The wedding dress has undergone something of a rebrand in the last decade or so. Where the idea of wearing anything but white on your special day was once groundbreaking, the modern bride is hardly encumbered by traditional ideas on what she should wear. Typical bridal silhouettes are reimagined in the form of two-piece garments, detachable elements or playful hemlines. White takes a backseat to unexpected hues, while embellishment and bespoke details give traditional trimmings like lace and tulle a run for their money. It’s all a bit of fun, and brides are increasingly leaning into the left-of-centre for their big day.   

Along with guaranteeing you’ll stand out from the crowd, these less traditional gowns also mean you’ll be able to wear them again. Rather than taking up space in your wardrobe for the foreseeable future, a wedding dress that you can rewear time and time again is the sustainable (and economical) solution to a one-hit wonder wedding dress. Besides, who wouldn’t want to relive the joy of their wedding day — and wedding dress — for years to come? Here, we select five spectacular pieces that you’ll get plenty of wear out of long after you’ve said “I do.”  

An outdoor wedding calls for a gown that deftly toes the line between formal and laid-back. This midi-length dress from Acler has a pleated skirt and abstract pleated bustier that’ll be as at home traipsing down the aisle as it is worn to a long summer lunch.  

  Bristol Midi Dress, $550 from Acler, Level 1   

If there’s a dress to wear to an intimate reception held in a moody wine bar, it’s this structured mini from Camilla & Marc. With clever pleating and a thigh-skimming hemline, this creamy number will become a wardrobe staple post-wedding.  

Malla Mini Dress, $550 from Camilla & Marc, Level 1  

Leave it to Dion Lee to put a cool girl spin on the classic wedding dress train. The long draped train at the back of this halter mini gives it a dramatic edge whether it’s worn walking down the aisle or to a cocktail party.   

Safety Slider Gathered Dress, $890 from Dion Lee, Level 1  

Va va voom in a dress, this halter gown from Lé Lee Studio is the ultimate showstopper. Though it’s undeniably bridal, the dress’ high slit and elegant draping means it could easily be reworn to black tie events with different accessories.  

Lé Lee Studio Ingrid Dress, P.O.A from Eternal Bridal, Level 2  

Can’t decide between a dress and pants for your bridal outfit? Wear both. Worn over relaxed white trousers and a white camisole or crop top (if you’re really bold), this beaded mini from Viktoria and Woods is the outfit for the cool bride.   

Supernova Dress, $450 from Viktoria and Woods, Level 1