Looking for unconventional wedding outfits? Sure, “traditional” wedding outfits have a time and a place, but your wedding day can be a great day to choose an outfit that really reflects your personality and unique love story.
As a photographer based in OKC, I’ve had the pleasure of working with so many incredible couples who have dressed in avant-garde designers and unconventional ensembles while daring to be different on their special day. If you’re feeling like you’re ready to break the mold, you’ve found yourself in the right place.
Psst… if you’re in the OKC area, Aunt Fancy’s Vintage Formal & Couture on Blackwelder Ave is a GREAT place for local vintage wedding attire. Plus, they’re LGBTQ+ friendly and offer tailoring.
Whether you’re looking to simply make a statement or you just want to wear something that showcases your personality, let’s dive into the world of unconventional wedding outfits.
Ideas for Unconventional Wedding Outfits
Wear thrifted and vintage attire
One of the most sustainable options for a wedding outfit that’s more on the unconventional side is to go thrifted or vintage with your attire. This not only adds a fun and unique charm to your look but also weaves in a piece of history!
The fun thing about thrifting and finding vintage pieces is that it really will be so different from what’s currently “trending” and mainstream. The beauty of these pieces lies in their uniqueness, and it’s really unlikely that anyone else will have a wedding outfit quite like yours. There’s beauty in finding an old piece of clothing and giving it a new life.
Have fun with non-traditional shoes
This is one of the unconventional wedding outfit ideas that you may have seen before, but it’s still a lot of fun: have fun with non-traditional shoes. These could include Doc Martens, Vans, boots, Converse, and other similar styles. This can be a fun reflection of your personal style, too, and you could even customize them.
Also, we all know that weddings are a long event, often involving hours on your feet. Choosing a shoe that’s actually stylish and comfortable can mean that you can be fully present in every moment, enjoying it without distraction and discomfort.
They also add such a fun twist to your wedding photos, whether it’s a shot of you and your partner sporting matching sneakers or even a non-traditional shoe juxtaposed against formal attire, where a non-traditional shoe would be unexpected.
Try out funky accessories
Another fun way to add an unconventional touch to your outfit is to try out funky accessories. These types of embellishments can be an expression of your personality and creativity and may even hold sentimental value.
Choose a distinctive accessory like funky cufflinks, unique jewelry, brooches, headpieces, or even a big bow. These can really transform even a traditional wedding outfit into something extraordinarily personal and eye-catching.
Get colorful outfits
If you love color as much as I do, then this one will be a golden tip: try a colorful outfit! Opting for colorful suits, dresses, shoes, veils, bow ties, or any other element can be such a unique addition to your wedding outfit while infusing a certain type of stand-out flair.
Colorful wedding attire can really range from pastel hues that are soft and romantic to bold and bright shades that may be more energetic. Honestly, even adding color in small doses, like a bright pair of shoes, striking bow tie, or colorful veil, can transform your entire look.
Put on colorful or alternative wedding makeup
Going off the last point, you can also put on some colorful or alternative wedding makeup to embrace an unconventional style or aesthetic for your wedding day. Instead of the classic neutral or pastel look that is usually associated with a wedding, opt for bold colors, dramatic eye makeup, or even thematic makeup art. It really can add another dimension to your overall look.
Colorful makeup can really range from vibrant eyeshadow to make the eyes pop to a statement color on your lips that adds a dash of drama. If you want something more avant-garde, you could try incorporating elements like glitter that will have a strong visual impact.
Go for a non-traditional dress color
Opting for a non-traditional dress color like black can be a striking choice if you want to step away from conventional wedding norms. A black wedding dress (or another unexpected color) that defies expectations is such a modern twist.
Luckily, it’s also fairly easy to find non-traditional wedding dresses, now, too, even if you are thrifting. Have fun with it!
Pick a patterned suit
Patterns can be such a fun touch to a wedding outfit. Moving away from the “traditional” solid-color suits, patterned options offer a unique burst of personality and fun, allowing you to express yourself in a vibrant and dramatic way.
Patterns also don’t have to be overly dramatic if you don’t want them to be. Even a subtle and refined print can make a statement.
Match in a sweatsuit for the reception
Another great idea is to match in a sweatsuit for your reception. Let’s be honest, there’s nothing better than being comfortable, but it can be such an iconic moment for you and your partner to come out wearing a matching sweatsuit.
If a sweatsuit isn’t your vibe, try to have fun with it and think of another matching outfit idea for the reception, whether it’s matching embroidered denim jackets or even simple t-shirts.
Utilize textures
Incorporating unique textures like velvet, glitter, sparkles, etc, is another fun addition to unconventional wedding outfits. Textures can play a crucial role in adding depth, interest, and personality to wedding outfits.
For instance, let’s take velvet as an example. Velvet has a rich and plush feel and a unique sheen, which brings a touch of opulence to a wedding outfit. It can be perfect for those who want to blend elegance with boldness.
Meanwhile, glitter or sparkles add a touch of fantasy. This can be enchanting for everything from a Las Vegas-style elopement to an enchanting winter wedding, where the sparkling elements can reflect the light.
Wear a two-piece separate or a jumpsuit
Opting for pantsuits, jumpsuits, or a two-piece separate can be an exceptional choice for those who want an unconventional twist on wedding attire. Plus, it can honestly be a great way to blend comfort with your personality.
Pantsuits and jumpsuits offer a sleek and sophisticated look that can be great for those who want a more structured outfit. The great thing about these options is that they can be minimalistic to make a statement, or you can have fun with them and go with more avant-garde styles.
Layer a cape
Layering a cape over attire such as dresses, jumpsuits, or suits is an innovative way to add to your unconventional wedding outfits. Capes can be dramatic while also infusing an outfit with elegance. Plus, this trend is pretty versatile, and there are so many different silhouettes for capes out there.
For a dress, a cape can add a romantic touch, while a structured cape over a jump suit can add a confident aura to the look. Play around with it and choose a length, material, and cut that you love best, depending on the look that you want to go for!
Try out Western wear
Western wear has really been having its moment, and I’m here for it. Incorporating fun elements of Western wear like bolo ties into your wedding outfit adds a unique rustic charm.
If bolo ties aren’t your thing, you could even try out a customized (or even bedazzled) cowboy hat, boots, or even a leather vest.
Don’t forget to be creative with it!
Getting creative by attaching flowers directly to suit lapels instead of using a boutonniere is another innovative (and stylish) idea for an unconventional wedding outfit. This approach offers a fresh take on the classic boutonniere and adds a touch of natural beauty.
Final Thoughts: Non-Traditional Wedding Outfits
Your wedding day is a celebration of love and individuality, and your attire should be a reflection of that. Whether it’s through vibrant colors, unique textures, unconventional accessories, or creative floral arrangements, there are so many options for expressing your personality and style. These are just the tip of the iceberg!
Remember, too, that the “norm” is subjective and ever-evolving. What matters most is how you feel in your wedding outfit. It should bring you joy, confidence, and a sense of authenticity. Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and it deserves to be celebrated in a way that is true to you both. Don’t be scared to embrace your uniqueness and make bold choices! Are you still looking for a photographer for your wedding who will hype you up in your unconventional wedding outfit? Sounds like we’re a great fit. Click here to learn more about my photography packages and here to get in touch!
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