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Weddings

10 non-traditional wedding dresses for the unique bride

Separates, bright colors, minis, and more.

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Nowhere in the non-existent wedding rulebook does it say your wedding dress has to be white. Or cut in a traditional shape with traditional fabrics. Or a dress at all! These days wedding wear is as unique as you are.

That could mean rocking an ensemble of separates or showing off some serious leg in a mini dress. Perhaps you’d be more comfortable in a jumpsuit or want to surprise your guests with an anything-but-white saturated hue. Whatever you choose, be bold and be yourself.

Scroll on for ten non-traditional wedding dresses for a non-traditional bride.

1. A surprising set of separates

Celebrate your big day by opting for one of these non-traditional wedding dress ideas from BHLDN.
Credit: BHLDN

Celebrate your big day by opting for one of these non-traditional wedding dress ideas from BHLDN.

Here’s betting no one will expect you to walk down the aisle in separates. For this set, multiple layers of organza bands were laid atop each other to create a strapless corset bodice and coordinating flared skirt with a long, sweeping train. The result is an unexpected, textural bridal ensemble that shows off just a sliver of your upper midriff.

** Get the Calypso Top from BHLND for $118* ** Get the Calypso Skirt from BHLND for $950*

2. A lovely lace midi dress

Celebrate your big day by opting for one of these non-traditional wedding dress ideas from Lulus.
Credit: Lulus

Celebrate your big day by opting for one of these non-traditional wedding dress ideas from Lulus.

This off-the-shoulder number is as sweet as can be. The mid-calf length and floral lace fabric (don’t worry – there’s a light nude liner underneath) make it a natural fit for a garden wedding or outdoor fête of any kind. Between the sexy v-neck, short eyelash lace sleeves, and tiers of lace, it’s hard to pick a favorite feature of this dress.

Get the Absolutely Stunning White Lace Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress from Lulu’s for $79

3. A colorful and eye-catching ball gown

Celebrate your big day by opting for one of these non-traditional wedding dress ideas from Nordstrom.
Credit: Nordstrom

Celebrate your big day by opting for one of these non-traditional wedding dress ideas from Nordstrom.

The notion that wedding dresses have to be white is outdated and eye-roll worthy. If you’re a colorful bride, choose a colorful dress, like this ombré purple and pink ball gown. The layers of tulle in a princess cut feel oh-so bridal, even if the dress’s colors are anything but traditional.

Get the Ombré Tulle Ballgown from Nordstrom for $398

4. A beautiful, intricately beaded stunner

Celebrate your big day by opting for one of these non-traditional wedding dress ideas from BHLDN.
Credit: BHLDN

Celebrate your big day by opting for one of these non-traditional wedding dress ideas from BHLDN.

Oh, hello gorgeous! The shape of this maxi dress may be somewhat traditional, and the tulle fabric definitely is too, but the flourishes of intricate hand-beaded floral designs make the dress anything but. This dress would be a standout for any bride.

Get the Robina Dress from BHLDN for $498

5. An option for the bold, sensual bride

Celebrate your big day by opting for one of these non-traditional wedding dress ideas from Lulus.
Credit: Lulus

Celebrate your big day by opting for one of these non-traditional wedding dress ideas from Lulus.

Ooh, la la! For a wedding dress with serious sex appeal, slip into this champagne-colored number, which features detailed floral embroidery atop sheer mesh (yes, it’s fully lined), and spaghetti straps that crisscross over an open back. Oh, and there’s a thigh-high side slit too.

Get the Dazzled Up Champagne Embroidered Backless Maxi Dress from Lulu’s for $99

6. A breezy bohemian mini

Celebrate your big day by opting for one of these non-traditional wedding dress ideas from Free People.
Credit: Free People

Celebrate your big day by opting for one of these non-traditional wedding dress ideas from Free People.

Boho brides, this one is for you. This mini dress is a beauty, featuring floral adornments, vintage-inspired bell-style sleeves, and an easy, breezy shape. If you’d rather not wear white, it’s also available in four other colors.

Get the Flora Mini Dress from Free People for $475

7. An elegant option for a minimalist bride

Celebrate your big day by opting for one of these non-traditional wedding dress ideas from Etsy.
Credit: Etsy

Celebrate your big day by opting for one of these non-traditional wedding dress ideas from Etsy.

Long, dramatic sleeves, a down-to-there deep v-neck, and a sweeping train – how could we possibly pick a favorite aspect of this satin wedding dress? Since it’s made to order (by hand!) by an Etsy designer, you can customize the color, train length, and sleeves to your liking. Though non-traditional, this wedding dress is bound to look classic for decades to come.

Get the Minimalist Mermaid Wedding Dress from Etsy for $248

8. A sleek dress with unexpected cutouts

Celebrate your big day by opting for one of these non-traditional wedding dress ideas from Reformation.
Credit: Reformation

Celebrate your big day by opting for one of these non-traditional wedding dress ideas from Reformation.

A non-traditional wedding dress doesn’t have to be a wild color or elaborate design. It could simply mean a stunning dress with one unexpected feature, like the side cutouts and open back on this sleek and sexy Reformation dress. The cutouts are balanced perfectly with its full length and puff sleeves.

Get the Tori Dress from Reformation for $488

9. One ensemble, two looks

Celebrate your big day by opting for one of these non-traditional wedding dress ideas from BHLDN.
Credit: BHLDN

Celebrate your big day by opting for one of these non-traditional wedding dress ideas from BHLDN.

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a wedding dress jumpsuit! This super chic set – with a tailored crepe jumpsuit and sweeping, removable Mikado skirt – offers you two distinct looks in one ensemble. Float down the aisle with the skirt on, then come reception time, ditch the skirt, and dance the night away in just the jumpsuit.

Get the Sachin & Babi Poppy Jumpsuit Set from BHLDN for $800

10. A mini dress with max style

Celebrate your big day by opting for one of these non-traditional wedding dress ideas from Etsy.
Credit: Etsy

Celebrate your big day by opting for one of these non-traditional wedding dress ideas from Etsy.

This non-traditional wedding dress is for maximalist brides only. Whether you’re marrying barefoot on the beach or rocking sky-high heels in a big city wedding, this short tulle dress is bound to turn heads. Its fashion-forward features include a high neckline, puff sleeves, and ruffles.

Get the Short Tulle Wedding Dress from Etsy for $422

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