Deborah Chan
If you're looking for an alternative wedding dress, there are many options available to suit your unique style. From colourful gowns to non-white dresses, vintage to bespoke, there are many ways to stray from tradition while still sporting a classic look. For an in-person shopping experience, you can visit local department stores or bridal designers, who are increasingly offering nontraditional styles. You can also try on bridesmaid dresses or prom/homecoming dresses to get an idea of the style and fit you're after. If you're happy to shop online, there are many retailers to choose from, including Olivia Bottega, Etsy, and The Couture Company, who offer a range of non-traditional styles, from quirky embroidered gowns to colourful, dip-dyed dresses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Online retailers | Olivia Bottega, Etsy, The Knot, Flora & Lane, Lulu's, Baltic Born, HelloMolly |
| Teuta Matoshi, Lirika Matoshi, Lace and Liberty, Needle & Thread | |
| Bespoke designers | The Couture Company, Legend, Lucy Can't Dance, Wolf & Rosie, Denim & Bone, Sharon Bowen-Dryden |
| In-person retailers | Local department stores, local vintage retailers, local tailors |
Explore related products
$129.99
What You'll Learn
Online retailers: Olivia Bottega, Etsy, Lulu's, Baltic Born, etc
If you're looking for an alternative wedding dress, there are plenty of online retailers to choose from. Olivia Bottega, for example, offers custom sizing services and inclusive sizes for every body type, so you can have a luxurious look without the luxury price tag. Their customers have reported feeling happy with their purchases, with some reporting that they received many compliments.
Etsy is another great option for alternative wedding dresses, with many shops on the site offering free shipping. Etsy has a wide variety of alternative wedding dresses, including gothic, boho, and simple styles. You can also find unique, made-to-order items from many sellers, ensuring that your dress is truly one-of-a-kind. Etsy customers have left positive reviews, praising the quality and fit of their dresses, as well as the reasonable prices.
Lulus is another popular online retailer for wedding dresses, offering a range of styles to suit different tastes. They are known for their affordable prices and on-trend designs, although it is unclear whether they offer custom sizing or inclusive sizing like Olivia Bottega.
Baltic Born is another online retailer that offers wedding dresses, although they may not be as alternative as the styles offered by some of the other retailers mentioned. They have a range of elegant and timeless designs that would be suitable for brides looking for a more traditional look with a modern twist.
Wedding Dress Cleaning: Secrets to Sparkling Gowns
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$199.99
Local tailors: get a bespoke dress made
If you're looking for an alternative wedding dress that is truly unique, consider getting a bespoke dress made by a local tailor. This option allows you to have a dress that is completely tailored to your personal style and preferences.
To find a local tailor, you can start by searching online for custom wedding dress designers in your area. Read reviews and look at their portfolio or previous work to get a sense of their style and whether it aligns with your vision. You can also ask for recommendations from friends or family members who may have used a local tailor for their wedding dress or other formalwear.
Once you've found a few potential tailors, reach out to them to discuss your ideas and get a sense of their process and pricing. Many tailors will work with you to sketch out your dream dress and create a plan for bringing it to life. They will take your measurements to ensure a perfect fit and may offer a range of fabric options to choose from. Be sure to ask about timelines as well, as creating a bespoke dress can take several months from start to finish.
Throughout the process, communicate openly with your tailor and don't be afraid to ask questions or make adjustments. They are experts in their field and should work closely with you to ensure that your vision is realized and that you are happy with the final product.
By choosing to work with a local tailor, you'll not only have a one-of-a-kind dress that reflects your unique style, but you'll also be supporting a local business and artisan. It's a wonderful way to make your wedding day even more special and meaningful.
Spring Wedding Guest: 3/4-Sleeve Dresses for March
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Bridal designers: Hera Couture, Alexandra Grecco, Danielle Frankel Studio, etc
If you're looking for alternative wedding dresses, there are several bridal designers to consider. Hera Couture, for instance, offers a range of carefully constructed wedding dresses, combining fabrics and laces sourced globally by Katie. The dresses are designed to move gracefully with the wearer while providing gentle support. You can choose from preset categories, such as ball gown, lace, or long sleeve, or search for specific features to find your dream dress.
Alexandra Grecco is another designer to explore for unique bridal gowns. Her designs often feature modern silhouettes and unique details, like sheer sleeves or feather accents. Grecco's gowns are known for their effortless elegance, blending traditional and contemporary elements seamlessly.
Danielle Frankel Studio is renowned for its avant-garde bridal wear. The studio pushes the boundaries of traditional wedding attire, offering structured pantsuits, modern jumpsuits, and dresses with unexpected twists. Their designs often incorporate luxurious fabrics and unique textures, catering to the non-conventional bride seeking a statement-making look.
For a boho-inspired alternative, Flora and Lane offer a unique selection of non-traditional wedding dresses. Their designs include floral embroidery, celestial motifs, and colourful details, perfect for the free-spirited bride. Flora and Lane celebrate individuality, encouraging brides to embrace their unique style on their special day.
Each of these designers brings something distinct to the world of alternative bridal fashion, ensuring that brides can express their personalities and make a statement on their wedding day. Whether it's through intricate lacework, modern silhouettes, or bold departures from traditional gowns, these designers cater to those seeking something extraordinary.
The Perfect Wedding Dress Length for Your Big Day
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$53.99 $59.99
Department stores: try on prom/homecoming dresses
If you're looking for an alternative wedding dress, department stores that stock prom and homecoming dresses are a great place to start. These dresses often come in a variety of styles, colours, and sizes, and can be more affordable than traditional wedding dresses.
PromGirl, for example, offers a wide range of prom and homecoming dresses in various lengths, colours, styles, and fabrics. They cater to different budgets and carry sizes from junior to plus-size. The Dress Outlet is another option, with a selection of short beaded, sequinned, and glitter cocktail dresses, as well as short pleated and A-line cocktail dresses.
If you're looking for something more specific, WhatchamaCallit Boutique in Dallas and Fort Worth offers the latest social occasion dresses, including prom and homecoming styles. They carry designer brands like Jovani, Sherri Hill, and Amarra.
While these dresses may not be marketed specifically as wedding dresses, they can be a fantastic alternative for brides who want to break away from tradition. With a variety of styles and customisation options, you can find a dress that suits your unique taste and personality.
Additionally, you can explore options beyond the dress itself. Wolf & Rosie, for instance, offer funky jackets that can be paired with your dress to create a bold statement. Denim & Bone also provide customisable bridal denim and camo jackets for a relaxed, cool look.
Returning BHLDN Wedding Dresses: What's the Policy?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Vintage retailers: 60s/70s styles, unique and high quality
If you're looking for a vintage wedding dress with 60s/70s styles, there are a variety of retailers that offer unique and high-quality gowns.
One option is to explore vintage-inspired designs that capture the essence of the 60s and 70s while being made with modern materials and built to fit contemporary body types. These dresses can be found online through sites like VintageDancer, which offers a range of styles, including short and long maxi dresses, lace dresses, and hippie-inspired looks.
For those seeking a true vintage experience, Miranda's Vintage Bridal boutique in Cleveland specialises in one-of-a-kind restored and redesigned vintage wedding gowns. They offer unique dresses from various decades, including the 60s and 70s, and provide high-quality alteration and restoration services to ensure the perfect fit.
Another way to embrace the 60s/70s vibe is to draw inspiration from iconic figures of that era, such as Cher, Bowie, Stevie, and Diana. You can find vintage-inspired looks and 1970s wedding dress trends through authorised retailers, either in-store or online. These dresses often fuse old-school trends with futuristic elements, creating a unique and rebellious style.
Additionally, Amarra offers a collection of 70s bridal gowns, including styles that pay homage to the French actresses of the 60s and 70s, like Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin. Their dresses feature timeless bishop sleeves and captivating lace patterns, adding a touch of romantic nostalgia to your special day.
Whether you choose a true vintage dress or a vintage-inspired design, embracing the 60s/70s style for your wedding will undoubtedly add a touch of fearless romance and rebellious charm to your celebration.
Do Boutiques Rent Out Wedding Dresses?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can find alternative wedding dresses online at Olivia Bottega, Etsy, and The Knot. Online stores like Needle & Thread, Teuta Matoshi, Lirika Matoshi, Lulu's, HelloMolly, and Lace and Liberty are also good options.
Local department stores, bridal shops, and vintage retailers are good places to look for alternative wedding dresses in-store. You can also visit The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find wedding dress shops near you.
Some brands that offer alternative wedding dresses include The Couture Company, Legend, Lucy Can't Dance, Wolf & Rosie, Denim & Bone, and Flora & Lane.
Alternative wedding dresses often feature bold colours, floral embroidery, dip-dying, lace, layering, and unique silhouettes. They can also include dramatic embellishments, revealing leg slits, and non-traditional fabrics like denim and camo.
Choosing an alternative bridal gown is a great way to showcase your unique style and taste. Alternative wedding dresses can still feel bridal, but allow you to stray from tradition and incorporate your favourite colours, flowers, or other personal touches.
