Unconventional Wedding Dresses: How To Stand Out

how to pull off a non traditional wedding dress

Wedding dresses are often white, but not everyone wants to stick to tradition. If you're looking for something different, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you want a subtle touch of colour or a bold statement, a non-traditional wedding dress can be a unique reflection of your personal style and taste. You could opt for a coloured wedding dress, a chic bridal pantsuit, or a structured blazer look. You could also add some glitz with the right jewellery, or choose a pair of unique shoes to complete your bridal look.

Characteristics Values
Color White, dusty blue, grey, blush, ivory, rainbow, wine, metallic
Style Two-piece, jumpsuit, midi-length, short, pantsuit, ball gown, A-line, Boho
Details Fringe, floral cape, shoulder bow, beading, lace, rhinestones, embroidery, pockets
Accessories Pearls, cuff, vintage jewelry, colorful shoes, bedazzled Converse, blue suede Nikes, floral loafers

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Add a pop of colour

If you're looking to add a pop of colour to your non-traditional wedding dress, there are several ways to go about it.

Firstly, consider the fabric. Tulle and chiffon, for example, come in a variety of colours and can add a whimsical, ethereal, and romantic touch to your gown. You can also experiment with vibrant patterns and prints, or opt for embroidery or appliques in delicate floral patterns, intricate designs, or meaningful symbols. If you're feeling bold, go for a dress made entirely from colourful fabric or embrace rich jewel tones like ruby red, sapphire blue, and emerald green.

If you want to stick with a white dress, you can still add a pop of colour through your accessories. Coloured shoes are a great way to add a subtle touch of your personality without being too obvious. From blue suede Nikes to golden wedges, there are plenty of options to choose from. You could also add a coloured waistband, sash, or belt to accentuate your waist and add a touch of elegance. If you're feeling especially daring, a vibrant veil or statement jewellery can also be a great way to incorporate colour.

Don't forget about the little details that can make a big impact. Coloured pearls, for example, can add a glam look to your overall style. And if you're wearing a white dress, any colour from your bridesmaids or flowers will beautifully pop against it.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose what feels right to you and reflects your personal style and taste.

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Opt for a two-piece

If you're looking to break away from tradition, a two-piece wedding dress is a great option. This style offers a unique and modern twist on the classic bridal look, allowing you to showcase your personal style and taste.

Two-piece wedding dresses come in a variety of combinations, from a simple lace crop top with a flowing skirt to a structured blazer paired with matching trousers or a chic bridal pantsuit. You can even mix and match different colours and fabrics to create a look that's truly yours. For example, a long-sleeved black lace crop top with a mulberry tulle skirt adds a touch of drama and gothic romance to your wedding ensemble.

Two-piece dresses are also a wonderful way to incorporate comfort and practicality into your big day. Separates allow for more flexibility and movement, ensuring you can dance and move around with ease. You can also opt for lighter, more breathable fabrics for an outdoor wedding or a relaxed celebration.

To elevate your two-piece wedding look, consider adding delicate and feminine details, such as floral embroidery or celestial motifs. A touch of glitz, like a contemporary pavé cuff or a pair of bedazzled Converse, can also make your ensemble dazzle. Don't forget that the right pair of shoes can complete your bridal look, so feel free to play with colours and textures to make your unique style stand out!

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Choose a unique silhouette

Choosing a unique silhouette is a great way to make a statement on your wedding day. The silhouette of a dress is its outline and shape, and there are many different styles to choose from.

A-line gowns are universally flattering and complement all body types. This style is especially good for pear-shaped, curvy, or petite brides as it hugs the waist, creating a slimmer waistline while flattering the bust. It can also make a petite bride look taller with its overall slimming effect.

Empire silhouettes feature a fitted bodice with a waistline that sits just below the bust, creating an elongated skirt. This style is also flattering on every bride and is a good choice for vintage-loving brides.

Drop-waist dresses provide a relaxed structure and fit, with a longer bodice that elongates the torso, creating balanced proportions for brides with long legs. This style also has a 1920s-inspired feel.

Ball gowns feature a fitted bodice that flares into a voluminous skirt, perfect for brides looking to glide into their happily ever after like a princess. This style is dramatic and classic and complements most body types. The voluminous skirt balances the fitted top, accentuating the waist and providing coverage for the hips and lower tummy. This style is also well-suited to taller brides who can handle a lot of volume without being shortened by the skirt.

Mermaid wedding dresses contour the body and then flare out at the knees. This style emphasizes the waist and hips and is a great choice for apple-shaped brides.

If you're looking for something unique, consider a high-low dress with an asymmetrical hemline, or a two-piece gown. You could also opt for a midi or short wedding dress to show off your shoes.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose a silhouette that reflects your personal style and taste and makes you feel confident. You can also add unique accessories to make your look even more dazzling.

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Include vintage details

Vintage details can take a non-traditional wedding gown to a whole new level. Whether you want to go for classic, handmade lace and ivory buttons or sentimental, heirloom accents, there’s something magical about how these details can transform your gown into a timeless work of art.

Vintage wedding dresses hold a special place in our hearts, carrying with them a rich history and sentimental value. Whether you've inherited a family heirloom or stumbled upon a beautiful vintage gown, there are numerous ways to honour and repurpose these timeless pieces. Before deciding what to do with your vintage wedding gown, it's important to understand its value, both in terms of sentiment and potential monetary worth. Vintage wedding dresses often reflect the fashion trends and cultural values of their era. They serve as tangible pieces of history, showcasing the craftsmanship and design aesthetics of the past.

If you're looking for a non-traditional wedding dress with vintage details, consider visiting vintage stores and boutiques. Couture vintage is truly worlds away from contemporary bridalwear, and you’re most likely to end up with something you love if you approach your hunt with an open mind. You can also repurpose your old wedding dress to create a keepsake that will help you cherish your special day. Many choose to transform their gown into bespoke jewellery, such as a necklace or bracelet, incorporating fabric or lace from the dress to create a unique piece of wearable art. Alternatively, crafting a customised quilt or throw pillow from the dress material offers a comforting and decorative way to preserve memories of the occasion, allowing the fabric's beauty and sentimental value to live on.

If you're looking to add vintage details to a non-traditional wedding dress, consider the following:

  • Vintage elements play a major role in this year's top wedding dress trends, and this strapless gown's Edwardian ruffle embellishments are the perfect example.
  • A corseted bodice, lace-up detailing, and a chic square neckline give this dress the dreamiest vintage vibes, but its two-piece silhouette makes it feel far more unique than your average wedding dress.
  • A bold black top is full of vintage charm with its strapless neckline and exposed boning, and the skirt adds a touch of playfulness with its floaty organza and embroidered polka dots.

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Wear statement shoes

When it comes to choosing your wedding shoes, you don't have to stick to the traditional shades of white, cream, or nude. You can play with colours and textures and opt for something unique and fun, like bedazzled Converses, blue suede Nikes, or floral loafers. If you're wearing a floor-length dress, you can even choose statement shoes that are completely different from the dress's style, like colourful heels or black open-toe booties.

It's important to consider your comfort when selecting your wedding shoes. You'll be on your feet all day, so choose a pair that you can walk and dance in easily. You may even want to bring a second pair of shoes to change into for the reception, like platform sneakers or flats. This is a fun idea, especially if you're changing into a second wedding dress.

If you want to add a subtle touch of colour to your wedding look, consider choosing shoes in a soft blue as your "something blue". This is a traditional wedding custom that represents fidelity. You can also incorporate your wedding colour palette into your shoe choice, like a pair of classic pumps in an unexpected shade of jade.

When it comes to style, the toe of the shoe matters more than the heel, as it will be more visible when you step forward. If your dress has delicate and feminine details, you can add visual interest by choosing a statement shoe with a unique texture or colour. For a dress with a clean satin or crepe fabric, consider a clean pump or open-toe style, or soft lace. If your dress is lace, you can try matching lace shoes.

Ultimately, there are no rules when it comes to wedding shoes. You can let your personality shine through and choose a pair that reflects your style and taste. Whether you're looking for comfort, making a statement, or incorporating a touch of tradition, the right pair of shoes can perfect your bridal look.

Frequently asked questions

You can opt for a non-white dress, add pops of colour, or choose a two-piece gown. You could also consider a pantsuit or structured blazer look, or add dramatic embellishments.

The key is to choose something that reflects your personal style and taste. If you're unsure, look beyond bridal fashion and browse ready-to-wear designer collections, vintage stores, and unique bridal designers.

When it comes to jewellery, opt for something subtle and chic, like pearl earrings or a contemporary pavé cuff. For shoes, you can play with colours and textures. Choose something unique and fun, but also comfortable, like bedazzled Converse or blue suede Nikes.

Some unique wedding dress styles include the Storm dress from Watters Designs, which features a blend of Galaxy Rhinestone Tulle and Illusion Tulle. For a more subtle touch of colour, consider an icy grey tulle gown or a dusty blue gown. If you're feeling bold, the Corset Front-Slit Ruffled Gown by Anthropologie comes in four colours and is fun and romantic.

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