Ballgown Wedding Dresses

A ball gown wedding dress features a structured, fitted bodice and a dramatically full skirt that extends from the waist. The silhouette is the most formal in bridal wear and is closely associated with cathedral and church weddings. The skirt volume is typically achieved through layers of tulle, organza, or crinoline petticoating. Ball gowns are often distinguished from A-line styles by the sharpness of the waist-to-skirt transition and the degree of skirt fullness. Princess-cut gowns are a sub-category where seams run vertically from the bodice through the skirt to create shape without a defined waist seam. Common fabrics include satin, lace, tulle, and mikado.