A Ball Gown Is a Must for Any Girly Girl or Southern Wedding

Sometimes, it’s just flat-out fun to be a girl, especially because of the myriad of clothing options available for girls. Although garment options have improved in recent years for boys, they still can’t wear the same froufrou and fancy petticoats that girls can twirl and whirl around in. And when it comes to dressing up, there is nothing on earth more feminine than a gorgeous ball gown.

Famous women, such as Victoria Beckham and the late Princess Diana, often opt to wear ball gowns on their wedding day. These full gowns are popular with real princesses and wannabe princesses alike. For true Southern belles and little flower girls, the ball gown reigns supreme.

The Anatomy of a Ball Gown

It’s easy to distinguish a true ball gown from other gowns, simply because of its fullness. While the torso is fitted, the skirt is nothing but full-on volume. The dress may consist of two pieces or one, and the skirt will touch the floor. (Flower girl dresses in the ball gown style may be ankle length.) The common denominator amongst all ball gowns is the full petticoats or hoops beneath the skirt. Layers and layers of tulle create the perfect high-volume effect.

Think of a bustled Victorian dress, and you’ll understand how the ball gown came to be in fashion. The look is utterly romantic and feminine. Women and little girls alike can achieve a dramatic effect by pairing long opera gloves and faux fur stoles with their gown.

Southern Belles Gotta Have ‘Em

When you conjure up the image of a Southern belle or a traditional Southern wedding, it’s impossible not to think of a ball gown. For debutantes, authentic ball gowns are a must at cotillion dances.

This fairytale gown is perfectly sweet for little Southern belles and flower girls alike. There aren’t many occasions to wear formal gowns, so some flower girls like to wear their dress long after the wedding has taken place. It’s the ultimate fantasy dress.

Wealth and Grandeur

Because of their magnanimous size, ball gowns are associated with wealth and power. Ever since Queen Victoria married Prince Albert, over-the-top weddings have been associated with voluminous ball skirts. Ball gowns are required attire for white tie events because they are the epitome of formal dress.

You don’t have to have access to a fashion designer to afford a ball gown today. Whether you’re a bride or her little attendant, you can find a reasonably priced option. Thanks to efficient assembly lines, this style is no longer inaccessible. Any flower girl or bride can be a princess for a day. Even Barbie is jealous of all the flair!

Because there are so many diverse fabric options, the skirt can either look heavy or light and airy. Satins and taffetas are ideal if you’re going for a more traditional flavor. Because the bodice and waist are fitted, flower girls will need to have their dresses altered for a perfect fit.

One oft-overlooked part of the ball gown is the back. As the flower girl or bride walks down the aisle, the back of her gown will be in plain view. Why not make it interesting? While you don’t want too many competing elements on one gown, it’s important to have some fun with your dress.

Whether you opt for a vintage style or something a bit more contemporary, there are plenty of design options for every girl. From neck to hem, the embellishment options are endless, so you can buy a dress off the rack that looks custom-made just for you.