Engaged? Peep These Alternative Beauty Ideas for Atypical Brides

If you’re planning (or just dreaming about) your walk down the aisle and find yourself yawning at the endless array of identical strapless white wedding gowns, you’re in luck. Bridal Fashion Week this year featured a mélange of stunning wedding treats including gowns with dangerously deep necklines, 3D details like fluttery detailing and a gorgeous trend toward off the shoulder styling. So instead of something old, something new, something borrowed something blah, consider this advice from bridal experts.

Maile Pacheco, Founder of beGlammed says “More and more we're seeing millennial brides ditching the traditional bridal updos and makeup trends. Women want to look like an enhanced version of themselves, rather than transforming into a bridal glamazon.”

So how to enhance and set apart your look? Pacheco says “An easy way to enhance your look for your special day is to pick one or two key facial features to bring into focus. For example, if you tend to shy away from a full face of makeup, focus on your lips and lashes. A sultry deep red or plum lip color can give off the appearance of full, plump lips. And with lips like that, you'll command attention when walking into the room.”

Bridal glam expert and owner of A Bridal Piece, Keka Heron says unconventional brides who like to create their own trends are designing their own signature bridal look for 2017. And, that includes updo braids. Heron says that you don’t have to rely on a single braid as an accent, but can also create a gorgeous updo weaving in several braids.

Also, you can forget stressing out over a single fly-away hair. Instead of the perfectly coiffed bridal look that once ruled, Pacheco says: “Effortless hairstyles are all the rage for trendy brides. The 'done un-done' look is in and brides are gravitating towards loose waves and half-updos with subtle accessories to accent their look, rather than a traditional sleek chignon and veil. Adding micro pearls or Baby's Breath-like accessories to your hair creates a more earthy and organic look. Think glamorous festival hair.”Heron likes the idea of adding a little mess to your bridal ‘do. She says it’s a mix of high fashion and bridal glam to stroll down the aisle in a slightly messy, textured hair do.

There’s no longer one right way of creating a bridal look or headpiece. Heron says “It’s a celebration. Make your look festive with a chic bridal hair comb or accessory with a little color. Don’t be afraid, it will give pizzazz to any hair style. Let the colors compliment your wedding colors, so refrain from being too matchy matchy.”

Heron loves the idea of colored veils or fascinators. “If you are wearing a veil or fascinator don’t be afraid to try a little color. Black is very gorgeous along with deep purple and navy. I also adore a combo of colors and stones added to a fascinator—it gives an edge to the bridal hairstyle.

As for makeup, there’s no reason to keep it pure anymore. Heron says that a smoky eye is a very unexpected look for your wedding day, which makes it perfect for the bride who is going for a non-traditional look.

But, if you do want to keep your makeup more traditional, add a playful wink with your manicure. Add a cute message onto your nails or go for a full jeweled look. You'll still look great in pictures.

The Lookbook is Bravo's home for inspiring content and experiences that feed fashionistas with a steady diet of share-worthy styles, personalities, and industry news. Like us on Facebook to stay connected to our daily updates.