Lauren Chan, a Who What Wear editor in residence, model, and founder of the luxury plus-size label Henning, discovered early in her wedding planning that the bridal industry wasn’t built with queer people in mind. A simple search for “lesbian wedding” yielded no results, highlighting a broader lack of representation that would shape her entire experience.
From limited visibility in media to outdated beauty standards and heteronormative messaging, the traditional wedding space often feels exclusionary for LGBTQ+ couples. Bridal fashion, in particular, rarely reflects queer identities or aesthetics. Yet, rather than conform, many queer brides are choosing to redefine what wedding style looks like—on their own terms.
Chan spoke with several women who bypassed bridal boutiques altogether, finding alternative ways to dress for their big day. Their experiences reveal a common theme: individuality over tradition.
Author Tembe Denton-Hurst quickly realized that conventional bridal options didn’t align with her vision—or her size. Rejecting the “princess” aesthetic, she sought something that reflected both her identity and her relationship. After an initial custom attempt fell through, she discovered designer Ellie Misner through social media. The result was two custom ivory looks that celebrated her body and embraced volume rather than minimizing it. For Denton-Hurst, her wedding style was about visibility, confidence, and honoring both her Black and queer identity.
Creator Becca Calegari took a different approach, leaning into an androgynous aesthetic rarely represented in bridal stores. Instead of dresses, she collaborated with designer James Ford to create a sharply tailored white suit. The process was deeply personal, with the designer visiting her home to understand her style and relationship. The final piece—a double-breasted suit with thoughtful details like “gentlewoman” embroidered inside—captured her identity perfectly.
Model and creative director Kelly Hess also turned away from traditional bridal shopping after struggling to find something that felt authentic. Inspired by bold, fashion-forward looks, she worked with a stylist at a high-end retailer and ultimately chose a white taffeta gown that blended classic elements with a modern edge. For her, ready-to-wear fashion offered more freedom than bridal-specific collections.
Across these stories, one thing is clear: queer weddings are less about following rules and more about rewriting them. While some couples still embrace elements like wearing white, many intentionally break from tradition—opting for bold colors, suiting, unconventional silhouettes, or even multiple outfit changes that reflect different facets of their identity.
Accessories and styling also play a major role, often sourced from queer-led brands or designed to make a statement. From headscarves and gloves to dramatic boas and unique jewelry, these details help complete a look that feels personal rather than prescribed.
Ultimately, queer brides are proving that wedding fashion doesn’t need to come from a bridal store to be meaningful. In fact, stepping outside of that system often leads to more authentic, expressive, and joyful results.
As Chan and the brides she spoke with emphasize, self-expression is not just personal—it’s communal. Every bold, individual choice helps expand representation and inspire others. In the end, queer wedding style isn’t about fitting into an industry—it’s about building something entirely your own.