Tobi Hannah
Not every gal dreams of the traditional gown and cathedral veil and, while it used to be an unusual sight to see a bride wearing something other than ivory, it's no longer taboo to see women exploring their signature style through their wedding attire, choosing alternatives to what's otherwise deemed classically 'bridal'.
And the bride wore...trousers
So you're the bride-to-be who's surgically attached to a pair of trews? Don't ditch them on the big day then - embrace your daily staple and find a beautifully cut pair you've only ever dreamed of owning. A tailored pair of ankle-grazers would look great teamed with a pair of statement shoes and a billowy blouse, or streamline with a form-fitting blazer too. And the sky's the limit colour-wise: colourful, patterned, textured or plain, you'll be one seriously stylish rebel bride.
Mishi May
Lily and Frank Photography
Elie Saab
The catsuit...jumpsuit...all-in-one
Perhaps now seen as the most obvious alternative to a wedding dress, designers have certainly paid attention to the vintage wedding trend, with many creating homages to Bianca Jagger and her iconic wedding day jumpsuit with its flattering halter-neck and wide-legged trousers. And for the fashion-forward brides? Well I adore the minimalist structured styles and slinky '80s inspired numbers with embellished statement shoulders. Bang. On. Trend.
Elie Saab
Alan Hannah
Circa Brides
Temperley
Get shorty
Who'd ever have imagined style queen Olivia Palermo would have donned a pair of shorts for her wedding? Yet, true to form, she pulled them off and an almost transparent overskirt reminiscent of the early '90s trend where many of us wore them over our cycling shorts! Seriously though, I think she's onto something here. Destination brides take note - if you've got the pins why not? A pair of knee-length culottes would look really flattering too.
BHLDN
Keep 'em separate
Oh one of my favourite tends of late: the bridal separates. If only I had been as forward thinking as Ashlee Simpson! You rarely wear dresses, you have a small body, long legs; long body, short legs; a waist, no waist; big boobs...need I go on? Yep, this one solves all your 'nothing fits my shape' problems. Make like Carrie Bradshaw and show off a little waist with a full circle skirt and fitted top, or create a waist and show off gazelle-like legs with a peplum top and short shift skirt....the sky's the limit with bridal separates!
Elizabeth Stuart
Elizabeth Stuart
Colour me pretty
So you want to rock a frock but the thought of wearing white leaves you feeling blue? Then wear blue! Or red, pink, green, gold...whatever. Gone are the days when you'd be dubbed a 'scarlet woman' (um unless you're actually wearing scarlet of course!) for steering clear of a trend Queen Victoria started; no one need adhere to tradition in this day and age. Wear a shade that suits your skin tone, flatters your eyes and, above all, makes you feel confident and, well, you. Most designers offer colour alternative gowns these days.
Mooshki
My Fabulous Life
Alexandra King Bridalwear
Gibson Bespoke (Rosie Anderson Photography)
Gibson Bespoke (Rosie Anderson Photography)
Terry Fox
Katya Katya Shehurina
Gibson Bespoke
The classic LBD
OK so I know black is technically a colour, but the iconic LBD is in a league of its own in the style stakes. Sarah Jessica Parker is famously known for being the bride who wore black and, I have to say, I find it a very tempting option. A city wedding at dusk? Oh my goodness, so befitting of this bridal style. Simple, chic and impactful, I can only imagine how timeless and elegant an LBD bride might look...Audrey Hepburn eat your heart out!
BHLDN
Vivien of Holloway
Alternative accessories
So perhaps setting the bar in the style stakes is a little daunting for your wedding day, yet you'd still like to channel an element of your signature style within your bridal ensemble without committing to the whole look. Well, accessories are the answer! Statement cover-ups such as embellished capes and collars are seriously swoon-worthy, while practical yet chic brides are opting for cropped jackets in denim, leather and animal print. Bridal caps, hats and turbans are cropping up too and look so beautiful and eye-catching paired with a simple outfit or gown.
My Fabulous Life
Chantel Marie Photography
Mishi May
Ruth Atkinson Photography
Mishi May
Terry Fox
Terry Fox
Mishi May
Copyright Wed magazine 2014
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