We’re not ones usually to try and predict trends and fashions, but, just occassionally we see so much wedding gorgeousness in one place that we feel like we need to share it! So here are our ‘Alternative Bridalwear Predictions’ for 2020. And there is so much variety – perfect for the Unconventional Wedding!
Alternative bridalwear predictions - grab yourself that unique wedding dress!
HAND PAINTED JACKETS AND MORE!
UPCYCLING & ECO-CONSCIOUS
OMBRE WEDDING DRESSES
RAINBOW WEDDINGS
DENIM CASUAL
GRAB YOUR WEDDING CAPE
Hand painted wedding dresses, Leather Jackets and Accessories
Alternative brides will adore this hand painted bridalwear! Add an edge to your look that reflects your personality or wedding theme with a personalised leather jacket (note can also be recycled so ticks another box too!). Is your plain wedding dress missing something? Need some quirky wedding shoes? Hand painting is always an option! Not sure where to look? Try our directory of alternative bridalwear suppliers and accessories.
Check out bridalwear tribe member Aylin White Designs. We LOVE how she handpaints flowers onto wedding dresses and alternative bridal accessories. Sally from Ayline White Designs can also paint your favourite animals, birds, insects or even a country garden scene. The limits are endless. And you can get matching bags, dog bandanas and other accessories. Check out the cute doggie in the gallery at the bottom!
Photo Gallery – neon LOVE jacket Sammy Leas Retro Emporium captured by freeForm Images, Hand Painted Doctor Martens by Inanna Bespoke Shoes by Kirsty Rockett Photography and Bridal jackets by Ophelia Rose Hand Painted by Assassynation. All Unconventional Wedding tribe members at the time of going to print!
Upcycling for the Eco Conscious Wedding
We LOVE anything pre-loved, vintage and reinvented! By upcycling old fabrics, you’re not only being kinder to the environment, but you’re creating a wedding dress full of personality with its own unique story. Buying from charity shops can save you money whilst supporting good causes. You then get to have all the fun of crafting your own alternative bridal wear and making it your own!
You’ll be surprised what you can find if you search for it: vintage lace, gorgeous silk and vintage accessories! For more environmentally conscious wedding ideas, check out our Eco Wedding Planning Tips blog!
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We think this quote from featured tribe member & wedding venue The Wellbeing Farm sums it up perfectly!
Within the throwaway society we live in, would it not be lovely to have a wedding where the focus is on a more sustainable, environmentally friendly and a more treasured, thoughtful wedding. Where you value and source items for your wedding which have history and meaning, such as, sourcing a vintage wedding dress, favours which are handmade or from a charity, or, making invites from ethically sourced or recycled materials.
Where you source quality local food and drink, even working with a venue to create a bespoke seasonal, organic and Fairtrade menu. A wedding venue which can demonstrate its recycling policies and is accredited for its work in striving towards a genuine green business.
And finally, where you work with local suppliers to create gorgeous items which can be treasured in time to come rather than ‘thrown away’, such as alternative bouquets, silk flowers, using second-hand props etc. – this is the beauty of having a sustainable wedding.
Add a rainbow to your wedding day with multi-coloured veils and accessories
It’s amazing how accessories can change up a wedding look. One of our favourite alternative bridalwear looks is ‘rainbow!’ It’s so easy to insert colour into your wedding day with bright accessories and decorations. A white backdrop with colourful styling never fails to look fab. Bouquets, accessories and shoes are all fun ways to add colour to your alternative bridalwear. For more fun rainbow wedding tips, see: ‘How To Create A Unique Rainbow Wedding.’
Check out the colourful wedding dress above from featured tribe member My Little Wedding Shop. Zoe choose a gown that included every colour of the rainbow whilst still looking like a wedding dress. She opted for an ivory zibeline for the bodice which set off the rainbow tulle layers beneath. The dress was finished off with dice motifs to go with her board game themed wedding day and accessorised with irregular choice shoes and hair to match her dress. Gorgeous!
Photo Gallery – Pom Poms Matt Glover Photography, Rainbow bridesmaids & Confetti – Stephanie Butt Photography
Ombre wedding dresses - Dip Dye Wedding Dresses
Ombre wedding dresses have been huge this year and we’re predicting it to grow and grow! What a gorgeously subtle way to break away from the white dress stereotype. Dip dye wedding dresses can contain as many colours as you like, as either small touches or bold pops of colour. For more ombre bridalwear inspiration, click here. Oh and do you know you can get ombre wedding veils now as well! Even more choice for the alternative wedding!
Get the casual vibe with a denim bridal jacket
Mindsets around weddings are changing. Many couples are opting for simple, relaxed ceremonies instead of grand celebrations. Therefore, we think relaxed bridal looks will be popular this year! The timeless denim jacket is a great way to dress down your alternative bridalwear. Personalised jackets like these can be lovely keepsakes for your bridal party that you can all can keep and wear forever. More alternative bridalwear advice: ‘How To Find Your Individual Wedding Style’.
Photo Gallery – Wifey Jacket with Pink Ribbon in Hair from BackChat Designs captured by Matt Glover Photography, Gardens, Bride in Garden – Jacket by Ophelia Rose Hand Painted by Birches and Pine Photography / Purple Rose Photography, and, Bride tribe – Jacket by Sammy Lea’s Retro Emporium Tanya Flannagan Photography
Wedding capes & Customisable options
Look at these incredible wedding capes! These are a sure way to add a bit of grandeur to your bridal look, keeping you warm at the same time! Many companies will create a bespoke cape to match your outfit perfectly. As a regal statement piece or a cosy winter warmer, capes will be big in alternative bridalwear this year!
Featuring some of our awesome tribe members
Inanna Bespoke Shoes – Alternative wedding shoes
Hi, I’m Louise the artistic hands behind Inanna Bespoke Shoes. My mission is to create beautiful, desirable and unique shoes with the emphasis on quality and precision artwork. I help people who are looking for their perfect wedding shoes but who struggle to get excited about the bland pairs on
The Wellbeing Farm – Quirky Wedding Venue
The Wellbeing Farm is a fun, unique and sustainable farm-based wedding and events venue in Lancashire, UK. It embraces wellbeing by saving the organiser time, hassle, and ultimately… stress! We aim to achieve the highest standards in sustainability and employee involvement. We are committed to working with the local community
ECLECTIC BRIDES BY BEXBRIDES
Hi there, I’m Bex of Eclectic Brides and Bexbrides. I have a quirky Bridalwear Studio in the northeast. Not nearby? I also sell worldwide on ETSY. I design wedding dresses from scratch and also upcycle vintage and retro wedding dresses. There is a huge collection in our studio for you to
Check out some of our real weddings over on our blog
Bright & Colourful Wedding Anniversary Shoot
We have a BEAUTIFUL story for you today, and some incredible photos to go alongside it! This anniversary shoot was sent into us by one of our Unconventional Supplier Directory members, Felicity Westmacott. This badass dress maker seized lockdown as an opportunity to finally finish her dream wedding dress. These
Luke & Victoria’s Creative Covid Wedding
We have more small wedding gorgeousness to share with you today! Luke and Victoria’s creative covid wedding is the perfect example of making the best out of a tough situation. Featuring the rainy streets of Bath and the sunny hills of the Cotswolds, these alternative wedding photos are friggin’ gorgeous!
The Best Unique & Alternative Wedding Dresses
Today we’re talking allllll 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
Frost On The Leaves – Sunny Autumn Wedding Inspiration
Isn’t autumn such a gorgeous time of year? There’s something lovely about the crunchy mornings and crisp air, with all the vibrant colours! This sunny autumn wedding inspiration captures just that, illustrating it with some stunning bridal looks. These photos are courtesy of Jessica Jill Photography and dress designer Felicity
Luxury Galaxy Wedding – Cosmic Love!
The night sky has become a muse for all types of artist, with its intriguing mystery and star splattered darkness. This luxury galaxy wedding takes inspiration from the swirling mysteries of the cosmos. With an inky colour palette and celestial bridal wear, it’s elegant, creative and alternative. Brilliantly coordinated by
Quirky Peacock Themed Wedding
We have a stunner of a wedding for your eyeballs today. This peacock themed wedding was sent into us by Katherine & Her Camera and Spiral Events – the colour scheme is just FABULOUS! The shoot is fun, quirky and colourful whilst still having lots of class! Just like a