The Edgiest Wedding Dresses for Daring Brides

See the provocative lengths to which designers are willing to go for their most defiant brides.

The Edgiest Wedding Dresses for Daring Brides

By Marilyn Oliveira

edgy-provocative-and-sheer-wedding-dresses-from-2016-designer-bridal-collections
Photo: Dan Lecca

Not every girl dreams of floating down the aisle in a timeless white gown. In fact, there’s a whole subset of forward-thinking brides that prefer to seek out and wear the most daring designs they can find. Some simply want to don a one-of-a-kind look, while others aspire to shock and awe with their anti-traditional style. By building upon some of the edgiest bridal fashion trends, several top designers are meeting the need for innovative gowns.

We gathered some of the most non-traditional looks on the runways for brides with an emphasis on the avant-garde. So whether you’re a rebel bride or simply want to see what the other half wears, check out the designs below. Be sure to let us know what you think in the comments section.

Provocative wedding dresses by Houghton Fall 2016

At left, gauzy layers of cotton mesh and silk organza allow a glimpse of lingerie, while at right, an off-the-shoulder tie top pairs with a long ruffled skirt for a boho-chic bridal look. Photos courtesy of Houghton

Provocative colored wedding dress and short wedding dress by Naeem Khan

A plunging neckline, hundreds of floral appliqués, and two shades of blush set the long-sleeved gown at left apart. On the right, layers of fringe and a sky-high hemline make an embroidered dress even more avant-garde than the average bridal mini. Photos courtesy of Naeem Khan

Edgy wedding dresses by Pnina Tornai for Kleinfeld Bridal

A strapless corset with a plunging neckline and a layered skirt of silk organza distinguishes the dress at left, while the clinging silhouette draped with Swarovksi crystals at right evokes a glamorous, red-carpet effect. Photos courtesy of Pnina Tornai for Kleinfeld

Sheer wedding dresses by Pronovias

The long-sleeved dress at left bares plenty of skin with a low-cut, off-the-shoulder neckline and peek-a-boo patches between lace, while strategically placed gemstone appliqués offer minimal coverage on the ultra-sheer gown at right. Photos by Dan Lecca

Crop top wedding dress and sheer bridal gown by Reem Acra

Floral appliqués give only the illusion of concealment on the exquisitely daring sheer dress at left. The dress at right features a ruffled ball-gown skirt and a bodice of illusion lace that offers a trend-setting glimpse of toned abs. Photos courtesy of Reem Acra

Edgy wedding dresses by Temperley Bridal

While the dress at left features a classic silhouette, the mirrored details and circular patterns of beading are anything but conventional. Meanwhile, the flowing lines and plummeting neckline of the gown at right requires an ultra-confident bride with a taste for vintage glam. Photos courtesy of Temperley Bridal

Provocative sheer wedding dresses by THEIA

An unlined mermaid skirt of Chantilly lace puts legs on display on the slip dress at left, while the groundbreaking, one-shouldered gown at right brings sheerness to an entirely new level. Photos by Robert Mitra

Edgy wedding dresses by Vera Wang Fall 2016

The exaggerated high-low hemline, vented sleeves, and black sash set the illusion-lace dress at left on the cutting edge, while a center-front split over a Chantilly-lace micro-mini gives the look at right its progressive air. Photos courtesy of Vera Wang

See more new wedding-dress styles from bridal fashion week, and be sure to browse our photo galleries showcasing hundreds of wedding dress images from real weddings!

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