Georgina Clatworthy

Some brides do not want the whole white-meringue effect when they walk down the aisle and if you are one of them then you may be looking for alternative dresses for your wedding day. Finding informal wedding dresses is not difficult, but can depend on the style you are looking for. You may not want to the full traditional bride effect from your wedding dress, but that doesn’t mean you need to look like one the bridesmaids either!

Bridal Stores: these days bridal stores carry dresses to suit all types of bride and styles to suit any wedding. Time was if you asked for an informal wedding dress you would be shown bridesmaid dresses or worse, mother-of-the-bride outfits! Nowadays you will find simple dresses with minimal detailing through to the full on fairytale gowns. So even if you do not want the bridal look, it is still worthwhile checking out your local bridal store.

Colored Dresses: If you like a dress style, but not the color, then ask about having it made in a different shade. Often a typical white or ivory wedding dress can look less formal and ‘bridal’ simply by making it in a different color. Dark shades like burgundy, wine and navy blue are popular, whilst more subtle shades like soft gold, blush and pale grey can make dress appear less formal.

Evening Wear: this is perhaps the most obvious choice when it comes an alternative to the traditional wedding dress. Formal evening wear, can look less formal when it comes to a wedding particularly as evening wear is often less structured than a wedding dress and cut simpler. Department stores and specialist retailers are good place to start looking, and larger bridal boutiques often carry evening wear as well.

Bridesmaid Dresses: the trouble with bridesmaid dresses is they do tend to always look like bridesmaid dresses! If you are having one attendant or even none at all, then you could get away with it, especially if you chose a full length dress and put your attendant in a tea length gown.

Remember if you go for an informal look to your wedding dress that it still needs to make you stand out as the bride, otherwise people could think you are another guest! If you are having more than one attendant consider choosing the same style of dress but having theirs made in different colors and in a different length to yours, this way you will all coordinate whilst still setting you apart from your attendants. Accessories are another good way of introducing a bridal look without going overboard.