Image by Kelly Ginn Photography. See more of this real wedding here.
If you’ve found yourself scrolling through wedding TikTok, odd are you’ve heard about the Anti-Bride movement. It’s rocking the wedding world, and we’re extremely excited about it. At Junebug Weddings, we’re forever celebrating those one-of-a-kind weddings that challenge tradition. We’re talking about couples creating a day that’s tailored specifically to them. And now we’re finally seeing a wedding “trend” doing the same.
This movement is about thinking outside the conventional planning box and creating a celebration that embraces uniqueness and authentically represents a couple’s love. If this sounds like you, keep scrolling for inspiration that’ll help you pull off your vision.
What is The Anti-Bride Movement?
The Anti-Bride movement is taking the wedding world by storm and for good reason. We believe this trend may very well be the new ‘normal,’ and it makes us excited for the future of weddings. This widely embraced and increasingly popular movement is all about modern couples who are boldly ditching conventional expectations. They’re customizing every detail—from their wedding size to fashion choices—to reflect their unique personalities, leaving tradition behind.
How To Incorporate The Anti-Bride Trend Into Your Wedding
Having an anti-bride nuptial is going to look different for everyone. It could mean going for a far-away elopement instead of a large local bash. Or maybe you’ll ditch those traditional wedding trends that just don’t resonate with you. Perhaps it’ll include rocking a colorful suit or wedding dress.
The Anti-Bride trend is all about expressing your true colors and doing things your way. And while the possibilities are endless, we’ll dive into a few big ways you can host an anti-bride wedding.
Wedding Size
This trend gives couples the freedom to choose their wedding size based on what feels right. You no longer have to feel obligated to invite everyone and their mother. You’re now encouraged to narrow down your guest list, only including those you can’t envision your day without. This could mean choosing a party-of-two elopement or a micro wedding. Regardless, it’s your day, and you get to call the shots on how big or small you want it to be.
Wedding Venue
With an anti-bride mindset, finding a wedding venue is much more exciting. You get to pick the ‘I do’ space that speaks to you rather than out of obligation. The best part? You’re no longer expected to stick to traditional venues–if you don’t want to, of course. You can get more creative, transforming unconventional locations into dreamy wedding spaces. We’re talking about local restaurants, bars, arcades, or even bowling alleys.
Wedding Fashion
As we’ve said, there are no rules when it comes to planning an anti-bride wedding. And that’s true regarding every detail, including fashion. Traditionally couples were expected to wear a classic white wedding dress or a black and white tux. But that’s no longer the case.
Couples are encouraged to assemble outfits that are comfortable and show off their unique sense of style. And lucky for modern-day couples, non-traditional wedding day attire couldn’t be easier to hunt down. Designers and online boutiques provide endless fashion options for those looking to create the perfect anti-bride look. Think short wedding dresses, pantsuits, colorful tuxes, etc.
Anti-Bride Wedding Inspiration
If you’re on the hunt for some anti-bride weddings to use as inspiration, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a handful of our favorites, all planned by couples and vendors that weren’t afraid to ditch common wedding norms.
1. This Las Vegas Elopement Was Complete With Tattoos, Killer Fashion, & Portraits on The Strip
Image by Apollo Fotografie.
2. Retro Editorial-Inspired Bar Marco Wedding Shoot
Images by Linnea Marie.
3. Edgy Yet Tropical Trace Brewing Wedding Inspiration
Image by Alexa Frankovitch.
4. Electric Flower Power Inspired Las Vegas Wedding
Images by Annie Morgan Photography.
5. Wes Anderson Garden Party Backyard Wedding
Image by Sage E Imagery.
6. This Funky Disco El Cosmico Wedding Will Have You Ready To Party
Images by Lauren Apel.
7. Polynesian-Inspired Intimate Tantalus Mountains Elopement
Images by Candice Marie.
8. Unique And Urban Milan Elopement
Images by Paola Lattarini.
9. Dark And Modern Neutral Palette Wedding Inspiration Shoot
Images by Julia Luckett Photography.
10. Gorgeously Edgy Micro Wedding Planned In 48 Hours
Images by Epic Love Story.
Maybe your wild wedding dreams consist of saying ‘I do’ with a mountaintop elopement or a no-fuss courthouse wedding. Perhaps it’s a moody affair where you’ll rock a stunning black wedding dress. The beauty of the anti-bride movement is that there are no rules. It’s all about celebrating uniqueness. And if you’re on the hunt for some inspiration to discover your own epic wedding style, kickstart your planning journey by checking out our guide for how to plan a unique wedding.
Image by Chelsea Abram Photography. See more of this real wedding here.
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Er, what? Not all weddings have brides in them, and “anti-bride” feels like an unnecessarily sexist and negative way to describe couples having *their* wedding, *their* way. Why are we gendering this not-new concept?
Hi there! We completely understand what you mean. We simply wrote this blog because this term has become increasingly popular on social media and couples planning their weddings may be confused by it. Here at Junebug, one of our main goals is to help couples plan their wedding, their way. The wedding industry is always changing, and if you’re not a part of the industry, terms like “anti-bride” may not make sense. That’s why we just want to describe it for those that are curious!
I’m totally up for the Anti-bride movement. I believe I have been for years as my style of shooting weddings has always been pretty unconventional anyway.
I understand LP’s comment and sympathise. I think you also managed to explain pretty well.
Anyway, I’m looking forward to more and more couples, of all types and genders, embracing the Anti-bride movement!