While there are numerous wedding dress silhouettes to select from, two of the preferred are ballgown wedding dresses and princess wedding dresses. Each are beautiful for the bride in search of a regal wedding dress, but what are the differences between the 2? Keep reading to learn more about these wedding dress styles fit for royalty!
What’s a Princess Wedding Dress? What’s a Ballgown Wedding Dress?
Princess wedding dresses are synonymous with A-line styles, which feature a fitted bodice and a skirt that flares out, normally on the natural waist, to create an “A shape.”
Ballgown wedding dresses also feature a fitted bodice with a full, voluminous skirt. They often have dramatic trains as well for a regal, show-stopping look.
What are the Essential Differences Between the Two Silhouettes?
While each princess wedding dresses and ballgown wedding dresses could be similar, these stunning silhouettes have just a few key differences:
- Princess style wedding dresses are less voluminous within the skirt. For this reason, a princess wedding dress could be made from fabrics which have less structure, like chiffon, which also makes them excellent decisions for outdoor weddings. A ballgown style wedding dress is more likely to be made from fabrics with more structure, akin to satin, lace or tulle, and tends to be heavier to wear, although princess style dresses could be made from these fabrics as well. You’ll be able to learn more in our Ultimate Guide to Wedding Dress Fabrics.
- Princess bridal gowns are universally flattering for all body types. Nevertheless, petite brides could have difficulty finding the perfect ballgown, because the fuller skirts characteristic of this silhouette may overwhelm their smaller frames. Similarly, those with a bigger bust may go for a princess wedding dress, which doesn’t add substantial fullness to the upper body.
- Each ballgowns and princess wedding dresses feature quite a lot of necklines, sleeves and strap styles. Wearing a strap or sleeve may provide additional support for those selecting a ballgown in a heavy fabric like beaded satin.
Proceed reading to see just a few of our favourite wedding dresses in each silhouettes!
Princess Wedding Dresses
Sparkly Princess Wedding Dress
Sparkly wedding dresses are a showstopping selection for the bride with a princess bridal style who desires to turn heads all night long! Martina Liana Luxe Style LE1104 would be the princess gown of your dreams! The clean off-the-shoulder neckline is good, feminine and oh-so-regal and complements the subtle sheerness of the bodice.
Wealthy, textural beading and pearl elements adorn the silhouette for an expensive multidimensional feel and appear, while graphic lace extends over the bodice and onto the statement-making silk zibeline skirt. A laser-cut train is the striking focus of the back of this gown, finished in delicate scallops and organic shapes for an unexpected twist.
Long Sleeve Princess Wedding Dress
Princess gowns with sleeves are one other beautifully classic and regal selection! Essense of Australia Style D3358 exudes romance, with large-scale floral motifs decorating the robe’s bodice and cascading down the skirt and across the arms. The optional long sleeves pair illusion tulle with sparkling lace and sequin details for a timeless, formal look.
For a lighter look, the dress can be available without sleeves. Organic lace lines the modest V-neckline, with sheer illusion tulle along the bodice and within the back showing off the intricate details of the lace motifs. On the skirt, layers of tulle create incredible volume for a really spectacular walk down the aisle.
Sweetheart Neckline Princess Wedding Dress
Some of the popular wedding dress necklines is the lover neckline, which is stunning on a princess wedding dress. Stella York Style 7596+ includes a romantic sweetheart neckline that highlights the upper body and an all-lace strapless bodice that could be worn as semi-sheer and unlined or lined to spotlight each sparkling floral detail. On the waist, light lace accents organically flow into the voluminous princess skirt formed by layers of frothy sheer tulle. Style 7596 is all the pieces a bride could dream of and an absolute vision down the aisle!
Ballgown Wedding Dresses
Long Sleeve Ballgown Wedding Dress
It’s no secret that ballgown wedding dresses with sleeves are popular amongst brides in search of a standard look that wows! Martina Liana Luxe Style LE1145 proves that breathtaking ballgowns never exit of favor. The bodice of this wedding dress marries a sweetheart neckline with a subtly sexy bustier fit for a romantic look, and exquisite floral lace appliqués glimmer and gleam with every movement. Sheer details within the bodice, paired with classic fabric-covered buttons down the back, create a contemporary but timeless look.
The complete skirt, complete with an extended train, features layers of glitter-embossed fabric and incredible texture for the last word ballgown moment. The optional lace sleeves are adorned with the continued floral motif for an effortlessly cohesive, complete look, with the off-the-shoulder neckline adding a component of demure sophistication.
Satin Ballgown Wedding Dress
Ballgown bridal styles in satin are chic and opulent! Essense of Australia Style D2761 is a super selection for the bride who loves a clean, minimalist look. This fresh spin on the royal-inspired ballgown will leave you breathless. A classic satin ballgown, this silhouette includes a modern plunging sweetheart neckline that seamlessly flows into banded off-the-shoulder straps, highlighting your neck and shoulders beautifully.
Easy seaming accentuates your frame throughout the elegant silhouette, which floats beneath the attached fabric waistband for a light-weight finish. With modern pockets and traditional buttons running the length of the straightforward train, you’ll practically float down the aisle on this masterpiece for the dreaming romantic and modern minimalist. This gown can be available in plus sizes.
Off-the-Shoulder Ballgown Wedding Dress
Martina Liana Style LE1216 is a shocking off-the-shoulder ballgown wedding dress that can make you’re feeling like royalty! Step into couture with this exquisite design and you’ll want to mesmerize your guests. The lace bodice sparkles invite subtle brilliance, while the fragile, sheer organza florals create a romantic cascade across the shoulder straps.
A soft scoop neckline and illusion tulle plunge further enhance the figure-flattering type of this spectacular gown. Glamorous 3D floral motifs and shimmering beaded inlays enrich the bodice for an artisanal pattern that is just breathtaking. Seamlessly leading down from the bodice is an alluring full tulle and royal organza skirt with a slight V-back detail that creates a complicated silhouette.
All in all, it really comes all the way down to personal preference — whether you’d just like the long, voluminous look of a ballgown wedding dress or A-line silhouette that has a classic, straighter cut. Take into accounts your venue and overall vision of your big day when choosing your dream gown. Also, consider if a princess dress is something you’re feeling comfortable in. In any case, it’s going to be the dress you walk down the aisle in and cherish perpetually! So don’t be afraid to take heed to what speaks to your heart and empower yourself by confidently making that selection!
Is a princess wedding dress or a ballgown wedding dress the one for you? Discover a store location near you and book an appointment to seek out out! We will’t wait for you to seek out your dream wedding dress!
