There’s a certain irony in the fact that a day so culturally bound to the image of the big white dress is defined, in one of fashion’s most referenced bridal moments, by a suit.
When Bianca Pérez-Mora Macias – later Jagger – married Mick Jagger in 1971, she rewrote the rules of bridal wear when she stepped out in a tailored ivory ensemble by Yves Saint Laurent, proving that a sharp lapel could be just as impactful as a sweeping train.
More than five decades later, the look still resonates. Just yesterday at London’s Marylebone town hall, popstar Dua Lipa nodded to bridal fashion history when she married actor Calum Turner in a bespoke Schiaparelli two-piece, complete with a dramatic wide-brimmed hat in a clear Bianca homage.
See also: What To Expect From Schiaparelli's First UK Exhibition
But Bianca and Dua are far from the only women to forgo the traditional gown. Solange Knowles wore an ivory jumpsuit by Stéphane Rolland for her wedding to Alan Ferguson in 2014, while Amal Clooney chose a chic white Stella McCartney jumpsuit and matching wide-brimmed hat for her civil ceremony to George Clooney that same year.
For brides who prefer sharp tailoring to layers of tulle, we’ve rounded up the best bridal suits, tuxedos, and matching sets for the modern alternative bride.
The best bridal suits and two-piece sets
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For the modern Bianca Jagger suit
McQueen Crêpe blazer and flared trousersBianca Jagger famously made her bridal statement in a skirt suit, but McQueen reworks that same 1970s reference into a more elongated silhouette. This crisp white crêpe two-piece set features a single-breasted blazer, cut with rounded edges and asymmetric pocket detailing that gives the classic tailoring a modern twist. Pair with the subtle pleated flare trousers for that nod to the ‘70s proportions without veering too costume.
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For the bespoke bride
Knatchball tailoringFor what some consider the biggest day of their life, the search for the perfect look is not about choosing a single suit, but building something entirely personal. Knatchbull approaches bridal suiting with that exact mindset, offering ready-to-wear, made-to-measure, and fully bespoke services. Established as the first all-women tailoring house on Savile Row, the brand brings a distinctly modern, feminine perspective to traditional menswear techniques. Whether through sleek tuxedo-inspired tailoring, structured jumpsuits, or elegant two-piece sets, the focus remains on creating formal bridal looks that make a statement (however loud you wish) on your special day.
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For unsubtle in silk
Gabriela Hearst Norman embroidered silk pants and Aleah blazerSilk suit sets can all too easily stray into sleepwear territory, but Gabriela Hearst's impeccable tailoring keeps this embroidered set firmly in bridalwear terrain. Cut from lustrous silk, the Aleah blazer refines the classic double-breasted silhouette with subtle tonal floral embroidery that lends texture and depth without distracting from the clean lines. The matching Norman trousers fall into a fluid, wide-leg shape that keeps the suit feeling relaxed but still polished, perfect for a bride looking for something between softness and structure.
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For the botanical bride
Elie Saab Floral-appliqué cady blazer and wide-leg pantsProving you don’t just need to keep the florals confined to the bouquet, Elie Saab brings botanical romance directly into the bridal wardrobe with this statement-making suit. The single-breasted blazer is adorned with oversized floral appliqués that cascade across one side, giving the clean silhouette a sense of drama. The matching high-rise trousers balance the drama with a simple, wide-leg silhouette, ensuring the look remains elegant rather than overpowering.
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For the laid-back bride
Givenchy long wrapped skirt and double-breasted jacket in wool and mohairStraight off Sarah Burton’s debut Spring/Summer runway collection for Givenchy, this set showcases the designer’s skill for borrowing from menswear without losing the feminine silhouette. The double-breasted wool-and-mohair jacket takes its cues from traditional suiting, but feels far from rigid when paired with the matching wrap skirt. Twisted across the front to mimic the draping of leather, the skirt softens the formality of the tailoring to give a more effortless take on bridal tailoring.
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For classic with a twist
Victoria Beckham detached lapel blazer and pleated straight trousersVictoria Beckham has built her reputation on knowing exactly when to follow the rules of tailoring – and when to break them. At first glance, this single-breasted suit appears classically cut, but closer inspection reveals the subtle design interventions that set it apart. Oversized shoulders bring an architectural sharpness to the silhouette, while the off-center pleating and detached lapel detail introduce an element of deconstruction without overwhelming the look.
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For the unconventional bride
Vivienne Westwood drunken jacket and draped maxi skirtIn recent years, Vivienne Westwood has been the go-to designer for the modern bride. Yet far from the typical corseted dresses that have found themselves regularly plastered on Instagram, this two-piece brings the same distinctive detailing and asymmetrical energy into a tailored two-piece. The Drunken Jacket is still cut with the house’s signature pattern-cutting system to give that subtly off-kilter silhouette, but paired with the draped maxi skirt means this two-piece stays true to the unconventional, rebellious spirit the late designer was best known for.
How we chose the best luxury bridal suits
Each item featured is independently selected by Elite Traveler’s editors and contributors, informed by first-hand reviews where possible and in-depth research where not. Our curation spans the world’s most luxurious brands, chosen for their uncompromising quality, size inclusions, and exceptional craftsmanship.
