Alternative wedding-day outfits are perfect for brides planning a pared-back party or a second celebration and our pick offer high glamour with a chic twist
Alternative wedding-day outfits are nothing new – we’ve seen edgy and relaxed styles triumph on the runway and across the finest designer collections for many seasons now. These are looks that are perfect for pared-back and sassy celebrations, but equally appropriate if you’re hosting two events or planning a destination party where resolutely modern style triumphs over tradition (and you don’t want to max out your luggage allowance). Here are eight picks that tick bridal boxes for glamour, elegance and a memorably cool take on wedding style.
1. Sassi Holford – Best dressed
With an almost race-day glamour to its chic and elegant lines, Sassi Holford’s white Chelsea shirtdress has floaty lace sleeves and a hand-pleated skirt with neat waist-defining skirt. It’s perfect for a register office or simple city ceremony. sassiholford.com
2. Ines di Santo – Slim line
Ines di Santo’s Honor wedding dress is a sleek short number with floral lace bodice and slim fitted skirt. It can be accessorised with matching lace half sleeves for the ceremony and has perfect credentials for a day-to-evening warm-weather party. inesdisanto.com
3. Caroline Castigliano – Sleek separates
We love an alternative wedding-day outfit that manages to be both perfectly glamorous and also ideal for wearing after the big day. Caroline Castigliano delivers it with this Nicole top is paired with her sleek silk Montserrat ankle grazers. carolinecastigliano.com
4. Charlie Brear – Fifties flair
With a Fifties flavour, Charlie Brear’s Safin is a mid-length Mikado gown with halter neck, low back and box-pleat skirt. It’s a perfect choice for a summer or destination party, and easy to accessorise with a neat jacket or pashmina. charliebrear.com
5. Cymbeline – New romantic
A dashing New Romantic ensemble, Mirys, from French bridal house Cymbeline, pairs cut-offs with a full-length organza shirtdress and green obi belt. Its a dashing ensemble for brides who want to do different and we love the fact that every element can be repurposed for after parties. cymbeline.com
6. Rime Arodaky – Iconic elegance
This classic wrap dress from French designer Rime Arodaky’s Iconics collection is made for cool parties. UK exclusive stockist is The Mews Bridal, with branches in Notting Hill, London and Bristol. themewsnottinghill.co.uk
7. Gracy Accad – Marvellous mini
A New York designer to watch, Gracy Accad ups the ante on alternative bridal attire with this frivolous bow-trimmed Penelope mini – proving that alternative wedding-day looks certainly don’t have to be low key. gracyaccad.com
6. Rembo Styling – Retro tailoring
Also shown main picture top, Rembo Styling’s floor length gown gives bridal style a retro 1970s-maxi twist with its pared-back lines and carefully chosen fine details. The dress combines a glamorous plunge bodice, split front and lovely lace panel defining waist, sleeves and neckline. rembo-styling.com
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