When thinking of ball gowns, images of Cinderella are usually what come to mind to either entice brides or turn them away from the glorious wedding gown silhouette. What most brides do not realize is that ball gowns can really be as versatile as any other silhouette. They bring their own style and flair to the bridal gown table. Here are a few things for you to consider before you decide to forgo this classic and timeless silhouette.

Let's start with the obvious: when else in your life is it going to be socially acceptable for you to wear such a magnificent gown? Unless you frequent masquerade balls or royal ceremonies, the answer is probably never. Your wedding day is one of the only days in your life when you get to wear a dress like this. You could go the ethereal ball gown route like Style 4452 from Pnina Tornai's Wind Upon Water Collection, edgy like Style 4295 from the Spring Collection or full on couture like Style 4284 from the Illusion Collection.

Here's a shocker that most women don't know about ball gowns: they create a shockingly slimming silhouette. Ball gowns are very slimming around the waist and create the cinched look that many brides are looking for in a mermaid silhouette. Not only does the corset on ball gowns really enhance your natural silhouette, but the full skirt makes it so that your waist looks even smaller. Combine that with the added bonus of getting to hide that food baby under your full skirt and that is what we call a win-win!