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The Iconic Edition
Weddings
|22 Aug 2023|4 mins

I’m In My Anti-Bride Era. Here’s 6 Classic Wedding Styles I’m Skipping – And What I’m Shopping Instead

Say yes to the (mini) dress…

So, you’ve gone from ~*~partner~*~ to fiancé and suddenly found yourself under an avalanche of wedding decisions? Congrats, and welcome to the club – the wine’s over there. Whether you’ve been planning your dream wedding since you were 10 (organised!), or hadn’t given it much thought until today (relatable!), you know that there’s a few traditions that have stuck around since forever. 

The big dress. The something blue. The towering cake. The bouquet toss. The spending a small fortune on a single day when you’d rather have a Euro vacay… For some of us (cc: Margaret Qualley forgoing heels for ballet flats), it’s just not it. Ahead, the six wedding traditions I’m planning to skip – and what I’m vibing instead.

Margaret Qualley marries Jack Antonoff in ballet flats via Page Six

Skipping: the ball gown

Shopping: the slinky dress.
If you’ve ever helped a bride go to the bathroom, you’ll know those dresses are heavy. Between mountains of tulle, boning and one thousand tiny buttons (my god, the buttons), I’d rather be able to sit down, get down, and go to the toilet solo, thanks. I’ll be skipping the frothy wedding gown in favour of something a little sleeker – perhaps a slip dress or bias-cut column silhouette that’s closer to what I’d normally wear. 

Skipping: the ball gown

Shop The Look
Grace Strapless Gown
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Grace Straple...
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Vallery Gown
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Vallery Gown
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Bailey Satin Dress
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Bailey Satin...
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Dakota Maxi Dress
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Dakota Maxi D...
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Desert Rose Mesh Maxi Dress
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Desert Rose M...
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Camilla Dress
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Camilla Dress
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Skipping: the sweeping train

Skipping: the sweeping train

Shopping: the shorter hem.
Whether you’re clumsy AF (hi, it’s me), or just can’t stand the thought of hiding your shoes, good news – you don’t *actually* have to have a dress with a train. More and more labels are doing wedding-worthy midi dresses – perfect for civil ceremonies that turn into dinner and drinks. Wanna go short short? Designers like Rebecca Vallance and BY JOHNNY. have made polished, party-perfect mini dresses their signature.

Shop The Look
Denim Mini Dress
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Denim Mini Dress
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Bettina Bow Shift Mini
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Bettina Bow S...
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Lace Button Front Midi Dress
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Lace Button F...
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Zoya Mini Dress
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Zoya Mini Dress
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Caitlin Draped Mini Dress - Snow
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Caitlin Drape...
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Iggy Embroidered Mini Dress
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Iggy Embroide...
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Deconstructed Mini Dress
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Deconstructed...
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Palmona Panel Midi Dress
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Palmona Panel...
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Nicola Feather Trimmed Mini Dress
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Nicola Feathe...
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Skipping: the veil

Skipping: the veil

Shopping: unexpected accessories.
If I’m getting up at 5am to get my hair professionally done, you bet I’m not about to go cover it with a veil. Instead, I’ll be opting for a hero hair accessory (pearl headband, I’m coming for you…), and a few pieces of fine jewellery to round out the look. The best part? Can wear them all again.

Shop The Look
Mini Heart Pendant
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Mini Heart Pe...
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Constella Drop Earrings
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Constella Dro...
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Pia Headband
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Pia Headband
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Jocelyn Hair Vine
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Jocelyn Hair...
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Cecily Hair Clip Set
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Cecily Hair C...
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Mini Pearl Necklace - Gold
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Mini Pearl Ne...
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Solid Gold - Ever Mine Necklace
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Solid Gold -...
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Baguette Mini Hoops - Gold
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Baguette Mini...
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Teramo Choker
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Teramo Choker
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Skipping: the nude heel

Skipping: the nude heel

Shopping: statement shoes.
Look, I get why we do the nude heel. It’s subtle. It’s timeless. It works with just about any wedding ensemble you can imagine. But, as a self-confessed Shoe Girl™, I’m a teensy bit bored. From metallic gold and rich jewel tones to saccharine pastels, the possibilities are practically endless. I’m already eyeing off pairs from Loeffler Randall, By Far and Gia Borghini.

Shop The Look
Wedge Mules
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Wedge Mules
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Estella Pleated Ruffle High Heel Sandals with Ankle Strap
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Estella Pleat...
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Mikel Suede Bow Mid-Heel Sandals
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Mikel Suede B...
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Karla Heels
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Karla Heels
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Recourse
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Recourse
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Belinda
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Belinda
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Elia
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Elia
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Libby
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Libby
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Rosie Woven Strap Mule
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Rosie Woven S...
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Romy Patent Leather Heels
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Romy Patent L...
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Skipping: matching bridesmaid dresses

Skipping: matching bridesmaid dresses

Shopping: personal style.
There’s nothing worse than being jammed into an outfit that’s just not you, unless it’s being jammed into said outfit and then immortalised in someone’s wedding photos forevermore. You love your wedding party, right? Honour what makes them feel their best by choosing individual silhouettes that speak to their personal style. Concerned about cohesion? Sticking to one colour (or similar shades) will keep the aesthetic looking intentional. 

Shop The Look
Yvonne Flower Mini Dress
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Yvonne Flower...
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Yvonne Flower Midi Dress
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Yvonne Flower...
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FLOWER DRESS
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FLOWER DRESS
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Zali Gown
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Zali Gown
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Luxe Asymmetrical Gathered Maxi Dress
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Luxe Asymmetr...
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Valentina Midi Dress
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Valentina Mid...
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Skipping: full glam

Shopping: natural glow.
While I would trust the right makeup artist with my life, I also know my wedding is not the time to finally take a full smokey eye for a test drive. Instead, I’ll be focusing on nailing my routine between now and then, with glowy ‘my skin but better’ makeup come game day.

Skipping: full glam

Shop The Look
HD Skin Foundation
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HD Skin Found...
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Touche Éclat Radiant Touch Highlighter Pen 2
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Touche Éclat...
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Le Cushion Encre De Peau Foundation - 05
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Le Cushion En...
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Lip Power - 103 Androgino
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Lip Power - 1...
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Vitamin Enriched Face Base
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Vitamin Enric...
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Turmeric Brightening Exfoliating Mask 100mL
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Turmeric Brig...
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Micro Essence Treatment Lotion with Bio-Ferment
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Micro Essence...
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BEAR Facial Toning Device - Fuchsia
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BEAR Facial T...
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Queen Silk Pillowcase Invisible Zipper Closure
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Queen Silk Pi...
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Fast delivery and free returns. 

Sarah Swift
Senior Copywriter
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