Best alternative bridal trends for the modern bride according to fashion-girl-approved ready-to-wear brands

Non-traditional bridal dresses are more popular than ever.

The trend is about stepping outside of the classic look in favor of something a little more daring, be it an alternative silhouette, an unconventional color, or an edgy detail.

Good news for those wanting something different because breaking the rules has never looked better thanks to fashion-girl-approved ready-to-wear brands like Fleur du Mal, LAPOINTE, and Retrofete now offering innovative, unexpected takes on the classic bridal gown.

Read on for chic ways to wow on your special day according to the experts.

Usher and his wife Jennifer Goicoechea tied the knot on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas. The pair said 'I do' at the drive-thru tunnel The Fast Lane just ahead of Usher's amazing Super Bowl halftime show in unexpected looks

Modern brides and grooms are more inclined to take risks with their nuptials. 

Breaking from tradition, couples want these big moments in their lives to reflect their unique personalities and love story.

Usher and his wife Jennifer Goicoechea tied the knot on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas.

The pair said 'I do' at The Fast Lane just ahead of Usher's amazing Super Bowl halftime show.

Jennifer was dressed in an all-white pantsuit featuring an off-the-shoulder neckline, accessorized with gloves, multiple necklaces and white square sunglasses, while Usher wore a furry white coat over his tuxedo. 

Usher wore a furry white coat over his tuxedo to say 'I do'

'I think a bridal dress should be a reflection of your personality, or be more of an aspirational moment,' says Fleur du Mal's CEO, Jennifer Zuccarini.

Adding: 'It’s an opportunity to wear something more fantastical than in your everyday world.'

Jennifer founded Fleur du Mal in 2012. The luxury brand is most known for its exquisite lingerie and sensual ready-to-wear offerings. 

'We’re seeing a lot of more fitted styles with corseting details, mermaid or straighter hems, slits, and fewer princess-style dresses.'

'I think a bridal dress should be a reflection of your personality, or be more of an aspirational moment,' says Fleur du Mal's CEO, Jennifer Zuccarini

What lies beneath 

To have the full bridal experience, wedding lingerie matters.

'Have fun with your underwear and garter, matching those items or going all out knowing you will change at the end of the night,' says Jennifer.

'Many dresses have built-in cups or boning, so it’s nice to pair that with a beautiful panty in silk or lace.'

Jennifer suggests monogramming your underwear with the date - a service Fleur du Mal offers in store.

'Most brides will change into their wedding night look which can be anything from an all-ivory lace bra, panty, and garter set, or something racier in black for example.'

The expert recommends an ivory set saying 'most women in the US tend not to wear ivory or white lingerie in their everyday lives, (it’s more popular in Europe) I think it feels more unique for the occasion and something to remember.'

Fleur du Mal's CEO recommends an ivory set saying 'most women in the US tend not to wear ivory or white lingerie in their everyday lives, (it’s more popular in Europe) I think it feels more unique for the occasion and something to remember'

'We love monogramming our ivory silk Luxe lingerie styles for brides, as well as Silk PJs, we have our Silk Angel Sleeve Robe that is embroidered with Bride in the back, but we can add a monogram to personalize in the front,' said Jennifer. Pictured: Bride embroidered robe ($395)

Statement-making details

'If there is ever a day where you deserve to peacock, it’s your wedding day,' says LAPOINTE Creative Director, Sally LaPointe.

'Feathers add that little (or a lot) of oomph and specialty to each piece.'

Sally's eponymous label was conceived in 2010 for the woman who toes the line between tough and elegant.

The brand is most known for its masterful mix of textures, including feathers. 

Non-white ideas 

For centuries brides have included something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue into their wedding look.

But in 2024, anything (and any color!) goes.  

'It’s YOUR day so wear whatever you want,' urges Sally.

'I was inspired by the phrase “something blue” and designed pieces in Cloud blue to play on that – but honestly, I don't see why you can't incorporate the color of your choosing into your look.'

Gwen Stefani pioneered the look in 2002 when she wed Gavin Rossdale in an ombre pink gown by John Galliano for Dior. 

Gwen Stefani pioneered the look of adding color to your wedding ensemble in 2002 when she wed Gavin Rossdale in an ombre pink gown by John Galliano for Dior

'If there is ever a day where you deserve to peacock, it’s your wedding day,' says LAPOINTE Creative Director, Sally LaPointe. 'Feathers add that little (or a lot) of oomph and specialty to each piece'

Try separates on for size 

It's tradition in most cultures that the bride wears a dress, but the modern gal doesn't have to say yes to the dress.

'I love opening up the possibilities of styling out your look by mixing pieces,' says Sally.

A favorite of the New York-based designer is a long sequin maxi skirt from her spring collection.

'It can be styled back to satin, sheer, or sequin, and the sexy naked halter gown I designed in blue net mesh sequins.'

To create a cohesive look, Sally says it's all about proportions. 

'Pair crop tops with a baggy pant, or a long evening jacket with a sequin short.' 

According to the designer, this is the perfect way to incorporate "something borrowed" with something from Grandma's closet. 

Unexpected silhouettes

There's a timeless charm and elegance to modest wedding dressing that cannot be denied.

Traditional silhouettes like A-line shapes, trumpet styles and empire waists, will never go out of style but LAPOINTE challenges women to think outside the box and considering a sexy, red carpet aesthetic.

'I love embracing confidence and bad b•tch energy and that’s what our woman is all about. 

'Bare your belly, wear the naked dress, do what feels good and own it.'

'I was inspired by the phrase “something blue” and designed pieces in Cloud blue to play on that– but honestly, I don't see why you can't incorporate the color of your choosing into your look,' said Sally LaPointe

'I love opening up the possibilities of styling out your look by mixing pieces,' says Sally. Her favorite from the LAPOINTE  collection is White Sequin Maxi Skirt, which she believes can be styled back to satin, sheer, or sequin

Consider a second dress 

'If it’s within your budget, having a second dress gives you another opportunity to really embrace the festivities,' says Retrofete Creative Director, Ohad Seroya.

Founded in 2018 by Ohad and Aviad Klin, the label takes its name from a melding of synonyms for "vintage" and "party" and its offerings reflect that. 

'You tied the knot and now it’s time to celebrate—why not slip into a mini that allows you to dance and mingle to the fullest extent?' asks Ohad.

'Plus, who doesn’t love an extra look for double the photo potential? After all, it’s your big day.'

There are a lot of events leading up to and following the wedding, and Retrofete's assortment covers them all. 

Ohad details all the events around a wedding and what to wear to each: 

Engagement Party

'For the engagement party, I recommend going with something that will set the tone for your bridal style.'

Ohad recommends a mini sequin dress or a pantsuit. 

'You want to make sure that your look enhances your personality and plays to your dressing philosophy.'

'For the engagement party, I recommend going with something that will set the tone for your bridal style.' He recommends: 3-piece suit like the Solana Embellished Blazer, Kennedy Embellished Top, and Baylor Embellished Pan

Ohad recommends a simple-yet-feminine bandage dress for the bridal shower

Showcase your personality by accessorizing with a few personal touches, like the label's Alphabet earrings - perhaps in the letter of your soon-to-be last name

Bridal Shower

Ohad recommends a simple-yet-feminine bandage dress for the bridal shower.

Showcase your personality by accessorizing with a few personal touches, like the label's Alphabet earrings - perhaps in the letter of your soon-to-be last name.

Keep feet comfortable in a low heel like sleek mule.

Bachelorette party

'The bachelorette is your time to go all out—calling for seductive cuts and light-catching sequins,' says Ohad.

White leather is a fun choice. 

And If you're feeling adventurous, he recommends a sheer mini. 

Rehearsal Dinner

'It’s all eyes on you at the rehearsal dinner, so why not make an impression while draped in rhinestones?'

Ohad recommends a glittery dress and taking the look to another level with a crystal fringe bag. 

'For spring, we see things like corsetry, v yoke waistlines, and pearls making a comeback,' says Retrofete founder Ohad

'Simplistic silhouettes make packing a breeze, so go for something clean and crisp like the Lexie Dress—accented by a luxe floral applique along the halter neckline'

Second wedding look

'At the reception, let loose with your second look. 

'You can’t go wrong with an embellished mini made for dancing the night away, or lean into the opulence of the moment with an asymmetrical midi.'

According to Ohad, lace is having a moment.  'It’s delicate and intimate and always brings the right amount of elegance to the occasion.' 

Honeymoon 

Ohad recommends carrying your signature bridal style throughout the honeymoon with resort ready options.

'Simplistic silhouettes make packing a breeze, so go for something clean and crisp like the Lexie Dress—accented by a luxe floral applique along the halter neckline.'