If you’re a bride who loves drama and wants to make a fashion statement, then you might have your eye on ballgowns and flattering A-line wedding dresses! The fitted bodices and voluminous skirts have made these wedding dress silhouettes a bridal favorite for decades! While A-lines and ballgown wedding dresses appear similar, they are different silhouettes with their own unique and beautiful features. Learn the differences between these two bridal favorite styles and then decide for yourself whether you’re an A-line lover or a ballgown bride.
What is an A-Line Wedding Dress?
Arguably one of the most figure-flattering silhouettes a bride can wear on her big day, A-line wedding dresses are designed to showcase the upper body and loosely flow down the skirt. This wedding dress style gets its name from the beautiful “A” shape that it creates on the body. For brides looking to wear a gown with a naturally voluminous skirt without being too over-the-top, an A-line bridal gown will look stunning!
Choosing an A-Line Wedding Dress
When choosing an A-line wedding dress, keep these tips in mind:
- A-line silhouettes work well with nearly all wedding dress necklines — whether it’s a classic strapless sweetheart, a high neckline or a stylish plunging V!
- They are easier to move around in due to the skirt’s relaxed nature, making A-line dress styles a balanced blend of fashion and function!
- A-line gowns are incredibly versatile, which means they can be worn with a variety of shoes, veils and accessories that suit the bride’s desired aesthetic.
- These silhouettes fit every wedding theme and season. Brides can wear A-line wedding dress styles at any venue — from outdoor garden parties and city rooftop ceremonies to romantic elopements and everything in between.
A-line Wedding Dresses
Let’s take a look at some examples of beloved A-line wedding dresses that brides can add to their vision board:
Modern A-Line Wedding Dress
Luxurious matte Mikado fabric makes a chic statement in Essense of Australia Style D3631! The flattering A-line silhouette is complemented with off-the-shoulder sleeves and a side slit that adds a sexy touch without stealing the show. Modern brides will love the easily detachable bow that is not only fashion-forward but also adds an element of couture!
Boho A-Line Wedding Dress
Step into a bohemian utopia and be swept off your feet in Stella York Style 7573! The whimsical A-line silhouette and detachable tulle off-the-shoulder sleeves simply exude boho romance. The allover lace corset and plunging neckline add a structured element to the soft, natural waistline. Whether in the desert, garden or forest, this boho wedding gown’s ethereal effect will look strikingly beautiful. Guests won’t be able to take their eyes off you!
What is a Ballgown Wedding Dress?
On the other hand, ballgown wedding dresses are one of the most extravagant silhouettes a bride can choose to wear on her wedding day! The fitted bodice cinches at the waist and then flows into a voluminous, full skirt. The result? A dreamy regal dress made for the bride who dreams of having a fairytale wedding. Brides who have an inclination for royal inspired wedding dresses or just want more volume than what an A-line has to offer will love the look of a ballgown silhouette.
When choosing a ballgown wedding dress, keep these tips in mind:
- Ballgowns can work for all kinds of aesthetics and wedding dress fabrics — from gorgeous styles with lace and shimmer for an opulent ballroom reception to clean and refined designs with sophisticated satin fabric and minimal embellishments for a modern celebration.
- Brides can look to famous celebrity brides like Paris Hilton, Serena Williams and Celine Dion, who all wore at least one sophisticated ballgown silhouette to their weddings, and of course, who can forget the iconic ballgown Princess Diana wore for her royal nuptials!
- Keep in mind that, depending on the fullness of the gown, you may need some extra assistance when navigating all activities of the day or taking the stairs.
Ballgown Wedding Dresses
Now that you know the basics about ballgown wedding dresses, it’s time to look at some of our favorite wedding dress styles!
Regal Ballgown Wedding Dress
A beautiful blend of sophistication and whimsy, Essense of Australia Style D3685 is a classic ballgown silhouette made for the regal romantic. The strapless scoop wedding dress neckline is delicately wrapped in layers of organza fabric for a modern and soft shape. The voluminous ballgown skirt features layers of frothy tulle for a sleek yet glamorous look and offers optional 3D floral appliques for an elevated fairytale look!
Romantic Ballgown Wedding Dress
Martina Liana Style 1442 was made for brides who want to sparkle down the aisle. Alluring layers of romantic tulle on the town’s whimsical skirt are embellished with shimmering sequins and 3D floral appliqués. This ballgown features sparkling beaded spaghetti straps, a sheer corset bodice and elegant fabric buttons cascading down the back. All eyes will be on the bride all night long!
Want to see more ballgowns and A-line wedding dresses? You can browse even more styles from Essense of Australia, Martina Liana, Stella York and All Who Wander in our wedding dress gallery, or find a store near you to see them in real life!