Bless This Dress: Alter-native Wedding Style

Yup, I punned again...

A couple of my beautiful friends (or soon to be friends) got married towards the end of last year and both had rather non traditional weddings. Their photos have recently emerged and this got me thinking; so much about today's society, from social networking "face pages", to blogging, to personal fashion is all about defining your own individual style and persona - so why should your wedding day be any different? Gone are the days of cookie cutter church weddings, abounding in white tulle and not seeing the groom before the wedding (a ploy I'm quite sure Grooms-of-old cooked up to keep themselves safely out of the path of any potentital Bridezilla activity). This has resulted in many brides-to-be making their special day fit around them and their own aesthetic.

Take my friends for example, one (the lovely Jeskah) is a Betty Page look-a-like with a love of pin-ups, polka dots and the colour red - what could be more perfect for her day of days than this:

Oh, and she's a Melbourne girl ;)

My other friend Sarah Jean had her beautiful black (gasp) vintage style dress made from her own design and looked the epitome of old Hollywood elegance and beauty which suits her style to a T.

These ladies looked phenomenal and still retained, and indeed celebrated, exactly who they were and what (as well as who) they love. So I had a look for some more non-traditional wedding styling and turned up a mixture of images. I think it's great that some brides are turning away from the traditional white. While I understand that it is tradition and it is beautiful on your 'big day' to wear that symbol of matrimony, that which actually symbolises; virginal purity, seems a little redundant these days. So, on the topic of colour -

If rainbow is a little too much of a departure from the norm, or you prefer not to frighten the more elderly folk at your wedding day gathering, then perhaps keeping the dress uni-tonal is more for you. As you can see from my friend Jess's photos, the red really makes everything pop!

Vera Wang

Alternatively, you can focus on the colour coming through in your accessories, rather than the gown. This is also a great way to work some vintage styling into your wedding day attire. I loved Sarah Jean's veiled vintage hat (above) and it looked phenomenal in wedding photos. Plus hats are amazing and we should wear them at all times.

I also love when wedding styling is youthful. If you're getting married young and pledging to grow old together - that doesn't mean instantaneously! Celebrate the fact that you get to be cute and exuberant together. Floor length gowns can be very regal and striking and can add to the feeling of occasion but if you're young and cute I think this whimsy should show on the day you're meant to be at your most whimsical! Which is why I love the following photos (and Jess's balloon bouquet).

This kitsch fabric bouquet, as well as the balloon bouquets
are a great way of modernising a wedding staple.

I also love that no matter what your style, you can find something perfect for you without totally giving in to the 'norm' - this girl looks absolutely stunning and blends traditional and non-traditional styling perfectly.