The Courthouse Bride's Guide to Chic, Unconventional Dresses
I've never been sure if I want to get married, but I have always known that if I do, it won't be a traditional occasion. All that stress, effort, and MONEY...just to feed my second cousin's boyfriend? No, thank you. If you're like me—technically, you're way ahead of me; I don't even have a romantic prospect—you fancy yourself as more of a laidback bride. But that doesn't have to equate to 'boring' by any means. Au contraire, I rounded up 15 impeccable (if I do say so) dresses for a courthouse wedding that will make any conventional bride reconsider her choices—respectfully, of course.
It doesn't matter if you're working with a rushed timeline, tight budget, or impossible in-laws; whatever your reason may be for saying 'I do' in a more casual setting, it's still your special day even if it doesn't look like everyone else's. Treat it as such. You deserve to feel like the most show-stopping bride in the world. And, if my girl math is correct, all that money you'll save on the wedding itself just means you have more to spend on your outfit. That's a good enough reason for me. Ahead, find the most stylish and elegant courthouse wedding dresses. You're going to make a gorgeous bride.
Nothing feels more fanciful than a neck scarf, right?
If you don't want to celebrate your nuptials in a logo-emblazoned dress, I totally understand that. But this crystal-covered horsebit, on the other hand, is a no-brainer.
Two things ladies love: an open back and a big-ass bow.
Kendall Jenner wore this dress once, and it's lived rent-free in my mind ever since.
A mini hemline is so darling for a summer wedding—and not an option for most brides who have traditional weddings. Leave the fussy trains to them and show some leg instead, just because you can.
In case you missed it, Alix Earle wore this for the Kentucky Derby and looked incredible.
Oh, Helsa, you really do have my heart. This look is so chic I can hardly stand it.
Every side is your good side, especially in an asymmetrical dress like this one from Roksanda.
My own sister wore this for her after-party, and it was so dang fun. (The dress, that is, not the party. The party was just so-so.)
In my heart of hearts, I think I would be a Christopher Esber bride, should that day ever come for me.
What if you were the 'something blue'? It's your day, and if you don't want to wear white, don't.
This dress can be worn with the deep-V in the front or in the back, so if you prefer a high neckline and upper-arm coverage, this is the one for you.
For the truly high fashion bride, this option A) lets you wear pants (huge win), and B) plays into the layered skirt trend.
Clio Peppiatt does some of the most stunning embellished dresses I've ever seen, like this strapless column dress.
Getting married in Vivienne Westwood just sounds like a fashion girl's dream come true.
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