A Wedding Gown and Ballroom Dancing

mklam

Hello Everyone,

Im here looking for some advice on finding a gown that I can really dance in. My wonderful FI is a fantastic dancer, I'm not too great at it (especially compared to him!) but one thing I would really love to do when looking at dresses is keep in mind that I will be dancing, a lot. I know that both he and I would be thankful if I picked a dress that worked well with this. 

I have plenty of time to look, I am very aware, but I do enjoy looking around and getting ideas now so when I go into a shop, I have an idea of what I'm even looking at. 

Of course I love this style of dress and will probably try it on when I go searching in the future.

So here's my question- where would you start looking for a dress to dance in? Any designers that come to mind?

Thanks!

Maggie0829

I think the dress you posted would be very suitable to dance the night away in (and it is gorgeous).  I would probably stay away from mermaid dresses (maybe even trumpet styles) because they could limit your leg mobility, especially if you really want to dance rather then just do the "shake your booty" in one spot dancing you see at clubs

I think when you go and try on dresses you really need to keep in mind the amount of layers that you have going on underneath.  So make sure you really move around in the dress to see if you feel restricted at all.

I would also shy away from huge ballgowns just because they can get to be pretty large and some what difficult to move around in.

And this has nothing to do with dresses, but you want to make sure you pick a pair of shoes that are super comfortable so that you aren't crying in pain by the end of the night.

mklam

Thank you Maggie. 

I love that dress, my FI was actually the one who saw it somewhere and pointed it out to me and I love it. I'm not a mermaid or ballgown sort of person, so that shouldn't be a problem and I wear heels every day so I'll be on the hunt for my super comfy shoes!

I've been really interested in looking at looser gowns that the one I posted though, because his idea of ballroom dancing is like... spins, kicks, and all over crazy moves! We went to the USMC Birthday Ball last year and he spun me, lifted me and dipped me so many times I was dizzy! I was in a pretty loose gown too and it was still a bit too tight. Of course, the only dress I found that matched what I would wear to a dancing event where I know he'll dance like that is this. Of course, I can't find who designed that dress and its on a cheap knockoff site (I'd only ever buy in store anyway...).

I will keep everything you said in mind as I look around for a dress. Thank you!!

novella1186

The Maggie Soterro Sawyer dress is insanely comfy. It's super light, pretty much just a silky slip with a layer of lace that goes over it, and the most beautiful beaded straps. I ALMOST bought that one because i thought it was beautiful AND super comfy. 

I agree with Maggie; avoid lots of layers. For me, I'd also avoid anything with a corset or boning just because it makes me really uncomfortable and I find it hard to move around. 

Pretty much every designer I've come across makes a huge variety of shapes and styles with different fabrics so no matter where you go, you should be able to find some of what you're looking for. And also as Maggie said, move around a lot when trying on. Take a few leaps around, sit down, etc. And good luck!  

Maggie0829

What do you think about this dress?  CLICK

I know it isn't lace like the first dress you posted, but it has that softer more flowy look of the high-low dress you posted in your follow up.  But it has the same back.  I just think that maybe chiffon with an empire waist may offer you a bit more movement.

OliveOilsMom

I would also try to stay away from heavy and stiff fabrics like satin.  I was down to two dress both with similar features.  One was a heavy satin or silk and the other was chiffon.  I chose the chiffon for a few different reasons, but one of them being that it was light and easier to move around.

Make sure you tell your dress consultant the extent of dancing that you will do, so that they will know how much you will need/want to move in your dress.

novella1186

Maggie0829 said:

What do you think about this dress?  CLICK

I know it isn't lace like the first dress you posted, but it has that softer more flowy look of the high-low dress you posted in your follow up.  But it has the same back.  I just think that maybe chiffon with an empire waist may offer you a bit more movement.

I don't know how the OP feels about, but I LOVE that dress!!! That one was definitely not out yet when I was dress shopping. It's so pretty! 

buttercup1958

I've never been ballroom dancing so my advice may not be the best. I think you should definitely go with a material like chiffon. I feel like that wouldn't constrict you as much. Also have you looked at any dresses that can twirl with you? I always found that part fun when I used to swing dance.

mklam

Maggie0829 said:

What do you think about this dress?  CLICK

I know it isn't lace like the first dress you posted, but it has that softer more flowy look of the high-low dress you posted in your follow up.  But it has the same back.  I just think that maybe chiffon with an empire waist may offer you a bit more movement.

OH MY GOD I LOVE IT! That is so gorgeous! Thank you!

I'm going to see if I can try this one on too. This is for sure something I could do ballroom dancing in.