In 2020, very few brides were able to walk down the aisle, like many of them planned. About 15 million weddings were postponed around the world due to lockdown restrictions. Weddings in the United Kingdom have been banned or restricted since the spring of 2020, and some brides simply have come to terms with having an alternative wedding that is smaller or more intimate.

Alternative bridal look by Vivienne Westwood

An Alternative Bridal Look

A smaller wedding calls for a more alternative look compared to traditional ball gowns that many brides search for. Many women started looking into the Fall 2021 looks on the runway for some inspiration.

According to Natalie Kingham, the global fashion officer at Matchesfashion, there were many versatile pieces on the runways. These included draped high-neck midi-dresses from Emilia Wickstead and even stunning headpieces by Stephen Jones. The luxury retailer predicts a shift in wedding dresses as people start to look for more romantic and feminine wedding dresses with statement pieces to make an impact.

Wear-Once Dresses Are Old News

Even though not everyone has the budget to afford high fashion pieces, traditional bridalwear is taking a seat. Those dresses that are only good to wear once are old news, and what’s trendy now is dramatic silk separates and trouser suits. The silk separates can be dyed to be worn again later, and the trouser suits are deemed versatile for other occasions.

Alternative bridal headpiece by Awon Golding Awon Golding, a milliner based in London, is known for her headpieces. She’s now making them for brides that have decided to downsize their weddings. Headbands are the new wedding veil for most brides.

Despite the alternative bridal looks, love was in the air when it came to the 2021 Fall runway looks in London. Many looks featured white broderie, billowing sleeves, and more relaxed yet stunning looks. Designers were inspired by the French Revolution, the Netflix period drama Bridgerton, and more.