6 Daring Wedding-Day Looks (& How to Pull Them Off)

Not every bride can pull off a bold wedding-day look, but with one of these stunners you’re sure to turn heads down the aisle. Whether you go big with layers of fabric or choose a stand-out color, a show-stopping look is totally attainable. Here are some of our favorite ways to pull it off.

Va-Va-Volume!

Ruffle bridal gown by Zuhair Murad

Martina Liana Luxe wedding gown

Courtesy: vogue.com, kleinfeldbridal.com

Go big or go bold with lots and lots of layers! There’s one of two ways to wow your guests with this daring approach: find a dress with all the layers built in, or go for a detachable skirt option. With the first option, you’re in it to win it and should own that voluminous fabric from the ceremony to the final dance. Be sure to consider your venue and figure out how much space you’ll have to walk down the aisle because you’ll need a full catwalk to strut your stuff. Complete the look with a dark smokey eyeshadow and wavy, textured hair.

A detachable skirt is another way to go, and is a great choice for the classy yet statement-making bride. You get the best of both worlds and will definitely have a memorable night with two totally different looks.

No matter which direction you go, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and get ready for lots of moving and twirling. Limit the amount of accessories—you don’t want to steal focus from the gown!

Black Beauties

Black lace bridal gown

Christine Quinn's wedding dress

Courtesy: weddingforward.com, popsugar.com

When you think of a wedding dress, does your mind immediately think of white or ivory? Not anymore! Brides are embracing all the colors of the rainbow and black wedding dresses are becoming an awesome way to express their dark side. Again, this daring option is great whether you’re going for sexy-glam or moody and edgy.

Celebrity bride Christine Quinn from Netflix’s Selling Sunset went the glam route and said she wanted to look like a gothic Barbie. Her stunning off-the-shoulder gown from Galia Lahav definitely fit the bill.

For an edgy look, pick a fabric that will really bring the moody factor like flowy tulle or all-over lace. Add dark eyeshadow and lipstick to bring the drama. Want to take your wedding photos to the next level? Set off dark-colored smoke bombs for a super-cool cloudy effect.

Most brides wanting a black wedding dress choose to get married in the fall or winter and use richer tones and hues for their wedding colors. Of course, black is also a super popular choice for a Halloween-themed wedding or a rustic/woodsy wedding venue.

Chic & Sheer

Sheer gown by Berta

Sheer floral gown by Pronovias

Courtesy: berta.com, weddinginspirasi.com

Dare to go bare? Channel your inner JLO and go for the super-popular sheer/naked trend. There are so many variations of this trendy look, so find something you’re comfortable with first and foremost. Most sheer dresses offer some sort of slip or lining in an ivory or nude color. That way you get the lingerie-esque effect but still leave something to the imagination.

For extra chicness, choose a sophisticated silhouette like sheath or mermaid. A lot of brides go for a ribbed corset top that has sheer patches in between the boning. Finish the look with shiny accessories like sparkly high heels or a glittery headpiece.

Pretty in Pantsuits

Uptown pantsuit by Justin Alexander

Flowy jumpsuit by Oscar de la Renta

Courtesy: justinalexander.com, oscardelarenta.com 

Another bold option is a statement suit. Pantsuits and suit separates have become very popular in the last two years for micro-weddings and elopements due to COVID-19. It’s a sleek and chic choice for the laid-back, modern bride.

The best part? You can wear this outfit again! If you’re wanting a classic and minimal look, add a pair of pearl studs and kick on some classic white or cream-colored pumps. For a more feminine touch: strappy heels, a flowery veil and some subtle pink lipstick will do the trick.

Cool & Colourful

Smokey blue tulle gown

Spring floral gown by Marchesa

Courtesy: greenweddingshoes.com, marchesa.com

Want something bright, bold and colorful? You can choose your favorite color, a mix of colors or ALL the colors—the possibilities are endless! One of our favorite ways to showcase some color is through the skirt, like this beautiful, blue tulle skirt above. You can keep the top half a classic white or ivory and show some flair on the bottom. It will definitely bring the wow factor for your wedding-day look.

Another bridal favorite is to go floral! This allows you to choose multiple colors (maybe even match your wedding colors) and is a super-feminine choice. We can totally picture this floral gown surrounded by lush greenery for an outdoor garden wedding.

If you can’t find a wedding gown in a color you like, look for a bridesmaid or prom dress. There are no hard and fast rules to bridal wear, so choose something that makes you happy and feel beautiful.

Bride on the Edge

Sarah & Emily gowns by Vera Wang

Lace maxi dress by Free People

Courtesy: verawang.com, freepeople.com

Some modern brides are taking an edgy approach and designers like Vera Wang and Alexander McQueen are leaning into this cool trend. For the confident bride, make a statement with a short or high-low dress and leather boots. You’ll definitely catch your guests’ attention.

You can also go boho-chic with an ivory lace dress and combat boots. It’s definitely a rebellious choice versus a traditional princess-like dress, but your wedding day is the chance to show off your personality and unique taste. Bonus points for riding off on a Harley at the end of the reception!