Another formal night ? - ball gown?

[luvavacation]

Cruising on the Fantasy this summer with 2 teen girls, and they would love to wear a ball gown with the big skirt (something like the princesses wear). I have been looking at the pictures on the formal outfit thread, but haven't seen anyone but the princesses in the formal ball gowns.

Would a ball gown be over the top? Too much? I saw some tiaras being worn, I could just see these girls going all out with the ball gowns and tiaras on formal night. Where else can you pretend to be a princess but on a Disney cruise during formal night, right? I just wasn't sure if anyone had worn something like this, and were there any problems with getting around or being out of place.

Also, if a ball gown is ok, how old is too old? The girls want the moms in ball gowns, too, but we tell them 40+something is much too old for princess ball gowns, no matter how cheap we find them on Ebay. But the little girls in us old moms sure would love to be all decked out too! We are definitely too old, right? Right?

 

[ilovetexas]

Cruising on the Fantasy this summer with 2 teen girls, and they would love to wear a ball gown with the big skirt (something like the princesses wear). I have been looking at the pictures on the formal outfit thread, but haven't seen anyone but the princesses in the formal ball gowns.

Would a ball gown be over the top? Too much? I saw some tiaras being worn, I could just see these girls going all out with the ball gowns and tiaras on formal night. Where else can you pretend to be a princess but on a Disney cruise during formal night, right? I just wasn't sure if anyone had worn something like this, and were there any problems with getting around or being out of place.

Also, if a ball gown is ok, how old is too old? The girls want the moms in ball gowns, too, but we tell them 40+something is much too old for princess ball gowns, no matter how cheap we find them on Ebay. But the little girls in us old moms sure would love to be all decked out too! We are definitely too old, right? Right?

If you were planning on wearing a ball gown with tiara on a Celebrity cruise, I'd tell you that you've lost your mind. But it's DISNEY!!! You're supposed to get to be a princess (or a pirate, or whatever) for a few days.

I don't care how old you are....if my daughter (who is 15) wanted to dress up as a princess and wanted me to do it with her, I'd jump at the chance. Go for it!

 

[bluejasmine]

I am not wearing a ball gown, it wll be a very nice cocktail gown but I am wearing a tiara DH bought me in DTD! Im 37..lol

Disney is the only place I would feel comfortable doing it so go fo it!

Btw there is a thread called show me your formal wear and there are plenty of ppl in ball gowns..

 

[kcashner]

My daughter has worn a formal on every cruise thru her teen years and into her 20s...and I cringe every time we pack one. I got them at Von Maur on the clearance rack (shop right after New Years or after prom season for 75% off). On our last transAtlantic, she commented that only 2 other girls wore real ball gowns; most had cocktail type dresses. No, she doesn't do it with a tiara, gloves, or princess get up--just the dress with some jewelry.

 

[Jackson's grammie]

Yes, Yes wear the ball gowns. On our cruise in Dec. there were young ladies in ball gowns. If you are going to wear a ball gown go all out. Yes, Mom go for it.

 

[kventventx]

If you daughter wants to wear a ball gown with you on the cruise by all means create the memory. Everyone else will be jealous that their children didn't want to go all out. Enjoy your cruise.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Cruising on the Fantasy this summer with 2 teen girls, and they would love to wear a ball gown with the big skirt (something like the princesses wear). I have been looking at the pictures on the formal outfit thread, but haven't seen anyone but the princesses in the formal ball gowns.

Would a ball gown be over the top? Too much? I saw some tiaras being worn, I could just see these girls going all out with the ball gowns and tiaras on formal night. Where else can you pretend to be a princess but on a Disney cruise during formal night, right? I just wasn't sure if anyone had worn something like this, and were there any problems with getting around or being out of place.

Also, if a ball gown is ok, how old is too old? The girls want the moms in ball gowns, too, but we tell them 40+something is much too old for princess ball gowns, no matter how cheap we find them on Ebay. But the little girls in us old moms sure would love to be all decked out too! We are definitely too old, right? Right?

I wear a basic navy blue dress for formal nights. Different accessories to make it different each time.

 

[nikkistevej]

This is what I wore for our MR cruise:

The cruise before it, I wore the same dress with my sparkly jewels and tiara.

Love the dress- you all look great!!

 

[Makayna]

While I didn't wear a ball gown - I wore a cocktail dress, but I did wear a tiara on our cruise, and didn't feel out of place one bit! It was fun and it's Disney, so go all out, and don't think twice about it - just have a great time and don't worry about what others are wearing or what they may be thinking. Just have fun!

 

[kcashner]

I wasn't implying that there was anything wrong with wearing a tiara...in fact, for the prince and princess menu one of our table mates got tiaras for each of the ladies at the table (yes, I still have it).

My point was that "adult" DD wore a ball gown ...her point was to dress up, not to do the princess thing.

And the dress above is lovely!

 

[Patrickprincess]

I wasn't implying that there was anything wrong with wearing a tiara...in fact, for the prince and princess menu one of our table mates got tiaras for each of the ladies at the table (yes, I still have it).

My point was that "adult" DD wore a ball gown ...her point was to dress up, not to do the princess thing.

And the dress above is lovely!

go for it> This DISNEY and no onw is going to say anything mabey how great you look. In fact on my first disney cruise back in 02 i was on a three night anyway i wore a strapless ball gown that looked like a wedding gown in fact on was on deck when this little girl oh about five said to her mom that i looked pretty and her mom told her that i must be a bride.i still recall that. anyway i would wear the ball gown and tiara i'm going to i just don't know whitch one i'm going to wear. by the way i'm OMG 50. so happy crusing

 

[Meghatron]

If I weren't pregnant I would definitely be wearing my crimson ball gown, complete with beading and crinoline. But the corset top does not allow for the baby belly, so I'm wearing an empire waist evening gown. Semi-formal night will be a cocktail dress.

 

[Ariel224]

As with any type of dress, there are going to be certain styles of ballgowns that will suit teenagers and certain types that will suit more mature women. I mean, First Ladies wear ball gowns to the inaugural balls and manage to not look like they are at the junior prom, KWIM? I think PrincessShmoo's gown is a stunning example of this! There are too many dresses out there (worn by both teenagers and grown women) that show too much and just look sleazy, IMO. Go for sophistication and have a great time!

I plan to wear a full length evening gown and DH is wearing a tuxedo. I don't care if we are overdressed in comparison to anyone else. We never get to dress up and plan to go all out. I think you should go for it!

 

[Ariel224]

This is what I wore for our MR cruise:

The cruise before it, I wore the same dress with my sparkly jewels and tiara.

Lovely! Thank you for posting this. My gown is the same color as yours, also with 2 textures of fabric. I have been apprehensive about combining a dark blue dress with a black tux. Your photo proves to me that it will be great!

 

[Princess Row]

Glad to see this was answered as I have a ball gown from SR ball that I would love to wear! Grandma said it would look great on teh cruise...... mom said it was a horrible idea. I'm going with my own opinion along with disboards and taking my ball gown!

 

[Minnie Monellen]

This is what I wore for our MR cruise:

The cruise before it, I wore the same dress with my sparkly jewels and tiara.

Lovely dress!

 

[Makayna]

Cruising on the Fantasy this summer with 2 teen girls, and they would love to wear a ball gown with the big skirt (something like the princesses wear). I have been looking at the pictures on the formal outfit thread, but haven't seen anyone but the princesses in the formal ball gowns.

I want to say that, depending on what kind of crinoline they wear under the dress to make it "big" (like the princesses wear), it might be uncomfortable, and even possibly silly looking, when they sit down. I have one of these skirts to be worn underneath long dresses to make them look the way you're describing, but it's definitely just for show! I tried wearing it to an Elizabethan party that my friends were having, and it just looked silly when I sat down. Not to mention after 5 minutes, it was extremely uncomfortable. This might be the reason why you don't see too many people wearing "big" ball gowns that poof out in the cruise pictures. It looks adorable when you're standing, but as soon as you have to sit, it becomes uncomfortable and unpractical. If they can find a crinoline that doesn't do this, then more power to them! But do make sure they (and you if you decide you want in on the fun ) try them on before buying. In other words, don't buy something online that can't be returned because it may be more trouble than they're willing to deal with. Good luck!

 

[luvavacation]

Thanks all for the information and encouragement! Looks like the girls and moms are going to have go and do some dress shopping!

Princess Shmoo, that is a beautiful dress! I would love to have a dress in that deep blue. Very pretty and flattering.

Ok, so no dresses with the big crinoline or hoop things because I do not want to interfere with my eating enjoyment. Darn. Was thinking maybe I would just step out of the hoop thing before entering the restaurant and leave it at the entrance like a stroller or piece of luggage. What, this won't go over well?

Woohoo, so exciting, and if I play my cards right, maybe my daughter will pick a dress that will also double as a wedding dress later (who needs white, right?)! Gotta find the money savings somewhere so we can cruise again!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Thanks all for the information and encouragement! Looks like the girls and moms are going to have go and do some dress shopping!

Princess Shmoo, that is a beautiful dress! I would love to have a dress in that deep blue. Very pretty and flattering.

Ok, so no dresses with the big crinoline or hoop things because I do not want to interfere with my eating enjoyment. Darn. Was thinking maybe I would just step out of the hoop thing before entering the restaurant and leave it at the entrance like a stroller or piece of luggage. What, this won't go over well?

Woohoo, so exciting, and if I play my cards right, maybe my daughter will pick a dress that will also double as a wedding dress later (who needs white, right?)! Gotta find the money savings somewhere so we can cruise again!

As a money saving tip, check your local thrift stores. My dress in the picture I purchased at our Salvation Army store. With my senior discount, it cost me $10!

 

[Makayna]

Ok, so no dresses with the big crinoline or hoop things because I do not want to interfere with my eating enjoyment. Darn. Was thinking maybe I would just step out of the hoop thing before entering the restaurant and leave it at the entrance like a stroller or piece of luggage. What, this won't go over well?

There are different types of crinoline. The one I have is made primarily for square dancing skirts, so it's wider and shorter than perhaps the ones that you'd be interested in (but still looks nice with longer dresses as long as I'm not sitting down). You'd probably want something long and slender so that it would't be so difficult to sit. So, if they still want to do this, just look online at different styles to find one you think would work.

Also, if you didn't want to wear the crinoline to dinner, you could always just go do the pictures with Mickey/Minnie/Princesses or whoever, and then go to your rooms to remove the skirts before going to dinner. I did that with our Mickey/Minnie wedding ears on our honeymoon. I really didn't have any desire to wear the ears to dinner, so we went and had pictures done, and then I sent my husband back to our room to put them away.

My other concern is that the crinoline skirts might take up WAY too much room in your luggage. I know mine would take up an entire checked luggage size baggage just by itself!

But, I hate to discourage you from doing the big crinoline skirts because I think it'd be absolutely adorable and hope to see pictures on this forum afterwards!