Alternative Attire for a Fashion-Forward Wedding

Diving into something a little different than my usual content with this one, so here goes. When it comes to weddings, traditional attire usually involves a white gown for the bride and a tuxedo for the groom (and the same for same-sex weddings: tuxes for both grooms, and white gowns for both brides). However, not every couple wants a traditional wedding, and that includes the wedding attire. If you’re a fashion-forward couple who wants to break the rules and try something new, there are plenty of alternative wedding attire options that you can consider. I want to chat about this a little bit, because I think it is extremely important to tailor your wedding day fully to your personality as a couple, and fashion plays a huge part!
I’m also calling all my future couples here – let’s see your amazing, non-traditional wedding attire so I can fill this blog in with gorgeous images!

1. The Jumpsuit

A jumpsuit is a great alternative to a traditional wedding dress. It’s comfortable, stylish, and perfect for a modern and unconventional bride. You can choose a jumpsuit in white or ivory to keep with the traditional wedding color palette, or you can opt for a bold and colorful jumpsuit to make a statement. If you want to dig into this option, BRIDES wrote a fab article on the 20 Best Wedding Jumpsuits of 2023.

2. The Pantsuit

For the bride who wants to wear pants on her wedding day, a pantsuit is a perfect option. It’s a sophisticated and chic look that’s also comfortable and practical. You can choose a pantsuit in white or ivory, or you can opt for a bold color or pattern to show off your personality. Wedding Forward shared an article called 27 Wedding Pantsuits: 2023 Guide if you’d like to dive into this option.

3. The Crop Top and Skirt

A crop top and skirt is a fun and flirty alternative to a traditional wedding dress. It’s a great option for a summer wedding or a beach wedding. You can choose a crop top and skirt in a simple and elegant style, or you can opt for a more daring and avant-garde design. There are tons of options out there, but I only found this one article by StillWhite called 32 Sassy Crop Top Bridal Styles.

4. The Cocktail Dress

For a more casual and intimate wedding, a cocktail dress is a great option. It’s a chic and stylish look that’s perfect for a city hall wedding or a small gathering with family and friends. You can choose a cocktail dress in white or ivory, or you can opt for a colorful and playful design. It’s also way easier to move in, so if you’re not all about the train game maybe you should opt for this one.

5. The Suit

For the groom who wants to break the traditional tuxedo mold, a suit is a great option. You can choose a suit in a traditional black or navy color, or you can opt for a bold and colorful suit to make a statement. You can also add some fun and unique accessories, such as a bow tie or suspenders.

6. The Non-Traditional Gown

If you still want to wear a gown on your wedding day, but you want something non-traditional, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can choose a gown in a bold color, such as red or blue, or you can opt for a gown with a unique design or pattern. BRIDES had another great, recent article for this option too, 10 Best Non-Traditional Wedding Dresses For the Unconventional Bride.

7. The Mix and Match

For a truly unique and personalized look, you can mix and match different pieces to create your wedding attire. This could mean wearing a skirt from one designer and a top from another designer, or wearing a jacket from one outfit and pants from another outfit.

10. The Accessories

No matter what type of wedding attire you choose, the accessories you wear can make a big difference. You can add some sparkle and glamour with a statement necklace or earrings, or keep it simple and elegant with delicate jewelry. A headpiece or hair accessory can also make a bold statement, and it doesn’t have to be a veil just because it’s your wedding day.

Don’t forget about your shoes! Shoes are one of my favorite ways to personalize your wedding look, and while white heels may be the go-to choice for many brides, you can also opt for flats, boots, or even sneakers for a more comfortable and unique look. Add some color and sparkle, make it yours. Surprise, BRIDES has another great article about non-traditional wedding shoes: 11 Non-Traditional Wedding Shoes for the Fashion-Forward Bride. (Don’t forget to choose a bag or clutch that complements your outfit and holds all of your essentials.)

The key is to choose accessories that reflect your personal style and enhance your alternative wedding attire. Whether you choose bold and daring pieces or subtle and understated accents, the right accessories can elevate your overall look and make your wedding day unforgettable.