While there will always be wedding-dress trends that make their mark on the bridal world — minis, co-ords, jumpsuits, backless cutouts, oversize bows, and sheer illusions are just a few from recent history — the most unique look is one that caters to your personal style. If you love sequins, feathers, or a specific color, why not extend those preferences to your special day? Even casual details, such as zippers and stripes, can be worked into your wedding ensemble if you want them to be. Feeling like you during your walk down the aisle (or the signing of a marriage license at the courthouse) is incredibly important, after all. And for brides with more nontraditional taste, there are plenty of choices suited to your liking.
If nothing else, these spins on more classic silhouettes may lead you to a new idea, a specific fabric, a wedding-dress designer, or an outfit accoutrement that you wish to work with. From the metallic shimmer boasted by modern brands like Retrofête and The Vampire's Wife to the recognizably avant-garde silhouettes from Danielle Frankel, Rosie Assoulin, and Andrea Iyamah, we have delivered a handful of unique bridal looks that will have you in the running for the most creative wedding ensemble your guests have ever seen. Keep reading for our unconventional bridal-style selections, and discover fresh fashion ideas at a range of price points. You can start shopping budget-friendly labels like Reformation and Eloquii, along with luxe couture pieces from the likes of Carolina Herrera, Galia Lahav, and Monique Lhuillier.
Grace Karin Women's Long Formal Sleeveless V-Neck Cocktail Wedding Dress ($47)
Imagine how jaws will drop when you say your wedding dress was less than $50. This structural, sleeveless dress offers a unique peek of the leg with a high-low ruffled mermaid hem. It's begging for a shoe moment, hands down.
House of CB Valentina Asymmetric Cutout One-Shoulder Midi Dress ($149–$225, originally $255)
It may not be what you immediately picture when you think of a wedding dress, but this trendy silhouette impresses with a sleek décolletage cutout and body-hugging fabric that is completed with ruching all the way down.
Reformation Rehannin Dress ($298)
Revel in a '70s moment with this unique wedding dress, which comes at an affordable price point and is made from deadstock fabric. You can create a leggy moment in metallic platforms, just like the brand suggests.
PatBo Hi-Low Maxi Wrap Dress ($313, originally $625)
For a more understated look that's on sale and under $1,000, shop this PatBO dress and finish with a pair of sculptural shoes that steal the spotlight.
Needle and Thread Genevieve Ruffle Gown ($749)
Winter brides who seek a unique red wedding dress will flock to the Genevieve, which also comes in six other colorways. Its most standout shade is this scarlet hue, especially when paired with a cherry lip.
Fe Noel Lola Netted Dress in Bone ($798)
Yet another choice for the confident beach bride, this unique wedding dress can be styled over a swimsuit and completed with mules for dramatic effect.
Bridal by Eloquii Tulle Bustier Ball Gown ($799)
This unique wedding dress is both elegant and dramatic with its puff sleeves, fitted bustier, and sheer overlay.
Andrea Iyamah Oneta Jumpsuit ($825, originally $1,100)
This bridal jumpsuit is perfect for dancing with its pleated, wide-leg pants. But the bustier top with eye-catching sweeps of fabric will still have you feeling like a princess.
Retrofête Olivia Midi Sequin Dress ($895)
If you prefer a no-fuss, fitted knee-length number, this sequin midi dress is a sparkling choice and can be completed with the Retrofête Ari Embellished Gloves ($298).
Vintage Emilio Pucci Sequin Long Sleeve Gown ($1,039, originally $4,450)
If pink is your color, consider this sequined dress. It's in solid condition and combines Old Hollywood vibes with the disco era.
Needle and Thread Alina Sequin Ankle Gown ($1,369)
This unique wedding dress in petal pink is a lovely choice for a daytime wedding and calls for metallic sandals to play up the shimmering beads.
LoveShackFancy Hilma Maxi Dress ($837, originally $1,395)
This unique bow-covered wedding dress makes us think of Mandy Moore's nontraditional wedding gown, which was also pink. With its kitschy trimmings and bright shade, this look will be instantly unforgettable.
Rosie Assoulin Breast Plate Silk Faille Gown ($1,398, originally $2,795)
The unique wedding dress is decidedly cinematic, taking an avant-garde approach to wedding-day dressing, especially with two differently colored opera gloves.
Rebecca Vallance Francine Long Sleeve Gown ($1,699)
Incorporate '80s rocker vibes into your look with this unique wedding dress, which comes with sheer velvet flocked sleeves and a detachable diamante buckle belt.
Jenny by Jenny Yoo Holden Off-The-Shoulder Floral Lace Ball-Skirt Wedding Gown ($1,895)
Surprise your guests when you make a quick change and remove the pouf sleeves on this unique floral wedding dress, which comes with a thigh slit. Available in regular and plus sizes, the cathedral train makes this look unforgettable.
LaQuan Smith Gold Mockneck Column Gown ($1,895)
Imagine getting hitched in this gold naked dress, which has lattice mesh long sleeves. It essentially looks like a tall glass of bubbling Champagne, ideal for a celebratory affair.
Galia Lahav Anita Corset ($840) and Galia Lahav Anita Trousers ($1,090)
Piece this '70s-inspired bridal look together with a glittery corset and pooling wide-leg trousers.
KYHA Sol Top ($395) with the KYHA Sienna Skirt ($1,557, originally $3,995)
Mix and match these pieces to make for a beach-appropriate wedding-day ensemble that is unexpectedly modern.
LAPOINTE Feather-Trim Thigh-Slit Satin Midi Dress ($1,990)
This dress is a take on one of the bridal looks Naomi Biden wore leading up to her special day, albeit in an intriguing orchid shade that casts you as the center of attention. It's a strong contender if you're planning to throw an all-white party for guests.
Cult Gaia Emi Gown ($2,398)
Bring back the high-low trend, and embrace a leggy moment in this unique wedding dress, which has lustrous movement and dimension, courtesy of the off-white ostrich feathers.
Sophie et Voilà Gertrudis Dress ($2,400)
This unique wedding dress comes up big on the exaggerated-ruffles front. You can make it even more unique and '60s-inspired with a geometric headpiece.
Danielle Frankel Mae Dress ($3,990)
Step out in this double-breasted dress, and you'll emit both romantic and sophisticated vibes. The dramatic sleeves are destined to call all sorts of attention as you walk down the aisle.
Vampire's Wife Sky Rocket Dress ($3,238) and The Vampire's Wife Sky Rocket Cape ($2,497)
This two-piece look — with its Victorian silhouette and modern finish, thanks to shimmering silver sequins — is lent a regal touch with a dreamy cape thrown over.
Houghton NYC Naomi Dress ($8,000)
This unique wedding dress is '90s-inspired with embroidered feathers and swathings of shimmering beads. Complete this outfit with the Houghton NYC Roxy Overskirt to make for a splendor-filled ensemble.
Markarian Petal Floral Appliqué Strapless Dress ($9,350)
Brides considering a wedding minidress will fall in love with this look, made to order and covered in silk pastel blooms from Markarian.
The mesmerizing Amsale gown is a printed taffeta ballgown with a ruched bodice and bustles at the side. Of course, it's most recognizable for its lavender shade.
Monique Lhuillier Jeweled Organza High Neck Blouse ($1,995) and Monique Lhuillier Feather Ball Skirt ($7,995)
There is more to this look than meets the eye. Rather than one full piece, it consists of a ball skirt and blouse, making for a Regency-era look with a modern twist. Accent the pieces as you wish with a black-velvet waistband.
Carolina Herrera Strapless Tiered Tulle Gown ($12,990)
This wedding dress is certainly not for the faint of heart. It's at once attention-commanding, bold, and beautiful for your walk down the aisle. Cater to the drama with an ornate headpiece.
RVNG Couture Juliet Gown ($15,000)
From the silk taffeta empire waist to the poufy sleeves, there's no denying who's the bride in this gorgeous gown.
Lela Rose The Quincy (contact for pricing)
Meet the Quincy: a ballerina-inspired faille dress with a bubble hem and romantic racerback that features an intricate trail of satin-wrapped buttons. Sporting the design with flats makes for a comfortable, slightly playful look.
Honor Organza Garland Print Gown (inquire online)
This unique floral print wedding dress comes with a voluminous skirt splashed in romantic watercolor bouquets. It's accented by a sheer black ribbon — a subtle detail that provides plenty of personality.
Peter Langner Daphne (contact for pricing)
Don't wish to veer from a white palette but seek an intriguing silhouette? Try this unique wedding dress, which is an embroidered tulle balloon-blouse-style minidress that can be worn with or without a silk skirt underneath. The transitional options are endless.