25 Unique and Modern Wedding Dresses for the Unconventional Bride

For to-be-weds searching for a little something new in the world of wedding fashion, this year's New York Bridal Fashion Week provided no shortage of inspiration. Modern wedding dresses took center stage, emerging as one of the top wedding dress trends for 2024. To our pleasant surprise, it was up-and-coming brands like Sébastien Luke and Cinq who led the way through innovation, embracing both avant-garde and architectural elements in their designs. While these looks might not be for the faint of heart, for the unconventional bride and fashion followers alike, they signaled a welcome shift in the bridal landscape.

The truth is that when it comes to wedding attire, there's no one-size-fits-all option. A classic bridal look might not suit your personality, and that's okay. If you're a bride hoping to push the boundaries of tradition, the good news is that there are so many unique and modern wedding dresses hitting the market. Keep reading to discover 24 of our favorite shoppable looks inspired by the runway. Then, head to our bridal salon directory to find out where you can try them on in person for the ultimate shopping experience.

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What is a Modern Wedding Dress?

In broad terms, a modern wedding dress is one that reflects contemporary fashion trends and the ever-evolving style of today's brides. According to wedding dress designer, Sébastien Luke, "modern bridal fashion now provides more options for brides to express their individuality and feel like themselves on their big day." For many, this means opting for something a little less conventional. "Unlike traditional wedding dresses, modern bridal styles offer a wider range of fabric choices, styles, and silhouettes, allowing brides to choose a look that reflects their everyday fashion and makes them feel more comfortable and confident on their wedding day," says Luke.

Elements of a Modern Wedding Dress

According to Luke, "Modern brides are gravitating more toward dresses in unadorned fabrics with unique shapes, interesting drapes, and modern twists on classic styles, rather than traditional lace and embellished dresses." These contemporary styles tend to embrace experimental elements, whether it be through unique structure, texture, or silhouette. With many brides seeking non-traditional looks, modern wedding dresses are expected to remain among the top wedding dress trends for 2024. Sébastien Luke's Strapless Gathered Ball Gown, with a texture reminiscent of ocean waves, and Cinq's Gayle Gown, which offers a deconstructed take on the classic bridal ball gown, are just a few examples of the innovative designs we observed at New York Bridal Fashion Week that are paving the way for the future of bridal design.

The Best Modern Wedding Dresses for 2024

Danielle Frankel Daphne Gown

Photo: Danielle Frankel

Structure with a bit of sass, the Daphne gown is a bold bridal pick we love. A piqued bust and origami-like folds made from hand-tucked silk taffeta set this strapless column gown apart.

Size Range: 0 - 12
Price at time of publication: $6,490

Lola Varma Romi Gown

Photo: Lola Varma

This fashion-forward look gives the term 'understated' a whole new meaning. A sleek slip dress is topped off with a structural sheer overlay that makes for an eye-catching yet subtle bridal ensemble.

Size Range: Custom
Price at time of publication: Varies

Ines Di Santo Liron Gown

Photo: Ines Di Santo

Old Hollywood glamor meets modern minimalism in the Liron gown. A soft scarf streamer and peek-a-boo bustier bodice are just a few of the elegant details we love. The best part? You can seamlessly remove the scarf to switch up your look between the ceremony and reception.

Size Range: Custom
Price at time of publication: Varies

Reev Bridal Adeline Gown

Photo: Reev Bridal

Don't be fooled by its streamlined silhouette—this gown is anything but basic. Elongated cape sleeves and a high crew neck prove that sometimes modest is the hottest (and the perfect pick for a church ceremony).

Size Range: Custom
Price at time of publication: $1,700

Cinq The Gayle Dress

Photo: Cinq

As a modern take on a classic ball gown silhouette, the Gayle dress rewrites the rules when it comes to bridal attire. A layer of distressed fabric adds an element of deconstruction to its grand full skirt.

Size Range: Custom
Price at time of publication: $850

Maggie Sottero Missy Gown

Photo: Maggie Sottero

You can forego the accessories when you're sporting this strapless gown as its striking silhouette speaks for itself. With a structured geometric bodice and streamlined skirt, it's a modern minimalist's dream.

Size Range: 0 - 28
Price at time of publication: Varies

Sebastien Luke Strapless Gathered Ball Gown

Photo: Sebastien Luke

Sea-inspired styles are predicted to make a big splash in 2024 (pun intended). The good news is that you can get ahead of the trends with this gown which features freshwater pearl detailing and texture that's reminiscent of ocean currents.

Size Range: Custom
Price at time of publication: Varies

Ines Di Santo Arch Gown

Photo: Ines Di Santo

One thing about the modern bride: They're not shying away from color. As one of the top trends from New York Bridal Fashion Week, pastel wedding dresses—like this structural pink pick—are expected to make a splash in 2024.

Size Range: Custom
Price at time of publication: Varies

KYHA Munroe Gown

Photo: KYHA

Equal parts sexy and sweet, the Munroe gown offers a fresh and modern take on a classic bridal style. Exposed boning and an asymmetrical neckline make it an exceptional pick for 2024 to-be-weds.

Size Range: 0 - 11
Price at time of publication: $6,995

Vivienne Westwood Georgiana Gown

Photo: Vivienne Westwood

This regal gown brings the Georgian era to life in the 21st century. Inspired by renowned fashion plate Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, the 18th-century style gown is made modern through pearl embellishments and colorful 3-dimensional flowers made from recycled plastics.

Size Range: Custom
Price at time of publication: Varies

Reev Bridal Clementine Gown

Photo: Reev Bridal

You'll feel like you've time-traveled into the future when you step into this unique look. The mock neck cape, made from soft satin crepe, features geometric cutouts, an open back, and a dramatic draped train.

Size Range: Custom
Price at time of publication: $850

Cortana Arianne Top, Skirt and Jacket

Photo: Cortana

This three-piece set allows for countless ways to switch up your look throughout the day, which is great news if you're a bride who loves options. You can pair the strapless top and skirt with the structured cape for your grand entrance, then remove it to free up your arms for dancing.

Size Range: Custom
Price at time of publication: Varies

Danielle Frankel Wren Gown

Photo: Danielle Frankel

For brides hoping to capture an ethereal look for their big day, the Wren gown is our go-to. Its strapless column silhouette features tiers of tulle trimmed in hand appliquéd chantilly and corded lace that will create a sense of movement as you walk down the aisle.

Size Range: 0 - 12
Price at time of publication: $8,990

Maggie Sottero Gabrielle Gown

Photo: Maggie Sottero

If you're hoping to feel like a goddess on your wedding day, this Grecian-inspired gown is the way to go. Its boned illusion bodice is met with a flowy draped skirt and detachable sleeves for a modern look you're sure to love.

Size Range: 0 - 28
Price at time of publication: Varies

Cinq The Madelena Dress

Photo: Cinq

The Madelena dress offers Gilded Age glamor with a modern twist. Made from duchess satin, the deconstructed mini dress features dramatic puff sleeves, a bustier bodice, and elegantly draped sashes that extend from the waist.

Size Range: Custom
Price at time of publication: Varies

Christie Nicole Pixie Gown

Photo: Christie Nicole

Looking for a wedding gown that pulls out all the stops? The Pixie gown is for you. Made from soft pleated tulle, its plunging V-neckline and voluminous frilled sleeves that are reminiscent of angel wings are guaranteed to turn heads for all the right reasons.

Size Range: Custom
Price at time of publication: $8,250

Kelly Faetanini Dora Gown

Photo: Kelly Faetanini

The Dora gown incorporates elements of traditional bridal attire in a way that's entirely unique. Its streamlined silhouette is met with an eye-catching asymmetric neckline, one-shoulder sleeve, and open back.

Size Range: Custom
Price at time of publication: Varies

Varca The Vivienne Gown

Photo: Varca

Inspired by Vivienne Westwood, this namesake gown embraces the modern punk style the designer was known for. An oversized floral motif on the bodice makes a bold statement against a delicate organza skirt.

Size Range: Custom
Price at time of publication: Varies

Vivienne Westwood Audrey Gown

Photo: Vivienne Westwood

This old Hollywood-inspired look will bring the best of the silver screen to life for your big day. The ivory silk column gown boasts a myriad of Vivienne Westwood's iconic broken pearls that cascade from the neckline down the bodice.

Size Range: Custom
Price at time of publication: Varies

Willowby Venus Gown

Photo: Watters

This futuristic gown is guaranteed to bring the drama on your big day. A cowl neckline, draped satin skirt and geometric lace cutouts meet to create a unique otherworldly look.

Size Range: Custom
Price at time of publication: Varies

THEIA Obsidian Gown

Photo: THEIA

What this minimalist dress lacks in embellishments, it makes up for in style. Made from comfortable stretch crepe fabric, the streamlined silhouette features bold, geometric cutouts on the bodice and back.

Size Range: Custom
Price at time of publication: Varies

Maticevski Arrival Gown

Photo: Maticevski

Equal parts wedding dress and architectural display: This pick is certainly one to remember. The modern gown features an off-shoulder neckline, asymmetric sleeves, and a structural skirt that extends into a train.

Size Range: 2 - 10
Price at time of publication: $2,620

Danielle Frankel Remy Gown

Photo: Danielle Frankel

Here's a pick that's anything but ordinary. With a ruched sweetheart neckline, exposed corset waist, and umbrella pleated skirt, the Remy gown offers a contemporary take on a classic bridal look.

Size Range: 0 - 18
Price at time of publication: $9,890

Cinq The Ottilia Gown

Photo: Cinq

This swoon-worthy gown is an ideal pick for the modern bride and vintage lover alike. Distressed layering, an asymmetric neckline, and an exposed corset on the outside of the dress are just a few of the details that make the Ottilia gown a standout pick.

Size Range: Custom
Price at time of publication: Varies

Rosie Assoulin Million Pleats Dress

Photo: Over the Moon

There are about a million reasons why we love the 'Million Pleats Dress'. To start, its classic A-line silhouette is made modern by structured pleating, offering an elegant yet understated look.

Size Range: Custom
Price at time of publication: $3,995

Varca The Aries Gown

Photo: Varca

Vintage meets modern with the Aries gown. A 1920s-inspired, drop-waist bodice is met with a structured tulle skirt that extends into a dramatic train. Talk about a showstopper.

Size Range: Custom
Price at time of publication: Varies