Just how much does the world of ballet influence bridal? A lot. Traditional ballet costume evolved in the era of the Johann Strass', a young Queen Victoria, and Giselle, an 1840s ballet by Aldophe Adam. Think classic corps de ballet in long white tulle and floral wreath. The 'Willis'--brides to be who had the bad luck to die on the eve of their wedding--wore this exact ensemble in Giselle. Also reflecting the silhouette of the ballet costume as we know it, Queen Victoria clinched the look when she married Prince Albert wearing yards of white lace and dressing her flock of attendants accordingly.
The ball gown is an hourglass silhouette and remains the most dramatic of all bridal styles. It is as romantic a confection as those seen in the corps de ballet, flowing in swirls of white tulle. The skirt and its understructure are both based on volume. Thus, sweeping skirts equal sweeping entrances, especially awesome on brides who know how to work their strut.
Regardless of its formality, a ball gown, whether ballet-length or to-the-floor, seems to be flexible when it comes to showing up anywhere and looking beautiful. While they go great in all the splendor of a full-blown cathedral ceremony, imagine an outdoor garden wedding where nature, big and diverse as a thousand cathedrals can be the perfect sanctuary.
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| A Swan Lake-inspired wedding dress of tulle and a structured satin seamed bodice |
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| Based on classic ballet design, a seamed satin bodice sits atop layers of organza skirts. |
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| A ball gown silhouette of tulle with a swag of foliage accents across the bodice. |
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| Inspired by the ballet, this 1950 design is created out of Chantilly lace and layers of tulle and silk Georgette. |
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| Another classic bridal design focuses on the fitted bodice with organza flutter sleeves and yards of silk organza. |
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