Alternative wedding dresses: not so much of a white wedding 

When it comes to weddings, the image of a bride in a traditional white gown often springs to mind. However, many modern brides are venturing beyond the conventional and seeking non-traditional wedding dresses that break the mould. If you’re looking to make a bold statement on your big day, consider these alternative wedding dress styles that promise to captivate your guests from head to toe.  

The black wedding dress  

Traditionally considered taboo, the black wedding dress has emerged as a symbol of elegance and sophistication. It is perfect for brides who want to express their individuality and perhaps a touch of gothic romance, weather that’s matching their ceremony or expressing their personal style even on their big day. Designers like Vera Wang have pioneered this trend, showcasing stunning black gowns that exude luxury. Her collections often feature intricate lace detailing and dramatic silhouettes that redefine bridal wear into a quirky, full of fun fashion. For that extra level of individuality, Many brides are pairing black dresses with contrasting accessories, such as white bouquets or silver jewellery, to create a striking effect.  

The floral wedding dress  

Unlike the delicate florals we’ve mentioned before in our lace and embellishments posts these Floral patterns inject a sense of whimsy and colour into a wedding ensemble. These dresses are ideal for spring or garden weddings, offering a fresh and lively alternative to solid colours. Vibrant hues, pastels and multi colour blooms bring brides a sense of eco-friendly enjoyment, taking away from plain white traditions. Designers like Monique Lhuillier is renowned for her use of floral motifs. Her dresses often feature delicate embroidery and hand-painted flowers that seem to bloom with every step the bride takes.  

The pantsuit dress  

Perfect for the non-traditional or mature bride who values comfort and modern style, the bridal jumpsuit or pantsuit is a chic alternative to the classic gown. The Sustainable Stella McCartney’s bridal collection includes sleek jumpsuits that combine simplicity with elegance. These pieces are tailored to perfection, offering a contemporary look that still feels bridal with campaigns, whites and ivory’s being a key element to their creation the pantsuit is a nod to a traditional wedding with extra flare for your day. Brides are accessorizing with statement belts and bold heels to add a touch of personality to their ensemble making each element unique.  

The coloured wedding dress   

From soft pastels to bold jewel tones, coloured wedding dresses allow brides to express their personal style and stand out on their special day. With tones of blue, blush, red and emerald, designers like Jenny Packham are featuring coloured gowns with exquisite beading and embellishments. This style is particularly perfect for brides who want to make a statement without sacrificing elegance. Although not still trending now ombre effects and dip-dye techniques were popular choices for brides looking to add a unique twist to their coloured dresses. But who needs to follow trends?  

The vintage dress  

Drawing inspiration from bygone eras, vintage-inspired dresses offer a timeless appeal. These dresses often feature intricate lace, beading, and classic silhouettes. Claire Pettibone’s vintage-inspired collection captures the romance of the past with a modern flair keeping traditional colours like ivory and white. Her designs often include delicate lace and ethereal layers that create a dreamy aesthetic. Brides are pairing these gowns with vintage accessories, such as heirloom jewellery or lace veils, to complete the look, whether its from the 1800s of 1950s, the dresses are sure to blow away your guests and give a completely unique experience for your day.  

Choosing a wedding dress is a deeply personal decision, and non-traditional wedding dresses offer endless possibilities for brides looking to break away from the norm. Whether you’re drawn to the drama of a black dress, the romance of florals, the modernity of a jumpsuit, the boldness of colour, or the nostalgia of vintage, there’s an alternative style that’s perfect for you. 

Remember to support local designers and boutiques as you plan your wedding—these businesses are the heart of creativity and craftsmanship in your community. And keep an eye on Owlfire’s social media posts by Emma and Kimberly, coming in the next hour, for even more inspiration on how to make your special day even better.  

So why not dare to be different? After all, your wedding day is the perfect opportunity to showcase your unique style and personality. Embrace the unexpected and make your wedding day one to remember with a dress that’s as special as you are! 

Bio

Hey, I’m Emma, 

I’m a media marketing intern at Owlfire and a textile design student at Birmingham City University! My passions lie in hand embroidery and fashion writing which I hope to make into a career after I graduate. My hobbies include everything crafty from hand weaving to painting just two of the many things I love to do in my spare time.  

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