7 times celebrities broke the traditional wedding dress rules

Because you really don't have to wear white...

Gwen Stefani Celebrity Weddings - Marie Claire
Gwen Stefani Celebrity Weddings - Marie Claire
(Image credit: PA Photos)

Because you really don't have to wear white...

Not dreaming of a white wedding? We totally get it – not everyone wants the traditional big white dress. That doesn’t mean you can't have an amazing wedding outfit though.

Just take these seven celebrities as an example, each of whom have put their own twist on classic wedding day style. And the reason why it works? Each of their wedding outfits are a perfect reflection of themselves, whether that’s their sense of style or an insight into their personality.

So if you’re thinking of wearing something a little different for your big day but you aren’t sure where to start, have a look at these celebrity styles and get inspired…

Solange Knowles

(Image credit: Rog Walker)

Not really into dresses? There’s no reason why you can’t wear trousers on your wedding day. Make like Solange Knowles, who wore a Stephane Rolland jumpsuit to her ivory-themed wedding. We think the attached cape kind of makes her look like an angel – and who doesn’t want to look like an angel on their wedding day?

Keira Knightley

modern wedding dresses the celebrity style edit

modern wedding dresses the celebrity style edit

Don't want to spend a shed load of money on a dress you're only going to wear for the grand total of 12 hours? Look to Keira Knightley’s wedding dress choice for inspiration then. Keira chose a knee-lenth strapless pink-tinged Chanel dress to get married in, which was just bridal enough for the big day but also pretty enough to be worn again and again. Which she did. Multiple times.

Gwen Stefani

Want a statement take on something more traditional? Gwen Stefani merged a classic wedding dress with her own signature style in this pink ombré John Galliano for Dior dress, which she wore to marry Gavin Rossdale back in 2002.

Olivia Palermo

People often forget that you can just wear a skirt rather than a dress on your wedding day. Fashion mogul Olivia Palermo wore a simple cream cashmere jumper and tulle skirt over white shorts to keep her wedding outfit casually elegant. These pieces, created by Carolina Herrera, were matched with a pair of deep blue Manolo Blahnik pumps to add a pop of colour to the outfit. Perfection.

Julianne Moore

Some people don't feel comfortable doing the big white dress thing if it’s their second time down the aisle. Julianne Moore wore a pale purple Prada dress and green silk heels to wed husband second husband Bart Freundlich back in 2003.

Angelina Jolie

OK, so Angelina’s wedding dress to Brad was pretty traditional, but it’s her veil which we’re really talking about here. Covered with artwork by her children, Angelina’s veil added the perfect emotional touch to her classic Atelier Versace dress. "It was important to us that the day was relaxed and full of laughter. It was such a special day to share with our children and a very happy time for our family," said Angelina in an interview with HELLO! – a sentiment which this cute, personal veil perfectly captured.

Kaley Cuoco

Let’s face it, white isn't always the most flattering of shades. Which is one reason why the trend for pink wedding dresses has become so popular recently. Leading the charge was The Big Bang Theory actress Kaley Cuoco, who wore a sugary strapless gown to wed former husband Ryan Sweeting back in 2014. Feminine and fun, the pink Vera Wang dress reflected Kaley’s personality perfectly.

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