Photo: @hermionedepaula on Instagram
Cover Photo: @hermionedepaula on Instagram

It's supposedly the happiest day of your life! What are you going to wear?

While the traditional white dress is a popular choice for brides, there seems to be a growing trend for women who want to veer away from such. Here are a few of our favourite fashion inspirations on how to wear a standout dress on your special day: 

Read more: A Look At Vera Wang's Best Designs Worn By Celebrities

Metallic Shades

Metallic shades of dress are often an elegant way for brides to express their style. Subtle shades of silver or gold are particularly beautiful, especially when paired with the right type of jewellery. This Reema Acra ruched wedding dress only serves to prove our point. 

Colourful Accents

Incorporating colourful accents is another ingenious way to personalise your wedding dress. Rosenthal Tee enhances the femininity of this bride's gown with a geometric design of baby pink, studded with shimmering crystal embroidery. The skirt also features a cascading line of pearl buttons at the back, further enhancing the traditional whiteness of the wedding dress. 

Pastel

Soft pastel shades are a popular alternative to white wedding dresses. Some women prefer to have embroidery or appliqué on their gowns to complement the softness of the colours. One of our favourites is this intricately designed Rosenthal Tee ready-to-wear gown, which uses the purple backdrop as a canvas to the floral motif on its skirt and bodice. 

Marchesa shows off its own take of the pastel wedding dress with a baby pink gown covered in lace appliqué. 

See also: 10 Beautiful Brooches For Your Bridal Gown

Floral

Hermione de Paula embroiders beautiful wedding dresses for the bride who dreams of floral inspiration. It's a creative compromise between colourful and traditional and is also a fantastic choice for those who prefer outdoor weddings or simply want to add a touch of femininity. Monique Lhuillier does similar designs with printed dresses that incorporate butterflies and roses. 

Textured

For the bohemian bride, a textured original may be a perfect choice. Marchesa designs a gown that puts texture and colour on centre stage. Its elements—layers, feathers, sequins, appliqué—imbue a sense of gaiety that is appropriate for a wedding. Yet, its overall look remains elegant and womanly without the ostentation that could render a gown "out of style" in a few years' time.

Multi-Cultural

Though the white wedding gown is considered "traditional", many other cultures incorporate colourful bridal dresses. African weddings, for instance often incorporate pops of colour—sometimes using Kente design. Indian weddings too often see brides in red and gold sarees. If the bride or groom finds significance in their culture, or wish to pay tribute to it, there are many ways that designers can incorporate their wishes onto their chosen wedding clothes. 

Read more: Bridal Beauty: Creams And Serums For The Big Day

Nudes Or Off-Whites

For something a little more daring, brides may opt for a nude-coloured gown. This can range from mild shades of peach to more daring see-through options. We're particularly loving this ethereal beige Monique Lhuillier number many brides would love to have.