The most awesome alternative wedding dresses for the non-traditional bride
Whether you're a fashion forward dresser or a relaxed, fuss-free bride-to-be...
From Emily Ratajkowski’s mustard Zara wedding suit through to Angelina Jolie’s tulle train embroidered with her children’s drawings, more brides are turning away from traditional white gowns in favour of the unconventional. While we’re always going to have a soft spot for traditional lace wedding dresses, we love a style queen who’s willing to make a major fashion statement on her big day and we’ve found a few options that might just fit the bill.
No matter your budget, we’ve done the digging and curated our favourite styles whether you’re keen to channel a menswear vibe, going full rainbow with a colourful wedding dress or want to flash a little leg with a shorter frock.
Luxury designers like Roksanda, Alessandra Rich and Safiyaa are a great shout for modern brides who want to push the envelope, while Halfpenny London, Rime Arodaky and Ellery’s unfussy designs are definitely steered more towards those with a minimal aesthetic. Romantics should shoot for vintage-inspired pieces from the likes of Needle & Thread and Reem Acra or bring the drama in a sweeping Marchesa ball gown or bold Oscar de la Renta.
Working with a budget? ASOS, Monsoon and No. 1 Jenny Packham have beautiful pieces that still look expensive, but thankfully keep your bank account out of the red.
Check it all out below and get ready to break out the Pinterest boards…
Wedding Jumpsuit
If you’re dreading the idea of dragging a heavy dress around all day, a wedding jumpsuit is the ultimate cool girl outfit. We’ve gone for a clean minimal look with this Stella McCartney one piece with a tie-waist detail, which would look a dream with a pair of cobalt blue BALENCIAGA blade heels (which you can peep in our best wedding shoes gallery).
Shop now: STELLA MCCARTNEY Peplum-hem crepe jumpsuit for £635 from Selfridges
Beach Wedding Dresses
Destination weddings are becoming more common and for those of you heading off for some sun and sand – you’ll want something chic, light and that’ll move beautifully with the seabreeze – a strappy silky dress is always a great idea and it’s an utterly timeless piece for the minimal bride.
Shop now: JASON WU Satin gown for £644 from The Outnet
Short Wedding Dresses
Although we have a soft spot for a long lace wedding gown, there’s something to be said for a fun and flirty dress (especially on a swelteringly hot day). Stray away from cocktail dress territory by choosing a more structured piece like this Zimmermann, which features organza puffy sleeves and a daring cut out back detail that we’re obsessed with. (The buttons on the neckline make all the difference.)
Shop now: ZIMMERMANN Castile crochet-trimmed linen dress for £715 from MatchesFashion.com
Red Wedding Dresses
While red might not be what you’d usually expect from a traditional Western wedding, it’s actually a really popular colour for Chinese weddings as the colour signifies good fortune, happiness and prosperity – all things you’d wish for in a great marriage. A crimson gown is a bold choice, but one that’ll definitely set you apart if you’re down to break the mould with a colourful wedding dress. This dramatic Elie Saab cape dress has some serious Solange vibes about it and is guaranteed to turn heads.
Shop now: ELIE SAAB Cape-effect embellished silk-blend crepe de chine gown for £5,537 from Net-A-Porter
Black Wedding Dresses
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Not one for floaty white dresses? Go for the exact opposite with a structured black gown. Whether you’re serving gothic Queen of the Night realness or channeling a modern fashion-forward vibe, it’s a strong choice that’ll make for some striking photographs. (We’re obsessed with the idea of a black wedding gown against a string of white bridesmaids dresses.)
Shop now: Balmain Embellished Side Split Dress for £2,350 from Harrods
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HALSTON HERITAGE Cotton and silk-blend peplum dress, £403 at Net-A-Porter
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ALEXIS MABILLE Off-the-shoulder satin-piqué gown, £3,471 at Net-A-Porter
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ROKSANDA Viola embellished silk-organza gown, £12,000 at NET-A-PORTER
If you want to make an entrance, you won’t find more dramatic than this dreamy Roksanda dress, plus pink is still a big bridal trend.
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Alice McCall Now or Never Dress, £450 at Liberty London
We're going dotty for this ruffled dress from Alice McCall, an utterly fun yet sophisticated tiered piece.
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Alessandra Rich Hollywood Sable Crystal-Embellished Dress, £1, 895 at MATCHESFASHION.COM
Take a pointer from the boys on your big day with this menswear-inspired gown, complete with crystal embellishments.
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Roses Gown, £995 at Needle & Thread
Cream isn't a super popular colour for a wedding dress, but we're 100% behind this delicate piece in the soft shade.
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ASOS Edition Embellished Cami Wedding Dress, £150 at ASOS
This sweet dress from ASOS is covered in Swarovski crystals for a bit of sparkle on your big day.
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SAFIYAA Grand ivory embellished gown, £1,500 at Harvey Nichols
If you loved Solange Knowles’ wedding look, this dress is for you.
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Bellona Sequin Bridal Dress, £229 at Monsoon
We love this for a chic city wedding.
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ELLERY Ruffled satin-crepe dress, £1,195 at Net-A-Porter
The statement sleeves make this a great choice for the fashion-forward bride.
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Roses Gown, £1,150 at Needle & Thread
It doesn't get much more romantic than this gown.
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No. 1 Jenny Packham Pink Embellished Carys V Neck Evening Dress, £220 from Debenhams
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HALFPENNY LONDON Stella drop-waist crepe de chine gown, £850 at NET-A-PORTER
No one does wearable separates like Kate Halfpenny, though we’re a little bit in love with this drop-waist crepe dress.
