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.

The 12 Best Unique Wedding Dresses of 2023

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.

Unique wedding dresses can feature an unconventional silhouette, artistic details and embellishments, as well as non-traditional lengths. To capture a unique aesthetic with your bridal look, you can mix and match a range of stylistic elements that might not traditionally go together. Ahead, we've selected a range of dresses, noting their length and fabric, as well as the features that make them breathtakingly distinct, for a look that will endure, and make quite the impression.

Our Top Picks

For the Otherworldly Bride:

Willowby by Watters Stars Align Wedding Dress at Watters.com

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Best Plus Size:

BHLDN Odalis Cape-Sleeve Deep-V Lace Wedding Gown at Anthropologie

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Best Layers:

Naeem Khan Jaffa Gown at Naeemkhan.com

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For a Fairytale Wedding:

Monique Lhuillier Valencia Gown at Moniquelhuillier.com

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For a Glamorous Wedding:

Morilee by Madeline Gardner Kori Plus Size Wedding Dress at Morilee.com

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For a Courthouse Wedding:

Erdem Ivory Austin Cape-Effect Chiffon Midi Dress at Net-a-Porter

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For the Fashion-Forward Bride:

Danielle Frankel Avery Dress at Daniellefrankelstudio.com

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Best Feather Accents:

Markarian Jeanette Ivory Sequin Puff Sleeve Dress at Markarian-nyc.com

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For a Garden Wedding:

Markarian Petal Floral Applique Strapless Mini Dress at Markarian-nyc.com

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Most Dramatic Neckline:

Khaite Carina Sequin Plunge Neck Maxi Dress at Nordstrom

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Watters

View On Watters.com

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

Price at time of publish: $2,538

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.

BHLDN Odalis Cape-Sleeve Deep-V Lace Wedding Gown

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

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

Price at time of publish: $1,000

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.

Naeem Khan

View On Naeemkhan.com

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

Price upon request

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

Monique Lhuillier

View On Moniquelhuillier.com

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

Price upon request

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.

Morilee

View On Morilee.com

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

Price upon request

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.

Erdem Ivory Austin Cape-Effect Chiffon Midi Dress

Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

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

Price at time of publish: $3,765

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.

Danielle Frankel

View On Daniellefrankelstudio.com

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

Price at time of publish: $2,990

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.

Markarian

View On Markarian-nyc.com

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

Price at time of publish: $2,995

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

Markarian

View On Markarian-nyc.com

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

Price at time of publish: $9,350

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

Khaite Carina Sequin Plunge Neck Maxi Dress

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom View On Modaoperandi.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue

Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Viscose, sequins

Price at time of publish: $3,400

This plunging V-neck is straight from the runway and has a dramatic criss-cross back and deeply daring neckline. Sequins add dimension, making the dress sparkle for an overall look that manages to be understated and decadent.

Cocomelody

View On Cocomelody.com

Size Range: 0-28 | Materials: Lace, Tulle, Satin | Length: Floor

Price at time of publish: $769

We love this black wedding dress, which is onyx and dusty pink to set a darkly elegant mood. It features a voluminous tulle skirt and lace bodice for a Gothic-Victorian vibe that's regal and enchanting. You can also make it extra unique by ordering a custom size for an extra $129.

Helsi Structured 3D Floral-Embellished Mini Dress

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester | Length: Mini

Price at time of publish: $535

This is the wedding dress for the flirty bride looking to create a whimsical and daring look. We love this style that's both illusion and mini. Its short length We love the overlay of embroidery over nude fabric to give the impression of a revealing look, without being too revealing.

Staud

View On Staud.clothing

Size Range: 00-16 | Materials: Cotton, Polyester | Length: Midi with floor length cape

Price at time of publish: skirt; $395, top; $195

Coordinating separates are a unique take on bridal, and we love this midi skirt and detachable "cape," for a unique twist on a train. We recommend pairing with the brand's grosgrain cropped top. The look seamlessly comes together while also setting you apart from the crowd.

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.

The 25 Best Non-Traditional Wedding Dresses of 2023