40 Alternative Wedding Dresses: The Best Statement Styles
Be a bold and non traditional bride – and create a gorgeous talking point – by choosing one of these stunning alternative wedding dresses
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Much as we love classic bridal looks, we know not everyone wants to go traditional. If you're keen to do something different on your big day, there are some amazing alternative wedding dresses - we've rounded up our favourites.
Whether you want to take to the aisle in a colour other than white, go totally relaxed with a boho wedding dress or rock a unique silhouette, we have a look for you. There are vintage-inspired styles as well as ultra-contemporary, straight-from-the-catwalk dresses. We've also found wedding dresses that allow plenty of customisation, so you can create a unique gown.
When it comes to wedding day style, there really are no rules - unless of course you're having a religious ceremony that requires dressing in a particular way. If that's the case, you can always have a different wedding reception dress, to switch up your look into party mode.
Whatever your personal aesthetic, there's an alternative wedding dress out there for you. Happy shopping!
- Non Traditional Alternative Wedding Dresses
- Alternative Gothic Wedding Dresses
- Alternative Wedding Dresses That Are Not White
- Plus Size Alternative Wedding Dresses
Non Traditional Alternative Wedding Dresses
These looks from the coolest brands will make a real style statement, thanks to their distinctive fashion-led details.
1. Interactive Elliot Dress - £1,150, Cimone
Cimone's aesthetic is based around 'disruptive luxury' - high-end looks with unexpected, playful elements. The Elliot dress sums that up perfectly. The hem is filled with polyester balls that create a static charge as they move, giving the dress an ever-changing silhouette. If you're a fashion adventurer, prepare to add this to your virtual basket.
2. BB: 06 - POA, Bon Bridé
The overall elements of a classic wedding dress are here - maxi length, white. But it's the cool design details of this Bon Bidé gown that make it alternative, from the cut-out waist to the roll neck. Utterly chic, utterly current.
3. Sequin Crepe Mini Dress - £320, Self-Portrait
You can always rely on fashion insiders' favourite Self-Portrait for something cool and unusual. Their bridal collection is full of alternative pieces, but as fans of short wedding dresses, we were drawn to this mini. The collared neck and volume sleeves make it feel so fresh.
4. Loyola Set - £1,650, Grace Loves Lace
Nobody does boho-luxe quite like Grace Loves Lace. This Loyola two-piece is a case in point. The easy-wearing top is sexy and carefree, and matches perfectly with the exuberant flowing skirt. Discover more wedding separates here.
5. Ada - £POA, Eliza Jane Howell
If you're into a vintage look, you need to know about Eliza Jane Howell's Roaring Twenties collection. This features glamorous gowns inspired by - you guessed it - the Jazz Age. Ada is one of our favourites for that Art Deco neckline detailing and the flapper-esque fringing.
READ MORE: Our Favourite 1920s Wedding Dresses
6. Eleanora Embroidered Tulle & Crepe Mini Dress - £831.60, Rime Arodaky at Net-A-Porter
Rime Arodaky is our go-to brand for sexy wedding dresses - like the Eleanora mini dress. The flower-bedecked tulle bodice is just so pretty, and we love the hint of lace in the skirt.
7. Francis - £POA, Pronovias
For a look that's alternative but still suffused with bridal glamour, this Pronovias gown is just the ticket. The knife-pleated skirt and asymmetric lace insert put a contemporary twist on the traditional wedding dress.
8. Ermen - £3,300, KATYA KATYA
Edwardian meets boho in KATYA KATYA'S fabulous Ermen dress. Romantic ruffles, a Swarovski crystal-embellished waist and that floral high neck combine to elegant effect. Match this with floral bridesmaid dresses.
9. Siren Dress - £1,290, Jessica Choay
The bodice of this Jessica Choay dress is a cool twist on classic lace, and it pairs beautifully with the fluid skirt. Discover more simple wedding dresses here, if you want a classic take.
10. Scarlett Dress - £649, Whistles
The Scarlett wedding dress from Whistles is such an elegant proposition. We love the clean lines of the silhouette, and there's an open back to add a sensual note.
READ MORE: The Best Winter Wedding Dresses
11. Apple Butterfly Dress - £POA, Halfpenny London
British designer Kate Halfpenny is known for putting a cool but wearable spin on classic bridal looks. With the Apple Butterfly dress, it's all in the fabric choice, with a highly textured lace adding drama.
12. Leia - £POA, Rita Colson
What makes Rita Colson's designs so special is that she knows exactly how to interpret trends to create wedding looks that are precision-engineered to make brides feel amazing. This Leia dress is a prime example. It has beautiful movement, and a bodice design you won't see anywhere else.
13. Style HB6639 - $950 Approx. £773, Saja
We don't often see a racer back on a wedding gown - but this Saja dress has got us thinking it's a feature we'd like to see more. The look is cool and sophisticated, particularly against the clean silhouette of the dress.
14. Ilkin Tie Dress - £326, Sir.
Australian brand Sir. is a real go-to for cool dressing, and we think their Ilkin cut-out gown is a great boho-inspired wedding gown alternative.
15. Cardell Top - £POA, Charlie Brear
This starry ensemble is actually a simple wedding dress with a fun mesh cover up over the top. It completely changes the look into something different if you want to mix it up from a traditional wedding dress to an unusual outfit for the evening. If you love this, you'll adore our round up of the best celestial wedding dresses.
READ MORE: 27 Fabulous Black Wedding Dresses for Non-Traditional Brides
16. Style VRM250 - £POA, Viktor & Rolf
If you fell in love with Lucy Watson's ruffled wedding dress, you'll be equally as excited about Viktor & Rolf's gorgeous offering. It takes the statement skirt style to a whole new stunning level!
17. The Siara Dress - £380, Solace London
Sometimes simplicity speaks louder than a show-stopping design. Just take the Siara dress. There's no sparkle, no embellishment - just luxe fabric and a wonderful silhouette and single sleeve.
18. Look 5 Spring 2022 - £POA, Oscar dela Renta
Switch out a traditional wedding veil for this Oscar de la Renta gown which features a built-in cape giving a similar affect. It's a lovely alternative to a longer train.
19. Carrie Bow Satin Midi Bridal Dress - £249, Monsoon
Don't want to push the boat out too much? The Carrie dress from Monsoon is the perfect combination of contemporary and cool, boasting a full midi skirt in ivory with a glorious oversized bow. See more wedding dresses with bows here.
20. Weiss Linen Dress – £218, Reformation
For a fun twist on your wedding dress, consider this playful cherry print alternative wedding dress from Reformation. We would wear this after the big day in the summer so it's a brilliant investment.
READ MORE: 43 of Our Favourite Off the Shoulder Wedding Dresses
21. Shell Cup Detail Satin Maxi Dress – £139, Coast
As far as beach wedding dresses go, it's hard to beat this shell-inspired beauty! The striking scallop cups are a really special detail and one we reckon you and your guests won't have seen before.
22. One Shoulder Crepe Dress – £325, Haltson at Net-A-Porter
A mini wedding dress can still be classy and sophisticated as shown by Halston's sleek style. The one-shoulder cape is a flattering feature and would look gorgeous if worn on your honeymoon as well.
23. Halter Neck Long Sleeve Midi Dress – £25, Boohoo
Combining two of our favourite trends, halter neck wedding dresses and long sleeve wedding dresses, this design from Boohoo is lightweight so would be great if you are getting married during the warmer months.
24. Mirrored Cutwork Maxi Dress – £479, Karen Millen
Part of Lydia Millen's edit for Karen Millen, this unusual wedding dress is designed with mirrored cut-out fabric, Victorian-style billowing sleeves, and a high neck bodice.
READ MORE: 25 Swoon-Worthy Satin Wedding Dresses
25. Sparkle Tweed Pleated Skirt Midi Dress – £239, Karen Millen
We love how this outfit from Karen Millen gives the illusion of bridal separates but it's actually a dress. Finish the look off with a chic pair of bridal sunglasses.
Alternative Gothic Black Wedding Dresses
If you are looking for a truly alternative wedding dress then a black wedding dress could be perfect for you!
26. Zander – £POA, Sottero & Midgley
The Zanda dress by Sottero & Midgley is a statement choice and perfect for brides who want to step away from the norm. Contrasting lace and tulle are layered together to create a stunning look, and 3D floral motifs are used throughout the dress to add a textured finish.
27. Style 69375 – £POA, Ronald Joyce
If you are looking for an alternative wedding dress that is full of drama then style 69375 from Ronald Joyce could be the ideal gown for you. Long sleeves and a fitted bodice lead into a ruffled ballgown skirt.
28. Pulp Fiction Dress - £2,650, Lucy Can't Dance
It's easy to see why Pulp Fiction is one of the most popular designs at cool British design studio Lucy Can't Dance. The silhouette is stunning, and the dress is customisable - you can choose the colour of the dip dye and the style of lace top - giving you a unique wedding gown.
Alternative Wedding Dresses That Are Not White
Who says your wedding dress has to be white? Alternative brides will love mixing up traditional bridal silhouettes with bold colours and unique fabrics. Take a look at some of our favourite colourful alternative wedding dresses.
29. Emmy Dress - Approx. £1,059, Sweet Caroline
Looking for a showstopper? This Sweet Caroline gown is it. Sparkling sequins meet a plunging neckline and high thigh slit to an utterly dazzling effect.
READ MORE: The Best Wedding Dress Shops in London
30. Maneesh - £3,150, Rue de Seine
Let your dress take centre stage with this ethereal creation from French bridal design house Rue de Seine. The shades and pattern are most alluring, and we love the billowy sleeves as boho finishing touches.
31. Gardenia - £POA, House of Mooshki
You will definitely make an entrance in House of Mooshki's showstopping floral ballgown and cape. It's a gloriously pretty look, but if you don't feel up to a four-metre cape, you can just buy the beautiful, flower-strewn lace-tulle dress, which makes plenty of impact on its own.
32. Style 69426 – £POA, Ronald Joyce
Style 69426 from Ronald Joyce shows how floral wedding dresses can be bright, bold and daring. We love the dramatic print on this ballgown wedding dresses and the fitted bodice and spaghetti straps give a beautiful shape to the dress.
33. Lulu White Dress - £395, Nadine Merabi
The Lulu dress by Nadine Merabi is certainly a showstopper and ideal if your wedding day is all about having fun. From the flattering square neckline down to the fluttery feather hem, it's spectacular.
34. Genevieve Ruffle Gown - £480, Needle & Thread
Who says you have to wear white? A bridal outfit is all about making you feel special, and the frothy layers of romantic pastel pink in this Genevieve dress are more than worthy of a walk down the aisle.
READ MORE: 37 of the Best Pink Wedding Dresses
35. Style 8295 – £POA, Mori Lee
If you want to be pretty in pink on your wedding day, this strapless pink wedding gown from Mori Lee will suit you perfectly. The traditional ballgown style and pretty pastel hue work beautifully together.
36. Gail Embellished Dress – £110, Monsoon
Upon first glance you might wonder what is so alternative about this Monsoon wedding dress? Well, it's a fabulous soft shade of blue. This subtle hue is a beautiful alternative to white if you don't want to go too bold.
37. Madison Dress – £145, Ghost
Ghost design the most beautiful, traditional wedding dress silhouettes but this style has been given a vibrant makeover! If you aren't keen on pink, it is available in several other colours including lilac and navy.
Plus Size Alternative Wedding Dresses
These plus size alternative wedding dresses are simply stunning and available in inclusive sizes. From high street brands to designer buys, they'll suit all budgets too.
38. Gatsby Dress – £505, Reformation
We're yet to find a Reformation dress we haven't fallen in love with and the same can be said for the Gatsby dress. The blue and floral print is giving us Bridgerton wedding dress vibes.
39. Peaches Smocked Ankle Gown – £360, Needle & Thread
Frothy, romantic and ethereal, the Peaches gown by Needle & Thread is sugary sweet and oh so pretty. It'll look fabulous when photographed thanks to the textured tulle.
READ MORE: 24 Stunning Wedding Dresses With Bows
40. Strapless Fit and Flare Wedding Dress – £POA, Stella York
Stella York is our go-to designer for size-inclusive wedding dresses - this style combines a fit and flare silhouette with a mesmerising beaded bodice for a breath-taking finish.
Where To Buy An Alternative Wedding Dress?
If you're after a wedding dress that is full of personality there are some amazing bridalwear designers that offer stylish and unique designs that are still totally wedding-appropriate. Check out Lucy Can't Dance for impressive ombre styles, Charlie Brear for out-of-this-world celestial separates and Needle & Thread for romantic and whimsical frocks.
You can also find alternative wedding dresses on the high street with brands such as Coast and Karen Millen stocking collections of affordable and quirky pieces.
Looking for another way to put a twist on tradition? Check out the best wedding dresses with secret messages