better suited for outdoor weddings, while heavier, luxe fabrics are often chosen for formal ceremonies.
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Frequently asked questions
Ball gowns are already statement pieces, but you can accentuate the look with accessories like a veil, statement earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or cuffs.
The type of jewellery you wear depends on your gown, personal style, vision, height, and hairstyle. If your gown has a high neckline, consider wearing bold statement earrings and a bracelet or cuff. If your gown has a plunging neckline, a simple pair of earrings and a delicate necklace can complement the look.
The veil you choose depends on the overall look and feel you want to create. For a dramatic, traditional look, a cathedral-length veil pairs beautifully with a ball gown. For a touch of vintage charm, consider adding a blusher veil. A waist-length veil can also accentuate the silhouette of your ball gown dress.
Ball gowns are known for their fitted bodice and voluminous skirt. When choosing a ball gown, consider the formality of your wedding. For a rustic barn wedding, simpler and more natural accessories may be more appropriate, while a black-tie event allows for more opulent choices.
Ball gowns are known for their voluminous skirts, which can make movement a bit more challenging. However, many ball gowns can be bustled up after the ceremony and photos to make it easier to move around and dance during the reception.
