Updated on July 26, 2021
Whether you’ve grown up dreaming about your wedding day or you’ve barely thought about it at all, there’s still a good chance you have a least considered what you’d like to wear.
However, society has created an image of what a bride is supposed to look like — white dress, maybe a little lace, and definitely no color. The idea of wearing an original dress or something outside of the box is often questioned, but I say there’s no better time to be unique than on one’s wedding day.
So, regardless of if you’re engaged and looking for something special or you just want inspiration for when your big day does come around, here are a few ways to make sure your look is as unique as you are.
Go Second-Hand
There’s something incredibly special about wearing a second-hand wedding dress. Not only is it oftentimes cheaper and much more sustainable, but it is also like wearing a piece of history.
There’s usually a story attached to vintage or second-hand wedding dresses. Who knows, you could end up finding a dress worn by someone who went on to have a wonderful 60-year marriage!
This is also a great option if you love the look of wedding dresses from years past. Sure, wedding dress designers often replicate looks from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and so on, but there’s really nothing like finding a dress that’s actually 50 years old.
If you’re interested in finding a second-hand dress, start by asking family members if they have their wedding dress from years past. I’ve heard countless stories of women wearing their grandmother’s old dress or their aunt’s hand-me-down. There are also plenty of sites, such as Vestiaire, that’ll have beautiful options.
Read More: Thrifting Tips That’ll Get You the Most Bang For Your Buck
Don’t Wear a Dress at All
Again, why should you wear a dress on your wedding day if you don’t want to? If you’d rather say “I do” to the love of your life wearing a jumpsuit, do it! Not only will you look amazing, but you’ll be able to dance the night away in total comfort.
How about a chic pantsuit or an adorable two-piece set? Really, there are so many options that’ll allow you to feel like you on your big day.
Add Some Color!
Who says you have to wear all-white (or even white at all) on your wedding day? If you’re looking to add a little color to your wedding dress, consider adding a little dip-dye to the bottom of your gown.
These stunning pieces of work not only look incredible, but they often show off a bride’s personality.
Likewise, if you don’t want to wear a white dress, don’t! Maybe you’d rather wear a black dress (like Christine Quinn from Netflix’s Selling Sunset) or a cherry red gown. The bottom line — wear the color you want, not the color society tells you to wear.
Embellish, Embellish, Embellish
If you have a quirky sense of fashion or love the retro look, consider embellishing your dress with fun patches or pieces of fabric. Add black trim to the bottom of your gown, cover it in red hearts, or wear a sparkly belt… whatever makes you feel confident and joyful.
