A beautiful Filipiniana gown shouldn't reserved for school parades and themed galas. In fact, if you're on the hunt for a totally unique, goddess-level wedding gown that will blow everyone away, wear your heritage on your sleeve—literally. Stay away from lukewarm dresses with sweetheart necklines and lackluster beading, and go for a piña frock with terno sleeves, or a grand Maria Clara gown complete with a lacy panuelo. Seriously, a Filipiniana-inspired gown will change the tone of your whole wedding, and imbue it with more personality and depth.
Another plus is that you'll be able to exercise your creativity when it comes to customizing the embroidery patterns, skirt volume, length, sleeve style, textile, opacity, color, and overall fit. In summary, donning a Filipiniana gown will definitely make you stand out on your big day. If you're in need of some bridal pegs, read on!
16 Filipiniana-Inspired Wedding Dresses to Wear Down the Aisle
1. A sultry see-through gown
One of the best things about jusi fabric is its low opacity. The textile is fun to play with, especially if you're gunning for a sexy yet ethereal look. It won't ever look as plain and inexpensive as thin, true white chiffon— piña textiles have a sophisticated off-white hue that will definitely complement all skin tones.
2. A textured button-up mini dress
Tap into the babydoll dress trend and don a tiny textured terno. That classic callado embroidery is so elegant— it's the perfect match for a simple ceremony outdoors.
3. A dainty, backless dress with a peplum skirt and ribbon
Again we have the oft-referenced butterfly sleeves, but this time, it's teamed with a girlish ribbon, deep backless cut, and structured skirt. This lovely gown is by Jillian Joy, and it's an excellent match for brides who want a youthful take on the terno gown.
4. A Maria Clara gown
For traditional church weddings, opt for a classic Maria Clara gown with a beaded panuelo, just like this one by Rosalyn Lagdameo. This would look beautiful with a dramatic train and veil.
5. An extravagant beige gown with cascading ruffles and strong terno sleeves
If white is not your color, by all means, wear beige for your walk down the aisle. This opulent, mixed-texture creation by Veejay Floresca is a showstopper!
6. A voluminous gown a ruffled overskirt
Speaking of opulent takes on the classic terno, here's a gown with a detachable ruffled overskirt that can be removed for the wedding reception. If you would like a practical alternative to having one gown for the ceremony and another for the afterparty, an adjustable gown should be your best bet.
7. A sleek white gown with a tulle underskirt
Sleek yet subversive, this true white gown is fit for a queen. The stern structure is counterbalanced by a playful tulle skirt which peeks out at the bottom. Overall, the gown is statuesque, dainty, and regal.
8. A beaded terno gown with a voluminous petticoat
Here's a Filipiniana spin on a princessy ball gown! Merge a luxe terno top with a gauzy skirt for an elevated look.
9. A cage terno over a minimalist pantsuit or dress of your choosing
If you already have a chic, minimalist dress that you're keen to use on your big day, just cop a designer topper like this sculptural cage terno. This is wearable art.
10. A tiered fringe dress with a long train
Throw in some texture! The fringe on this tiered gown adds a youthful, bohemian vibe to the otherwise formal gown.
11. A puff-sleeved turtleneck gown with a full skirt
Again, here's the beauty of working with low-opacity piña fabric—you can pile it on (and even wear a turtleneck!) yet still achieve that otherwordly, doll-like mystique. The sleeves on this mesmerizing gown are a marriage between the terno and the trendy puff sleeves—so chic!
12. A silk mini dress with a plunging neckline and bow detail
Looking for a youthful mini dress to wear to your civil ceremony? This alluring silk number by Vania Romoff should do the trick—the sultry low neckline is balanced out by the cute, massive bow. What's not to love?
13. A beige babydoll terno in dotted tulle
If you're looking for an off-kilter dress that you'll still be able to wear endlessly post-wedding, check out this adorable piece by JC Buendia. The model wore it with Dr. Martens, which, by the way, is definitely an option for laidback brides.
14. A callado-embroidered mini dress with fringed sleeves
We're still not over Jess Wilson's stunning wedding dress. The Vania Romoff creation is a minimalist bride's dream. It proves that a gown doesn't have to be massive to be absolutely jaw-dropping.
15. A silken two-piece gown
If you'd prefer a more modern silhouette, go for a smart two-piece gown in a smooth satin fabric. This particular dress has beaded sleeves, but you could opt to skip the embellishments altogether and keep it as minimal as possible.
16. A Filipiniana-inspired cape
Following in the logic of the terno cage, you can simply add the Filipiniana touch to your bridal regalia by way of an add-on. Terno sleeves might not be your thing, and that's okay! A gorgeous alternative? Wear a piña cape like this Michael Cinco creation worn by Rochelle Pangilinan. It's inspired by the Spanish abanico or hand fan, and it's massive enough to be seen from a helicopter. It's so stunning!
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