"Alternative" Bridal Gowns

What, exactly, does this mean? Less full? Can't be - those are already in abundance. Unusual fabrics then? That's a negative. Well how about color? Are they made in quirky hues? Nope.

"Alternative" must mean less expensive, because that is what they are. Most of them retail for an average of $1000 (give or take).

When I was visiting Mia at Garnish, that, in addition to a very extensive collection of bridesmaid dresses, is what she offers. While many were not embellished with typically pricey details like lace, embroidery, and beading, the gowns she showed me were made in silk, many with special fabric details.

Why we need a special name to imply affordable or simple I will never know. Just using that term somehow implies (to me, anyway) that these gowns are not as "bridal" as other gowns.

As my law school-attending sister would say, "Whatevs."

These gowns are more than just white bridesmaid dresses, and they sure give the reviled J. Crew bridal line a run for its money. Which pleases me to no end.

P.S. - The gowns pictured are by Jenny Yoo, Coren Moore, Thread, Siri, Simple Silhouettes, and Anna Elyse, all carried at Garnish.