If the big white dress isn’t quite your thing, let’s kick-start a colourful celebration of alternative bridal style inspiration! We adore it when brides think outside the box and ditch traditional norms. Celebrities have been leading the way with their unconventional wedding looks, and we’re excited to share 10 of the most memorable and daring celebrity wedding dresses that will surely spark some inspiration for your big day.
Celebrity Brides who Wowed in Colourful Wedding Dresses:
Elizabeth Taylor (1964)
Elizabeth Taylor’s iconic canary yellow wedding dress, worn at her 1964 ceremony with Richard Burton, is a far cry from the traditional white gown. Designed by Irene Sharaff, the babydoll-style minidress epitomizes the fashion of the era. What makes this look truly special is the way Liz incorporated hyacinths and lilies of the valley into her braided updo, giving her overall appearance a whimsical, bridal feel.
The photographs of Taylor on her big day were captured by Zandarin/Allen/REX/ Shutterstock and Ken McKay/ REX/ Shutterstock.
Gwen Stefani (2002)
In a bold departure from traditional nuptial attire, Gwen Stefani stunned in her unconventional wedding ensemble when she tied the knot with Gavin Rosdale in 2002. The iconic singer opted for an avant-garde John Galliano couture gown that defied convention. The dress’s asymmetrical silhouette appeared as though it had been dramatically manipulated by a passionate force, crafted from ivory silk that gave way to a bold pink hue at its hem.
The unforgettable look was captured in a memorable photo shoot by GORC/GC Images.
Katharine McPhee (2019)
Katharine McPhee’s third wedding dress stole the show at her 2019 nuptials to David Foster – and it was another stunning Zac Posen design. But what truly caught our attention wasn’t just the single greyish blue gown, but its unique sculptural silhouette and tea-length style. We can only imagine how many special occasions she’s worn this dress for since, making it a true wardrobe staple.
Mandy Moore (2018)
In a celebration that embodied whimsy and romance, Mandy Moore, star of the hit TV series This is Us, opted for a show-stopping Rodarte gown at her back-garden wedding to musician Taylor Goldsmith. The pièce de résistance was the ruffled, pink confection that wrapped around her like a sweet treat. The tulle, embroidered gown drew inspiration from the romantic styles of the late 1960s and early 1970s, evoking a sense of nostalgia and fairytale charm.
We’re so enamored with this dress that we’ve dedicated an entire feature to it, allowing you to indulge in every delightful detail.
Christine Quinn (2019)
As we previously explored, black wedding dresses have the potential to be incredibly stylish. One notable example is Christine Quinn’s stunning choice for her 2019 nuptials with Christian Richard. The Selling Sunset star opted for a shimmering black Galia Lahav gown featuring a timeless princess silhouette and an on-trend off-the-shoulder neckline. This show-stopping design would be perfect for a gothic winter wedding, exuding a sense of sophistication and glamour.
Malin Akerman (2019)
For Malin Akerman’s 2019 beach wedding to Jack Donnelly, she opted for an understated yet enchanting pale pink wedding dress that exudes bohemian charm. The actress’s choice of a flowy slip dress from Cushnie, adorned with delicate mini pom poms on the off-shoulder straps, is expected to inspire many brides-to-be seeking a relaxed and effortlessly elegant wedding look.
Cheryl Cole (2014)
When Cheryl Cole tied the knot with Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini in July 2014, she opted for a show-stopping black Ralph & Russo gown that would make any A-lister proud to wear on the red carpet. The strapless design is a classic choice, but it’s the sheer silk-chiffon skirt that adds a modern twist to this stunning dress. The result is a look that effortlessly blends timeless elegance with contemporary flair.
Emma Thompson (1989)
Emma Thompson’s unconventional approach to her 1989 wedding dress was on full display when she married Kenneth Branagh. The knee-length design featured a distinctive print in a vibrant palette of pink, purple, green and yellow hues, drawing inspiration from Renaissance fashion. This bold and eclectic choice perfectly encapsulates Thompson’s signature individuality and willingness to challenge traditional norms.
Kaley Cuoco
In a unique twist, Kaley Cuoco donned her stunning pink Vera Wang gown not just once, but twice during the filming of the music video for her movie, The Wedding Ringer. While unconventional in traditional wedding attire, this non-traditional choice allowed Cuoco to get multiple wears out of her beautiful dress, making it a practical and glamorous option.
