Unconventional Wedding Dresses: Try-On Spots For The Bold Bride

where can you try on alternative wedding dresses

If you're looking for an alternative wedding dress, there are many options to try on looks in person or have them delivered to your home to try. For instance, The Couture Company creates quirky embroidered gowns with matching accessories, while Legend, based near Manchester, makes dramatic gothic black gowns. Flamingo Boulevard in North Liverpool offers an array of quirky dresses, and The Knot Vendor Marketplace helps you find wedding dress shops near you. Additionally, sites like Still White, Once Wed, Nearly Newlywed, and Borrowing Magnolia offer pre-owned or rental designer dresses at more affordable prices.

Characteristics Values
Designers Monique Lhuillier, Ines Di Santo, Hera Couture, Alexandra Grecco, Savage & Hunt, WONÀ Concept, Honor, Danielle Frankel Studio, The Couture Company, Legend, Lucy Can't Dance, Flamingo Boulevard, Wolf & Rosie, Denim & Bone, Sharon Bowen-Dryden, BHLDN, Borrowing Magnolia, Hera, La Perle, Nadia Manjarrez, WONÀ Concept, KYHA, David's Bridal, Macy's, Nordstrom, Vow'd
Style Quirky, embroidered, colourful, gothic, black, pink, dip-dyed, lace, layered, ombre, boho, vintage, festival-inspired, unconventional, floral, hand-painted, eco-conscious, bold, blue, green, two-piece, black, white, pants, fringe, silver boots, cape, gold, ball gown, glittery, printed, silk, deep-V neckline, removable bow, vibrant, pockets, drop-waist bodice, Edwardian, ruffles, feathers, A-line, off-the-shoulder, puff sleeves, sweetheart neckline
Price $240-4,000, $125, $60, $280, $500, $800
Other Bespoke, made-to-order, matching accessories, jackets, bridal denim, camo jackets, iron-on patch kits, plus-size, rental, second-hand

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Bridal shops near you

If you're looking for bridal shops near you that offer alternative wedding dresses, you're in luck! There are several options to consider, each offering a unique and personalised experience.

For instance, Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City has been the go-to for thousands of brides over the past 70 years. With 30,000 square feet of space, they boast the largest selection of wedding dresses worldwide, and their team of over 200 dedicated professionals will ensure you find the perfect dress. They also offer VIP packages for a truly magical bridal appointment experience.

For those seeking a quirky and colourful gown, Lucy Can’t Dance, based in North Liverpool, is a charming boutique with a gorgeous selection of unique dresses. Their designs are boho, vintage, and festival-inspired, featuring dip-dying, lace, and layering.

If you're near Manchester, Legend is worth a visit. They create dramatic gothic black gowns and colourful dresses, all bespoke to your exact specifications.

The Couture Company, with its quirky embroidered gowns and matching accessories, is another excellent option for alternative wedding attire. Everything is made to order, ensuring a personalised experience.

Additionally, online retailers like Borrowing Magnolia offer the opportunity to rent designer dresses at lower prices, providing an affordable and convenient alternative to traditional bridal shops.

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Online retailers with try-at-home options

While some brides enjoy the bridal salon experience, others prefer the convenience and flexibility of trying on wedding dresses at home. This option is also great if you have friends or family who live far away, as they can be invited to join the appointment virtually.

Azazie

Azazie offers a "try at home" option, where you can try up to three dresses for $15 each, including shipping. After a week of testing, you ship the dresses back with a prepaid label. They offer a wide range of styles, from sexy fit-and-flare gowns to boho-inspired silhouettes and flirty mini-dresses, most of which retail for under $300.

BHLDN

Anthropologie's bridal line BHLDN offers a wide selection of dresses ranging from traditional to vintage, boho, and beyond, with prices ranging from $240 to $4,000. While they do not explicitly mention a try-at-home option, you can order swatches to test out different fabrics and styles.

Dreamers & Lovers

Based in California, Dreamers & Lovers offer unique, exclusive dresses that they sell directly to consumers. They provide an at-home try-on service for brides in the US, Canada, and select European countries, allowing them to order up to three dresses to try on at home. After choosing their favourite, brides send in their measurements for their custom dress.

Borrowing Magnolia

Borrowing Magnolia allows you to rent a designer dress at a lower price, although you also have the option to purchase it. You can fill out a questionnaire about your size and fit, and they will suggest dresses that match your body type.

Reformation

Reformation offers free shipping and returns on all orders, providing a fast and casual shopping experience. They have a size range of XS to 3X and also offer petite sizes.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom carries a small collection of wedding gowns available online, featuring big names like Tadashi Shoji and Amsale.

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Second-hand dresses

If you're looking for a second-hand wedding dress, there are several options available to you. One option is to browse online marketplaces that specialize in connecting brides with pre-owned dresses, such as Still White, Once Wed, Nearly Newlywed, or Preowned Wedding Dresses. These sites offer a wide selection of designer wedding dresses at a fraction of their retail value. However, keep in mind that these dresses may have been altered by the previous owner, so additional alterations may be necessary to ensure a perfect fit.

Another option is to visit a physical boutique that specializes in second-hand wedding dresses. For example, Loved Twice Bridal in Los Angeles offers a unique selection of pre-owned wedding dresses and has received positive reviews for its professional service and dress quality.

Additionally, some online retailers offer the option to rent a designer dress at a lower price, such as Borrowing Magnolia. This can be a convenient and cost-effective alternative to purchasing a dress, especially if you're only planning to wear it once.

If you're open to wearing a dress that has been previously worn, you can also find second-hand wedding dresses through online retailers that specialize in selling used clothing, such as eBay or Poshmark. These sites often have a wide variety of options available at various price points.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask around your network. You may have friends or family members who are willing to part with their wedding dress, or they may know someone who is. This can be a great way to find a second-hand dress that has personal significance or that you can try on in person before purchasing.

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Non-bridal fashion stores

If you're looking for alternative wedding dresses, a good place to start is by looking beyond bridal fashion. Check out the latest ready-to-wear designer collections, browse your favourite non-bridal fashion retailers, and visit vintage stores.

For instance, you could try a store that also sells bridesmaid dresses and try those on. You could also try on a traditional bridal dress, just to give your family the chance to see you in one. David's Bridal and Asos are two stores that offer this option.

If you're looking for a vintage non-traditional dress, try Etsy and local vintage retailers. Poshmark also has lots of unique and vintage dress options.

For non-traditional brides who want to embrace their personality and make a statement, Adrianna Papell offers a wide range of options, from sleek bridal jumpsuits to elegant tea-length dresses and colourful gowns.

If you're looking for something handmade and ethical, Sharon Bowen-Dryden is renowned for designing cutting-edge, alternative bridal collections.

For those who want to funk up their alternative wedding dress, Wolf & Rosie hand-paint stunning leather jackets with bespoke botanical designs.

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Bespoke dressmakers

If you're looking for a unique, made-to-measure wedding dress, there are several bespoke dressmakers that can bring your dream dress to life.

The Couture Company

The Couture Company, led by Jo, creates quirky embroidered gowns with matching accessories and embroidered jackets. Their designs are colourful, cute, and alternative.

Legend

Legend, based near Manchester, creates dramatic gothic black gowns and colourful dresses, all made to your exact specifications.

Caroline Arthur

With over 20 years of experience, Caroline Arthur is a wedding dressmaker based in Surrey, UK. She creates bespoke bridal gowns from scratch and offers a luxurious selection of silks, laces, and sustainable fabrics. She also specialises in wedding dress alterations and customising heirloom dresses.

Lace & Liberty

Lace & Liberty specialises in creating custom wedding dresses tailored to your unique vision. They offer a virtual dressmaking process, allowing you to visualise your design through sketches and fabric choices. The typical timeframe for crafting a custom wedding dress is about six months, including consultations, design finalisation, production, and shipment.

Online Options

If you're open to exploring online retailers, there are websites that offer alternative wedding dresses at various price points. Sites like Still White, Once Wed, and Nearly Newlywed feature pre-owned designer wedding dresses at more affordable prices. You can also rent a designer dress from websites like Borrowing Magnolia. Additionally, some independent designers, like those featured on Reddit and Vogue, offer custom wedding dress services and are worth exploring.

Frequently asked questions

There are several options for trying on alternative wedding dresses in person. You can visit The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find wedding dress shops near you, or you can research bridal designers who offer non-traditional styles, such as Monique Lhuillier, Ines Di Santo, Hera Couture, Alexandra Grecco, and Savage & Hunt. You can also try on dresses at specific boutiques like Flamingo Boulevard in North Liverpool, Legend near Manchester, or The Couture Company.

Yes, there are several online retailers that offer alternative wedding dresses. Some popular options include Etsy, Azazie, Lulu's, BHLDN, and Still White. These sites offer a wide range of styles and price points to choose from.

Some online retailers offer the option to try on dresses at home before purchasing. For example, Azazie allows you to select three dresses to try on at home for a small fee. Other sites like Still White offer a try-at-home bundle and a 10-day return option.

Yes, there are several options for finding alternative wedding dresses under $800 in brick-and-mortar stores. You can try DB, where dresses range from $60 to $280, or Ivy City for non-traditional, boho options. You can also check out Luxe Redux Bridal, which sells floor samples and has a try-on option.

There are many unique features and styles to consider for an alternative wedding dress. You can opt for a two-piece look, add a touch of colour or print, choose a non-white dress, or go for a dramatic silhouette or embellishment. You can also look beyond bridal fashion and explore coloured wedding dresses, boho, minimal, goth, retro, vintage, fantasy, hand-painted, or eco-conscious styles.

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