Advertisement
HomeFashion

Here Comes the Bride: A Soft Masc, Butch, and Non-Binary Guide to Wedding Dressing

A wedding look should feel like you—be it a gown, a tux, or a mix of both.

By
Two brides in white lace dresses touch foreheads and smile at sunset, embracing closely.

Wedding season is upon us, and so is the search for the one. Not the partner—you’ve already found them—but the look.

In queer weddings, ensembles often become deeply personal expressions: thoughtfully curated, emotionally resonant, and unbound by tradition. At its core, a wedding isn’t just about love—it’s an affirmation of identity, too.

RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Inside Chynna Mamawal’s Vision of the Modern Bride

For Those Who Prefer Gowns

Just because you don’t identify as femme doesn’t mean a gown is off the table. The key is to look inward—and backward. Start small: your preferred neckline, your ideal length, sleeves or none. It’s your dress, after all, and what matters most is how you feel in it.

Denisse Aquino in Rica Siena
Denisse Aquino in Rica Siena
Ben&Ben’s Pat Lasaten in a mesh long-sleeve layer over a V-neck gown
Ben&Ben’s Pat Lasaten in a mesh long-sleeve layer over a V-neck gown

Take content creator Denisse Aquino, who tied the knot with Ynna Sanchez in an off-shoulder, backless mermaid gown inspired by the flowing silhouettes and open backs she gravitates toward by the shore—proving that familiarity can be the most powerful form of expression.

For Those Who Prefer Tuxes

For those leaning more masculine, a bespoke tux remains a timeless choice. To make it personal, look to designers like RJ Santos of Randolf Clothing, whose custom embroidery transforms barongs and coats into pieces rich with story and sentiment.

Sam Lee in Randolf
Sam Lee in Randolf
Emma Saez and Maria Saez-Camara
Emma Saez and Maria Saez-Camara

For Those Who’d Like to Experiment

A wedding doesn’t just unite two people—it can also merge contrasting ideas. For many, expressing queer identity means embracing both masculine and feminine codes at once that satisfies the androgynous.

Jor-el Espina "Pamana" woven legacies
Jor-el Espina “Pamana” woven legacies
Isabel Sanchis' 2024 bridal collection
Isabel Sanchis’ 2024 bridal collection

Take the Filipiniana’s modern evolution: barong-and-skirt pairings, or hybrid designs that fuse butterfly sleeves with intricate embroidery. Here, experimentation becomes a creative dialogue—challenging both the wearer and the designer to redefine tradition.

At the end of the day, there’s no single way to dress for a wedding—only your way. Whether you lean soft, sharp, or somewhere in between, the most unforgettable look is the one that tells your story.


Featured Image and Photos: DENISSE AQUINO, PAT LASATEN, RANDOLF CLOTHING, JOR-EL ESPINA (via Instagram), ISABEL SANCHIS (via Website)

Frequently Asked Questions

Focus on what makes you feel comfortable and empowered. Whether that is a traditional gown, a sharp bespoke tuxedo, or an androgynous hybrid, choose what reflects your personality.

Absolutely. Wedding dressing is about personal expression. If you gravitate toward certain silhouettes or necklines, you can embrace a gown that aligns with your style and comfort level.

Work with skilled designers to incorporate custom embroidery or unique fabrics into your barong or coat, turning your wedding ensemble into a piece that holds personal meaning and stories.

Yes, many couples experiment with hybrid designs, such as pairing barongs with skirts or using contemporary Filipiniana elements, effectively blending masculine and feminine codes to redefine wedding traditions.

There is no single rule for wedding attire. The most important aspect is choosing a look that resonates emotionally and serves as an authentic affirmation of your individual identity.

Moira Del Rosario

Moira Del Rosario

Digital Content Writer

Once immersed in fictional writing at UP Diliman, Moira del Rosario eventually traded imagined worlds for the fast-paced landscape of digital media as a Digital Content Writer for MEGA Asia, covering women’s stories across the region alongside the latest in beauty.

They spotlight women shaping culture today through profiles, exclusive features, and roundups on Asian representation at global fashion events. They also write about beauty through a growing lens—covering makeup, skincare, wellness, nails, and fragrance with curiosity and a strong eye for emerging trends.

Having worked in digital media for years, Moira is drawn to stories that beg to be unraveled—from the ever-changing landscape of pop culture and the inner workings of beauty to queer voices that deserve to be seen, celebrated, and championed.

Recommended Video

Tap to Unmute
Unmute
0:00
0:00 / 0:00
0:00

To provide a customized ad experience, we need to know if you are of legal age in your region.

By making a selection, you agree to our Terms & Conditions.