30 Alternative & Non-Traditional Wedding Dresses for 2023
Author: Gracie Pritchard
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Gone are the days when brides felt the need to emulate their mothers or satisfy their Aunts’ demands for a particular shape, or style of wedding dresses. We are now, for the most part, free to dress how we please, in a style that makes us feel beautiful. And if that means we’re going to wear a jumpsuit, instead of a ballgown, so be it. In fact, we might even wear black!
It’s not simply the style of wedding dresses that are changing, it’s the place that they’re purchased from too. Brides no longer need to visit a tired old wedding shop to try on a wedding dress. They can browse online, or pop in-store to one of the many high-street retailers now designing collections specifically for brides. And at prices that will fit into any budget. Because why do you need to spend an actual fortune on a dress you know you’ll only wear once?
So if you’re looking for practical, alternative wedding dresses that will look stunning on your big day, and also gorgeous when needed for your next soiree — then keep on scrolling.
Non-Bridal Fashion Alternative Dresses for a Wedding
1. Lillian Rose Ankle Gown by Needle & Thread, £644
This elegant floral dress may be vintage-inspired, but it’s anything but traditional. Crafted from layers of intricately embroidered trailing rose motifs, carefully placed on flowing tulle and soft net — this beautiful long-sleeve floral dress is an effortless alternative to the typical spring wedding dress.
2. Aldorra by Ted Baker, £188
3. Ruby Satin Charmeuse Dress by BHLDN, £220
This dress was designed to shine, and offers elegance without overstatement. It’s a look that says, ‘I just slipped this on, but I know it looks damn good’. With a high cross-over halter, and sensual low back, this BHLDN gown is a stunning alternative to your classic wedding look.
4. Lelly by Ted Baker, £139
This is the type of dress that can take you anywhere. Designed to be worn, and crafted to flatter, we know you’ll love how you feel when you slip this on during your wedding morning preparations. But we also believe, styled up or down, this gown can be your go-to choice for any trendy occasion.
5. Mylee Tie Waist Jumpsuit by Phase Eight, £183.75
If you’re anything like us, you never feel more cool and collected than when you’re rocking a jumpsuit. Except when nature calls… But aside from that, a jumpsuit can be one of the most forgiving items in our wardrobe, and also one of the most elegant choices for a wedding. This bold and modern style from Phase Eight benefits from a luxurious wide-leg silhouette, short round sleeves and useful buckle belt to cinch in your waist.
6. Leyora by Ted Baker, £98
7. Sheath Knee Length Velvet Dress from COCOMELODY, £149.99
If you’re already going down the route of an unconventional wedding dress, there’s nothing to stop you from picking a coloured bridal gown. And black may not be the obvious choice for a wedding, but we think this little velvet number would look devilishly chic during your stylish nuptials. And it’s got this seasons’ must have addition, puffy sleeves.
8. Maxi Dress in Powder Pink by Lace & Beads at ASOS, £100
You’d be forgiven for thinking that this floaty number was designed to be a wedding dress, but it wasn’t! In fact, this stand out number made from lightweight, layered tulle was created to look striking at any major occasion. Just maybe don’t wear it to someone else’s wedding!
9. Alessandra Sequin Jumpsuit by Phase Eight, £360
A sparkly jumpsuit, is there anything more non-traditional than that as a wedding dress? Not sure there is, but we believe this sequinned outfit won’t just dazzle on the dance floor. It’ll also shine on the aisle. Designed with a flattering, and modern wide leg, this Phase Eight piece is the perfect choice for a modern bride who wants to feel herself on her wedding day.
10. Satin Sheath Dress by COCOMELODY, £149.99
This stunning wedding dress from COCOMELODY is sleekness personified. You cannot fail to look your most lovely self with this silky satin sheath accentuating your curves. While the sweeping sleeves offer a comforting, and unique touch. The look is completed by a daring low cut back with gathered sleeve detail.
Unconventional High Street Bridal Styles
11. Sachin & Babi Archie Dress from BHLDN, £395
We love a gown that is two looks in one, and this LWD is ticking all our boxes. Made from a breezy dupioni that will give you the lightness you need to navigate your day, while also being tailored to give you a flattering fit. This show stopping style will delight down the aisle, and then come into its own, as you whip off that oversized bow, and enter the dance floor.
12. Dora Midi Bridal with Removable Cape by Monsoon, £349
Taking you from aisle, to drinks on the lawn, this super flexible bridal gown is cut to complement with a hemline just below the knee. And it’s crafted from an endlessly pretty paisley-embroidered pattern lace that gifts a classical nod, without losing its modern flair. And that removable cape gifts you two unique looks’ as you transition through the wedding.
13. Audrey Scatter Sequin by ASOS, £180
We’ve gone full boho bride with this one. An effortlessly cool wedding gown dotted with sequins, and designed using a sheer chiffon that gracefully catches the summer breeze. This big day gown is perfect for the daring bride who’s not afraid to embrace a deep v-front and v-back on her frock.
14. Together Forever Sweater & Skirt by marryandbride at BHLDN, Price Upon Request
If you’re marrying in the cooler months, then why not consider a sweet little jumper as part of your dream day ensemble. This cosy puff-sleeve sweater is perfect for keeping out the chill, while also giving you that modern look you’ve been wanting to rock so much. And this cute little pullover pairs perfectly with that floaty, silk chiffon skirt. Offering a subtly dramatic look with wedding separates that are timelessly modern.
15. The Tailory New York x BHLDN Westlake Suit Jacket & Suit Pant, £350
The very definition of an unconventional bride, is stealing the suit from the boys. And this dream of a white outfit will never fail to look super cool, with a couture look, at an attainable price tag. This is one of our favourite jacket and trouser combos, as it offers a sultry twist on classical feminine detailing, and pairs it so well with that expert tailoring.
16. Cadie Suit Jacket & Wide Leg Trousers by Phase Eight, £240
We’re following up that romantic jacket and trouser look, with this super modern suit from Phase Eight. This single-breasted gem of a jacket is designed to reflect real, contemporary women, and their search for current occasion dressing. Because this outfit can be worn as a ‘wedding dress’, but there’s no reason why it cannot be your first pick for any stylish soirée, especially when paired with some awesome heels.
17. Maxi Dress with Cape by Y.A.S Bridal at ASOS, £110
This bridal dress may be understated, but it still demands attention. Woven from a lightweight fabric, this high-neck gown is both fun, and refined — making it the perfect choice for Summer, or a romantic beach bridal.
18. Fun Tea Length from COCOMELODY, £289
Ask any bridal boutique, and they’ll tell you that the A-line is the most flattering silhouette. It hugs you in all the right places, and accentuates the bits you love. Now, pair that with this styles’ tea-length skirt, and you’ve got a match made in heaven! Because a hemline that falls just below the knee elongates your legs, while also celebrating your amazing shoes! This vintage-inspired number would be a superb city gown, looking gorgeous in your wedding photography backdropped by some trendy brickwork buildings.
19. Taffeta Puff Sleeve Midi by Self Portrait, £330
Your 2023 wardrobe is definitely not complete without a puffed sleeve, and this fun style from Self Portrait is the perfect way to rock this trend on your wedding. Ruched on the bodice to offer a favourable shape up top, while that white taffeta has been carefully crafted into a soft A-line silhouette. Style it with a simple necklace over that square neck, a dip pair of shoes, and you couldn’t look more current.
20. Annie by Phase Eight, £325
A breath-taking twist on what constitutes a look to be worn by a bride. We are in love with midi-length dresses right now, and this intricately embellished little number from Phase Eight has well and truly stolen our heart. Featuring a dainty, frilled high illusion neckline, and a sweetheart underneath, this pretty boho gown is all about the details.
Sustainable/Recyclable Alternative Wedding Dresses
21. Portofino by Reformation, £350
Look super chic, and a little bit sexy while being totally sustainable in this slim-fitting dress from Reformation. Made from a very lightweight georgette fabric, this stunning style is perfect for a beachfront wedding, or any cool occasion in the sun.
22. Stardust by Lost in Paris, £2,400
Handcrafted from unearthed vintage cotton Quaker lace, this unique wedding dress is not just pretty, it’s good for our planet too! It would make a gorgeous choice for a vintage style garden wedding, with its natural look, and breathable fabric. Plus, there’s a nude-coloured silk slip underneath, so you’ll feel comfortable (and respectable) throughout the wedding.
23. Valerie by IndieBride, £650
This lovely boho style by IndieBride is destined to impress at your alternative wedding, and maybe any other colourful occasion you’ve got in your diary! Handmade in London, and created using lace manufactured in the UK, this sustainable style has not had to travel far to look this good. Inspired by vintage gowns of old, but with modern construction, it is one of our favourite wedding dresses on this list because it is so effortlessly flattering, with a couture like feel.
24. The Athena Dress by Christy Dawn, £1,800
There’s not many styles of wedding dresses that can create a freeing experience, normally they are quite constrictive, and bullish in their construction. Whereas a wraparound gown offers a relaxed, untethered experience, without losing any inch of flattery in its silhouette. This refined piece from the Christy Dawn collection featured a plunging deep v-neckline, floaty sleeves and a glamorous multi-tiered skirt — all crafted from 100% dead stock pearl silk. Choose this for your alternative wedding on the lawn, and you’ll love how that silk catches the warm breeze in your photography!
25. Aman Top, Jacket and Skirt by Cortana, Price Upon Request
We said this list would be full of wedding dresses that didn’t fit the norm, and this is probably the least traditional of the gowns in the collection! Custom-made in the Cortana studio in Barcelona, this top, skirt, and jacket combo is a world away from your standard boutique bought gown. It demands confidence in the bride, but if you’ve got it, this ensemble will look awesome at (almost) any type of nuptials.
26. Florence by Laudae, £2,950
Calling all forward-thinking brides, who also love the planet, we’ve found your look. Crafted to be fun, fashionable and thoroughly flattering, this trendsetting crêpe style is the perfect combination of sleek, and pretty. Its lace puff sleeves are dotted throughout, which continues down through into an adorable peekaboo skirt. And if you’re worried about comfort as you navigate your celebrations, have no fear, as this statement-making dress has lightweight Italian stretch lining too.
27. The Obsession Dress by Rolling in Roses, Price Upon Request
We love the little details on this radiant white dress. From the Swarovski pearl and gold-plated button, to the sophisticated keyhole back, through to the gathered cuffs — there’s not one inch of this wonderful piece that hasn’t been carefully thought out. And that’s without mentioning the sustainability of the Rolling in the Roses dresses. This style in particular is made using satin created from recycled bottles reclaimed from the ocean. And it’s bamboo lining, and fibres are all organically, and ethically produced as part of a closed-loop system. Gorgeous, and good for the world, win-win.
28. Monroe by IndieBride, £1,700
Inspired by Marilyn, and created for the modern bride — this softly feminine number is perfect for a garden wedding, or nuptials on the sand. With frilly sleeves, a floaty skirt and a cute keyhole back, it’s a whole lot of boho — but without losing its flattering silhouette. And if you’re thinking about accessories, we believe the only thing you’ll need is a fresh bunch of flowers!
29. Baldry by Roland Mouret, £1,850
Weddings are made for dancing, and this has to be one of the best dresses in our sustainable collection for twirling on the dance floor! A reimagined Roland Mouret classic, this sleeveless design uses sophisticated white diamond silk cotton to create a fun, tea-length silhouette. A luxurious choice for a Summer’s eve celebrations.
30. Winslow Dress by Reformation, £285
We could not dip out of this sustainable dresses list without featuring another beauty from Reformation. It is one of those gowns that could take you anywhere, from bridesmaid to guest, to the bride themselves. It’s luxurious in its construction, but still a functional wraparound at heart, with adjustable ties on the waist to help you tailor the fit. If you’re slipping into this frock yourself as the bride, then you’ll appreciate the added breathability of the high thigh slit, and the hint of sensuality it brings.
That’s all for our list of 30 non-traditional wedding dresses. Looking for more wedding inspiration? Check out 60 of our favourite mother or the bride dresses!