A few weeks ago I got some great feedback in the form of a book review over on Amazon:
I think it's a little funny that the chapter on bridal wear in Offbeat Bride does not even mention the possibility of the bride wearing - gasp - pants instead of a dress. Utilikilts get a mention — "Match your skirts!" — but even then does it not enter the picture that some brides are not into dresses.
Why, what an excellent point, and what a total oversight. While of course I couldn't cover every single breed of offbeat in the book (snowboard brides got short shrift, and transgendered Buddhists were completely ignored), writing about brides in pants is actually something I really wish I'd included.
In my poking around online I found a fair amount of inspiration for brides who wish to go the pants route, and even some awesome indie vendors…
If you're going formal, I like this combo with the little translucent overlay that gives a hint of a train while still very much maintaining the fact that these are a pair of PANTS, mofo. Not some princess dress. Also, the corset top gives the outfit a nice hourglass shape. (Sad news? I can't find who makes this outfit or who sells it. Have someone make it for you. It'll cost less, I guarantee.)
UPDATE, BECAUSE PEOPLE KEEP EMAILING ME ABOUT THIS WHITE PANTSUIT: If you like it, my best advice is to find a seamstress to make you a custom version of it. I have no idea who made the suit pictured, where the suit came from, or where to get one. The website where I originally found it no longer exists. But by having it custom made, you're sure to get the best fit — and likely the best price.
If you want something a little more couture and less bridal-y, there's this stunning little high fashion confection. This is a bazillion dollar pantsuit by Lebanese designer Elie Saab, but you should just get ideas and (yes, I'll say it again) have your local indie seamstress make something for you.
Speaking of indie seamstresses, let's talk about Etsy seller Autumn Russell. She's got a whole passel of amazing one-of-a-kind pantsuits, many of which would be freaking awesome for a wedding — and some of which are downright steals by wedding outfit standards:
I can't decide which I like best: the plaid with fake fur collar, perfect for winter weddings. Or maybe the ruffled pants of this suit or gauzy jacket of this one, perfect for spring. No, I think this tweed pantsuit takes the (pants-wearing wedding) cake. The only downside? These suits appear to all be about a size 6/8. If that's your size, you're in luck!
If that's not enough for you, here area couple bridal pants-related blog posts: And the bride wore pants and This bridal wear goes on one leg at a time.
