Do I have to wear white on my wedding day?

Of course not! Although white is the traditional choice for bridal fashion it is absolutely not a requirement.

What are the most popular colors to wear as a bride other than white?

Some of the most popular alternatives to white are champagne , blush, red, blue, and black—but you can wear any color you desire. We also love when brides choose to wear patterns down the aisle!

What can I wear to my wedding besides a dress?

If gowns just aren't your thing, there are a plethora of other silhouettes to choose from. Opt for a stylish jumpsuit, a chic bridal suit , or a two-piece set.

The 12 Best Non-Traditional Wedding Dresses of 2023

bride in red wedding dress — Dress by Vera Wang; Photo by Samm Blake

Who says the bride has to be dressed in white or even in a dress for that matter? Weddings are never cookie-cutter affairs—and neither are brides! So let's take a stand for originality and show some solidarity in unconventional ensemble choices. Non-traditional wedding dresses, sky-high minis, and palazzo jumpsuits where you can't tell the difference still scream "bridal gown," and we say "I do" to that.

Are you considering wearing a non-traditional look down the aisle? Let this be your sign to be bold and break the rules. Color, sparkle, separates, floral prints, feathers, organza, and tulle are all fashion-forward options to consider for your big day—and none of your guests will expect it! Rock a saturated hue for an all-white wedding to add some visual oomph. Juxtapose clean lines and minimalist florals with a sumptuously textured dress. Or, up the ante on a classic fête with a leggy mini dress or unforgettable print. Modern brides everywhere are ditching classic white wedding dresses, and choosing more unconventional styles for their wedding day looks.

We’ve rounded up our 12 favorite non-traditional wedding dresses for the bride who wants to make a statement at their nuptials.

Best Details: Valentine Avoh Sunset Boulevard Rita Dress

Valentine Avoh Sunset Boulevard Rita Silk Crepe and Embroidered Tulle Non-Traditional Wedding Dress — Courtesy of Valentine Avoh

Size Range: Made to measure | Length: Floor-length | Material: Silk crepe | Shipping: 1-6 months | Return policy: Final sale

Like a cascade of confetti, this vivacious gown delivers on its promise to turn heads. While the restrained silhouette is an absolute classic, the all-over fringe ups the fun factor by coming to life with each movement.

For the Vintage Bride: Houghton by Katharine Polk Gwen Gown

Houghton by Katherine Polk Gwen Non-Traditional Wedding Gown — Courtesy of Katharine Polk

Size Range: 00-30 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Moire | Shipping: 1-6 weeks | Return policy: Final sale

This beautiful gown is fit for an empress, thanks to its dramatic, short, ballooned sleeves and crystal-lined, cut-out back. The minimalist silhouette has some serious vintage charm, without being too demure for modern fêtes.

Price at time of publish: $3,150

Best Pink Dress: Fame and Partners The Oscar Dress

Fame and Partners The Oscar Non-Traditional Pink Wedding Dress — Courtesy of Fame and Partners

Size Range: 0-22 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Satin | Shipping: 8-10 weeks | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of purchase

Wipe out white and pick pink for your big day. This blush matte satin dress has a cut-out back and ruffle sleeves for a vision that's oh so pretty in pink.

Price at time of publish: $349

Best Blush Dress: Willowby by Watters Galatea Dress

Willowby by Watters Galatea Non-Traditional Tulle Blush Pink Wedding Dress — Courtesy of Watters

Size Range: 0-24W | Length: Floor-length | Material: Tulle and floral appliqué | Shipping: 14-15 weeks | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of delivery

Named after a sweet, summer wine, this blush-colored gown features an oversize Dalia-inspired floral print and dreamy A-line silhouette. Two rows of velvet ribbon wrap around the bodice, cinch at the waist, and come together in a dainty bow. Swoon.

Price at time of publish: $1,774 – $1,893

For the Dreamer: WardrobeByDulcinea Estelle Celestial Wedding Dress

WardrobeByDulcinea Estelle Celestial Non-Traditional Star Wedding Wedding Dress — Courtesy of Etsy

Size Range: Made to measure | Length: Floor-length | Material: Satin and tulle | Shipping: 4 months | Return policy: Final sale

This Etsy Design Awards winner deserves pride of place at the altar. The two-piece wedding dress features a sweetheart-neckline bodysuit with dramatic cape sleeves and an A-line skirt dotted with allover sparkling silver and gold sequin stars.

Price at time of publish: $998

Most Playful: I'm All Yours Cream Ruffled Maxi Dress

I'm All Yours Cream Ruffled Maxi Non-Traditional Relaxed Wedding Dress — Courtesy of Lulus

Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester | Shipping: Standard delivery | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of purchase

Available in five hues, this easy-breezy dress is quite sensual in its playful simplicity. The gauzy gown features ruffled short sleeves and a deep V-neck, but its plunging backline is what really sets it apart.

Price at time of publish: $79

Most Fashion Forward: Odylyne the Ceremony Mini Caspian Dress

Odylyne the Ceremony Mini Caspian Non-Traditional Silk Wedding Dress — Courtesy of Odylyne the Ceremony

Size Range: 2-20 (larger sizes available upon request) | Length: Mini | Material: Silk | Shipping: 5 months | Return policy: Final sale

This design is sheer poetry in motion. The overall look is quite angelic, but the ruffle high-neck collar, dramatic puff sleeves, and unexpected mini length kick things up a notch. Bonus: It's available in petite, standard, and tall lengths, too.

Price at time of publish: $1,675

For a Backyard Wedding: Free People Beatrice Maxi Dress

Free People Beatrice Maxi Non-Traditional Wedding Dress — Courtesy of Free People

Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester | Shipping: Standard delivery | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of purchase

Channel your inner silver screen siren with this vintage-inspired silk maxi dress. The plunging V-neckline and flutter sleeves are beautifully balanced by the body-skimming silhouette for a glamorous yet carefree vibe.

Price at time of publish: $250

Best Blue Dress: Azazie Rowe BG Dress

Azazie Rowe BG Non-Traditional Blue Wedding Dress — Courtesy of Azazie

Size Range: WD0-WD30 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Tulle and lace | Shipping: Standard delivery | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of purchase

Looking for that special something blue? This regal gown (it even features a chapel-length train) is what princess dreams are made of.

Price at time of publish: $489

For a Garden Wedding: LoveShackFancy Shoshana Dress

LoveShackFancy Shoshana Non-Traditional Wedding Dress — Courtesy of LoveShackFancy

Size Range: 00-10 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Silk and nylon mesh | Shipping: Standard delivery | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of purchase

Ideal for a summer outdoor wedding, this antique mesh and intricate floral thread work offers a sweet take on cottagecore styling. Exaggerated strappy ribbons amplify the youthfulness of the design.

Most Sparkly: StylishBrideAccs Rose Gold Sequin Bridal Dress

Rose Gold Sequin Bridal Non-Traditional Wedding Dress — Courtesy of Etsy

Size Range: XS-XXXL | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester | Shipping: 3-5 weeks | Return policy: Final sale

This transparent, sequined dress may not be for the faint of heart, but we wouldn't have it any other way. Shimmy down the aisle in this stunner at golden hour, and we guarantee you'll have everyone under your spell.

Price at time of publish: $1,063 for only sequin dress

Best Texture: Danielle Frankel Studio Rosalie Dress

Danielle Frankel Studio Rosalie Non-Traditional Wedding Dress — Courtesy of Danielle Frankel

Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Silk | Shipping: 12-18 weeks | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 5 days of purchase

Bridgerton vibes, coming in hot. This beautifully textured, empire-waist gown pairs a square neckline with puffy, crinkled sleeves for a look that's as elegant as it is youthful.

Price at time of publish: $9,890

What To Look For in a Non-Traditional Wedding Dress

Rocking an unconventional bridal look is all about breaking the rules, so we won't bog you down with too many of them. These options are all about skirting tradition to amplify your unique personality, so make sure that you are the one that's shining on the big day—not the dress. Comfort is king here as you'll want to show up in full confidence to serve the look. Opt for silhouettes that feel natural to your style—that way you won't be fidgeting or reconsidering the decision all night. Also, keep the weather and environment in mind. A black, long-sleeved ball gown will certainly be a bold and unforgettable choice, but you might end up regretting it when you're sweating under the hot summer sun. (Some rules do have value.) Balance is also important. Be intentional about which expectations to buck and which to embrace. Perhaps you prefer a classic silhouette in a graphic print or an avant-garde design in a traditional hue.

FAQ

Do I have to wear white on my wedding day?

Of course not! Although white is the traditional choice for bridal fashion it is absolutely not a requirement.
What are the most popular colors to wear as a bride other than white?

Some of the most popular alternatives to white are champagne, blush, red, blue, and black—but you can wear any color you desire. We also love when brides choose to wear patterns down the aisle!
What can I wear to my wedding besides a dress?

If gowns just aren't your thing, there are a plethora of other silhouettes to choose from. Opt for a stylish jumpsuit, a chic bridal suit, or a two-piece set.

14 Colorful Wedding Dresses You Can Buy Right Now

About the Author

Contributing writer Christine Coppa has been a lifestyle journalist and reporter within the fashion space for 17 years. Her memoirRattled! was named a Target Breakout Book. In addition, her work has been published in a variety of publications including Byrdie, Glamour, and Cosmopolitan, in addition to Brides.