Ball Gown Wedding Dresses in
Somerset West

The difference between a ball gown and a costume is the underskirt. A proper full skirt is supported from inside — horsehair, layered net and a hem weight — so it holds a circle when you stand still and swings in one piece when you walk.

We build the understructure first and fit the outer skirt to it. The waist join is faced flat so it doesn't add bulk under photographs, and the bodice is corseted so the skirt hangs from your ribs rather than dragging on your hips.

For Helderberg brides we favour silk crêpe and stable mikado over floating chiffon, weight the hem so the skirt returns to the body rather than lifting, and secure the neckline so it holds through photographs on an exposed lawn. Bridesmaids for the same wedding are cut from a single dye lot so the colour matches in the light off the bay. Fittings are remote by default, with the finished gown couriered insured to your door.

Full skirts need a hem allowance for the shoe you'll actually wear on the day. We fit the hem last, in your shoes.