More and more brides are ditching traditional white gowns, in favour of alternative wedding dresses, especially in these Covid times of smaller ceremonies. There’s just something inspiring and jaw-dropping about a bride walking down the aisle in a sleek suit or feather-trimmed dress.
The beauty of choosing something a little less ‘bridal looking’ is that you’ll likely be able to wear it again: think oversized suits, fluid jumpsuits or sequin dresses, perfect for any kind of occasion dressing.
The best alternative wedding dresses
No matter your budget, there’s a style out there to suit your tastes, be it a colourful dress, mini dress or jumpsuit. The best bit about choosing a less bridal style is the fact that you’ll be able to rewear it, making the cost much more justifiable.
Luxury designers like Roksanda, Gabriela Hearst and Les Reveries are a great shout for modern brides who want to push the envelope, while Halfpenny London, Bernadette and Galvan’s unfussy designs are definitely steered more towards those with a minimal aesthetic.
Romantics should opt for vintage-inspired pieces from the likes of Needle & Thread and Rixo or bring the drama in a sweeping Marchesa ball gown or bold Oscar de la Renta.
If you’re on a tight budget, that’s more than ok, because high-street labels are coming out trumps with some beautiful pieces. ASOS, Monsoon and Whistles have beautiful pieces that still look expensive, but thankfully keep your bank account out of the red. Shop my edit of the best high-street wedding dresses here, and finish off your look with these wedding shoes.
If you’re unsure of which style to pick, let your venue guide you. Town hall ceremony? Try an oversized cream suit. Barn wedding? A puff-sleeve boho style will look amazing? Beach wedding? Opt for a slinky slip dress or an off-the-shoulder number.
From jumpsuits to crop tops and minimalist frocks, shop my edit of the best alternative wedding dresses below.
Frankie silk jumpsuit, £675 at RIXO
This silk jumpsuit is one you'll wear time and time again. I love the idea of pairing it with a short veil for a city ceremony.
Iris sequin dress, £370 at ILTA
The Iris dress is made in a delicate cotton lace and has a deep V neck, cut out back and fluted sleeve. The subtle hand embellishment of tiny silver stars and a mix of iridescent sequins creates a shimmer across the lace.
Jacquemus La Robe Amour Pleated Gown, £1,025 at Browns
This white Jacquemus La Robe Amour pleated gown is crafted from cotton and linen, and shaped to a flowing floor-length design. It features a square neckline, adjustable double shoulder straps with a self-tie fastening, a concealed zip at the rear and a voluminous skirt with a dropped hem.
HARMUR Classic backless silk-crepe top, £165 a Selfridges
Team this silk halterneck top with a midi skirt for your wedding and with mum jeans for more casual affairs.
Florence Ruffle Ankle Skirt, £295 at Needle & Thread
Team this romantic skirt with a silk top or simple t-shirt.
Jimmy Dress in Pink, £1,300 at Molly Goddard
Molly Goddard is the queen of feel-good, romantic dresses and this pink gown is the perfect way to do colourful wedding dresses for SS21.
RETROFETE GABRIELLE STRIPE DRESS, £449 at FLANNELS
Crafted with a wrap design and long sleeves, this dress features a V neckline, elasticated cuffs and tie waist fastening. It's covered in sequins for a wonderful party look.
TALLER MARMO Ubud one-shoulder feather-trimmed crepe dress, £1,560 at MATCHESFASHION
Taller Marmo draws inspiration from style icons such as Sophia Loren and Diana Vreeland to create this ivory Ubud dress. It's crafted in Italy from crepe to a flowing silhouette with a one-shoulder neckline, then trimmed with ostrich feathers as a nod to the label's maximalist ethos.
RASARIO Satin straight-leg pants, £460 at Net-A-Porter
RASARIO's pants are a modern bride's dream, especially when styled with the aforementioned cropped lace top.
RASARIO Cropped lace top, £450 at Net-A-Porter
Many brides are opting for separates for their big day and a top like RASARIO's looks so lovely styled with a full skirt or elegant slim-leg pants.
Off-white silk halterneck nightdress with Leavers lace trim, £720 at LA PERLA
Believe it or not, this is a nightdress, but it's too beautiful to keep for the bedroom. I love the lace detail at the back.
SHUSHU/TONG White Big Shoulder Dress, £408
I love the statement rounded spread collar on this simple babydoll dress.
SELF-PORTRAIT Lace and satin-trimmed crepe playsuit, £330
Self-Portrait's playsuit is such an elegant and unique choice for contemporary brides. Tailored from ivory crepe, it has a slim fit detailed with satin peak lapels and delicate lace trims along the relaxed shorts.
THE VAMPIRE’S WIFE Giselle ruffled bow silk-satin gown, £4,130 at MATCHESFASHION
A poetic wedding-day option, this dress is crafted from lustrous silk satin with antique-inspired puffed sleeves and falls gently from the slender waist to a sweeping hemline defined by godet inserts for a graceful sense of movement.
