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  • Wedding Dresses
    • All Wedding Dresses
    • Coloured Wedding Dresses
    • Off the rack wedding dresses, ready to wear today.
    • Plus Size Perfection Dresses
    • Sale Gowns
    • Short Bridal Styles
    • Wedding Dresses with Sleeves
  • By Style
    • A-line
    • Beach Bridal Styles.
    • Bohemian
    • Fitted
    • Full Skirt
    • Simple Bridal Styles
    • Strapless
    • Train-less
  • Shop Deb Dresses 2025
    • Sale white dresses in Melbourne
  • Bridal Accessories
  • CONTACT
    • Book An Appointment Online
    • Contact
    • Leah’s Blog
    • Meet the Team at Leah S Designs
    • Real Leah S Brides
Ballroom ballgown

Different types of ballgowns

Styles of Bridal ball gowns explained.

  • Strapless ballgowns
  • Off the shoulder ball gown
  • Ballgowns with sleeves
  • Princess wedding dresses with straps
  • Lace bridal ball dresses

A ballgown wedding dress is a type of formal gown that has a full, voluminous skirt that is often made of multiple layers of fabric and falls to the floor.

 Typically fitted and may be strapless, have straps, or sleeves. 

The full skirt and is typically made of tulle, satin, or organza and may have a crinoline or petticoat underneath to add extra volume and fullness. A ballgown bridal dress is a classic and elegant choice for a formal ceremony and is often paired with a veil, headpiece, or other bridal accessories.

Visit Leah S Designs wedding dresses in Melbourne and you will be in bridal heaven.

Strapless ball gown wedding dresses.


A strapless ball gown wedding dress typically features a fitted bodice with a sweetheart or straight neckline and a full, voluminous skirt that falls into a ball gown silhouette.
Strapless wedding dresses, mean it does not have straps or sleeves on the shoulders. This design of ball gown should have a well-structured, built-in corset with at least ten pieces of boning to support the bodice against the forces of gravity.
A gown with a big skirt and long train is typically very formal and often worn in a traditional or classic wedding setting.

Satin ballgown bridal gown
Ballgown satin bridal gown in ivory

Off the shoulder ball gown wedding dress.


An off-the-shoulder wedding dress features a neckline that sits on the upper edge of the shoulders. Or the tops of the arms, leaving the shoulders and neckline exposed.

This style gown may have shoulder straps for extra support for a bigger bust or sleeves that sit just off the shoulders, or as with a strapless gown. This bridal style should have a stitched-in corset for support.

The off the shoulder look can have various kinds of skirts such as A-line, Fitted, Ball gown, and Sheath. Off-the-shoulder dresses are often considered a romantic and elegant option for a bridal gown. Off the shoulder straps add a touch of glamour and romance to the overall look of a ball gown.

Blush off the shoulder wedding dress
off-the-shoulder-designs

Ball gown wedding dress with sleeves.


A ball gown wedding dress with sleeves typically features a full, voluminous skirt that falls into a ball gown silhouette, paired with sleeves ranging from cap sleeves to long, fitted ones.

The bodice can be fitted or with a corset type, and the neckline can vary, such as scoop, sweetheart, or V-neck.

The sleeves can also vary in style, such as sheer, lace, or beaded. This type of bridal gown is an excellent option for brides who want the fullness and drama of a ball gown but prefer to have their arms covered. It can also be a good choice for brides who want a more modest or traditional look. It’s typically considered a formal and classic wedding dress style.

Wedding dress ballgown with sleeves
Ball gown with sleeves

Lace ballgowns.


 

Lace can be a beautiful addition to a ball gown-style wedding dress. Adding a touch of elegance, femininity, and romance to the overall look.

Lace can be used in many ways, such as a lace overlay on the bodice, a lace hem on the skirt, or lace sleeves. The type of lace used can also vary, from delicate Chantilly lace to heavy, embroidered lace, which can add a different texture and dimension to the style.

Detailed lace wedding dress with beaded motifs
The incorporation of lace into the design make it perfect for a traditional, formal, or vintage-themed weddings. It can also be a great option for brides who want a more romantic and elegant look.
However, it’s important to note that a ball gown-style wedding dress with lace may not be suitable for all brides. Most definitely not for those looking for a simple and minimalist look. Ultimately, the decision to include lace on a ball gown should be based on the preferences and personal style of the bride.

Princess ballgown with straps.


 

Adding straps to a full-skirt princess wedding dress can have a few benefits. Such as, they provide additional support, which is especially important for larger bust sizes or if the gown is to be worn for any length of time.

 

Organza wedding dress in the ballgown style by Leah S Designs BridalA ballgown with straps will also ensure that the gown stays snugly in place for dancing. Some princess ball gown styles are quite heavy.
It’s important to note that straps can come in different styles and designs. Such as spaghetti straps, cap sleeves, or off-the-shoulder straps, giving a different look to the overall dress.

The choice of straps should be based on the overall design, preferences of the bride, and theme.

Wedding dresses ballgown style
Ball gown wedding dresses

History of the ballgown style

Remembering that fabric was not always just a pop down the high street and pick what you want. In the 18th century fabric was hard to come by and expensive especially fabric for a wedding gown.

The fullness of your skirt showed that you were from a wealthy family and this was one way of showing the world. Remembering that in the 19th century a Ball was the highlight of any girls social calendar. And an opportunity to wear a full skirt and command attention on the dance floor.

 

We hope our post helps you understand what a ballgown style is. Leah S Designs Melbourne bridal shop has many ball gown styles in store in sizes 6 to 32.

 Also stocking the entire range of Plus size perfection a label that designs plus size wedding dresses in all designs.

Posted in: Wedding Dress Style and Fit Guides. Author: Leah

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