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25 Brides Who Skipped the Traditional Wedding Dress

Intricate white lace, beaded bodices, and dramatic trains are not what all brides envision for their big day. For these 25 bridal looks, originality took center-stage, while tradition took a backseat. From jumpsuits to jeans, to custom colored and patterned gowns, these women skipped the traditional wedding dress without skimping on style. 

By: Nikki Trojanowski

Enter Slideshow
  • Adventure Gear

    Adventure Gear

    The veil is the only traditional thing about this bride’s ensemble that allowed her to take the plunge into marriage.

    Photo Credit: Lake Tahoe Weddings

  • Pants and Suits

    Pants and Suits

    An intricate beaded coat adds pizazz to this winter bride's simple white sweater and pants.

    Photo Credit: L&L Style Photo

  • Colored and Patterned Dresses

    Colored and Patterned Dresses

    With green hues that match her outdoor wedding setting, this gown makes a chic statement.

    Photo Credit: L&L Style Photo

  • Separates

    Separates

    This bride selected a traditional white skirt but paired it with a black turtleneck and dramatic necklace.

    Photo Credit: L&L Style Photo 

  • Colored and Patterned Dresses

    Colored and Patterned Dresses

    A black lace gown is romantic and timeless, despite its non-traditional color.

    Photo Credit: Ilaria Petrucci

  • Pants and Suits

    Pants and Suits

    Embracing the off-the-shoulder trend, this fun lace top is paired with matching pants.

    Photo Credit: Evangeline Lane

  • Pants and Suits

    Pants and Suits

    A hat, heels, and plunging neckline showcase this bride’s sophisticated, cool style.

    Photo Credit: Christine Doneé

  • Separates

    Separates

    A pop of color in the form of a bright gold sequined top is worn with a ballgown-style white skirt.

    Photo Credit: Cami Jane Photography

  • Separates

    Separates

    The drama of a lace cape is offset by a simple skirt for this elegant, nontraditional look.

  • Separates

    Separates

    A floral crown and flat shoes are matched with an embroidered two-piece for this unique bride.

    Photo Credit: Story & Gold Weddings

  • Pants and Suits

    Pants and Suits

    Rather than a traditional suit, this bride selected skinny pants, a long jacket and breezy blouse.

  • Colored and Patterned Dresses

    Colored and Patterned Dresses

    A lace tank top paired with a beautiful floral skirt looks perfectly polished.

    Photo Credit: Sleepy Fox Photography

  • Jumpsuits

    Jumpsuits

    White-hot in the desert, this bride's jumpsuit is both classy and playful.

    Photo Credit: Betsi Ewing Studio

  • Separates

    Separates

    For the laid-back bride, a jean jacket is the perfect partner to a tulle skirt.

    Photo Credit: Red Barn Photography

  • Colored and Patterned Dresses

    Colored and Patterned Dresses

    Bright and playful ombré colors reflect the personality of this distinctive bride. 

    Photo Credit: Readyluck Photography

  • Jumpsuits

    Jumpsuits

    All-white and strapless, this jumpsuit has the look of a gown with the practicality a bride who likes to dance can appreciate. 

    Photo Credit: Rachel Red Photography

  • Adventure Gear

    Adventure Gear

    To celebrate a love as deep as the blue sea, this bride wore scuba gear.

    Photo Credit: Pluto Dive

  • Separates

    Separates

    For a more dramatic look, a simple black top is paired with light layers of dark tulle.

  • Separates

    Separates

    An eyelash lace crop top in black is worn with a sleek, white pencil skirt for this unique look.

  • Separates

    Separates

    An all-lace top paired with a playful tulle skirt offers a look with a little tradition and a little flair.

    Photo Credit: Made2Style

  • Pants and Suits

    Pants and Suits

    Monochromatic times two; white from head to toe was the right fit for these lovely ladies.

  • Separates

    Separates

    A modest two-piece is simple and sweet, adorned with a dramatic floral crown.

  • Pants and Suits

    Pants and Suits

    Keeping it casual, the bride on the left selected a flowing, sleeveless blouse and slim-fit pants, perfect for the dance floor. 

  • Separates

    Separates

    With a high-low hemline and simple top, this two-piece goes so well together, you might think it was a gown.

  • Colored and Patterned Dresses

    Colored and Patterned Dresses

    Intricate embroidery on a blue dress is as romantic as this vineyard setting.

25 Brides Who Skipped the Traditional Wedding Dress

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25 Unique and Stylish Boutonnieres

Whether you’re looking for a fresh take on the traditional blossom or a totally outside-the-box design, be inspired by these stylish boutonnieres.

By: Mary Wozniak

Enter Slideshow
  • Natural Non-florals

    Natural Non-florals

    An on-trend succulent rosette is wrapped in rustic twine.

    Photo Credit: Urban Succulents

  • Reflect Your Themed Event

    Reflect Your Themed Event

    Lovely for a winter wedding: sprigs of fragrant cedar and miniature pine cones are wrapped with jute and satin ribbon.

    Photo Credit: Which Goose/Etsy

  • Reflect Your Themed Event

    Reflect Your Themed Event

    A nautical rope knot is a clever alternative for your seaside celebration.

  • Reflect Your Themed Event

    Reflect Your Themed Event

    Rustic feathers are embellished with a bronze arrow for a woodsy, boho look.

    Photo Credit: Luxe and Luster/Etsy

  • Reflect Your Themed Event

    Reflect Your Themed Event

    A gorgeous vintage-inspired floral features a single peach rose and silvery lambs ear, bound with cream lace and twine.

  • Reflect Your Themed Event

    Reflect Your Themed Event

    A blooming burgundy wine cork is the perfect choice for a vineyard or winery setting.

    Photo Credit: Kate Said Yes/Etsy

  • Whimsical Alternatives

    Whimsical Alternatives

    A playful paper rose is handmade from comic book pages.

    Photo Credit: The Vintage Owl/Etsy

  • Whimsical Alternatives

    Whimsical Alternatives

    For your beach theme, a genuine starfish is embellished with pearls and floral accents.

    Photo Credit: Artseero/Etsy

  • Whimsical Alternatives

    Whimsical Alternatives

    Preserve your memories with a sweet sola wood gardenia.

    Photo Credit: Kristy Claire/Etsy

  • Whimsical Alternatives

    Whimsical Alternatives

    He holds the key to your heart; a vintage skeleton key boutonniere is an elegant option.

    Photo Credit: Which Goose/ Etsy

  • Whimsical Alternatives

    Whimsical Alternatives

    Bright-hued handmade paper flowers will make for awesome photographs.

  • Whimsical Alternatives

    Whimsical Alternatives

    This quirky vintage bottle cap has enamel and rhinestone accents.

    Photo Credit: Jason Diehl via The Ritzy Rose/Etsy

  • Exquisite Florals

    Exquisite Florals

    A traditional baby’s breath buttonhole is adorned with Australian spinning gum and white satin ribbon.

  • Exquisite Florals

    Exquisite Florals

    A simple and sophisticated red bloom makes a stylish fabric lapel pin.

    Photo Credit: Mojca Kropec via Nevestica/Etsy

  • Exquisite Florals

    Exquisite Florals

    A beautiful blush rose and soft pink hydrangea will last for years — these real blooms are glycerin preserved.

    Photo Credit: Floral Escence

  • Exquisite Florals

    Exquisite Florals

    Lovely silk calla lily and plumeria in beachy shades of aqua and coral are wrapped in Tiffany blue.

  • Exquisite Florals

    Exquisite Florals

    The classic single rose is stunning in a lavender hue.

  • Natural Non-florals

    Natural Non-florals

    A natural cotton boll has simple rustic charm.

    Photo Credit: Floral Escence

  • Natural Non-florals

    Natural Non-florals

    For the craft beer enthusiast or your brewery venue: hops with rye stalks and dried gomphrena.

    Photo Credit: Black Creek Hops/Etsy

  • Natural Non-florals

    Natural Non-florals

    A unique air plant is adorned with berries and preserved seeded eucalyptus.

  • Especially for the Groom

    Especially for the Groom

    For the fisherman groom: bold-hued feathers embellished with a fishing hook, line, and bobble.

    Photo Credit: Kristy Claire/Etsy

  • Especially for the Groom

    Especially for the Groom

    Pretty yellow roses get a bit of masculine flair with a gold shotgun shell.

    Photo Credit: Kate Said Yes/Etsy

  • Especially for the Groom

    Especially for the Groom

    A fun alternative for the golf fanatic, made wedding-appropriate with pretty pastel hues and sweet baby’s breath.

  • Especially for the Groom

    Especially for the Groom

    Beautiful traditional roses hold a hidden nod to the groom's favorite Star Wars characters.

  • Whimsical Alternatives

    Whimsical Alternatives

    This modern leaf and branch design is 3-D printed in stainless steel.

25 Unique and Stylish Boutonnieres

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