32 Best Unique Wedding Dresses of 2021

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Model in short wedding dress with satin top and feathered skirt — Courtesy of Lela Rose

If you want to exude red-carpet style on your wedding day, why not go for a totally unique wedding dress? While we always appreciate an impeccable classic gown, bridal designers are having fun creating one-of-a-kind wedding dresses for brides who love to stand out from the crowd.

Wedding traditions are seeing a Renaissance, and the bride's outfit is no exception. Your wedding should be a reflection of you, and an unconventional wedding gown is one of the best ways to show off your unique style and personality. Whether you're curious about trying a bridal jumpsuit, wishing to wear anything but white, dying to be dripping in diamonds, or dreaming of a skirt covered in stars, these experimental designs have you covered.

Below, we rounded up some of our favorite unique wedding dresses that are anything but boring.

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For a City Wedding: Danielle Frankel Delphine Strapless Belted Corded Lace Gown

wedding dress — Courtesy of Net-A-Porter

This special city-esque corded lace gown features a figure-hugging fit and tonal belt. The draped panels trail beautifully behind as you walk.

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Best for Drama: Maggie Sottero Brinkley Lynette Wedding Dress

Plus size model in beaded mermaid wedding gown — Courtesy of Maggie Sottero

This isn't your typical mermaid gown. The tiered organza skirt trimmed in horsehair is full of drama, while the tulle bodice is covered in intricately beaded embroidery and Swarovski crystals. Other lovely details include the beaded illusion cold-shoulder sleeves and the bead-trimmed illusion tulle V-back.

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For the Otherworldly Bride: Willowby by Watters Stars Align Wedding Dress

unique dresses — Courtesy of Willowby by Waters

Why not wear a wedding gown that reminds you of how the stars aligned when you met your perfect person? This V-neck tulle ball gown, available in 'Misty Violet' and 'Sunbeam', features silver or gold custom shooting star embroidery with seed beads and clear sequins.

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For the Bohemian Bride: Watters Spruce Gown

unique dress — Courtesy of Willowby by Watters

This sheath gown is fit for a goddess. The Anjo lace, high neck, puff sleeves, and open keyhole back gives it a unique edge. It's available in Ivory and Ivory-Tuscan shades.

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For the Modern Bride: Kaviar Gauche Flirty Glitter Wedding Dress With Sleeves

This modern wedding gown is made of glittering fabric with silk lining and voluminous silk sleeves. The plunging V-neck gives way to a cinched waist for a figure-defining element to this unique bridal look.

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For the Colorful Bride: Zuhair Murad Spring 2021 Collection Look 9

blue ball gown — Courtesy of Zuhair Murad

Make your wedding dress your "something blue" with this voluminous non-white ball gown with a strapless bodice. The skirt features layers of tulle and delicate lace that create a beautifully unique effect.

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For a Beach Wedding: Amsale Angeline Dress

For the bride seeking something simple yet still statement-making, there's this fit-and-flare gown, available in Silk White and Ivory. The detachable chiffon organza off-the-shoulder cape makes this style truly unique.

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For the Regal Bride: Atelier Pronovias Everette Wedding Dress

Model in mermaid wedding dress with puff sleeves and embroidered bodice — Courtesy of Atelier Pronovias

This utterly regal mermaid gown in crepe and silk organza features a sweetheart neckline and detachable puffed sleeves (but we suggest wearing them for a super dramatic look). The textured lace bodice contrasts with a smooth, fluid skirt that contours the lower body.

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For a Flashy Wedding: Novias Bridal Seven Stars Wedding Dress

Model in sheer beaded short wedding gown with long sleeves — Courtesy of Atelier Pronovias

This dress proves that short doesn't always mean casual. Long sleeves contrast with a plunging V-neck on this unique dress featuring allover illusion beadwork embroidered in stars and streams of light. Long tassels hang from the skirt, sleeves, and back for a shine effect.

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For the Modern Bride: Naeem Khan Maxine Jumpsuit

Bridal jumpsuits are totally in right now, and this one is full of glamour. Fitted from head-to-toe and featuring glamorous allover beading, this jumpsuit will shimmer all the way from the aisle to the after-party.

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For a Warm Weather Wedding: Willowby Larimar

The shimmer beading is what gives this A-line gown its distinction. We also love the illusion bodice, slight peplum, and sweeping train.

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For the Chic Bride: Viktor&Rolf Mariage Wild Rose Bustier Jumpsuit

Ultra-modern and chic, this strapless bridal jumpsuit features a graphic draped sweetheart neckline with wild rose detailing. The fitted cigarette pants add length to the legs, especially when paired with a great set of heels.

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For a Black-Tie Wedding: Sachin & Babi Clarissa Gown

Model in black ballgown with a half-bow shoulder and high slit in skirt — Courtesy of Sachin & Babi

We've established that a bride need not wear white, but what about nixing color altogether? This jet black gown is for the statement-making bride who still appreciates the elegance of a Mikado ballgown. The oversized half-bow and box pleats at the waist add drama to this unforgettable look.

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For the Unexpected Bride: BHLDN Bexley Gown

This stunning strapless gown features cascading gray bias-cut pleats for days. It's fun, unexpected, and very easy to dance in.

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For the Romantic Bride: Reem Acra Love Story Gown

This couture silk ballgown is blooming with beaded floral appliqués in a range of colorful pastels. Metallic champagne fabric is an eye-catcher while the sweetheart neckline and a pleated skirt offer softer, romantic details.

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Best Plus Size: BHLDN Odalis Gown

You'll feel oh-so-dramatic in this figure-defining graphic lace gown. The plunging V-neck and long train come second only to the flutter sleeves that transform into a cape detail to frame the wide-open back.

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Best For Dancing: Lela Rose The Seychelles Dress

This mini dress is for the bride whose wedding is sure to be a party. A silk V-neck top with spaghetti straps and a crepe back contrasts with a fun feathered skirt.

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For the Princess Bride: Amsale Pierce Wedding Gown

Model in off-white silk taffeta and tulle ball gown — Courtesy of Amsale

This bridal ballgown has tons of unique, modern details, like an abstract bow with a crystal brooch at the waist and an asymmetrical tiered skirt. The combination of silk taffeta and sheer tulle creates a stunning textural contrast.

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Best Runway Moment: Viktor&Rolf High-Low Gown

This striking gown crafted from layers of ruffled tulle commands attention and is perfect for the bride-to-be who isn't afraid to make a dramatic entrance. A high-low hem is a great silhouette for showing off your wedding shoes.

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Best Layers: Naeem Khan Jaffa Gown

This unique wedding dress is a total head-turner. Tonal thread embroidery overlays silk lining and raffia details adorn the bodice and tiered skirt.

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For a Summer Wedding: Francesca Miranda Alina Jumpsuit

Model in floral white jumpsuit with overskirt — Courtesy of Francesca Miranda

This bridal number boasts the best of both worlds. The sheer, sleeveless bodice and high-low skirt with a romantic train grab the eye with their intricate floral details, while the simple straight white pants make for an easy walk down the aisle and first dance.

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For a Garden Wedding: Alexandra Grecco Halo Gown

This showstopping A-line gown features a plunging V-neckline and strappy back detail for a hint of sexiness, but the real star is the shimmering metallic fil-coupé along the bodice and skirt. This unique wedding dress is available in Rose Quartz, Pearl, and Ash.

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For a Sexy Bride: Justin Alexander Signature Plunging V-Neck Allover Beaded Fit-and-Flare Gown

beaded dress — Courtesy of Justin Alexander Signature

Another gown boasting allover opulent beadwork, this fit-and-flare dress features a hand-beaded Sabrina neckline with a plunging V-neck and an illusion back for a touch of sheerness.

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For the Alternative Bride: Wtoo by Watters Clarinda Strapless Lace Gown

The alternative bride will appreciate this striking black wedding gown. The strapless corset bodice is edged in ribbon and features black floral lace over a contrast lining, while the full tulle skirt offers just a hint of classic bridal.

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For the Petite Bride: Naeem Khan Woodstock Dress

Bursting with unique floral details at the neckline and hem, this above-the-knee, allover floral embroidered dress is perfect for garden ceremonies.

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For a European Wedding: Alyne by Rita Vinieris Warwick Dress

European castles inspired this designer when she created dresses like this strapless sheath with fringed lace. The satin belt detail hugs the waist while the sheer skirt shows off the legs for a barely-there look.

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For a Playful Bride: Amsale Marland Dress

This gown may seem classic from the back, but the front reveals a playful mini skirt and classic silhouette. The back bow is detachable for when it's time to hit the dance floor.

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Best One-Shoulder: Azazie Quincy Dress

Plus size model in one-shoulder mermaid gown — Courtesy of Azazie

This one-shouldered tulle and lace mermaid gown includes a removable bow at the shoulder. Hand-pieced lace motifs cascade down the gown toward the mermaid skirt with soft tulle godets and a slit up to the knee. A cathedral train finishes off the look.

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For a Boho Wedding: All Who Wander Ryan Wedding Dress

Model in lace fringe wedding gown — Courtesy of Kleinfeld

Vintage lace over nude lining creates a negative space effect on this figure-hugging fit-and-flare boho dress. The gently scalloped choker-style halter neckline gives way to linear cotton-style lace and fringe details on the bodice for a unique touch.

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For a Spring Wedding: Alexandra Grecco Verita Gown

Perfect for a spring wedding in a garden or forest, this A-line gown is adorned with intricate, hand-embroidered floral appliqués. The cascading cap sleeves are made of the same illusion tulle that covers the back and beautifully showcases the floral embroidery. Available in Dove Grey and Off White, this gown has a side slit in the skirt and a deep-V neckline for a sexy touch.

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For a Fairytale Wedding: Monique Lhuillier Valencia Gown

This strapless, white dress with pink floral print features a flamenco-style skirt and a ruffled hem. The tulle underlay adds volume, creating an utterly enchanting fairytale ballgown effect.

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For A Fashion-Forward Bride: Kleinfeld Essense of Australia Ballgown Wedding Dress

This dress boasts Old Hollywood glamour. The off-the-shoulder style and ball gown skirt are made of sheer tulle and lace. The tattoo effect of the sleeves creates an extraordinary illusion while the skirt includes gorgeous layers perfect for a fashion-forward moment.

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For a Preppy Wedding: Wtoo by Watters Rosalind Dress

Floral patterns are somewhat expected, but plaid is a game-changer. This Caledonia plaid ballgown with optional off-the-shoulder sleeves is available in black on ivory or ivory on ivory for a more subtle contrast. The A-line silhouette is enhanced by a waist-defining grosgrain ribbon.

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For a Garden Bride: Mac Duggal Long-Sleeve Floral Lace Jewel-Neck Gown

Model in floral-embroidered sheer tulle lace gown — Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

This floral-embroidered sheer tulle lace mermaid gown is a beautiful, unique option for a garden bride. Details like a jeweled neckline, a beaded waist, and sheer long sleeves add to the intricate design.

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For a Flirty Bride: David's Bridal Lace Corset Bodice Tulle Skirt Plus Size Dress

This flirty tea-length wedding dress is casual yet elegant. The corded lace adds a textured effect to the corset style and the skirt ensures a fun time on the dance floor.

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For a Glamorous Wedding: Morilee by Madeline Gardner Kori Plus Size Wedding Dress

Intricate design is the best descriptor for this figure-flattering mermaid gown available in white, ivory, and ivory-champagne. Appliquès and crystals adorn the cap sleeves and waist, while the flounced full skirt with ruffles adds extra drama. Just when you thought the look was complete, there's a totally sexy corset-style back.

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For a Casual Wedding: Needle & Thread Precious Rose Dress

Perfect for a springtime wedding, this tulle ballerina dress features soft pink, green, and champagne stripe-embroidered florals creating a banding layout. Each stripe is paneled with lace edging for extra textile detail. The subtle volume in the sleeves and ruffled collar are charming touches.

Shopping FAQs

Searching for a unique wedding dress? We've answered three common questions brides have when shopping for them.

What increases the price of a wedding dress? Typically any hand beading or embroidery tends to increase the price of a wedding dress. Expensive fabrics like silk will also add to the overall cost of a garment.
When should I order my wedding dress? To be on the safe side, we suggest ordering your bridesmaid dress at least ten months before the wedding date. Special order or more unique styles might require even more advanced notice.
Does the bride pay for the wedding dresses? Typically, yes. Family members can pitch in money, too, if they can afford it.

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