Stylist explains how brides are changing the game by opting for darker and bolder villain look

While growing up, most of us have been brainwashed into ideally dressing up like princesses in a wedding with elegant gowns, tiaras, soft veils and long gloves, traditionally in all white. A wedding is conventionally considered not so dreamy without these elements on a bride. The game is, however, changing with time, as some brides do not want the princess look but the complete opposite, according to Alabama-based bridal designer Lillie Dawson.

Dawson—who goes by @lillieanndawson on TikTok—regularly shares videos of themed bridal looks she creates inspired by Barbies and Zodiac signs. Her princess-themed designs have also previously gone popular. Brides are now presenting her with screenshots of her villain videos which have encouraged her to start stocking darker, sexier gowns at Bella's Bridal, the boutique she works at. The 24-year-old shared with Insider that while princess looks still have an audience, many brides she works with are trying to find gowns that give off the strong, darker energy of characters like Maleficent and Ursula.

"I'm constantly trying to get more black dresses in the store, more dark greens, dark blues — everything fun," she said. Wedding fashion trends may drive brides to seek less traditional gowns and she also believes the shift is cultural. Dawson has seen an increase in themed celebrations, darker color schemes and reversed dress codes, with brides wearing black and attendees wearing white. "It almost feels like brides are remembering that young, princess innocence you feel at a young age when you think about your wedding, but then realize we've gotten older, gone through life, and dealt with heartbreak and hardships," she said.

"We've become women now, so we're gonna be the sexy, dark villains." She suggests a bride starts slow when looking for a darker and bolder dress which is a rare find. "I have some brides that go full dark with black lace on top and a black lining underneath," she continued. "But if you're just not there yet, start by trying on a black dress that has a nude, white, or blush underlay to balance out that darkness on top."

She knows exactly which dress could inspire the brides. "We have the Zander dress from Maggie Sottero, which is one that I pull for all of my brides who want to start exploring dark wedding gowns," she added. "It's a beautiful black dress and it has this nude underlay that breaks up the black lace. It allows you to put your feet in the water and see if you really like that look." She reminds the brides that even if unconventional, a wedding dress is what you love and your wedding is for you to celebrate.

"Weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you're allowed to lean into your princess, poofy feminine side. But you're also allowed to lean into your dark, feminine energy and your villain side. I just want brides to enjoy that feeling, whether they wanna look like a princess or feel super sexy like a villain," she concludes. "Just take that attention because you deserve it."

Practicing something a little unconventional at your wedding for fun might not be a bad idea after all. Similarly, Rosie Joyce shared an amazing flashback photo of her parents slaying it in different ensembles on their wedding day. Rosie and her new husband decided to follow suit when it came to their own wedding. A video showed her parents changing their attire, followed by Rosie and her husband doing the same.

Her spouse arrived in a stunning and clean white gown, his toned arms on display, clutching a beer snugly wrapped in a koozie, while the bride dashingly removed the tuxedo, which she capped off with a pair of brilliant white Gucci clogs. She completed her look with a fruity White Claw and drop earrings. Following that, the couple posed for a series of cute images, including one in black and white and one with Rosie's mother.