20 Cool and Casual Wedding Dresses for Lowkey Nearlyweds
Not everyone wants an embellished wedding dress or a full-skirted ball gown on their big day. Browse these beautiful yet casual wedding dresses for lowkey and informal bridal looks
We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life’s biggest moments. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.
Some nearlyweds want to walk down the aisle in an intricate lace wedding dress, and some imagine saying ‘I do’ in a fairytale ballgown. Others prefer fuss-free, casual wedding dresses that are elegant yet effortless.
Wedding dress shopping has no rules any more. If you’d feel more comfortable in an elegant, informal dress, a casual wedding dress is the perfect choice
In fact, casual wedding attire can often make just as big of a statement as their more formal counterparts.
And if you later decide to amp things up a bit, why not accessorise a casual wedding dress to make it completely your own?
20 of the Best Informal Wedding Dresses
If you're after alternatives to traditional wedding gowns for an informal wedding then you're in the right place. From high street wedding dresses to relaxed bohemian wedding dresses from designer brands, here’s an edit of the best casual dresses for a wedding right now.
A casual, low key wedding dress will look sophisticated, elegant and give an effortlessly cool vibe. We've picked out a few of our favourites below that tick all those boxes...
1. Mia Square Neck Wedding Dress - Whistles
We're head over heels in love with the Mia dress by Whistles - it totally encapsulates casual elegance. From the square neckline to the deep back and subtle cinched waist, there is so much to fall in love with. Square neck wedding dresses are right on trend too.
The dress has great reviews with one customer giving it five stars and saying, "I absolutely love this dress. It's so well made and looks far more expensive than it is. It fits really well and is so elegant and flattering. I can't wait to wear it!"
- Sizing: UK 4 - 18
2. Cropped Pandora Casual Wedding Dress - Galvan
This Galvan dress is both casual and formal in equal measure. The simplicity of the design makes it understated and chic, but the luxurious silk and glossy fabric used to craft the design make it feel elevated and super wedding-worthy.
If you're after a casual wedding dress with subtle details, a halterneck wedding dress provides a little stylish touch to a simple bridal silhouette.
- Sizing: UK 6 - 16
3. Electra Slinky Lace Maxi Dress - Meshki
This slinky lace maxi dress is perfect for nearlyweds who want something different with a nod to tradition. The figure-hugging silhouette flatters your curves but the front tie drape will add graceful movement as you swish down the aisle.
- Sizing: XXS - XXXL
4. Boho Casual Lace Wedding Dress - Rat & Boa
Lace may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think 'casual wedding dresses', but hear us out.
The simplicity of this gown gives a seriously bohemian feel that makes it perfect for more casual, go-with-the-flow kind of celebrations.
- Sizing: XXS - XXL
5. Blanche Dress - Reformation
Love the idea of a casual wedding dress but consider yourself more of mini dress kind of bride? If so, this retro number from Reformation might be right up your street.
They’ve taken a simplistic silhouette and completely elevated it with an elegant lace trim for a simple yet stylish bridal look.
- Sizing: XS - XL
6. Strapless Casual Wedding Dress for a Beach Wedding- Omnes
Those opting for a garden party wedding will adore this free flowing, strapless beauty from Omnes. Yes, it's simple but effective and we love the subtle floral print.
It also makes for the perfect honeymoon outfit if you want to keep to the white dress theme while you're away.
- Sizing: UK 4 - 24
7. Issa Silk Satin Slip Dress - Olivia von Halle
Olivia von Halle is the master when it comes to simple slip dresses. Crafted from luxurious ivory silk, this dress might be casual but it sure is special. Pair with delicate gold jewellery to take this casual simple wedding dress to the next level.
- Sizing: XS - XL
8. Applique Floral Mini Dress - Abercrombie & Fitch
Perfect for It Girl brides, we love this mini dress from Abercrombie & Fitch. The micro length, V-neck and spaghetti straps give the ultimate cool-girl silhouette.
Pair it with a statement clutch and sky-high heels to make a real statement.
- Sizing: XXS - XL
9. Keisha Backless Maxi Casual Wedding Dress - Pretty Lavish
A cowl neck slip dress is on the more casual side of wedding dresses, but is most definitely still special enough to be worn on your wedding day and leave you feeling (and looking!) amazing.
The Keisha dress from Pretty Lavish is far from boring, featuring a gorgeous cut-out detail on the back, and at less than £100, it's a complete bargain too!
- Sizing: UK 6 - 18
10. Long Sleeve Mini Dress - Shona Joy
Opting for wedding layers is a great way to switch things up and this delicate beaded two piece from Shona Joy puts a contemporary spin on the traditional wedding dress without being too formal.
If you're after a casual wedding dress with a difference, we reckon we've just found it.
- Sizing: AU 4 - UK 18
11. Bow Dress - Odd Muse
If you're after something that makes a statement but isn't adorned with detail, this Bow Dress from Odd Muse might be up your street. The short length and off-shoulder style make it feel really playful and much more casual than a traditional wedding dress.
- Sizing: XXS - XXXL
12. Mini Casual Wedding Dress With Feather Hem - Monsoon
We love a feathered wedding dress and the Andrea design from Monsoon is bringing all of our feathered dreams to life. Feathery wedding dresses are usually very opulent, extravagant ball gowns, however this short mini has a really lovely casual feel to it.
- Sizing: UK 6 - 18
13. Christabel Embellished Mini Wedding Dress - Rixo Bridal
Rixo is known for uber cool mini and maxi dresses and a firm favourite for those seeking stylish wedding guest dresses. Boasting a range of long gowns, jumpsuits and short wedding dresses, the brand's bridal collection also never disappoints.
Yes, this short casual wedding dress is beaded, but we think it still counts thanks to the mini length and plunge neckline...
- Sizing: UK 6 - 16
14. Oona Dress - Grace Loves Lace
This vintage-inspired shift dress was inspired by the shimmer of Australian salt lakes. We love the simplicity of the shift dress in contrast with the delicate lace, plus there's a big oversized bow on the back for those who can't resist a little drama.
- Sizing: XS - XXXL (Made to measure available)
15. The Carla Dress - Realisation Par
To say we're obsessed with the Carla wedding dress is an understatement - we're more than obsessed. It's understated with just the right amount of detail. Pair it with gold accessories or a beaded clutch to finish off the look.
- Sizing: XXS - XXL
16. Thea Bias Satin Wedding Dress - Unbridled
Floor length, satin maxi dress may not be screaming "informal wedding dress" to you, but the simplicity of this one gives it an understated feel. The chunky halter neck and floor length skirt gives an effortlessly elegant look. High impact without any fuss - it's a yes from us!
- Sizing: Made to order
17. The Martina Maxi Dress - Solace London
The off-shoulder style and dramatic slit makes this the ultimate anti-thesis to a fussy, traditional gown - and we are obsessed.
The ankle length hem is also perfect for brides wanting to show off a statement shoe.
- Sizing: UK 4 - UK 16
18. Balloon Sleeve Dress - Malina
Calling all vintage-loving nearlyweds, we've found the dress of your dreams. This balloon-sleeve dress ticks all the boxes for high drama while still fitting for non-traditional couples. For the ultimate cool-meets-casual wedding dress look, pair this awesome dress with a colourful vintage pair of earrings.
- Sizing: XS - XXL
19. Hazel Maxi Dress - Free People
This boho gown is perfect for beachy brides who want to wear something free-flowing, casual and effortless, while still feeling bridal.
The fluted sleeves and lace side panels make it perfect for ethereal summer weddings.
- Sizing: XS - XL
20. Two-Piece Dress - Tojha
If you're looking for cool-girl, casual wedding dresses that can be re-worn after the big day, consider this one.
Though it looks like a dress it's actually two separate pieces which means you can re-wear the skirt and top long after your special day - and create multiple different looks too.
- Sizing: XS -XL
Casual Wedding Dress FAQs
Choosing a casual wedding dress raises plenty of questions. Here, we answer the most frequently asked queries to help you find the perfect relaxed bridal look.
What is a casual wedding dress?
Think of it as a relaxed, fuss-free alternative to a traditional gown. We've chosen dresses with simple silhouettes, floaty fabrics or shorter lengths - perfect for intimate celebrations, elopements or registry office weddings.
How do I choose a casual wedding dress for my wedding?
If you are having a casual wedding, some popular choices are two-piece wedding dresses, wedding suits and bridal jumpsuits, as well as the minimalist pieces above. Look for relaxed silhouettes, light-weight fabrics such as cotton or linen and designs that you are going to feel comfortable in.
Can you have a casual wedding and still look bridal?
A casual wedding dress doesn't have to mean you won't look bridal! If you've opted for a casual wedding outfit, dress it up with accessories such as hair accessories or a statement veil, embellished wedding shoes and even a bold bouquet.
What fabrics work best for casual wedding dresses?
It depends on the style you're going for but we suggest looking at lightweight fabrics such as satin, linen or lace. They drape beautifully and won't feel too heavy or restrictive. If you do still want more of a structured dress, consider a shorter length for a more casual vibe.
Can older brides wear casual wedding dresses?
For older brides that want to break away from tradition, casual options are perfect. The goal is to find a look that feels authentically you so don't be afraid to step outside the box.
Are casual wedding dresses suitable for beach weddings?
A relaxed beach wedding venue calls for a romantic but practical wedding dress - you may wish to incorporate elements of the natural world into your outfit such as wave-inspired prints, lace or even shells. Remember, if you're going to be walking on sand, sandals or even bare feet are advised!
How can I accessorise a casual wedding dress?
The great thing about a pared-back dress is that you don't need to worry about over-accessorising. Think statement earrings, a flower crown or personalised veil for a bridal touch.
Where can I buy casual wedding dresses in the UK?
Head to the high street for a casual wedding dress. High street wedding dresses tend to have a much more relaxed style than designer or wedding dress focused brands and they're usually a lot cheaper. Win-win!
Now you’ve chosen your casual wedding dress, take a look at our round-up of designer wedding shoes to finish the look completely
