Attending a Ball in Vienna, Austria. Every little girl’s dream
Those gothic ceilings… Soo dreamy!
The view from our seats during the debutante processional
What little girl didn’t grow up dreaming of attending a ball? That twirling gown, spun in front of your bedroom mirror, wasn’t just a play dress in your childhood bedroom, but a fabulous ball gown, brushing the ancient hardwood floors of a castle where royalty and high society have danced for centuries. Well, in Vienna, that little girl’s dream can finally come true.
Imagine stepping into a world cloaked in elegance and charm, where the air is filled with the sweet notes of waltzes, and the glimmer of chandeliers, dangling from ancient gothic arches, dances above your head. Imagine yourself in Vienna, a city steeped in history and romance, as the clock strikes nine and the grand doors of the ballroom swing wide open. You are greeted by a sea of opulent gowns and sharp tuxedos, laughter swirling from a celebration just waiting to unfold.
If this sounds as magical to you as it did to me, then you must attend a ball in Vienna, Austria. Ball season runs from November to February every year, with a few exceptions falling outside this timeframe. About two years ago, I saw a video on Facebook highlighting the balls in Vienna, explaining that they are open to anyone. The video was vague, and the internet had little information, but I added it to my list and promised myself I HAD to go one day.
We all dream of "one day," but I had no idea that day would come so soon. I booked a flight to Paris in May 2024 for the following May and was planning the details of the trip. I remembered my bucket list item—attending a ball in Vienna—and decided to check if there was a ball during my visit. Luckily, the Concordia Ball falls right within this timeframe!
Buying Tickets
I purchased tickets the day they went on sale in October. I marked it on my calendar several months in advance. Do you need to do this? Not necessarily. However, if you want to get a table and seat of your choosing, I do recommend it. I met several people who got tickets just a few days in advance.
Ticket types
Standing room only:
These are the cheapest tickets. Typically 40-60 euros.
You will stand around the edges of the dancefloor. This is very tight and crowded. We had to walk to our table through the crowd and I really had to push through the crowd here.
**Table Seating- for all table seating tickets must be purchased in increments of 2
Balcony table seating
These are 80 euros. These are located upstairs from the main ballroom. The balcony is fine to view the main floor when standing, however, when seated, the balcony will obscure the view.
Festival Hall- Main ballroom floor seating
These are 100 euros per person and by FAR the best views in the house. For the Concordia ball, the debutantes entered from the left of the dancefloor and proceeded to the right until it was filled with the debutantes. We were seated at the table nearest the dancefloor, on the left side of the dancefloor. I would recommend a table nearest the edge of the dancefloor for optimal views.
*Additional Seating options in the adjoining rooms
The adjoining rooms, Stone Hall I and II, Senate Chamber and Coat of Arms Hall provide tables for 4 and/or 8 persons at a price of € 60,-- per table seat.
It is important to note that these rooms are not located in the festival hall, so to see the main ballroom opening and dances there, you would need to leave your table.
Dress Code
The dress code for these events are strictly, formal. There are slight variances for different balls, but the same minimum requirement is present. Men must wear a tuxedo with black or white bowtie (each event will specify which tie is needed) and women must be in a formal ball gown. Please honor and respect the tradtions of these events by dressing accordingly. Do not attempt to enter the ball without doing so as it is rather inconsiderate and could also deny your entry to the event. There are people monitoring for dress code upon entrance and willd deny entrance to the ball if you are not dressed accordingly.
Rentals
You may either buy a gown or tux and bring one with you or rent one there. To rent a tux, I used Generation Elegant and we had a phenomenal experience. We emailed to confirm an appointment a few weeks in advance. In your appointment, they measure you, fit you, make any alterations, and send you on your way! It was so easy and took only 15 minutes or so. They are also very knowledgable of the type of event and ensure you are dressed appropriately. For a tuxedo, bow tie, dress shoes, and cuff links, it was 150 euro. You can return to store the following business day if you’re still in Vienna for free or arrange for their runner to pick it up the next day. If someone picks it up, you must pay 20 euros in cash when picking up the rental. We were able to leave it with our concierge at Hotel Imperial and they handled it.
Gown rentals are available in the city. From my research, I found that rentals started around 300 euro which includes alterations (quick, last minute ones). However, I found a gown for 225 and got it altered. I hated the idea of spend 300-350 euro on a gown to wear once when I could own one for that price. Luckily, my gown was fairly light and packed down extremely well in a packing cube.
A few notes for women’s attire
Don’t wear white. This is strictly reserved for the debutantes.
Floor length gowns only. No high-lows
I wouldn’t wear a super tight mermaid style gown. While they are beautiful and surely make a statement, they are very restricting and make dancing rather difficult.
The night is long. It commences at 930pm and does not end until 4-5 in the morning. I’d advise to wear a shorter style heel or block heel to ensure your comfort through the night.
Rathaus Courtyard where we met some incredible new friends from Spain!
Hair Salon Recommendation:
If you are like me and your hair NEVER cooperates on the day of an event and wish to have someone else style your hair for you, I have a great salon recomendation. I was staying at the Hotel Imeperial and reached out the concierge of the hotel for recommendations. The one I went with is called Strassl Exkusiv. The concierge at Hotel Imperial confirmed my appointment for me at 5pm the day of the ball. They charge 100 euros per hour. The gentleman styled my hair to perfection, in under an hour, so my bill was only 80 euros. I did come with freshly blow dryed hair so this saved time on the stylist’s end.
Attending this enchanting ball is not merely an event; it is a gateway to a night steeped in tradition, where every turn of the dance floor reveals a tale steeped in timeless tradition. Allow the allure of the ball to sweep you off your feet as you embark on an extraordinary adventure amidst the elegance of a night in Vienna. Join in discovering the magic that awaits—because, in Vienna, every dance is a promise of tradition and wonder.
I hope you attend a ball in Vienna! Comment below if you have attended one or are in the process of making plans to attend one!
The stairs inside the Rathaus leading to the ballroom
A fine glass of champagne and a man in a tuxedo
xoxo- Victoria