UNCONVENTIONAL WEDDING DRESS STYLES THAT ARE STILL BRIDAL
Every bride is unique and has her own personality that should be reflected in her bridal gown. But quite often, brides that have a rebellious take on fashion and march to the beat of their own drum get overlooked in the bridal industry. If you’re the type of bride that loves fashion and has your sights set on a daring and amazingly unconventional bridal look for your big day but are unsure of where to start, we’ve got you covered.
We’ll list some of the hottest unconventional bridal trends and offer up tips for finding your bridal style and shopping for a unique dress.
FINDING YOUR BRIDAL STYLE
Think long and hard on what makes youfeel most comfortable or beautiful. Don’t let the opinions of others sway you into choosing something that just isn’t you.
Scour the internet and Pinterest for bridal looks that resonate with you and keep tabs on designers that stand out to you. When it comes time to shop, look for bridal boutiques that have gowns from the designers on your list and don’t be afraid to ask if they carry particular style beforehand. Some bridal boutiques may not carry as many unique, fashion-forward gowns, so it’s important to ask around until you find a boutique that is a good fit for what you are looking for.
STAND OUT WITH THESE UNIQUE BRIDAL TRENDS THAT CELEBRITIES LOVE
SHORT DRESSES
Nothing screams life of the party like a stunning short dress. If gowns just aren’t your cup of tea and you’d like a more laid back bridal style, look at the idea of a short or even a high-low bridal dress.
If a bridal boutique doesn’t have a wide selection of shorter options, keep in mind that most gowns can be altered into a short and sassy dress.
Celebrity Inspo: Natalie Portman, Kiera Knightly, Maren Morris, Whitney Port
A POP OF COLOUR
Whether it’s a soft accent of colour on your dress like blush or pale blue, or you want to go full out in a bright pink or red hue, a coloured dress will ensure your personality truly shines.
Celebrity Inspo: Jessica Biel, Gwen Stefani, Mandy Moore
OUT OF THE BOX ACCESSORIES
Whether it’s an extravagant, ornate headpiece, flower crown, or a statement necklace, accessories add tons of personality. They have the power to completely transform your bridal gown into a look that’s all your own.
Celebrity Inspo: Anne Hathaway, Miranda Kerr, Dianna Agron
JUMPSUITS
If you’ve never really been a dress person and feel way more comfortable in pants than anything else, why not try a bridal jumpsuit? A jumpsuit is still very feminine and bridal while being incredibly chic and modern.
Celebrity Inspo: Solange, Sophie Turner, Kaley Cuoco
TWO-PIECE GOWNS
If you’re going for a more chill, laid back vibe but still want to look fashion-forward and sexy, two-piece gowns can be a great option.
Celebrity Inspo: Olivia Palermo, Samira Wiley, Hayley Paige
CAPES
Oh so dramatic and fashion-forward, a stunning cape will ensure your grand entrance is truly show-stopping. While still considered ‘untraditional,’ capes have surged in popularity and have made a mark on red carpets and at weddings in recent years.
If you’ve already found your gown but are interested in adding a cape, talk to your seamstress to see if it’s possible to custom make a cape to match your gown.
Celebrity Inspo: Kaley Cuoco, Serena Williams, Chanel Iman
BOLD FLORALS
If a pop of colour isn’t bold enough, why not push the envelope even further? Try a vivid floral print or stunning three-dimensional floral detailing. Florals are one trend that never goes out of style and is perfect for a spring wedding.
Celebrity Inspo: Poppy Delevingne, Miranda Kerr, Kaley Cuoco
DRAMATIC SLEEVES
Looking to feel a bit more covered but aren’t interested in anything conservative? A gown with statement sleeves that have tons of volume or stunning details will ensure you stand out and bring plenty of drama.
Celebrity Inspo: Ciara, Heidi Klum, Sophie Turner
OTHER OPTIONS TO CONSIDER
Besides the styles mentioned above, gowns that have the following features are also great options if you are looking for a unique, dramatic gown without straying too far outside of the box:
- Feathers
- Tiered ruffles
- Unexpected details
- Dramatic beading
- One-shoulder necklines
- Unique back detailing
- High-low hemline
- High necklines
- Plunging necklines
- Unique bead pattern
- Fringe
SHOPPING TIPS FOR FINDING AN UNCONVENTIONAL BRIDAL GOWN
BRING AN ENTOURAGE THAT SHARES YOUR VISION
If you have friends or family that you know are strongly team tradition, consider bringing a smaller entourage with you that you know are fully supportive of your vision. You may have an amazing relationship with your grandmother, but if you know that she wouldn’t be thrilled by dress choices, it could get in the way of your ability to commit to the dress of your dreams. Keeping your entourage as small as possible helps ensure your opinions don’t get lost and overshadowed.
CALL THE BRIDAL SHOP AHEAD OF TIME
While most bridal shops will have lots of different options for you to try, if you have your heart set on a particular style that you know isn’t very popular, call the boutique ahead of your appointment and ask what their selection is like for more unconventional bridal gowns.
BE OPEN TO CUSTOMIZATION
Can’t seem to find a dress that meets your exact vision? Remember that alterations are your best friend! There are so many different ways a dress can be transformed with alterations. So don’t fret if you’re struggling to find the perfect gown. Ask your bridal stylist if certain gowns can be altered.
STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF
At the end of the day, the only opinion that matters is your own. Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life. So it’s important that you not only feel beautiful, but comfortable in your own skin. If a dress that is more dramatic and fashion-forward than soft and traditional makes you feel this way, then that is the dress you should have.