{This post was inspired by and is dedicated to my sister-in-law, whose wedding is coming up and I’ve been helping her find a dress. It’s been so much fun.}

As a bridal magazine editor, I see a lot of wedding gowns. Sometimes, it can be a yawn-fest.

It’s not that I’m sick of looking at wedding gowns, it’s that I’m sick of what I’m seeing. I’ll stumble upon designers that are “new” or who have put out a “new collection,” but everything just looks the same. Why bother “designing” something if you’re not bringing anything new to the table? Show us something new!

My viewpoint on this strongly applies to strapless gowns. If you’re going to design a strapless gown … make it original. Pretty please.
That said, I get really excited by unique gowns by off-the-beaten-path designers. If you follow wedding-related Pinterest boards like me, you’re bound to have seen some of the following gowns, but if you don’t and aren’t in the wedding loop, let me show you the styles I’m loving right now.

1) I’m still sick of strapless (for the most part).
Cap-sleeved gowns are still my favorite (I got married in one, after all – see below).

My gown: Augusta Jones Couture, circa 2008

Gorgeous non-strapless gowns available this season:

Aussie  designer Anna Campbell (her gowns are featured above) is at the top of my list of bridal designers … her  gowns’ details are extraordinary! And details are EVERYTHING when it comes to weddings. Plus, her gowns evoke romance and boho-chicness that I can’t get enough of right now. The bo-ho spirit is great when translated into BRIDAL STYLE because at the heart of the bo-ho movement is a trueness of spirit. Honesty in persona. Boho chicks don’t dress for you, they dress for them. I love it!

$544 – seriously?! You much be joking. Thank you Ruche! For a silk gown (polyester lining) that floats like an angel and flutters romantically as you walk … that’s an amazing deal. Again, I picture a more mature, ultra-feminine bride here. Not a 19-year-old princess-wanna-be bride.

Elizabeth Dye (above) is another designer who creates delicate-yet-detail-oriented wedding dresses. Again, you’re not spending 6 grand here, you’re getting a unique gown with personality for an affordable price.

Above: This is one of my FAV wedding gowns of the year (BHLDN.com)!
Below is another dress by BHLDN. Anthropologie’s bridal line. BHLDN’s gowns are, again, reasonably priced detailed frocks with big personalities. Each one for a different woman but all cut from the same cloth. I even love their strapless dresses – in blush of course!

Above, this is a FAVORITE  for small, petite, thin – and more mature – brides with a classic, simple style … think J. Crew, Banana Republic with a dash of Anthropologie. The designer is JUST OK to me. Not a fan of much else she designed besides this delightful creature of a gown. Love…Sigh…

And then…there’s JENNY PACKHAM (the next 4 below). Princess Kate is a big fan of the British  designer, and I am too! See these above pictures as to why … you’re a fan too now, right?! AMAZE. Best collections every year. Such luxe details and creativity.

 
Yes, I know this last one is a strapless within my “non-strapless” category, but it’s just too pretty to leave out. You see, it’s the kind of strapless gown I love. It’s different, it’s special. I very much approve!
 

 

2) I’m still completely head-over-heels in love with BLUSH gowns.

This  blush gown, beaded sash and antique lace shawl are from BHLDN.com.

Theia Couture (above) is a more contemporary line. Sleek, sophisticated and modern. It’s not ultra-feminine, and yet it is because the simple, figure-hugging silhouettes are alluring and sexy – which are forms of femininity. I just love, love, love this ivory-to-blush petal gown. It’s just dipped ever so gracefully into petal pink. #heaven

3) Champagne and gold/gilded gowns have completely captured my heart! 

Click on each of the following pictures to see where they’re from … gorgeous, no?!
  

 ‘

I WANT TO GET RE-MARRIED RIGHT NOW IN THESE GOWNS … HOW IN THE WORLD IS A WOMAN TO CHOOSE?!

By the way … maybe I’m just in a colorful mood, but I would totally wear these gowns by Oscar de la Renta if I had a chance … love the blue for weddings. A-Mazing.