Many girls dream about their future wedding dress, and chances are they pictured a big, fluffy ball gown. While a princess ball gown is still popular today, many bridal designers have given the classic silhouette a modern twist for the contemporary bride.
From elegant satin to whimsical tulle, ball gowns can be designed through a variety of fabrics and the embellishments and neckline options are endless. Here are 21 dreamy ball gowns that will satisfy both the traditional and modern bride.
1. Esther – Karen Willis Holmes
Starting with clean lines and a dreamy skirt is the Esther gown by designer Karen Willis Holmes.
The strapless bodice, made of sculptural mesh, features bold center pleating and a structured neckline.
The mesh shoulder piece adds a delicate touch and can be worn across one or both shoulders.
A fitted pencil skirt sits underneath a full overskirt, bridging contemporary design with the classic ball gown silhouette.
We love how this minimalist gown feels elevated with modern touches.
2. Gala 1010 – Galia Lahav
For a sexy princess vibe, the Gala 1010 wedding dress from couture queen Galia Lahav.
This gown boasts 3D embroidered tulle with a sheer corset bodice and off-the-shoulder detail that lays across the bride’s shoulders.
The semi-sheer skirt is stunning and features a delicate train.
This style is definitely more modern than classic for the bold and daring bride.
3. Darlene – Calla Blanche
The details on this next gown are absolutely beautiful.
The Darlene gown is a princess-inspired ball gown with a plunging v-neck and classic capped sleeves.
The all-over lace is breathtaking along with the intricate glitter applique. A chapel-length train completes this regal look.
4. Kinsey – Casablanca
Whimsical brides will love the Kinsey gown by Casablanca.
Your eyes are immediately drawn to the skirt full of crepe organza layers.
The Chantilly lace bodice with silver beading paired with the small v-neck and spaghetti straps are all modern touches to this fairytale ball gown.
For a hint of sexy, v-shaped cutouts on the side mirror the open v-back featuring criss-cross straps.
5. Liberty – Morilee
We love versatile additions to a wedding gown, and this stunning Liberty ball gown is no exception.
For this princess-perfect look, we start with a crystal and pearl-covered bodice.
You can decide whether or not to wear the detachable beaded net sleeves, but we’re totally on board.
The full tulle skirt and covered buttons along the back finish the ivory/champagne ensemble.
This gown is also available in plus size!
6. D3570 – Essense of Australia
For something a little more sexy, this glam Essense of Australia ball gown.
Made of luxe matte Mikado, this dramatic wedding dress is perfect for the fashion-forward bride.
We love the smooth, silk one shoulder paired with the pleated sweetheart bodice.
The super-high slit in the skirt just adds to this show-stopping look. Fabric-covered buttons lead to the regal royal train.
It’s modern elegance at its finest.
7. 9681 – Allure Bridals
This next ball gown is out of a literal fairytale from designer Allure Bridals.
This Disney princess-inspired, off-the-shoulder ball gown is so elegant.
Romantic details like a sweetheart neckline and lace applique cascading down an illusion overlay make this gown a total dream.
The royal train completes this feminine look.
8. 6758 – Stella York
With the minimalist bride in mind, this Stella York gown is breathtaking.
The gown, made of matte Mikado, combines the timeless ball gown silhouette with a modern empire waist and open, square back.
The full skirt has small pleating, allowing the beautiful shape to maintain throughout.
As a final touch, fabric-covered buttons trail the length of the train and a modern bride’s dream come true—pockets!
We love that this style is also available in plus size, making it curve-friendly for many brides.
9. Lucienne – Vera Wang
Vera Wang is a ball gown queen, so we had to include this romantic dress on our list.
The Lucienne gown boasts Renaissance flair with a lace corset bodice and buttons cascading down the bride’s open back.
The skirt really brings the drama with 3D lace applique and pick-up folds along the back.
This gown is a great option for a bride wanting a classic strapless ball gown with a timeless look and feel.
10. Connelly – Wtoo
Switching gears, this next gown is a great mix of sophistication and boho flair but still very princess-esque.
The ivory Connelly dress by designer Wtoo has a little bit of everything.
The high-neck, long-sleeve bodice is boho-chic with beaded graphic lace, while the tulle-and-organza tiered skirt is so dramatic.
We can totally imagine this feminine-edgy gown for a destination wedding in the mountains or desert.
11. Vigee – Enzoani
One of the great ways to modernize your ball gown is to go with a standout color, like this blush Vigee dress from Enzoani!
This sophisticated gown features three types of lace: 3D laser-cut lace, hand-beaded embroidered floral lace and Chantilly lace.
The embellishments start at the deep v-neck bodice and cascade down to the full skirt.
The whole gown is so elegant and regal but with modern flair.
12. Stella – Rita Vinieris
Speaking of standing out, the Stella gown by Rita Vinieris is ready to get her groove back.
Part of the Alyne Bridal Spring/Summer 2023 collection, Stella is crafted with ivory matte satin and features a deep sweetheart neckline and daring slit. Exposed boning detail completes the back of the gown.
This gown is giving us old Hollywood glam vibes but with a sexy, modern twist.
It’s definitely not your typical ball gown!
13. Jax – Hayley Paige
If we had to pick the epitome of a modern princess ball gown, the Jax wedding dress by Hayley Paige would be the one.
This ivory ball gown features a sweetheart bodice with embroidered crystal and alabaster accents.
We love how the top of the gown has its moment before the cascading tulle skirt with horsehair trim takes over.
Not shown: a stunning t-strap back that commands attention as the bride walks down the aisle.
14. Charlotte – Justin Alexander
Here’s another regal option for all our brides that want to look and feel like royalty.
The Charlotte, which is a great nod to Kate Middleton’s little princess, has classic vintage accents like lace and sequin detailing, a square neckline and an organza skirt and chapel train.
For a touch of contemporary: the illusion bodice compliments this otherwise traditional look.
15. Lisette – Maggie Sottero
Planning an enchanting garden wedding?
The Lisette ball gown by Maggie Sottero is our choice.
The fairytale gown reminds of a Disney princess ensemble with the dramatic skirt and crystalline embellishments.
Our favorite part is the unique halter bodice with a boat/bateau neckline. Just add a simple updo to really show off the top of the gown.
A tulle chapel train completes this dreamy look.
16. AI10012927 – David’s Bridal
Another colored wedding dress option is this stunning ball gown from the David’s Bridal 2020 collection.
The off-the-shoulder detail with the sweetheart neckline is romantic and sexy all in one.
We also love the exquisite floral beading along the entire gown.
For a modern touch—beloved pockets, making this gown both fun and functional.
It’s a total dream.
17. Ciana – Watters
If pearls are your thing, then you have to check out the Ciana gown.
Designed by Watters, the strapless Ciana gown features a curved neckline and a soft net skirt.
For a touch of modern sparkle, pearl-encrusted Russian netting covers the ivory gown.
We love the glam accents on this classic silhouette.
18. Estee – Lazaro
Bold brides will be absolutely wowed by the Estee ball gown by Lazaro, especially with all the unique touches.
A sweetheart neckline leads this strapless ivory-petal gown, followed by a sheer corset bodice and natural waist.
Here’s where the gown takes a modern twist: an asymmetrical waterfall skirt over layered tulle and horsehair trim.
This is just icing on the cake for this stunning embroidered design.
19. 2243 – Mikaella
Nothing looks more elegant than a Duchesse satin ball gown.
This amazing style by Mikaella features a sweetheart neckline, draped off-the-shoulder sleeves and a cross-over pleated bodice.
A simple yet feminine addition is the beaded belt at the waist.
The full, pleated skirt is totally twirl-worthy and the pockets are the perfect touch for the modern bride.
20. Lydia – Riki Dalal
We love an all-tulle skirt for a ball gown, so the Lydia gown is a winner for us.
This soft and airy design features intricate lace on the bodice and an illusion tulle neckline.
Not pictured: the bare back framed by fine lace as a nice modern accent.
The gown is simply stunning for the playful yet romantic bride.
21. 31138 – Adrianna Papell
Last but not least, a classic ball gown by Adrianna Papell. The double portrait collar neckline gives this gown regal appeal but the sheer devour bodice adds a hint of sexy.
A thin belt leads to the soft, organza circular-cut skirt. This bride looks like she’s floating on a cloud straight into marital bliss.
