Say Yes To The Outfit - It’s NOT All About The Dress!
Stunning bridal outfit captured by our BOL supplier Carmel McCabe Photography
Choosing your wedding outfit should align with your true self. It’s an act of self-love and empowerment, sending a powerful message. Be yourself. By embracing non-traditional wedding attire you are setting a precedent for a future where authenticity is valued above conformity.
TRADITION MEET NON-TRADITIONAL, YOU MAKE THE PERFECT COUPLE
A wedding day is often hailed as one of the most significant events in a person's life. It's a day filled with emotions, promises, and magic moments. Traditionally, the heteronormative images of who walks down the aisle in a flowing white gown have been ingrained in our cultural consciousness. However, times have changed and so have traditions - people are becoming more...non-traditional. For designers, It's absolutely essential to honour that not every person dreams of wearing a traditional wedding dress. And that not every person that walks down the aisle is a Bride. For those who identify as gender non-conforming or and prefer non-gender defining fashion, this choice can be especially important but also, really bloody hard. So here are some tips and fabulous designers to help you feel less like you’re wearing a costume and look more like you when you say I DO ;-)
BREAKING FREE FROM TRADITIONS
Traditional weddings have long been associated with certain expectations. From the colour of the dress to the choice of venue, there is a predetermined template that couples are expected to follow. But in this beautiful new era of self-expression and breaking free from societal norms, it's more than okay to steer away from these conventions and non-traditional weddings are celebrated.
Cool painted jacket by our BOL supplier Toasty Type. Photo by Canvas & Peach Photography
ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL
We are living in a world where language is changing and evolving faster than some folk amongst us can keep up. New norms mean new words and patience and understanding is key. Fashion changes as does the language around it. For instance, non-binary is a term that refers to any gender identity that isn't male or female. Androgynous refers to an outward appearance of indeterminate gender. While some non-binary people may express themselves androgynously, it is a personal choice that is not a requirement of non-binary gender identity.
Androgynous is a word used a lot in fashion - it transcends the boundaries of gender-specific clothing. It's about blending elements from both male and female styles to create a look that feels authentic and comfortable. However the word androgynous feels a a bit stale when talking about gender – we now have language like non-binary and gender non-conforming which are beautifully expressive and most importantly feel safe and welcoming. But you don’t have to be part of the LGBTQI+ community to know a wedding dress doesn’t align with your identity.
Imagine a wedding where the couple walks down the aisle in outfits that represent their true selves, rather than conforming to outdated expectations.
SUITED BOOTED...JUMPSUITED?
From Cosmopolitan Magazine to the high street staple Mango, wedding jumpsuits are a firm fixture. These are some inspirational Instagram accounts for anyone who doesn’t want to say yes to a dress.
Dancing With Her is a safe space for LGBTQ+ women in love to celebrate – with incredible non-traditional wedding outfits! Featuring a wedding where the entire wedding party wore suits including this beautiful white jumpsuit from Reiss - check it out HERE
INSPIRATION
Here are some budget friendly high street honeys and an Un-Wedding favourite supplier who creates ready-to -wear and bespoke beauties for your special day.
So you don’t think a jumpsuit suits your shape? Think again! Our industry pal Hetty at LEIM has an online quiz to help you find the right jumpsuit for your shape. A Leim jumpsuit could be a beautifully simple option for yourself or your bridesmaids, offering a non-traditional wedding aesthetic.
Here is the Dan Wrap Jumpsuit in Ivory Peace Silk - at £329 for your wedding day wear it’s a great price point! It comes in sizes 6 - 24
Leim’s Dan Wrap Jumpsuits look gorgeous and would be an awesome choice for your wedding day.
Did you know WHISTLES does Wedding attire!? What could be more androgynous than a blazer – it feels like everyone loves a blazer these days! This is Whistle’s ‘Andie Wedding Blazer’ to make a statement walking down the aisle. It’s fashion forward and yet somehow still a classic.
Not strictly high street but another fashion brand that has branched out into wedding attire is RIXO. They stock a silk tuxedo jumpsuit that will make you look incredible, walking down the aisle and tearing it up on the dancefloor with its seventies style glamour.
Here at The Un-Wedding we’ve curated our Book of Love directory with non-traditional weddings and rule breakers in mind. It’s packed full of suppliers that will represent you, your vibe and your day. Cool and contemporary stationers, unique wedding venues and entertainment that your guests will be talking about for years to come.
THE UN-WEDDING SHOW
Kickstart your wedding planning and grab a ticket for you and your lover to the UK’s favourite wedding planning party! The Un-Wedding Show is on the road: Manchester, Bristol, London, Scotland or Leeds! Get the show dates on your weding list in PEN, and book tickets and VIP Goody Bags here. Meet the UK’s coolest independent wedding suppliers IRL – see you there!