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You deserve to be the main event on your wedding day, and an unconventional dress is one of the best ways to show off your unique style and personality. While you can never go wrong with a classic gown on the big day, there are so many one-of-a-kind wedding dresses that are perfect for brides who love to deviate and stand out from the crowd.
Julie Sabatino, founder of The Stylish Bride, says she likes to “encourage women to look to themselves and their personal styles for inspiration,” when shopping for a unique wedding dress.
Whether you’re looking for an asymmetrical design, wishing to be covered in lace, or dreaming of endless florals, these nontraditional dresses are anything but basic.
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Best Mini Dress: Karen Millen Cornelli Embellished Fringed Woven Dress
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This mini dress has a little bit of everything, blending a contemporary and vintage style together to create a show-stopping and party-ready garment. Complete with fringe trimming, lace embellishments, and tasteful cutouts, this dress doesn't skimp on the details. The tasteful cutouts on the front and backside add a playful flare and contrast perfectly with the traditional high neckline.
Price at time of publish: $456
Size Range: 2-12 | Length: Mini | Shipping: 5-8 business days | Return policy: Within 30 days of delivery
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Best Floral: Ema Savahl Jewel Neck Gown
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It doesn’t get more unique than a hand-painted gown with an array of flowers from Ema Savahl. Each dress from the brand is individually crafted with three-dimensional artwork and designs, all done by hand. The fabric of the floral masterpiece also features a four-way stretch for maximum comfort on your big day.
Price at time of publish: $2,750
Size Range: XS-L | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: 5-7 business days | Return policy: 7 days on non-custom orders
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Best Off-White: Jane Booke Rich Hippie Dress
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Looking to diverge from the typical white dress? A cream colorway is a nontraditional choice that still possesses a bridal feel. This ready-to-wear Rich Hippie Dress from Jane Booke is comprised completely of silk and flows beautifully with the body for a romantic walk down the aisle. We especially love the elegance of the vintage-inspired subtle ruffles and tiers that are versatile enough for any level of celebration.
Price at time of publish: $2,480
Size Range: XS-L | Length: Floor-length| Shipping: 5-8 business days | Return policy: Not Listed
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Best For a Courthouse Wedding: Katie May Boss Lady Dress
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This sophisticated-yet-chic dress is the perfect way to say “I do” courthouse style. The cape sleeves cascade into a full-back covering for a formal finish from behind. And the plunging lapel coupled with the asymmetrical button-enclosed skirt makes for a structured and playful ensemble.
Price at time of publish: $285
Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Mini | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping | Return policy: 60 days for a refund, 90 days for an exchange
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Best Vintage-Inspired: Taller Marmo Open Back Fringe Crepe Kaftan
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“If you’re looking for something unique it’s always a good idea to skew towards a vintage look,” says Sabatino, and we especially love this fringe ensemble from Taller Marmo for a truly timeless look. The 60s and 70s-inspired dress is complete with a silhouette-hugging belt, sweeping fringe sleeves, and a plunging keyhole neckline coupled with a turtleneck. And our favorite aspect just might be the backside– completely open for a clean, bare finish.
Price at time of publish: $1,345
Size Range: One Size | Length: Calf-length | Shipping: Within five business days | Return policy: 28 days to exchange or return
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Best Two-Piece: AMUR Oriel Strapless Bustier Top and Ophelia Tiered Pleated Ball Skirt
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Fancy a co-ord look for the big day? This set is the perfect way to embrace the two-piece trend while adding a unique twist to your ensemble. The strapless bustier features a rippled and three-dimensional neckline while the pleated skirt is defined by endless ruffled layers. The top and bottom complement each other while still possessing their own unique fabrications.
Price at time of publish: $826 for both
Size Range: 00-14 | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: 4-8 business days | Return policy: Within 30 days of delivery date
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For the Party Bride: PatBo Feather Trim Oscar Dress
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If you’re looking to make your wedding day synonymous with a non-stop party, then we suggest this feather-filled dress to embody a look that calls for celebration. The ruched silk draping, asymmetrical hem, and one-shoulder neckline, all topped off with feather detailing make this dress ideal for endless festivities. Plus, it even comes with a coordinating neck scarf for an added flare.
Price at time of publish: $1,595
Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Mini-midi | Shipping: 5-7 days | Return policy: Within 14 days of receipt
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Best Layers: Lisette Ruffle Off Shoulder Gown
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With countless layers of ruffles, this whimsical gown is the epitome of a complete fairytale wedding look. The tulle fabrication boasts a slight champagne hue, lined with small embroidered motifs for subtle detailing. The wispy dress also has plenty of movement so you can twirl the night away with ease.
Price at time of publish: $789
Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: 4-7 business days | Return policy: Within 14 days of delivery
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For the Glitzy Bride: Christian Cowan Sequin High Neck Gown
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For the bride who wants (and deserves) to be the main event, this statement-making gown will have you looking like the star of the show, literally. The simple high neck and racerback design tastefully contrast the maximalist party-ready sequin fabrication that creates a luminescent and reflective silhouette for a dazzling finish.
Price at time of publish: $1,695
Size Range: 2-12 | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: 3-5 business days | Return policy: Within 30 days of delivery
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For the Sexy Bride: For Love & Lemons Temecula Maxi Dress
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If you’re ready to show some skin down the aisle, this dress from For Love and Lemons is the perfect way to do so. Embellished with all-over mirrored floral embroidery on a sheer backdrop, the barely-there fabric creates a sensual illusion and is layered with a nude bodysuit for full coverage where you want it. Complete with bodice cutouts, a plunging neckline, and an open backside secured by a sheer tie closure, this gown is equal parts romantic and revealing.
Price at time of publish: $298
Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Floor-length| Shipping: | Return policy: Within 2 weeks
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Best Lace: Azazie Harmonia Wedding Dress
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Lace is a fairy tale wedding dress staple, and the Azazie Harmonia Dress takes the diaphanous fabric to the next level with its angelic silhouette. The romantic fabric is crafted with dainty floral detailing and trim lining that covers the oversized bell sleeves and circular train. The slip even comes in varying off-white colorways and is designed with a plunging open back to accentuate your figure.
Price at time of publish: $499
Size Range: 0-30 | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: 3-4 weeks | Return policy: Within 30 days for non-custom
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For the Fashion-Forward Bride: Danielle Frankel Avery Dress
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You'll feel like you just stepped off the runway in this stylish number from Danielle Frankel. The pearlescent-esque fabric paired with the unique oversized draping and lace trim makes for a truly luxe look. Plus, the completely open back adds a sleek touch, deviating in design from the flooded frontside of the dress.
Price at time of publish: $2,990
Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Mini | Shipping: 12-18 weeks | Return policy: Not eligible for return
Meet the Expert
Julie Sabatino, founder of The Stylish Bride.
What to Look For in a Unique Wedding Dress
Personal Style
“Instead of scrolling through social media to see what others are wearing or looking at what is trending, I think brides should consider what they love to wear,” explains Sabatino. “You can probably find a nontraditional dress from a ready-to-wear collection from a brand you like,” she adds that it “might even be an off-white or different color altogether, which would make it especially unique.”
Features and detailing
Unique wedding dresses will most likely have some added features that add a twist to your typical bridal whites. Some of our favorite additions include detailed embroideries such as the florals featured on the For Love and Lemon's Temecula Cut Out Maxi Dress, asymmetrical silhouettes like the Patbo Feather Trim Oscar Dress, or floral motifs seen on Rodarte’s Lace Slip Dress.
Return Policy
“Before you place your order, make sure the website has a good return policy,” says Sabatino. “You’re going to want to try on the dress so look out for places where it is difficult to return.” Most websites have a minimum of a 14-day return policy, however, it may vary if the dress is custom or from a smaller boutique.
FAQ
How can I make my wedding dress unique?
Sabatino suggests that “brides should think about what makes them feel great and begin looking there when shopping for a unique dress.”
Incorporating your own taste into a wedding dress will make it unique in itself and reflect your own personal style. If your wardrobe is filled with feminine clothing, something like a floral or lace dress may align with your taste. Ethereal brides may choose a fairycore wedding dress for a romantic, storybook feel. If you tend to stand out from the crowd in terms of style, then you can’t go wrong with an interesting silhouette or distinctive embellishments.
What increases the price of a wedding dress?
“You get what you pay for in a dress, so a better fabric will make a dress more expensive,” says Sabatino. An intricate design or more features can also increase the price of a dress. “Some people might care more about the designer, the fabric, or the pattern,” she explains “I suggest deciding what the most important features are to you and that’s a good place to set a budget.”
Designating a budget and deciding what the most valuable aspects are for you to spend your money on will make dress shopping much easier.
Where can I buy a wedding dress online?
Sabatino is a fan of Moda Operandi, “the website does a great job curating a wedding section.”
“My Theresa also has some dresses that are less expected and has some cool designs on there,” she adds.
Some others with varying price points include Revolve, Anthropology, Azazie, and department stores like Bloomingdales or Neiman Marcus.
Why Trust Brides
Jasmine Hyman is a commerce writer and producer for Dotdash Meredith’s beauty and travel publications. Her work has appeared in Byrdie, InStyle, People, and more. For this article, she spent hours researching the most unique bridal dresses and consulted Julie Sabatino, founder of The Stylish Bride.
The 25 Best Non-Traditional Wedding Dresses for Unconventional Brides
