Artistic Bridal Styles - Exploring Alternative Wedding Aesthetics
Stand Out From the Rest
There are no two ways about it; you want to look your best on your wedding day. Most brides appreciate finding a beautiful gown but others prefer to push the limit and make a statement. That's where artistic wedding dresses come in, and the editorial showcases the creations from designers who've mastered the art of tailoring stand-out pieces.
The selected gowns also prove that it doesn't always have to be over-top. The eye-catching details, glamorous silhouettes, and fabric choices are perhaps what sets the artistic creations apart from other bridal ensembles. If you are a bride who knows that your wedding dress is an extension of your personality, there are a few ways to showcase your artistic flair. From a wedding in Leeds to magical nuptials in Hawaii, bringing your style to the forefront is part of being the centre of the day!
Pair Simple Silhouettes with Statement Jewellry
The Johanna Johnson Avedon creation is simply chic with a creative twist. Tailored as part of the outfit, the jewelled neckline makes the ensemble a true work of art. The choice of silk fabric, in an off-white shade, further enhances the aesthetics.
Most silk gowns feature a sheath silhouette because the luxurious glossy texture can be quite overpowering. Hence the reason why designers prefer to keep it simple. A majority come in the form of slip silhouettes which allows them to loosely graze around your frame. That also makes them amongst the most comfortable bridal ensembles.
An open-back design adds some drama with some room to include beaded applications at strategic points.
Choose a Wedding Dress with a Voluminous Skirt
Much like the Hayley Paige look, a wedding gown with a voluminous skirt can help you make a grand statement. In this case, the A-line silhouette accentuates the waist on account of the snug-fitting bodice and voluminous skirt.
The layered skirt exudes a flirty and airy feel which is an ideal look for casual-chic nuptials. It's also a perfect choice for the bride who wants to stray a bit from traditional white gowns. The off-white hue is an ideal choice and it also gives off a vintage-esque aesthetic.
Asymmetrical Designs
The Azure is a sophisticatedly elegant gown, and its design is what truly makes it stand out. Lace is a traditional choice for wedding dresses, but the choice of chantilly for the bodice gives the ensemble a creative and refined edge.
The bouncy tulle skirt and A-line silhouette make it a gown that would favour different body types. In particular, the asymmetrical cut where the bodice merges with the skirt is what makes it flattering and uniquely different. To give your mermaid-style gown a bolder edge, choose an asymmetrical neckline.
Go for a Two-Piece Look
The Ahan Skirt paired with the Watters Corina Corset creates a uniquely different wedding dress with an artistic sparkle. Just on account of the mix-and-match aspect, choosing a two-piece look guarantees that you'll end up with a unique custom look.
A top and skirt work for the bride who doesn't want to deviate much from tradition. If you are daring and bold enough, you could rock a wedding pantsuit on your big day. You'll also have a better-fitting ensemble that you are likely to wear again. Jumpsuits and rompers are also worth considering for a bride who's keen on rocking a two-piece look.
Choose a Gown with Eye-catching Details
The Tompkins Square gown stands out because of the embellished fabric covering the back of the dress. It gives the head-turning ensemble a delicate touch as well as an ethereal feel. It's a look that's befitting for both contemporary as well as traditional nuptials.
Ethereal wedding dresses always steal the show because of their uniqueness, fluidity, and well-crafted details. They are usually tailored using flowy fabrics like tulle and chiffon. Most also feature layered skirt designs which give them a soft fullness.
Wear Statement Accessories
The Estelle Corset and Skirt from Monique Lhuillier is stunning but the veil is what uplifts the look. An embellished veil adds a fresh and romantic touch to any wedding ensemble. Birdcage veils are always chic and elegant choices because they tend to have a vintage feel.
Short veils and birdcage styles are perfect choices for summer weddings. You could also include a bit of drama by wearing statement headpieces. Consider crystal-encrusted headbands, pearl and crystal hairpins, and dramatic tiaras. Capes are also statement accessories that can instantly give your gown a bolder look.
Consider a Printed Wedding Gown
The Aurora gown by Carolina Herrera proves that printed wedding dresses are equally glamorous. Bridal ensembles featuring floral motifs are the most popular in this category. However, in the case of bespoke gowns, you can have your dress embellished with just about any motif you please.
Printed gowns are perfect for themed nuptials, for instance, bohemian or garden weddings. They also give you the leeway to creatively incorporate pops of colour or fun motifs into your bridal ensemble.
Choose an Alternate-coloured Wedding Dress
Choosing an alternate-coloured wedding dress creates quite an impact at first glance. The Tara LaTour gown stands as a testament that navy is a stunning colour for any bride who wants to explore a different dress colour.
Other popular alternative wedding dress colours include blush, lavender, silver, and gray. You could keep it subtle by simply incorporating coloured embellishments. Yet another alternative is to go for a two-toned dress.
Other Artistic Bridal Details
You can also add an artistic flair to your wedding ensemble by opting for a short or midi-length dress. Alternatively, go for a high-low gown paired with dramatically gorgeous shoes. Choose outfits with dramatic hemlines, daring necklines, feather trimmings, ruffles, and fringe details.
Add some colour through embroidered details or simply wear a white gown with a coloured underskirt. Puff sleeves, billowing bishop sleeves, vintage-esque mutton sleeves, and illusion sleeves also have a way of including some drama as well as an artistic flair to the look.
8 Artistic bridal styles
The creative women over at Anna Bé bridal boutique in Denver are no strangers to this blog (evidence here). Their inventiveness, business prowess, and styling superpowers are on full display with the launch of their new stylebook, photographed by Adonye Jaja.
The shoot shows an artistic combination of fabulous wedding dresses, unique hairstyles, colorful floral design, bold makeup choices, and a whole lot of paint!
LOOK #1
Johanna Johnson Avedon
I can’t hide the fact that is my favorite gown in the bunch. The detailing on the neckline is divine and the cascade of beads? Oh. My. Gosh. For a hairstyle to go with this wedding dress a high and voluminous bun is a must. With looks like this it’s best to skip the earrings so that nothing clashes with the gown.
LOOK #2
Kira by Hayley Paige
This A-line gown has a silk georgette flounced skirt with a chapel train and I’m loving the way the tousled hair evens out the voluminous bottom.
LOOK #3
Monique Lhuillier Azure
From Lhuillier’s Spring 2014 Collection – Chantilly lace, an asymmetric peplum, and full tulle skirt gives this wedding dress a serious wow factor.
LOOK #4
Watters Corina Corset and Ahsan Skirt
I’ve always loved bridal separates and with a grosgrain ribbon waistband and soft blush color this ball gown style skirt looks fabulous with a tight corset to balance it out. The addition of Enchanted Atelier’s Aria Vine sash gives this look that perfect amount of extra sparkle.
LOOK #5
Tompkins Square by Lela Rose
Lela Rose is known for her embellished fabrics and she’s done it so well with this gorgeous wedding dress. Named after a park in New York City’s East Village, it exudes refinement with a touch of whimsy.
LOOK #6
Monique Lhuillier Estelle Corset and Skirt
Gorgeous gown aside – I just love how this look has been styled. Do you see the veil covering the bride’s bun? It is one of the most unique ways to wear a veil that I’ve ever seen.
LOOK #7
Carolina Herrera Aurora
This is another favorite look of mine from the Anne Bé stylebook. It has hand-painted gold leaf on it and a veil to match!
LOOK #8
Tara LaTour Edith
Reminiscent of Tara LaTour’s imaginative collection names like Into The Woods, Where The Wild Things Are, and Juxtapose, Breanna and Anna from Anna Bé couldn’t have set this gown up more perfectly. Just like the piece behind it, this gown is a work of art!
See more shoots with Anna Bé here and view their entire 2014 stylebook here.
Credits: Photography: Adonye Jaja Photography // Wedding Dresses: Anna Bé // Accessories: Enchanted Atelier and Sara Watts // Floral Design: Violet Floral Design // Hair & Makeup: Matthew Morris Salon and Skincare // Nails: Base Coat Denver // Venue: Arthaus Denver // Fine art featured in shoot: Michael Gadlin & Aliki McCain.