George Boyle
There are many alternatives to the traditional wedding dress. From jumpsuits and suits to non-white dresses, there are plenty of options for those who want to forgo the classic wedding gown. For those who want to stick with a dress but add a unique twist, consider a non-traditional colour or silhouette. For those who want to stray further from the traditional, separates, such as two-piece outfits or blazers with trousers, are a great option.
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What You'll Learn
Jumpsuits
If you're looking for a casual, summery look, a shorter jumpsuit in a light, breathable fabric like cotton or linen is a good choice. You could opt for a colourful jumpsuit or one with a floral print, and team it with a pair of chic flats or wedges. To elevate your look, add a statement earring or necklace, and a bold, colourful handbag.
For a more formal wedding, you can't go wrong with a black jumpsuit. It's a classic, chic choice and can be dressed up with statement jewellery and a formal handbag. A black jumpsuit is also a versatile option, as it can work for a range of different dress codes. If you're after a more sophisticated look, opt for a tailored jumpsuit in luxe fabrics like satin or velvet. You could also consider a white bridal jumpsuit, which can be very chic, especially with full-length or wide-leg trousers.
If you're unsure about letting go of the traditional wedding dress, you could always opt for a post-ceremony outfit change and surprise your guests with a stylish jumpsuit when you step onto the dance floor!
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Suits
If you're looking for an alternative to a wedding dress, a suit is a great option. Suits are classy, comfortable, and easy to make your own. You can buy off-the-rack or get something bespoke made. You can also play around with different colours, fabrics, and styles to find the perfect look for your wedding.
If you want to stick to a more traditional colour, black, blue, or grey suits are always a good choice. But if you want to spice things up, you can opt for a colourful or patterned suit. Earth tones are a great option for a more subtle look, while brighter colours like turquoise or pink can add a fun twist. Floral suits are also a trendy choice that will likely never go out of style. You could also consider a textured suit, such as velvet, for a luxurious and lavish vibe.
When it comes to styling your suit, there are endless possibilities. You can add a funky waistcoat, a large flamboyant boutonniere, or a statement pair of shoes. If you're looking for something more gender-neutral, you can go for a simple suit and add a colourful shirt or some bold makeup to add a more feminine touch.
For those who are not comfortable in dresses, a trouser or pant suit is a good alternative for a formal wedding. It's a good idea to avoid colours like white, very light pastels, black, dark colours, or red. Instead, opt for wedding-appropriate colours like soft orange or blue. If you're attending a casual or outdoor wedding, you can go for a more laid-back look with dress pants or khakis, paired with a collared shirt and the option to add a tie or sports jacket.
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Non-white dresses
There are many reasons to opt for a non-white wedding dress, from showcasing your personality and style to embracing your favourite colour on your special day. If you're looking for inspiration for non-traditional wedding dresses, here are some ideas for non-white dresses:
Pastel Tones
Pastel colours are always beautiful for a wedding day. For a winter wedding, a pastel blue long-sleeve maxi dress or ball gown is a stunning choice. Blush pink is another ideal option, especially if you're after a fairytale wedding vibe. Keep it modern with a strapless midi dress in a mermaid shape, or opt for a traditional wedding dress shape with luxurious fabric and beaded details. Mint is another colour that works well for an outdoor spring wedding. Choose a chic A-line wedding dress in a fabric that catches the light.
Jewel Tones
Jewel tones are a perfect choice for a non-traditional wedding dress, especially for a winter wedding. Emerald green is a rich, bold option that fits a winter wedding well, especially if you're aiming for a luxurious vibe. Keep the dress casual with a midi-length crepe dress or opt for a full-length ball gown for a sophisticated feel.
Golden Tones
Golden yellow is another colour inspired by rustic flowers and the warmer seasons. This colour is a wonderful option for a summer wedding or a sunflower-themed wedding.
Black Dresses
If you're feeling a little edgier, black dresses are a cool choice and look amazing against any landscape.
Blue Dresses
Blue is another popular choice for non-traditional wedding dresses, from shades of indigo to ombre effects.
Prints and Patterns
If you're after something a little different, consider a printed or patterned dress. From colourful florals to minimalist designs or rows of pearls and jewels, there are many options to choose from.
Jumpsuits
If you don't want to wear a dress, a fashionable jumpsuit is a great alternative. Bridal jumpsuits with a V-neck neckline are perfect for highlighting a jewel necklace, or you can opt for a strappy number for a more relaxed wedding day vibe.
Suits
Women look amazing in suits, and these days there are many options to choose from in various fabrics and colours. If you're after something fun, opt for a colourful suit or a patterned suit—floral suits are a trendy choice.
Ultimately, there are no rules that say you have to wear a big white dress on your wedding day. It's your wedding, and you want to feel like the best version of yourself!
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Two-piece dresses
One of the key advantages of choosing a two-piece outfit is the ability to mix and match different pieces, allowing you to create a truly personalised look that reflects your style and personality. You can opt for a cohesive look by choosing one colour for both pieces or go for a multicoloured ensemble, playing with different shades or even contrasting colours. Additionally, two-piece dresses offer more flexibility in sizing, as you can purchase two separate pieces that perfectly fit your body.
Another benefit of two-piece dresses is their versatility. They allow for easy outfit changes throughout your wedding day. For instance, you could start the day with a chic and simple two-piece combination, then swap out the top or bottom piece for something more dramatic or comfortable as the day progresses. This gives you the option to have multiple looks without the hassle of changing into an entirely different outfit.
When it comes to style, two-piece dresses offer a wide range of options. You can go for a bold and trendy look, such as a black vintage-inspired top with a playful organza skirt, or keep it classic with a white two-piece set. For a more unique silhouette, consider a billowy trapeze top paired with a sleek skirt. Statement-making details such as oversized floral appliqués, fringe, or feathers can also be incorporated into your two-piece ensemble to make it truly stand out.
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Separates
If you're looking for an alternative to the traditional wedding dress, separates are a great option. Separates are typically a two-piece ensemble, such as a topper and skirt or a blazer and trousers. However, there are endless unique variations to choose from, including detachable sleeves and overskirts.
Opting for separates gives you a lot of flexibility. You can swap out your top to go from day to night, add a pop of colour with a vivid blouse or skirt, or change into a slightly different outfit for the reception.
If you're looking for bridal separates, you can find them at Kleinfeld Bridal, Lucy Can't Dance, and House of Ollichon. High-street stores also offer affordable separates, and you can find some lovely skirts at Coast. Etsy is another great option for something truly bespoke.
Some specific examples of bridal separates include the Frances Suit, which features an oversized jacket and wide-leg pants in matte silk crepe. Another option is the organza petal bustier top and matching silk wool trousers with pintucked pleats from Danielle Frankel. For a more fashion-forward look, Pnina Tornai, Esteé Couture, Anna Campbell, and Watters offer bridal separates such as blazers, fashion-forward corsets with sheer bodices, and effortlessly loose blouses adorned with beading and pearls.
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Frequently asked questions
If you don't want to wear a dress on your wedding day, there are plenty of other options to choose from. Jumpsuits are a popular choice, and you can find them in a variety of styles, from sleek and tailored to sparkly and sequinned. You could also wear a suit, either in a traditional colour like ivory or white, or in a bold colour or pattern that reflects your personality. Separates are another great option, as they give you the flexibility to mix and match and create a unique look.
There are many places to find non-dress wedding outfits. For suits and separates, you can check out Sumissura, King & Allen, Ted Baker, Coast, Reiss, and Hobbs. For jumpsuits, try Lucy Can't Dance, Nadine Merabi, Meshki, ASOS, and Etsy. You can also find non-traditional wedding dresses at Temperley London, Needle and Thread, and Danielle Frankel.
You can wear any colour you like! Red, grey, pink, black, and saffron are all colours that brides have worn instead of white. You can also choose a dress or outfit that matches your wedding theme or the season. For example, a warm orange dress for an autumn wedding or a pastel outfit for a spring wedding.
The style of your outfit will depend on the level of formality you want, as well as your personal preferences. If you want something more casual, you could choose a shorter dress or a simple pantsuit or jumpsuit. For a more formal look, you could opt for a long dress or a suit with a train. You can also add drama with statement veils or capes.
