Weddings
Jan 20, 2020

23 Unconventional Wedding Dress Styles That Are Pure Eye Candy

by Gina Marinelli

Though spring is often credited as being wedding season, let us assure you that matrimony is definitely on the mind following the collections that came down the runway this fall, especially with a slew of new ideas that’ll appeal to the non-traditional bride-to-be.

Unconventional wedding dress style ideas speak to some of the biggest of-the-moment trends in the ready-to-wear world as well, such as statement sleeves (both in length and volume), elements of classic tailoring (especially appealing to the bride who prefers pants), and lots of colors, the very least of which includes something blue. And though timeless elements of bridal design can still be found in spades, it’s the convention-challenging styles and unexpected details we most appreciate.

Ahead, peruse all the unique new styles we think you should consider that will surely make their way down many aisles in the years to come.

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Courtesy of Zuhair Murad

Zuhair Murad’s all about a balance of frills and restraint.

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Courtesy of Vera Wang

Vera Wang challenges all the bridalwear conventions with this colorful, metallic exposed-bra creation.

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Courtesy of Elie Saab

While Elie Saab is a purveyor of epic gowns, this clean, simple wrap dress feels so refreshing for a modern, nontraditional bride.

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Courtesy of Cushnie

Cushnie's first bridal collection had a strong debut, to put it mildly.

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Courtesy of Viktor & Rolf

This Viktor & Rolf creation really makes a case for statement cummerbunds.

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Courtesy of Temperley London

The shine on this Temperley London design is so pretty, but we're really here for the tiers of ruffles. This dress is party-ready.

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Courtesy of Monique Lhuillier

We can't recommend a touch of color, à la this Monique Lhuillier bodice, enough.

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Courtesy of Cushnie

Did anyone else just say wow to this triple-cutout silhouette?

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Courtesy of Vera Wang

Vera Wang makes the most beautiful case for choosing nude over white.

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Courtesy of Monique Lhuillier

Ball gowns might not be new in bridal, but this allover lace-and-sheer motif feels like something truly out of a fantasy.

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Courtesy of Galia Lahav

Big slits. Big skirt. You can have both with this Galia Lahav design.

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Courtesy of Viktor & Rolf

If you live in button-down shirts, this Viktor & Rolf design may speak to you on a deep level.

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Getty Images

Reem Acra is encouraging us to pick a color, any color.

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Courtesy of Lela Rose

This pairing of a big satin bow and a dainty lace dress by Lela Rose is perfect.

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Courtesy of Tadashi Shoji

This Tadashi Shoji caped jumpsuit is the ultimate bridal power piece.

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Courtesy of Carolina Herrera

This understated Carolina Herrera dress is all about that bow.

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Courtesy of Gala by Galia Lahav

The ball gown–pants hybrid from Gala by Galia Lahav is the best of both worlds.

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Courtesy of David's Bridal

This David's Bridal piece is having us consider welcoming back the high-low hem trend.

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Courtesy of Galia Lahav

The doubled-up sleeves on this Galia Lahav piece kind of act like evening gloves. Count us in.

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Courtesy of Lela Rose

Skip the super-body-hugging silhouettes for this playful column design by Lela Rose.

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