This post was updated May 1, 2025.
From bohemian desert weddings to sunset beach ceremonies, mountain top elopements to traditional church vows, every nearlywed envisions their day with a unique flair. While countless brides might choose the same dress, their individual styles and wedding details will ensure no two celebrations are alike. To inspire your own unique vision, we’re diving into the incredible versatility of a single wedding gown, demonstrating how it can be styled in three completely different ways to reflect your personal élan.
A Versatile Ballgown Wedding Dress with Sleeves
When it comes to Iman, she is a unique ballgown wedding dress. Her soft wool crepe is the perfect fabric for keeping a bride warm in the cooler months, and it has a beautiful drape for a flowy skirt and comfortable fit.
Then, there are the details. She has intricate beadwork along the neckline, keyhole back, and long sleeves. The embroidery is a mix of tiny crystals, seed beads, pearls, and silver embroidery that sparkle in the light. Her ballgown silhouette contrasts with the tailored-yet-sexy, plunging neckline and open back. Additionally, the skirt pockets are a perfect place to keep small, wedding-day essentials at hand.
Styling A Ballgown Wedding Dress with Sleeves for Different Seasons
While Iman is a unique ballgown wedding dress, she is also multifaceted. Her long sleeves and voluminous skirt do not limit her to one venue, city, or season. She is just as suited for the winter wonderland of the Rockies as she is in the Spring meadows of the Midwest.
Winter Inspiration (Park City, Utah)
For a winter wedding, the bridal styling subtly screams “Snow Queen.” The hair is nothing short of regal with a loose side braid. The soft, romantic color palette of the bridal bouquet with its dusty pinks complimented the makeup. And for a little more sparkle, three-drop diamond earrings to match the engagement ring.
Winter Wedding Vendor Credits
Photography: Nicole Jansma
Rentals/Florist: Florette
Hair: Amy van Biljon
Makeup: Natalie Wetzker
Film Scans: The FIND Lab
Spring Inspiration (West Ridge Nature Preserve, Chicago, Illinois)
This spring bridal styling focuses on a whimsical garden theme with the lush greenery of the West Ridge Nature Preserve as the backdrop. To keep the bridal look playful, a crown of baby’s breath is made with the braided updo as the foundation. The makeup has a natural feel to it with its minimal eye makeup and dusty rose lipstick. The final touch is a large bouquet of garden roses, eucalyptus, and wildflowers in shades of pink.
Spring Inspiration Vendor Credits
Photography: Danielle Heinson Photography
Florals: Zuzu’s Petals
HMUA: Amelia C & Co.
Rentals: Boho Blush
Cake & Sweets: Golden Dome Cakes
Stationery & Calligraphy: Simply Scripted Ink
Fall Inspiration (Shady Oaks Camp, Homer Glen, Illinois)
A camp-themed wedding is fun and romantic. And the bridal styling reflects that! This fall look is cheerful but elegantly romantic. A low bun updo means allows you to see the back of the dress. But, a simple, delicate gold lariat hairpin gives the updo that added sparkle and shine. The grand bouquet has peonies, roses, and light greens in muted, romantic colors to compliment the fall day.
Fall Wedding Vendor Credits
Photography: Lish Marie Photography, Katharine Hannah
Hair: Angelica Grace Bridal
Makeup Artist: Manifest Makeup
Flowers: Willrett Flower Co.
Vintage Collections: Susie & Co. Vintage Collections
Want more bridal and wedding inspiration?
You can see more photos from these styled weddings over on our Galleries Page.
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