Non-Traditional Wedding Dress Ideas for 2026

If wearing a traditional wedding dress is **not** you, but you still want to rock a beautiful gown, then you are in the right place! For some, white is not their color and they are looking for a colored wedding dress. For others, they want a wedding outfit that speaks to their unique or quirky style. Whatever your vibe, there are options out there for you. 

The Best Designers for Non-Traditional Wedding Dresses

As I was doing research for this article, a couple brands kept popping up consistently. I don’t get a kickback from any of them, but I did find a couple companies that are well worth checking out. 

If colorful, flowy wedding dresses are your vibe then Leanne Marshall is definitely where you are going to want to start. Her dresses are made to order from silk, in the US and are often hand dyed. They are truly works of art. 

For the offbeat bride who still likes a little luxury, it’s hard to beat BHLDN. 

If you are most at home in a garden, or the words “whimsical” “romantic” “boho” describe you, then you’re definitely going to want to check out Flora and Lane. These dresses popped up again and again in my searches for unique wedding dresses and I LOVE that you also have the option to custom design a dress from scratch with them.

For the widest selection of non-traditional dresses, rompers and jumpsuits, Etsy really can’t be beat, though. I bought my wedding dress on Etsy way back in 2016 and there are *so many more* options now. Want a fae-inspired wedding dress? They have them. Want to feel like you are in Lord of the Rings? They have them. Want a gothic wedding or a garden wedding or just simply don’t like wearing white? They have it all.

Ready to book your non-traditional wedding photographer? Get in touch here. I’m Virginia based but serve all of Va, NC, WV and MD.

My Favorite Unique Wedding Dresses

The Storm dress from Watters Designs is what I would imagine a fae queen might wear on her wedding day. Here is how they describe it: “Created from a blend of Galaxy Rhinestone Tulle, Illusion Tulle, and Haze Net, this gown is a symphony of ethereal textures and luminous sparkle. With its enchanting interplay of fabrics, Storm creates a celestial aura that beautifully mirrors your radiant love story, ensuring you’ll shine as brilliantly as the stars on your special day.”

The Heartleaf from Watters Design makes you feel like you are in a folktale. It features beautiful floral embroidery and a deep wine sash. It’s feminine and has a nod to traditional bridal style while still offering a unique flare.

The Aries by Watters Designs is glittery, flirty, bold and fun. It’s a dress equally suited for exploring an epic sunrise as it is taking on a night in town. This is a dress I imagine on a rooftop with a glass or champagne or martini in your hand. It’s definitely a non-traditional wedding dress and I’m here for it!

This Corset Front-Slit Ruffled Gown gown by Anthropologie comes in four colors. It’s fun, flirty and romantic while being a totally unique bridal look. Also comes in a beaded version (see below).

For the bride who wants to make a statement, the SAU LEE Adrian Strapless Embroidered Fitted Maxi Dress is a stunning alternative to a traditional wedding gown. With its elegant cape, embroidered florals and fitted silhouette, this dress is sure to wow the non-traditional.

For the bride seeking a unique yet timeless look, the L’IDÉE Black Tie Strapless Maxi Gown is a dreamy alternative to a traditional gown. Featuring stunning gold pleats and a flowing silhouette, this dress blends vintage charm with modern elegance. The delicate embellishments add a touch of romance, making it perfect for an intimate garden wedding, a chic courthouse ceremony, or a stylish reception change.

For the bride who wants “little black dress” with a spin this is a stunning option. The BHLDN Sweetheart Puff-Sleeve Lace-Back Maxi Dress is crushed velvet with puff sleeves and a beautiful lace back.

For those of you who don’t want to wear a dress, the Dress The Population Andy Strapless Sequin Jumpsuit is a chic and unexpected choice that redefines bridal style. With its sleek tailored fit and sparkle wow factor, this jumpsuit is perfect for a civil ceremony, reception outfit change, or elopement look.

For the bride seeking a bold yet romantic look, the Leo Lin Maxime Off-the-Shoulder Gown is a stunning alternative to a classic wedding dress. With its dramatic puffed sleeves, structured bodice, and voluminous skirt, this gown exudes modern elegance while maintaining a timeless feel. The off-the-shoulder neckline adds a touch of effortless glamour, making it perfect for a city elopement, chic reception dress, or non-traditional wedding celebration. A statement piece that blends high fashion with bridal charm, this dress is for those who love to stand out.

For the alternative bride who wants to make a bold yet elegant statement, the Fashionista Nights Ivory Strapless Bustier Jumpsuit is a perfect choice. With its structured bodice, strapless neckline, and flowing wide-leg silhouette, this jumpsuit exudes modern sophistication while offering the comfort and ease of movement that a traditional gown might not. Whether for a chic courthouse ceremony, reception outfit change, or stylish elopement, this look is effortlessly cool, proving that bridal fashion doesn’t have to follow the rules.

This dyed blue ombre dress from a designer on Etsy is stunning. This is a great gown for the flowy fairy princess. The designer can dye the dress whatever color you want and this silhouette would be flattering on all body types.

Honestly I would wear this for my vow renewal with my husband. It’s perfect for the “natural” bride. The skirt is made from natural linen and the top is a lace crop top. It’s really pretty and feminine while also being simple. I love this for an outdoor elopement or micro wedding. P.S. this Etsy designer has a ton of beautiful non-traditional wedding dress designs if this is not quite right for you.

If the linen skirt linked above wasn’t your thing, but you love separates then this might be your outfit. It’s a two-piece dress featuring a corset top and tafetta skirt. It’s dramatic and feminine while still being wildly different. Comes in multiple color options!

For the alternative bride dreaming of a whimsical, nature-inspired wedding, this green tulle and floral lace ball gown is pure magic. With its ethereal layers of soft tulle, intricate lace appliqués, and enchanting forest green hue, this dress is perfect for those who want to break away from tradition while still embracing romance. Whether you’re saying “I do” in a woodland setting, a historic manor, or an intimate elopement under the stars, this gown brings a fairy-tale touch to your one-of-a-kind love story.

This listing is only for the skirt, but it’s such a beautiful piece I wanted to included it in this roundup. It’s a dusty blue ombre bridal skirt. Pair it with a bodysuit or crop top — this skirt would photograph beautifully. Love the skirt, but don’t love the color? You can customize it with 16 color options.

This floral gown is truly incredible. It’s one of the dresses on the list that if I knew this was an option when I got married, I probably would have bought something like this. If you don’t like the grey-blue, you have several other color options to pick from. I also love the green.

For the color lover, this rainbow ombre dress is truly one of a kind. It features hand-dyed silk, an A-line silhouette and is handmade in the United States.

For the fantasy lover who wants to feel like they are in an ACOTAR wedding with their fae prince, this dress might be the perfect fit. Featuring romantic sleeves, beading and a dramatic slit this dress screams “otherworldly princess.” This version is in white, but the seller has listings with lots of other colors too.

For the alternative bride who wants to make a statement, this floral wedding dress is a dream come true. With its bold botanical embroidery, princess-worthy silhouette, and airy tulle layers, this gown blends romance with a modern, unconventional twist. Perfect for a garden wedding, whimsical elopement, or artistic celebration, it embraces color and texture in a way that feels effortlessly unique. If you’re looking to break free from tradition while still feeling elegant and ethereal, this dress is the perfect fit.

The Juliette Gown by Leanne Marshall is the perfect alternative wedding dress for the bride who craves effortless elegance with a modern twist. Its romantic off-the-shoulder draping, flowing silk chiffon, and soft yet dramatic silhouette make it a stunning choice for those who want to break away from tradition while still feeling timeless. Whether you’re saying “I do” in a sun-drenched meadow, an intimate city loft, or a windswept coastal cliffside, this gown embodies movement, romance, and individuality—perfect for the bride who wants to make her own rules.

Also from Leanne Marshall, the Danra will make all of your tropical print dreams come true. I imagine this being a yacht wedding gown that you wear while sipping margaritas and watching the sun go down.

The Night Sky gown by Flora and Lane is the perfect alternative wedding dress for the bride who wants to blend ethereal beauty with a touch of cosmic magic. Its deep navy hue, intricate beading, and soft, flowy silhouette create a dreamy, celestial look that’s perfect for a non-traditional wedding. The stunning mix of elegance and edge offers a unique and modern twist on the classic bridal look, making it ideal for a bride seeking a bold, yet romantic statement for her special day. Whether in a forest glen or under the stars, this gown is as captivating as the night sky itself.

The Meadow is the kind of dress that would pair equally well with cowgirl boots, hiking boots or fancy shoes. She’s designed for movement and features blue embroidered flowers and a whimsical feel.

For the witchy, midnight bride, you could not dream up a better dress than…Starlight by Flora and Lane. This flowy black gown features moon and star appliqués all over and tulle sleeves.

This is the dress for the nature lover. It makes you feel like you are in the middle of a summer garden. It features billowy sleeves and a beautiful tulle skirt.

The Midnight is designed to look like stardust sprinkled on a black sky. It features a plunging neckline and ballgown skirt with detachable star cape. It’s truly an epic gown and will help you shimmer your may into marriage.

If you don’t find what you need here, then I have a couple tips to help you search: 

• Go to a local bridal boutique that also carries prom and formal wear and try on a “prom” dress. This incredible gown is technically a prom dress, not a wedding dress. You may find that a prom dress retails for less moolah than a similar wedding gown would be too. 

• If you want a very simple gown that you can try on then try on a bridesmaid’s dress – you can typically order them in any color you like! 
• Instead of searching for “non-traditional wedding dress” or “unique wedding dress” just search for “formal gown” or “evening gown” or “ball gown” or “unique formal wear.” The word “wedding” has such strong associations with white dress that it’s actually a weaker search than just taking the word “wedding” out of it. 

I hope this helps you find the unique wedding dress of your dreams!