You’re the type of gal who shudders at the thought of dancing your first dance to a wedding staple like Etta James’ “At Last” and refuses to be pigeonholed into commonplace centerpieces in the form of roses or tulips. And when it comes to finding the perfect wedding dress? You’re more likely to forgo the froufrou and try to track down a rather unorthodox silhouette, even if you’re planning on a church wedding. So for all you nonconformist brides-to-be out there, we’ve compiled a runway/lookbook montage to inspire your ideal wedding attire.
While we may not be able to hook you up with something old and something borrowed, we can definitely help you pick up something new and something blue courtesy of these maverick non-traditional wedding dress options. Think a tailored suit, a tie-dye print, turtlenecks and plenty of color — and that’s barely scratching the surface. If you’re more interested in making a sartorial statement than transforming into a run-of-the-mill modern-day princess, scroll through the slideshow above to find non-traditional wedding dresses fit for a truly unconventional bride.
25 Alt Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride
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25 Alt Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride #1
You’ve probably already got a pair of black shorts (if not, seriously, get on that), so just top them off with a Victorian-style long-sleeve dress featuring a split skirt to achieve the quintessential layered look.
Alberta Ferretti Spring 2017; Image: Imaxtree
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25 Alt Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride #2
Looking for a pop of color and some strategic bling? Then this one-shoulder silhouette with a folded-down blue sequin lining has your name written all over it.
Monse Spring 2017; Image: Imaxtree
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25 Alt Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride #3
Attention all minimalists...you can still embrace your stripped-down style at your wedding. The key is to seek out a streamlined piece with a few extraordinary elements, like slim cut-outs and a well-placed ribbon accent.
Louis Vuitton Spring 2017; Image: Imaxtree
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25 Alt Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride #4
Broaden your bridal horizons with a strong-shouldered creation in a creamy color. Subtle embellishments decorating the sleeves and a contrasting underlay will only help increase the surprise factor.
Chanel Fall 2016 Haute Couture; Image: Imaxtree
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25 Alt Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride #5
Float down the aisle in a gauzy avian printed semi-sheer gown. Ditch the oversized bird earrings in favor of small diamond studs and swap in slim pumps for those neutral sandals for a more wedding-friendly incarnation.
Valentino Spring 2017; Image: Imaxtree
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25 Alt Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride #6
Stripes are always in style, even on your wedding day. For upscale nuptials, skip the red belt in favor of a skinnier metallic counterpart.
Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2017; Image: Courtesy of Vogue.com
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25 Alt Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride #7
If you only feel like veering slightly outside of the box, a full gown boasting a structured neckline and a faded hint of an unexpected shade like green will be a matrimonial match made in heaven.
Zac Posen Spring 2017; Image: Imaxtree
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25 Alt Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride #8
Don’t overlook off-white options, such as dove gray and light tan. In case you’re worried about feeling washed out in more muted shades, simply find a way to work in a moody patterned yoke for extra dimension.
Dries Van Noten Spring 2017; Image: Imaxtree
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25 Alt Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride #9
Floral embroidery is nothing new on wedding dresses, but a spray of truly vibrant blossoms certainly is. Tie in the colors of your bouquet with the ones on your gown for a fresh floral effect.
Temperley London Bridal Fall 2017; Image: Courtesy of WWD.com
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25 Alt Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride #10
Layer a sheer white button-down under your strapless embroidered gown for an instant runway-ready upgrade. Roll up the sleeves and incorporate a glitzy open choker around the collar to polish off the look.
Carolina Herrera Spring 2017; Image: Imaxtree
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25 Alt Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride #11
While most girls dream of wearing an ethereal white gown on their big day, quite a few would rather saunter down the aisle in the bridal equivalent of a power suit. A crisp tailored jacket over a silky draped shirt with a plunging neckline and high-waisted pants will guarantee all eyes are on you.
Brandon Maxwell Spring 2017; Image: Imaxtree
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25 Alt Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride #12
Shirtdresses are probably not on your shortlist for wedding dresses, but we beg you to reconsider when said shirtdresses are as stylish as this Celine one. Look for a drop-waist version with a turtleneck top or wrapped collar.
Celine Spring 2017; Image: Imaxtree
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25 Alt Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride #13
Turtlenecks are severely underrated when it comes to wedding attire. Counterbalance the higher neckline with short sleeves and an artfully knotted belt.
Derek Lam Spring 2017; Image: Courtesy of Vogue.com
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25 Alt Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride #14
If you’ve always dreamed of starring in a Shakespearean play, now’s your chance. Top off a ruffled, high-collared embroidered dress boasting a semi-sheer skirt with an elaborately embellished cropped jacket.
Yolan Cris Bridal Fall 2017; Image: Imaxtree
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25 Alt Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride #15
For those looking to completely break with tradition, a tie-dye ruffle-centric ballgown will fit the bill. We recommend forgoing a veil with this pick, however, since odds are you’ll never find one to match.
Marchesa Spring 2017; Image: Imaxtree
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25 Alt Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride #16
Roses are probably the most common wedding dress flower, but don’t discount daisies. When served in double doses with 3-D floral appliqués positioned over a similarly patterned tea-length dress, the effect is just as lovely.
Fendi Fall 2016 Haute Couture; Image: Imaxtree
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25 Alt Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride #17
They’ll be transfixed by your grand entrance, but they’ll love to watch you leave as they catch a glimpse of the colorful embroidery decorating the back of your dynamic dress. Make up for the plunging neckline by fastening a few extra buttons down the skirt.
Tadashi Shoji Spring 2017; Image: Imaxtree
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25 Alt Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride #18
Redefine what it means to be a blushing bride with a soft pink tulle dress. Look for one with twisted or braided straps to de-sweeten its saccharine flavor just a tad.
Christian Dior Spring 2017; Image: Imaxtree
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25 Alt Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride #19
Even if you can’t afford a destination wedding, you can still bring a touch of the Mediterranean to the ceremony in a laser-cut patterned dress. Add in some colorful earrings and coordinating sandals if you’re saying “I do” down by the beach.
Kate Spade New York Spring 2017; Image: Courtesy of Vogue.com
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25 Alt Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride #20
Rocking an off-the-shoulder gown doesn’t mean you have to skip the sleeves. Just make sure your dress includes the sheer or semi-sheer variety for prime enchantment.
Vera Wang Bridal Fall 2017; Image: Imaxtree
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25 Alt Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride #21
Stand out from top to bottom in a delicately embroidered sleeveless dress that lays claim to a colorful hemline. Don’t overload the look with a ton of jewelry since you don’t want too much attention on just one element.
J. Mendel Spring 2017; Image: Imaxtree
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25 Alt Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride #22
If you’re going to sport an elaborate headpiece, veil or tiara, opt for a peachy textured gown to also draw the eye downward. Wrap it all up with a stark sash.
Haider Ackermann Spring 2017; Image: Imaxtree
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25 Alt Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride #23
Let your collar do double duty by hunting down a dress with a draped back and a structured lapel. Bonus points for uncovering one with an origami-tied waistband accent.
Paule Ka Spring 2017; Image: Imaxtree
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25 Alt Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride #24
Show some serious skin by flaunting your bare arms in an off-the-shoulder pale creation that also features a partially sheer skirt. Then top things off with a choker and a center part that mirrors your dangling straps.
Valentino Fall 2016 Haute Couture; Image: Imaxtree
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25 Alt Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride #25
Don’t subscribe to the old-school notion that you should restrict things up top when you’re wearing a fuller skirt. Those ruffles are begging for some balance in the form of flowing shoulder ties.
Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2017; Image: Imaxtree
