Wedding Tips - Non Traditional Wedding Gowns

Tip: Confederate Wedding Dress Styles

The traditional Confederate wedding gown has a three-tiered skirt and is made of a silk organza or a soft, feminine alcenon lace. The gown will sometimes feature a ruffle at the off-the-shoulder neckline, which can be worn on or off the shoulder. The waist is cinched, and the boned bodice is cut to resemble a traditional 19th century pattern with back lacing.

Tip: Elizabethan and Renaissance Wedding Dresses

Elizabethan wedding gowns are fit for a queen. Inspired by the luxury of the English Renaissance, a wedding dress from this time period will ignite a sense of Romeo and Juliet-style love from the Shakespearean era. Gowns reminiscent of this era often feature a trimmed neckline, padded "crescents" at the shoulders and a jeweled belt making a "v" shape around the waist of the dress.

Tip: Going "Green" for Your Wedding Dress

Some of the newest non traditional wedding gowns follow the trend of going “green.” One company called White Chicago is really seeing this trend take off by offering brides a way to go green when it comes to their wedding gown! From organic flowers to ecological favors, many brides are opting for an environmentally friendly "green" wedding. When it comes to their dress, some brides are looking for gowns made of hemp or even re-wearing their mother's wedding gown. White Chicago is taking this one step further and giving green-minded brides yet another option. They have revamped the world of non-traditional bridal consignment shops and are giving designer gowns another chance to walk down the aisle. From Vera Wang to Romona Keveza, the designer gowns are both off-the-rack and half the retail price, allowing brides to save time, money and the earth all at the same time! In addition to nurturing the planet with an eco-friendly celebration, brides can be green after the wedding by giving the gown back to an eco-friendly consignment shop for reuse yet again.

Tip: Gothic and Medieval Wedding Dresses

Going back in time to celebrate your wedding? Make sure you dress the part for the special occasion. Here are some wedding dress ideas for two of the more popular themed weddings:

Making it medieval? A Celtic wedding gown with inspired designs that are reminiscent of heroines like Maid Marian, or the courageous Arwen in “The Lord of the Rings,” are ideal for living out this medieval fantasy. The Medieval wedding gown is often found in two different styles: velvet or white deerskin. The dress is cut with princess seams and features metallic or lace trim.
Going goth? Gowns from this time period offer dramatic sleeves, princess seams and back lacing. The gown is usually a dark color made of silk chiffon or metallic silk organza.

Tip: Maternity Wedding Dresses

As if pregnant women aren't glowing enough, now you can ignite the glow with beautiful maternity wedding dresses. When looking for the right dress think of the 4 S’s: sexy, stylish, sensual and sensational. Maternity wedding gowns don’t have to be boring and lifeless, but they should be stylish, fun and more importantly, comfortable. Maternity wedding gowns and dresses are meant to show off your new pregnant shape, so don’t hide behind frills, bows or ruffles and stay away from any trim that cuts across your belly. Long straight line designs will lengthen your form and make you look taller and slender.

Tip: Shopping for a Non-Traditional Wedding Gown

Weddings are not what they used to be. Many couples just don’t want to get married in a church or formal ceremony anymore. In fact, more and more couples are choosing adventure over tradition and getting married in unusual places, like on top of glaciers in Alaska or near volcanic areas in Hawaii. Second marriages also play a large part in women choosing to go with non-traditional wedding attire. Simply put, it is just not necessary anymore for a woman to feel the need to dress up like Cinderella. Choosing a simple or dramatic dress - short or long is acceptable these days. If you want to make the dress purple, red, green or the traditional white, it’s all up to the bride’s taste. The best place to find a non-traditional gown is still at the local bridal shops. The best thing to do is call around and find out what your options are at these shops and boutiques. Another possibility might be to find a bridesmaid's dress that you like. If you still don’t find the dress of your dreams, consider going to the fabric store and buying the pattern and material that works for you. If you know someone who sews, explain what you want and the importance of making it unique and just right for your special day.

Tip: Simpler Dresses for Destination Weddings

Many brides have become less interested in big weddings at churches with 200 guests or more. Likewise, many brides are also done with big dresses that end up sitting in the closest after the wedding day. For these brides, destination weddings are very popular. This means you have to think very carefully about the dress you will wear.

Designers have realized this new trend and are charging less for simpler gowns that travel much easier. While you still want romantic and contemporary, the gown also must be easy to pack. No bride wants wrinkles or tears when she arrives at her wedding destination. If this happens, the wedding consultant at the location will have to find a good seamstress or dry cleaner. If you really want to throw caution to the wind, get to your destination wedding location early and find a dress when you arrive. Perhaps you want to dress like the locals if you are getting married in Africa or the Caribbean or perhaps, you just want to see what you can find in this special place. It’s not for everyone, but it will certainly save you money.

Tip: Unique Wedding Gowns and Accessories

Gone are the days of pure white wedding dresses. Today's dresses offer a bit of flair and a lot of fun for the un-traditional bride. Non traditional wedding dresses in blush pink, champagne, blue, peach, silver, gold, soft green and soft yellow are popular. If the traditional white or off-white gowns suit your color style, but you want a little more "pop" in the dress, you're in luck - even today's more traditional gowns are peppered with colored crystals, appliques, rhinestones, fake fur, embroidery, ruffles, or pearl accents.

Destination wedding brides are somewhat limited to their wedding gown choices, since the dress has to travel, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice fashion. Look for strapless gowns or gowns with thin spaghetti straps, as they are usually easier to pack and lighter in weight.

High-end, high-fashion designer wedding outfits are also on the climb. If the traditional dress isn't for you, consider a white mink wedding vest, blush silk organza skirts, or top off a simple suit with a glamorous head piece. And don't forget your feet! Considering the amount of time you'll be on your feet, it's a good idea to purchase two pairs of shoes to wear on your wedding day -- one pair for the ceremony and one pair for the reception.

Tip: Walking Down the Aisle in Your Own Unique Fashion

Weddings are not what they used to be. Many couples just don’t want to get married in a church or formal ceremony anymore. In fact, more and more couples are choosing adventure over tradition and getting married in unusual places like on top of glaciers in Alaska or near volcanic areas in Hawaii. Second marriages also play a large part in women choosing to go with non-traditional wedding attire. Simply put, it is just not necessary anymore for a woman to feel the need to dress up like Cinderella. Choosing a simple or dramatic dress - short or long is acceptable these days. If you want to make the dress purple, red, green or the traditional white, it’s all up to the bride’s taste. The best place to find a non-traditional gown is still at the local bridal shops. The best thing to do is call around and find out what your options are at these shops and boutiques. Another possibility might be to find a bridesmaids’ dress that you like. If you still don’t find the dress of your dreams then consider going to the fabric store and buying the pattern and material that works for you. If you know someone who sews explain to them what you want and the importance of making it unique and just right for your special day.

Tip: Wearing Colors With Your Wedding Gown

White has always been the tried and true color for wedding gowns, however that’s changing. By adding some color to your dress, you are creating a non-traditional trend that also brightens up the wedding.

While there is no need to stand out like a sore thumb, brides can still add soft colors of pink, lilac or baby blue for just the right touch of softness and color. Add color by accenting your white or ivory wedding gown with colored pastel crystals in the bodice or use blush-colored pearls in the skirt or train. Floral and blush colors can be a romantic touch to the skirt, train or veil or even the gown’s bodice if you want some sparkle. However, don’t be afraid to stand out if you want to get attention. Brides are also adding metallic color to their wedding gowns from gold to silver to copper. Ribbons in your gown can be woven in with color and will look good in the hem or at the base of the back. It's just enough to make the color stand out. If you’re still a bit afraid to make a statement other than white or ivory, think about adding some color to your hair clips or tie a ribbon in your hair that matches the colors of your wedding.

Tip: Wedding Dress Options "Outside the Box"

Not all brides are concerned about the long, white wedding gown and instead are opting for something outside the box. Forget about the lace and Cinderella styles and consider something that says high fashion all the way. These days, some bridal gowns can almost be mistaken for party dresses. With changing necklines and dress shapes, a bride can find a dress that suits her high style taste. You might also think about a wedding gown from the 1920s or 1930s. Flapper styles are still very popular. The beadwork and silk fringe from original flapper dresses can be intricate and amazing and makes even the plainest gown come alive. For color options, don’t be afraid to go all out with black, blue, red or any color that makes you feel good.

Wedding dress styles have evolved because weddings are changing, too. Destination weddings have played a big part in women making the choice to wear something less formal and more comfortable. An easier wedding dress style also comes in handy when traveling as a big wedding dress might not make the journey to your final wedding stop.

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