Brides & Grooms with Unique Styles & Tips on Finding Yours

Written by curator, Grant Alexander owner of G ALXNDR

We get it. You don’t just want to look your best on your wedding day; you want some way to make it completely your own. A unique look. 

Maybe not so unique that when you look back at the photos in a decade you regret what you chose or ask what you were thinking. Or maybe that is the level of uniqueness you want because that’s who you’ve always been. 

Whatever look or style you want, it’s ok. You have permission to want to look just as you dream of looking on your wedding day. With that being said, we know there are times where you can’t go too crazy, and have to compromise between the look you may want and what your family (or culture/religion) is comfortable with.

No matter how conservative or “out there” you want to be, there are so many ways to personalize your look. Starting with the design and details of your outfit, whether it’s a dress, suit, or tux, all the way down to your shoes, socks, jewelry, and other accessories, you can have the perfectly unique style for your wedding look.

Finding Your Personal Style

Our goal as stylists is to help each person look the best they’ve ever looked, both for themselves and for what they want others to see. And I’ll let you in on a little secret. 

The trick to looking your best isn’t about having the most expensive couture dress or fanciest bespoke suit and shoes, it’s about finding a style that makes you feel the most you. Your wedding style can be subtle or bold, traditional or edgy — whatever best matches your personality and helps you feel the most like yourself.

Keep that in mind as we start to talk about designs and accessories.

Making A Dress (or Women’s Tuxedo) Your Own

What’s the most important aspect of any bride’s look? Typically, it’s the dress. However, if you want to do something different and show your personality, or not have the same dress dozens of other brides might have, you have to do something different. Be creative. 

Maybe you add or remove sleeves to the dress. Or a cape. Maybe you lace up some fire sneakers after the ceremony.

Maybe you opt for an outfit change right before the dancing really gets going. An outfit change is a great way to incorporate more of your personality into the day, especially if you settled on a more conservative look for photos and the ceremony (again, taking into account family, culture, religion, etc.).

It doesn’t have to be another dress. Change into a stunning white tuxedo instead! Change the level of formality (and sexiness) simply by changing what’s underneath. You can toss a white tuxedo jacket over your dress, too. Or try a white bodysuit or silk cami. Need even edgier? Tape the jacket lapels down to your chest and sport the nothing under look (though, we suggest pasties at the least…you know, just in case).

You are only limited by your creativity. If you’re not sure how you can incorporate your unique style into one (or more) outfits, talk to your planner, hop on Instagram, or talk to someone at G ALXNDR about ideas and inspiration.

Making A Suit or Tuxedo Your Own

What’s the most important aspect of any groom’s look? The suit, tux or jacket.

Whether you are buying or renting (along with any groomsmen, which we highly recommend not renting, but checking out SuitShop instead. They’ve solved the “rental problem” and sell suits and tuxedos that haven’t been worn or stretched, don’t smell or look bad, and you get to keep them.), 

Especially if you’re getting something custom-made, there are so many ways to end up with a unique suit tailored to your body and personality.

My golden rule: break rules in purposeful ways.

Style decisions can be unique and personal, they just need to make sense. When I help someone pick out details while shopping or designing for them, I’m comfortable breaking rules as long as it’s purposeful. 

For instance, a black bow tie or necktie is the traditional choice for a formal black tuxedo, and I can’t think of a good reason to break that rule. It just works and other options tend to be distracting. But I love adding a ticket pocket to a black tux, which is breaking a classic design rule, but it results in a slightly different and more fun look.

Don’t Forget About Accessories

The dress or suit itself is not your complete entire look. Accessories are one of the easiest, most cost effective ways to change your look in a meaningful way and help you express your personality.

Shoes

Shoes are a small, but very important, part of your outfit. Ladies, or anyone wearing a dress, have fun with your shoes! Especially if the dress will hide the shoes more often than not, this is a chance to add some color, unique styles (have a black dress? Some badass boots are probably a good call), or even sparkle.

Switch into a fun sneaker, your favorite Converse, or a colorful sexy heel for the reception.

Guys, or anyone sporting dress shoes, they don’t have to be boring. They can be beautiful, non-distracting statement pieces that you’ll love wearing after the wedding. Want something different but not too out there? Try a monkstrap (I love this grey monkstrap because it goes with every suit and outfit after the wedding!) instead of your traditional lace-ups. Or, if you’re a sneakerhead and never wear dress shoes, don’t switch just for the big day! You can still look really well put together rocking a sneaker down the aisle paired with a perfectly fitted suit or tux.

Ties, Bow ties, and Pocket Squares

I need to start with one thing first. I don’t know why this became a rule so many people think is true and proper, but let’s squash this now… 

If you are wearing a boutonniere, you should [still] wear a pocket square. Pocket squares finish each look. 95% of the time, I encourage a simple white linen pocket square. It is a clean, non distracting finish.

Ties and bow ties are one area you can showcase a little more personality, but do note that the busier or funkier the tie, the more it can detract from the overall look.

Socks

Socks are a GREAT place to add a little more fun and flare to any outfit. Go nuts with your favorite Marvel superheroes and Pokemon, or appease everyone in the middle of the road with fun and colorful options like these from No Cold Feet. You can even customize the sock labels to add some personality to your groomsmen and bridesmaids gifts.

Summary

The point of this all is: be yourself. Even though it’s supposed to be this big, “fancy” day, it doesn’t have to not be you. 

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying wear jeans and a t-shirt or your favorite hoodie because that’s what you wear everyday. It’s still one of the most important days of your life, and the occasion should warrant a little more effort. But it’s important that you look and feel your best, and feel most authentically yourself.

Be creative, think about what matters to you or how you’d like to be different and own your unique style. Don’t be afraid to ask for help either. Some of the best outfits the G ALXNDR team has put together or that I’ve designed for clients have been from hilarious questions or ideas. A planner or vendor is another great place to start.

When you do look back at your photos in a decade, will you be able to say you were exactly you on wedding day?