The Melbourne wedding scene is as varied as can be – from the rolling hills and sprawling vineyards of the Yarra Valley, to the sandy shores of the Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas, and throughout the iconic streets of inner Melbourne. Jumpsuits offer an alternative to the traditional gown, and from lacy and laidback boho numbers, to sleek and embellished suits, there is a jumpsuit option to suit every bride and wedding.

Modern Marvel

Contemporary bridal fashion trends are all about the unexpected; sheer sheaths, puffy sleeves, and unique colours, textures and patterns are all finding their place on the racks of Australian bridal boutiques. “Jumpsuits and alternative bridal styles have seen a huge growth in the past year,” Freire confirms. “Brides are looking for a unique look that they won’t see [in] a magazine or any other bride wear.”

While bridal jumpsuits have been around for a few years, the rise in popularity can be attributed to the versatile and varied design of the garment. Unique additions, such as capes, trains and embellishments, have diversified the range and made jumpsuits a viable option for brides who may have otherwise written off the style. According to Freire, GWM Wedding has been at the forefront of this movement. “In store we have a big range of jumpsuits,” she says, “every collection that we release has five to eight designs.”

The development of mix-and-match bridal outfits has also contributed to the rise of alternative bridal trends. These pieces allow brides to piece together their perfect look, with a plethora of tops and trousers available from boutiques such as GWM Wedding. “GWM Wedding offers a full rack of co-ords in store. We love the mix-and-match style,” Freire says. These combinations allow brides the unique opportunity to combine modern style with the classic image of a bride – one could opt for a top-and-skirt for the ceremony and change to a top-and-pants while dancing the night away.

A Twist On Tradition

While the classic image of a bride in a voluminous white gown with a trailing veil is a dream for some, other brides may want to modernise this conventional style. The versatile jumpsuit offers an alternative for those who wish to leave tradition in the dust, but allows for women to still have their big, princess moment, as opting for a bridal jumpsuit may not necessarily mean you have to go for a totally revolutionary look.

There are many jumpsuit styles that are more traditional, with details that call back to classic styling. “We can achieve the fairy-tale wedding dress look by introducing the same details as a bridal gown,” Freire says. “Colour is a huge part of making a jumpsuit bridal enough; keeping the white or ivory will bring the wedding style back into the jumpsuit.” Embellishments such as beading and embroidery, and materials like lace and tulle in a white hue, are instantly associated with bridal fashion. Moreover, add-ons like trains, overskirts, capes and wide-leg trousers are fashionable means of achieving a timeless bridal silhouette without sacrificing the flexibility and comfort of the jumpsuit. “Most brides prefer a wider pant to simulate a skirt, they get the comfort of the jumpsuit with the fullness of the dress,” Freire attests.

Of course, there is always the option of choosing two bridal ensembles for your big day. Opt for a dress during the ceremony and formalities, and then switch it up to something more modern and freeing when it comes time to relax and party. Freire says this is an incredibly popular approach, “I would say that jumpsuits are more popular for the reception. Most brides want the full bridal look for their ceremony, and the jumpsuit is great for being comfortable, dancing and enjoying the party.”