What increases the price of a wedding dress?

Typically hand-beading or embroidery tend to increase the price of a wedding dress. Expensive fabrics, such as 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 10 months before the wedding date, so there is enough time for unanticipated delays and alterations. Special orders or more unique styles might require even more time.

Does the bride pay for the wedding dresses?

Typically, yes. Family members can pitch in money, too, if they can afford it.

23 Best Unique Wedding Dresses of 2022

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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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Best for Drama: Maggie Sottero Brinkley Lynette Wedding Dress

Size Range: Custom sizing | Length: Floor-length | Material: Tulle, organza

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

Size Range: 00-24W | Length: Floor-length | Material: Tulle, illusion tulle, poly lining

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

Size Range: 00-24W | Length: Floor-length | Material: Anjo Lace, Illusion Tulle, Soft netting, Stretch Poly Charmeuse, Cotton Sateen Ribbon

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

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For a Beach Wedding: Amsale Angeline Dress

Size Range: Contact brand | Length: Floor-length | Material: Faille, organza

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 a Flashy Wedding: Novias Bridal Seven Stars Wedding Dress

Size Range: Contact brand | Length: Mini | Material: Beaded embroidery

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

Size Range: Contact brand | Length: Floor-length | Material: Chiffon

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 Black-Tie Wedding: Sachin & Babi Clarissa Gown

Size Range: 0-20 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Mikado

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 oversize 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

Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Cotton-silk

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

Size Range: Contact brand | Length: Floor-length | Material: Silk

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

Size Range: 0-26W | Length: Floor-length | Material: Graphic lace

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

Size Range: Contact brand | Length: Mini | Material: Feathers, satin

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

Size Range: Contact brand | Length: Floor-length | Material: Silk taffeta, tulle

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 Layers: Naeem Khan Jaffa Gown

Size Range: Contact brand | Length: Floor-length | Material: Silk, raffia

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

beaded dress — Courtesy of Justin Alexander Signature

Size Range: Contact brand | Length: Floor-length | Material: Mesh

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 Petite Bride: Naeem Khan Woodstock Dress

Size Range: Contact brand | Length: Mini | Material: Lace

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 Playful Bride: Amsale Marland Dress

Size Range: Contact brand | Length: Mini | Material: Moire

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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For a Fairytale Wedding: Monique Lhuillier Valencia Gown

Size Range: Contact brand | Length: High-low | Material: Tulle

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 fairy-tale ballgown effect.

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

Size Range: 16-32 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Tulle

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 Courthouse Wedding: Erdem Ivory Austin Cape-Effect Dress

Size Range: 6-22 | Length: Midi | Material: Ivory sequined chiffon

Take your courthouse wedding look to the next level with this allover sequin midi dress from Erdem. The illusion-cape is an elegant and romantic addition to this glam look.

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For the Fashion-Forward Bride: Danielle Frankel Avery Dress

Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Mini | Material: Wool, silk

You'll feel like you just stepped off the runway in this stylish number from Danielle Frankel. The pearl-colored fabric paired with the unique draping and lace accents makes for a truly luxe look.

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Best 2-In-1 Look: Sachin & Babi Poppy Jumpsuit Set

Size Range: 0-26W | Length: Jumpsuit | Material: Crepe

Why settle for one wedding day look when you can have an ensemble that combines two glamorous looks into one? This jumpsuit set features a Mikado skirt that can be removed to reveal a sleek jumpsuit.

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Best Feather Accents: Markarian Jeanette Ivory Sequin Puff Sleeve Dress

Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Midi | Material: Viscose, silk

This flapper-esque dress is certainly a unique and memorable wedding dress option. We adore the ostrich feather embellishments and the all-over sparkle.

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For a Garden Wedding: Markarian Petal Floral Applique Strapless Mini Dress

Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Mini | Material: Silk, floral appliques

Opt for a playful, garden wedding look with this mini dress from Markarian. The dress is made up of pastel and white petal floral appliques.

What to Look for in a Unique Wedding Dress

When shopping for a unique wedding dress, you'll want to focus on matching your personal style and not just one that makes the most eye-catching statement. Unique wedding dresses don't have to be grand ballgowns. Distinctive elements, such as fabric, appliques, embellishments, neckline, and hemline can take a dress to the next level and make it truly one of a kind.

Also, keep in mind that even though you are searching for a unique dress, you will still want to make sure it's a dress you will love in years to come. Ask yourself, will I love this dress in 20 years, or do I want it because it's trendy? You may also consider having a unique wedding dress as a second or third outfit change on your wedding day and stick to a more traditional look for the ceremony.

FAQ

What increases the price of a wedding dress?

Typically hand-beading or embroidery tend to increase the price of a wedding dress. Expensive fabrics, such as 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 10 months before the wedding date, so there is enough time for unanticipated delays and alterations. Special orders or more unique styles might require even more time.
Does the bride pay for the wedding dresses?

Typically, yes. Family members can pitch in money, too, if they can afford it.

Why Trust Brides

Sophie Moore has worked in the fashion industry for over seven years. With over five years of experience in bridal, she is an expert on all things fashion. Her access to bridal designers and experience in the market has prepared her to bring the Brides reader not only the latest wedding dress trends but also a view of the ready-to-wear and accessories market from the lens of what a bride is looking for.

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