The "Not-Wedding-Dress" Wedding Dress Edit

Detailed view of the Ravella mini dress by Grace Loves Lace with 3D floral lace and the vintage-inspired Havisham dress by Joanie featuring sheer sleeves and ruffled layers
Trends
Embrace the trend: the wedding dresses the anti-wedding girls are wearing.
Written by
Megan Simpson Teeter

Modern brides are re-shaping wedding fashion (again! and again!) with the coolest of the cool-girl aesthetic: the not-a-wedding-dress wedding dresses. These casual counterparts of the more traditional gowns come in all shapes and silhouettes — from the redefined boho look to structured minis. Frocks you'd typically see worn at engagement parties or bridal showers are being promoted to "the dress" status — making appearances at simply rustic weddings, sexy destination affairs (read: Charli XCX's bridal look) and even those blow-out bashes. 

It's official: modern wedding dress alternatives are having their moment in the bridal zeitgeist. They've made their way into tried-and-true bridal brands, up-and-coming boutiques and charitable resale boutiques like Brides for a Cause, which collects donated gowns from designers, manufacturers, and former brides to support women-focused nonprofits.

We've rounded up just a few of our favorite nontraditional wedding dresses to help you decide if the simple life, wedding edition, is your true calling.

photos courtesy of Joanie Clothing

The vibes: new-age boho, modern Victorian, rustic romantic

Bohemian dresses live on — elevated and better than ever. "It's got a cool Victorian gothic lace feel that just works," says the designer and founder of the UK clothing brand. "Amp it up with killer heels... or pair her with cowboy boots or a leather jacket for easy, breezy bride vibes." The dress is living proof that a longer hemline doesn't have to mean traditional. Brides will love this more cost-effective alternative to Claire Pettibone, featuring that layered-and-lacy style. Bonus: the 'fit offers a simple slip if you're looking for a casual Caroline Kennedy look for your big day (or big afterparty). Joanie Clothing also offers suits and plenty of colorful options for couples and wedding guests alike.

photos courtesy of Grace Loves Lace

The vibes: modern minimalist, soft elegance, "shorten it & wear it again"

Grace Loves Lace is one of those standout bridal brands that just knows how to shorten the hemline. Sateen is sleek and structured, with just the right touch of softness courtesy of its peek-a-boo lace detail. The clean lines of this strapless mini make it a perfect canvas for bold accessories — think sculptural earrings, a dramatic veil or the brand’s signature Leila cape. This is a gal that's as comfortable at a city hall ceremony as she is at a black-tie afterparty — it exudes justified confidence in every stitch. “A short dress is playful, unexpected and inherently modern,” says founder Megan Ziems. “You’re simply choosing a silhouette that says, ‘this is me.’”

photo courtesy of Grace Loves Lace

photo courtesy of Grace Loves Lace

photo by Madison Rose Photography

The vibes: disco redux, sultry-and-sweet, flair for the dramatics

Some dresses are made to float, and Camille is one of them. This lace mini gives that '70s vibe in the best possible way — flared sleeves, a plunging neckline and the perfect amount of leg. The vintage silhouette balances romance with edge, making it ideal for the bride who wants to feel dreamy, groovy and a little bit wild. Ziems recommends “a silhouette that moves with your body and a fabric that feels beautiful on your skin,” and this stunner checks both boxes. Let it shine on its own for a flirty, full-day look, or pair it with an overskirt for a two-in-one moment that takes you from vow exchange to dance floor without skipping a beat.

photo courtesy of Grace Loves Lace

photo courtesy of Grace Loves Lace

photo by Chanelle Sekas-Whitacre

The vibes: haute fantasy, floral luxe, regal-sans-rules

Ravella is for the true girly-pop — the bride who wants that princess energy without getting swallowed in layers of tulle. With its architectural boning, playful peplum-inspired skirt and dimensional floral lace, this girl is made to be twirled in (long, long after the cake is cut). It’s truly the main character — bold, refined and unapologetically feminine. As Ziems puts it, “We are all about making women feel their most confident on their wedding days and hero’ing the favourite parts of themselves.” Ravella makes space for that kind of confidence to grab (and keep) all the attention.

Spotlight Designers - Anthropologie

Anthropologie knows a bride needs options — and these three minis bring the vibe, the versatility, and the photo ops. The Brulee Off-the-Shoulder Mini by De La Vali is for the supreme cool girl who wants something slinky. A satin corset bodice and artfully draped neckline make it equal parts Roman goddess and It Girl. The Lucile Halter Sash Mini by Significant Other leans into old-school elegance, with a timeless silhouette that’s giving the refinement of Grace Kelly with the hemline of Marilyn Monroe. Then there’s the Frida Rosette Mini by Helsi — a total heart-stealer covered in blooming sequins, perfect for the bride who’s whimsical at heart. This gal is a fresh take on the blushing bride. All three looks are available at Anthropologie, online and in-store — just add heels and a reason to celebrate.