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.
Comments on "Brides in pants"
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John Power
September 27th, 2007 · 12:41 AM · #
Pants are very rare. I haven't seen any brides wearing pants yet.
melikey
October 4th, 2007 · 4:24 PM · #
The second pantsuit is elegant, light and breezy, feminine, modern and sexy! Perfect for a beach wedding i think.
carla
October 9th, 2007 · 6:33 AM · #
love it! i've insisted for the past 4 years that i WOULD get married in pants, but now that i'm actually planning a wedding, i've almost given up. dresses are so much easier to find; i'm sick of explaining to ev-er-y-one why i would possibly want to wear pants. but i'm glad to finally find some articles discussing pants. emboldens me a little. =)
Missy
October 12th, 2007 · 1:52 PM · #
My mom got married in 1970 in a white sleeveless wrap top and pants that she made herself. I aspire to reach such heights, but I like skirts. So my dress has a short ball skirt and is irridescent periwinkle!
Butterbean
January 15th, 2008 · 6:03 AM · #
I like the first photo with the lady in the 'fro. If I were going for pants, I would like something freeflowing like that. The other pictures doesn't look bridal to me. It would take away something from the look of my ideal wedding.
dev1ld0ll
January 23rd, 2008 · 1:19 PM · #
I was re-married in August 2004 and because I absolutely HATE skirts / dresses I decided to contact a local seamstress that specialized in Wedding Gowns. I discussed my ideas with her and she was more than happy to help me design my outfit! We looked through ALL her pattern books until we came up with the PERFECT match to my design. Y E S ! I wore a white, lace 3PC pant 'suit'! TOTALLY ROCKED!
dev1ld0ll
January 24th, 2008 · 8:41 AM · #
P.S. My Daugther, AGE 6 [at the time] was my flower girl… she too wore a pant 'outfit' that I had designed [or at least had an idea of what I wanted the 'outfit' to look like], which again – the seamstress made for me. ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE!!
Edna
February 21st, 2008 · 8:48 PM · #
Hi, I've been scouring the web and can't find any bridal pantsuits! Just articles on them. The photo you show of the white strapless pantsuit with the little train is great, but there is no designer or brand name given. Who makes it?
Ariel
February 22nd, 2008 · 7:02 AM · #
Edna: no idea. I found the photo online uncredited.
My advice with this and all bridalwear: have it made for you. It'll fit better, cost less, and you'll get exactly what you want.
Skip
July 5th, 2008 · 4:22 PM · #
I'm getting married in pants in September, will let you in on the pics afterwards!! To be honest though everyone has been more disappointed in the fact I'm wearing all black than the fact that I'm wearing pants!
Kath
August 2nd, 2008 · 3:56 PM · #
Try being a mother of the bride…talk about some GAWD awful fashion! I have 2 daughters and a neice getting married. After deciding I'd rather be dead than look like a swiffer duster, I finally opted for a black evening tuxedo with a very nice shape and a beaded lapel.It was not easy to find but I kept looking.The best part is that I will be comfortable!
hellder
September 6th, 2008 · 1:07 AM · #
well am wondering i want to wear pants on my wedding day were do i go to get started
deenygirl
September 28th, 2008 · 7:52 PM · #
Hi there,
Well I'm getting married for second and last time…feels like the first time and I am not that size 5/6 anymore lol….so I was browsing online until I found your website…and it hit me…the perfect wedding pantsuit with the train…and its white and perfect for outdoor wedding…I know you you said you didn't know where it originated, but was there a place onthe website you were at that you could contact someone about it. I am looking at getting it made I think…if I can find someone to do it..problem is there is no pattern but I did print the page off and zoom in on some areas…if you can anymore info about this I would appreciate it. Thanks!!!!
How to Buy a perfect Wedding Gown Online | Story Of Peridress
December 3rd, 2008 · 10:38 PM · #
[...] If, like Ellen DeGeneres or Diane Keaton, you're the type of woman who wears pants a lot, be true to yourself and wear a white pant suit. [...]
OrienteererWoman
March 27th, 2009 · 6:25 AM · #
I am getting married in a cream-coloured satin pantsuit in May, so here's another pants-wearing bride. My suit is by Finnish label Andiata.
Marsha Kamish
October 11th, 2009 · 2:43 AM · #
I so wanted to get married in pants but could find a wedding pantsuit Nowhere! I'd get married all over again (to the same guy!) if I could find one! Are you listening, designers?