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
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.
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)
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).
Based in Leicestershire, Bride Diva are definitely not one to follow the crowd! Wendy loves creating individual and unusual wedding dresses which make a statement and show your personality.
Whether its a full on, gothic Halloween wedding, or a romantic creation from Georgian or Victorian times, Wendy will help create a one off design that you won’t find in your average bridal shop. Wendy is also a UW tribe member.
Photos courtesy of Angelic Photography and Bride Diva.
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 courtesy of Jodi Hanagan Photography (above and 3 brides) and (courtesy of Lucy Can’t Dance)
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).
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)
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 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 Emma Ryan Photography (main photo), Lee Scullion, Unfurl Photography & Emily Hannah Photography
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