Fashion

18 Unique Wedding Dresses For The Alternative Bride

From mini dresses to pantsuits, show your personality on your big day

by Jenna Igneri

When it comes to planning the wedding day, modern women are beginning to shy away from the traditional. The days of typical meringue dresses, that have become the norm over the years (176 years, to be exact—all thanks to Queen Victoria who started the white wedding gown trend), are starting to become a thing of the past. Today’s brides are much more adventurous and unconventional. They want their big day to be unique, from their dresses and engagement rings down to their choice of a ceremony venue.

We rounded up some of the coolest wedding dress alternatives that are out there today, from art deco gowns to slinky jumpsuits. Whether you’re feeling a bohemian-inspired getup, a plain silk slip, or plan to skip the dress altogether and rock a pantsuit instead, these 18 styles will certainly allow you to show your personality on your big day.

The best part? These alternative styles usually end up being much more affordable than your typical wedding gown. Not only will you be the coolest bride around, but your wallet will thank you for it too.

Click through the gallery below to see our picks.

Photo courtesy of Stone Cold Fox.

Stone Cold Fox, Friar Gown, $675, available at Stone Cold Fox.

Photo courtesy of BCBG.

BCBG, Lloyd Open-Front Layered Jacket $228, available at BCBG; BCBG, Warren Cuffed Trousers, $158, available at BCBG.

Photo courtesy of Urban Outfitters.

Silence + Noise, Origami Plunging Jumpsuit, $149, available at Urban Outfitters.   

Photo courtesy of Free People.

Free People, One Valentina Maxi, $198, available at Free People.

Photo courtesy of Fashion Bunker.

Keepsake, Let It Go Jumpsuit, $230, available at Fashion Bunker.

Photo courtesy of ASOS.

ASOS Premium, Satin Double Breasted Suit Jacket, $94, available at ASOS; ASOS Premium, Satin Culotte Suit Pant, $65, available at ASOS.

Photo courtesy of Topshop.

Topshop, Lace Mini Dress, $100, available at Topshop.   

Photo courtesy of Net-a-Porter.

Ellery, Radiate Crepe Dress, $610, available at Net-A-Porter.

Photo courtesy of BHLDN.

BHLDN, Paulette Dress, $490, available at BHLDN.

Photo courtesy of NYLONshop.

Motel Rocks, Nude Strappy Mini Dress, $60, available at NYLONshop.   

Photo courtesy of Pixie Market.

For Love And Lemons, Gianna Lace Apron Dress, $249, available at Pixie Market.

Photo courtesy of Forward by Elyse Walker.

Ryan Roche, French Lace Dress, $1,610, available at Forward by Elyse Walker.   

Photo courtesy of Tibi.

Tibi, Silk Bias Slip Dress, $695, available at Tibi.

Photo courtesy of Bona Drag.

AWAVEAWAKE, Lace Bodice Bias Gown, $974, available at Bona Drag.   

Photo courtesy of Mara Hoffman.

Mara Hoffman, Persephone Fringe Gown, $750, available at Mara Hoffman.

Photo courtesy of H&M.

H&M, Linen & Silk-Blend Dress, $299, available at H&M.

Photo courtesy of ModCloth.

ModCloth, To Have And To Haute Dress, $300, available at ModCloth.   

Photo courtesy of Reformation.

Reformation, Francesca Dress, $488, available at Reformation.