Today we’re talking about wedding dresses! We know you unconventional brides are after something show stopping, so we’ve compiled a list of our favourite alternative dress designers. There’s something for everyone here – from unusual wedding dresses to one of a kind! Corsets, to handpainted gowns, dip dyed dresses and lots lots more!
Feature photo from Lucy Can’t Dance by Megan Elle Photography
Haizea Arranz are masters of alternative wedding dresses! Specialising in Gothic, steampunk, fantasy and corsetry, their designs are simply magic. The team understand that every bride is unique so they offer a bespoke wedding dress service. They use interesting colours, patterns and structures to ensure you’ll truly stand out on your wedding day.
Photos by Pedro Manteca Photography, Kordian Zarowski & Paulina Deruga
Ryley & Fynn is a Staffordshire based bridal studio creating a variety of alternative wedding dresses, from 1950’s tea dresses to elegant bohemian masterpieces. All items are made by owner Sam using locally sourced products. Ryley & Flynn are awesome at vintage wedding dresses, with a love for up-cycling and transforming pre-loved dresses.
Photo by Sam Francis Photography
Felicity Westmacott
“For brides seeking the extraordinary in dress form”
Felicity Westmacott is a bespoke wedding dress designer, based in Surrey. With a background in costume design, Felicity can really make your dress dreams come true! From bold colours and ombre to traditional and anything in between, there’s nothing she can’t do!
Why compromise or settle for less? If you are looking for a truly, unique wedding gown that you never thought was possible, then Legend Bridal Designs is the one for you! They’ll work with your individuality to create a wedding gown and accessories that are so unbelievably YOU.
With top quality and craftmanship, buying your wedding gown will become the most fun part of your wedding planning. And most importantly, you’ll feel like yourself and be the bride you want to be on your wedding day. Legend Bridal Designs are based in Great Harwood, near Blackburn in the North West of England.
Photos courtesy of Emile May Photography (Galaxy), Vicky Dubois Photography (White) and Electric Blue Photography (Couple)
BexBrides are a bespoke, vintage and designer bridal studio in Darlington. They specialise in boho and alternative wedding gowns for the eclectic bride. With a wide range of vintage and pre loved dresses, as well as a talent for bespoke designs, with BexBrides you’re sure to find something you’ll fall in love with. Bex also has a fabulous etsy shop too where you can pick up some awesome bridal accessories.
Bex takes inspiration from period costume, fairy-tale, and bohemian fashions to create gorgeous designs from scratch, as well as upcycling vintage gowns. She’ll help you find something unique that reflects your style and personality!
Photos courtesy of EF Photography (above), Vicky Clayson Photography, Emma Ryan Photography, Lee Scullion, Unfurl Photography & Emily Hannah Photography
Lucy Can’t Dance offers brides an alternative to traditional wedding dresses. Using bold lace, splashes of colour and intricate details to create eye-catching dresses, these dresses will WOW your whole wedding party.
They believe that every wedding dress should be comfortable to wear all day. In their dresses you’ll always be able to do the most important 3 wedding things: EAT, DRINK and DANCE! After all, what could be worse than feeling restricted and not being able to eat your really expensive and delicious dinner?!
All their dresses are handmade, and hand dyed from scratch in their tropical themed studio. They can all be customised to suit your style and your body. They welcome everyone to their studio- Any size, Any gender! A new range has just been launched which is packed full of beautiful lace, colours and sequins. Lucy Can’t Dance are based in Chelmsford, Essex.
Photos in reel courtesy of Amy Davies Photography (above and pink dresses), Jodi Hanagan Photography (3 brides) and Group photo (courtesy of Lucy Can’t Dance)
Sally from Aylin White Designs in Poole creates beautiful and eye-catching, hand painted wedding dresses. Each wedding dress is different, based on the bride’s own ideas and colour schemes. Unique pops of painted colour or creative design details are either painted directly on the gown itself or applied to the gown’s sash and bow. Designs with bright elaborate floral designs are the most popular.
Sally also makes hand painted accessories, such as bags, ring cushions and even dog bandanas! She’ll help you create the perfect princess gown of your dreams with a colourful, co-ordinated and very special twist. Aylin White Designs are also an Unconventional Wedding tribe member.
At My Little Wedding Shop, the aim is to celebrate every brides’ individual style and ideas. Every one of their wedding dresses are handmade in the beautiful Shropshire countryside.
They’ll make the process of having your wedding outfit made as memorable (and stress free) as your special day. From handpicking your own fabric and lace to designing unique embellishments and finishing’s, they’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure you feel both exquisite and comfortable. How perfect does that sound?! My Little Wedding Shop is based in Bridgnorth, Shropshire.
Photos courtesy of EQS Photography (above), Jems Photography (patterned dress) and Dan Walker Photography (Short Dress).
Maisie Darling bridal boutique
Maisie Darling Bridal Boutique has recently opened up shop in Leicestershire, with a mission to help every bride find their ‘meant to be’ wedding dress. Each bride is free to dance around until their hearts content, as private fittings mean you’ll get the boutique to yourself. The team are brilliant at combing accessories to create a unique look to showcase any bride’s personality.
Perfect Fit Bridal
Whatever your dream wedding dress, Perfect Fit can make it a reality! Wendie has a passion for creating dresses to flatter any body type and reflect every bride’s unique personality. They pride themselves on their bridal alterations and are known to swoop in last minute to rescue a panicking bride. You’ll receive a warm welcome in their Yorkshire studio, and your needs will be listened to by excitable ears!
Photos by Mathew Kitchen Photography, Esme Mai Photography, In Between Photography, Amy Lou Photography
From romantic florals and ruffles to enchanting mermaid and dragon scale corsets, every outfit from Powdered And Waisted Corsetry is truly unique.
Debi draws inspiration from both nature and fairy-tale to create angelic yet dramatic designs, which are all lovingly crafted with meticulous attention to detail.
Using traditional and modern corsetry and couture techniques, Debi creates stunning, distinctive bridal wear for the unconventional bride. This lovely business is based in Nottingham.
Photos courtesy of Deborah Selwood Photography (above), Studio Fotografico Bacci (Steam Punk / Purple) and Yvonne Lishman Photography.
Scarlet-Tayla
Scarlet-Tayla bespoke designs are a melting pot of styles and genres. Zoe has been sewing for 30 years and loves to push boundaries, helping brides to create the wedding dresses of their wildest dreams.
Inspired by period costume, and combining this with retro / modern day fashions, you’re sure to stand out in one of these gorgeous designs! Whether you’re unsure of what you want, or have a clear vision, Zoe will bring your ideas to life in a Scarlet-Tayla gown! Scarlet Tayla as based in Tamworth, Staffordshire.
Photo courtesy of Scarlet Tayla except Black & Teal Bride (Click Click Bang Photography)
Creator of elegant, ethereal and bespoke bridal wear, Fiona, from Fiona Elizabeth Couture, has certainly made an impact since she joined the wedding scene. Since her own wedding in February 2018, Fiona found herself on a mission to be unique, and more importantly, to be herself.
Trained in corsetry, she loves to create structured corseted outfits, taking inspiration from historical costume, especially the Victorian era and tying this in with influences from theatre productions such as Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and films like Labyrinth. Fiona is based in Derbyshire.
Photos courtesy of Foran & Sauvage Concept (Station), Lucy Shergold Photography (Red belt) and Christopher Ian Photography (Dress).
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