Alternative Wedding Dresses

By Chris Frey
June 21, 2010

13th May 1971, British rock singer Mick Jagger and his new wife Bianca Jagger outside St Tropez Town Hall on their wedding day. (Photo by Express/Getty Images); 19th July 1966: Singer Frank Sinatra and actress Mia Farrow cutting their wedding cake at Las Vegas. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

Bucking tradition can be incredibly liberating and what better occasion than your wedding day to take advantage of an opportunity? I’m not suggesting you spray on a savage tan to compliment your white string bikini and Sea Captain’s hat like those worn by Pamela Anderson at her wedding to Kid Rock. And unless your wedding party includes Dolce and Gabbana, it’s probably not the occasion to live out your Madonna Like A Virgin fantasy in a lace bustier and fingerless gloves. I’m merely suggesting that if the pursuit of a traditional wedding gown (and the price tag that accompanies it) doesn’t immediately excite you then it’s probably time to consider something else, something more you. (There are plenty of brides behind you relishing in every one of your rejects)

Most of us have been indoctrinated with the notion that a wedding should be perfect. But in recent years, thanks to YouTube, photo sharing websites and the tabloids, most of us have been given a glimpse of every imaginable wedding mishap from awkward best man toasts and first dance disasters, to ceremonial vow slip-ups and merciless weather. But the one thing you can control is your dress. So, first, consider what makes you feel pretty and comfortable and work from there. For instance, if going braless is simply not an option then remove strapless dresses from your wish list no matter how much you fell in love with Sarah Jessica Parker’s elaborate "Sex and the City" gown, designed by Vivienne Westwood. Instead consider a one-shoulder style that will give you support while still highlighting your shoulders. If you have great legs show them off with a shorter hemline. If you’re a vintage loving bohemian, a minimal shift dress is the wrong choice even if that picture of Audrey Hepburn makes you long for her simple cowl neck mini and head scarf. The last thing you want to happen on your wedding day is the sudden dread that you showed up in costume.

Don’t be afraid to go with what you love style-wise regardless of your choice of location. Long formal gowns or cocktail dresses are just as welcome on beaches and farmhouses as they are in lavish halls or cathedrals. You don’t need to save a shirtdress or the perfect suit for city hall. Bianca Jagger wore her now iconic YSL skirt and jacket to the small chapel where she married Mick Jagger. If you love to follow trends go with whatever s current—you’ll always look back and know why you did. And remember, laid back doesn’t have to mean sloppy. Traditionally casual materials like gauze, linen or crochet can look as feminine and graceful as satin or tulle if the silhouette is well designed and flatters you.

Above all, your wedding dress is for you. You want special but still fell like yourself. You’re surrounded by people who know you and love you so wear what you want and without fear of judgment. After all, it might be the one element of your wedding that you are actually able to control.

When Coco Chanel introduced her first wedding dress in 1920 it was a knee length style with a long train. And it was white. So in tribute to Ms. Chanel and for the sake of infusing a little tradition into our non-traditional selection of wedding apparel we stuck to white dresses. (Bonus: most are brand new!)