Casual wedding dresses are becoming increasingly popular these days as many couples are choosing to have smaller, more low-key ceremonies. This means more intimate venues, fewer guests and a often a less extravagant dress for the bride.
Equally, multiple weddings are also becoming the norm, with couples tying the knot in front of close friends and family before having a bigger ceremony later on. Brides are opting for more than one wedding dress, the first usually more casual than the second.
The good news is that low-key bridal gowns can be just as beautiful as their lavish counterparts. You don't need statement silhouettes or show-stopping trains to feel special on your big day.
- The silk dress: Reformation Ronda Silk Dress, £748 / $748
- The classic dress: Whistles Mia Wedding Dress, £499 / $999
- The mini dress: Nadine Merabi Heather White Dress, £375 / $525
- The lace dress: Phase Eight Poppy Embroidered Wedding Dress, £450 / $995
- The long-sleeve dress: Monsoon Aleah Cowl Lace Wedding Dress, £375 / $508
Celebrities & royals wearing casual wedding dresses
The Duchess of Sussex chose a modest wedding dress by Givenchy's Clare Waight Keller when she married Prince Harry in 2018, but it was the Stella McCartney gown she wore later that day that truly captured my attention. The elegant halterneck design had a simple floor-length silhouette and an open back.
© InstagramJust because it's 'casual' doesn't mean it can't be Chanel. Sofia Richie wore a mini dress adorned with the brand's signature camellia flower for her wedding reception - one of three of her bridal gowns by the French fashion house. The sleeveless style made its debut on the runway in the AW93 haute couture show, worn by Claudia Schiffer.
© Getty ImagesSophie Habboo was another bride who chose a more casual wedding dress for her nuptials to Jamie Laing in London, before their second celebration in Spain. The couple got married at Chelsea Registry Office and Sophie wore a mini dress by Vivienne Westwood, complete with a corset bodice, sweetheart neckline, off-the-shoulder straps, and a tulip skirt.
How I chose the best casual wedding dresses
- Cut: If your wedding ceremony is more low-key, you likely want a dress with a simple cut without a train, and possibly a shorter length. I've included a mix of modern minis, floor-length gowns without too much fuss, and understated midi dresses which hit the sweet spot between the two.
- Price: There could be many reasons you've chosen a low-key ceremony, but for those looking to keep costs down, I've only chosen dresses priced at less than £1,000 - with some much more affordable options, too.
- Quality: Casual doesn't mean compromising on quality. I've chosen dresses made from materials that will still have you feeling amazing on your wedding day. Tactile silks and satins always look luxe, as do jacquard and crepe.
The best casual wedding dresses to shop this season
Needle & Thread Everett Bloom Ankle Gown
Editor's Note:
This beautiful dress by Needle & Thread features the brand's signature embroidered floral print, tulle frills and fluted sleeves. The skirt is layer upon layer of net and tulle falling to a sweeping ankle-length hemline. It's romantic and truly special, but still more understated than your average wedding gown.
Reformation Ronda Silk Wedding Dress
Editor's Note:
Made from 100% silk, Reformation's stunning Rhonda dress has a sleek, figure-skimming fit with a maxi length. Cut with a chic asymmetrical neckline and adjustable spaghetti straps, I think the minimalist style looks like it could pass for a designer piece.
Phase Eight Poppy Embroidered Wedding Dress
Editor's Note:
Phase Eight's elegant Poppy dress is adorned with embroidered floral lace and features stunning short sheer sleeves. Falling to a maxi length, it also features a waist-enhancing hand-beaded belt and decorative fabric-covered buttons down the back.
Whistles Ivory Mia Square Neck Wedding Dress
Editor's Note:
Whistles' Mia dress has been a bestseller for several seasons. With its simple silhouette featuring a square neckline, low back and subtly cinched waist, it's beautifully sophisticated and understated.
Nadine Merabi Heather White Dress
Editor's Note:
If you're looking for a mini wedding dress, celebrity-loved British designer Nadine Merabi has this bow-adorned creation that's beautiful for a truly modern bride. Made from a satin fabric, it has a strapless silhouette with a detachable bow appliqué at the back.
Rixo Meera Silk-Satin Devoré Gown
Editor's Note:
For a vintage-style bridal gown, I love Rixo's Meera dress. Made from a silk-satin devoré, it looks subtly 70s with its long billowing sleeves balanced by the plunging neckline. Slightly fitted under the bust and floaty from the waist, it also has a split hem for easy movement.
Sachin & Babi Audra Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
The cropped length and spaghetti straps make this flared midi dress by New York label Sachin & Babi perfect for a low-key wedding. I love the delicate crystal-embellished brooches.
Coast Plunge Jacquard Wedding Dress
Editor's Note:
This dreamy jacquard wedding dress from Coast looks far more expensive than its £179 price tag. Mixing a full skirt and elegant plunge neckline, it has a beautiful embroidered pattern with a textured appearance.
Monsoon Aleah Cowl Lace Wedding Dress
Editor's Note:
Monsoon's Eve dress is so elegant with its simple cut and long sleeves. It comes with sheer pleated back detail, delicate floral lace and vintage-style buttons.
Malina Nelly Mini Dress
Editor's Note:
This mini dress by Scandi brand Malina is beautiful for a more informal bridal outfit. The one shoulder style has a fitted cut with chic scarf detail and a very flattering draped bodice.
Rebecca Vallance Amore Off Shoulder Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
For a sleek fitted style, royal-favourite Rebecca Vallance's Amore midi dress was designed with a pencil skirt and a strapless bodice, which features internal boning for extra support. The neckline is reminiscent of styles worn by Princess Kate.
