Wedding Dresses - Ballgown Style
The Ball Gown Wedding Dress has a tight fitting bodice with boning and a full skirt. Think Scarlett O'Hara or Cinderella.
This style is perfect for a fairy tale wedding and is ideally suited for traditional formal weddings. The silhouette pairs a fitted bodice with a full skirt and may be one piece or separates. and is ideally suited for traditional formal weddings.
There are many different necklines which combine with and sleeve lengths to create as many different looks as there are different weddings. A strapless ball gown with opera length gloves, is a stunningly dramatic gown. If you prefer a simple elegant look, go with a floor length, off the shoulder dress with a V neck bodice.
The ball gown works well with a train as the skirt can balance the weight of a train. Either a cathedral length train or the more modest brush length train will look wonderful with this style of wedding dress.
Different fabrics will highlight different aspects of your dress. Beading or lace work on the bodice, with a plain satin skirt accentuate the upper body. A floaty effect can be achieved using multiple layers of light fabric.
The volume of the ball gown requires a petticoat or crinoline to support the structure. Layers of organza, or tulle, can also support the skirt but with a slightly soft silhouette.
If you have a slender or pear-shaped figures the ball gown is ideal for you. The full skirt will emphasise your waist and hide your lower body. If you have a large bust, this style will help to create the hourglass look.
Things to Consider:
Not the easiest dress to wear the ball gown has a couple of drawbacks for some brides. Petite brides may not have the height to balance the size of the skirt, and if you are full busted you may find a really wide skirt makes you look larger. An A-line or princess cut dress can be more flattering in these circumstances.
Best Figure Type:
Ball gown wedding dresses, have a fitted bodice and full, wide skirt. Flaring out from the waist, your waistline will look slimmer and (if you need it) large hips or thighs will be camouflaged. Wedding gowns with a basque waist have a fitted bodice with downward-pointing "V". This "V" shape suits tall brides, and also brides with a short body and long legs. The "V" shape should be avoided if you are short or have a short body with long legs. Most other body types can wear the ball gown style wedding dress.
Fabrics to use:
Tulle, organza, taffeta for the skirt. Velvet, Duchess satin Damask or brocade for bodice are just some choices.
From:Wanda Arnold
