28 of the Best Casual Wedding Dresses for Laid-Back Nearlyweds
Not everyone wants an embellished wedding dress or a full-skirted ball gown. Check out these beautifully casual wedding dresses for low-key brides!
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Some brides want to walk down the aisle in an intricate lace wedding dress. Some brides imagine saying ‘I do’ in a fairy tale ballgown. But others? They are after fuss-free, casual wedding dresses.
There are no rules when it comes to wedding dresses any more. If you’d feel more comfortable in an elegant yet totally informal casual bridal dress, there’s nothing to say you can’t wear one. In fact, a wedding dress that's casual can often make just as big of a statement as their more formal counterparts.
You can also choose to accessorise a casual bridal dress to make it completely your own, without worrying that it'll look too much.
From high street wedding dresses from the likes of ASOS and Coast to relaxed bohemian wedding dresses from Free People, here’s an edit of the best casual dresses for a wedding right now.
- Simple Casual Wedding Dresses
- Short Casual Wedding Dresses
- Unique Casual Wedding Dresses
- Casual Wedding Dresses That Aren't White
- Casual Wedding Dresses for Older Brides
- Our Favourite Casual Wedding Dresses from Coast
28 of the Best Informal Wedding Dresses
Simple Casual Wedding Dresses
A causal simple wedding dress will look sophisticated, elegant and more often than not give an effortlessly cool vibe. We've picked out a few of our favourites below that tick all those boxes and more.
1. Mia Square Neck Wedding Dress - £499, 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!
Sizing: 4-18
Pros & Cons: The train gives a beautiful touch to this wedding dress and because it is subtle, it'll be easy to walk and dance in.
2. Winslow Dress - £390, Reformation
If comfort is your priority, this wrap dress not only looks stunning, it also features an adjustable waist tie so you can wear it as tight or as loose as you please. Dress it up with an elaborate headband like this bride has done, or keep it sleek with a no jewellery look.
Sizing: XS-XL
Pros & Cons: This bra-friendly casual wedding dress means you can wear almost any style of wedding underwear with no problems. It has a deep V-neck but that can be adjusted to make you the most comfortable.
3. Beach Bliss Maxi Dress - £108, Free People
Brides destined for a beach wedding venue will adore this free flowing beauty from Free People. Featuring a gorgeous crotchet trim, bell sleeves and a relaxed fit, this dress looks effortlessly cool. We love how this model has ditched her shoes - it doesn't get more casual than that!
If you like this style, you'll adore these beach wedding dresses.
Sizing: XS-XL
Pros & Cons: The light and breathable fabric will keep you cool and comfortable. One review says, "This dress is in my top five of all time GREAT dresses! You could wear it off the shoulder or on the shoulder. I’ve gotten so many compliments, it flows very nicely and the adjustable waist is perfect." It is also the perfect honeymoon outfit.
4. Dorian - £POA, Madi Lane Bridal
Designed using luxurious lightweight crepe, the Dorian wedding dress by Madi Lane Bridal will elegantly drape to the floor in an effortlessly sophisticated way. The back features a V-cut which mirrors the front neckline giving it a seamless finish.
Sizing: 4-30
Pros & Cons: The centre split adds movement and the fabric has fine pleating that will flatter all body types.
5. Issa Silk Satin Slip Dress - £450, 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
Pros & Cons: The luxurious silk will feel as good as it looks against your skin. Hand wash or dry clean this dress to protect the delicate material.
6. Elodie Long Sleeve Wedding Dress - £150, ASOS
We put this casual wedding dress to the test at Hitched HQ. Rima Barakeh, Deputy Editor of Hitched, tried the Elodie dress on and it's one of her favourites. She said:
"Of all the ASOS wedding dresses I've tried on, this was by far the best. The first thing that really stood out to me was the quality. I've never felt such gorgeous fabric on a wedding dress in this price bracket. It felt so expensive and when I told people it was ASOS, they couldn't believe it.
"The silhouette felt really flattering and the bardot neckline paired with the draping allowed me to show off some skin without it feeling too revealing."
Sizing: 4-18
Pros & Cons: There is some adhesive on the neckline to help it stay up as the design is heavily draped, but Rima noted that "I am a C-cup and, though it fit like a glove everywhere else, the top would need to be taken in slightly - though it'd be totally worth it!"
7. Keisha Backless Maxi Dress - £98, Pretty Lavish
A cowl neck slip dress is definitely on the more casual side but is 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.
Sizing: 6-18
Pros & Cons: You won't have to worry about wearing a stick-on bra - the backless detail will hide any straps.
Short Casual Wedding Dresses
An easy way to make your wedding dress have a causal finish is by opting for a shorter hemline. This will instantly give a relaxed feel and you could even add the outfit to your wardrobe post-wedding to wear for seasons to come.
8. Contrast Lace Corset Midi Dress - £38, Boohoo
An affordable high street wedding dress is a great option if you are looking for a casual outfit as you won't have to break the bank. The mesh cut-out details on this Boohoo dress add interest to the classic design. We love how flattering the boning is, plus it'll provide structure and support for your chest.
Sizing: 8-18
Pros & Cons: The midi length of this dress is the perfect excuse to show off a fabulous pair of designer wedding shoes.
9. Broderie Shirred Midi Dress - £39.99, Quiz
The broderie fabric and shorter hem instantly give this Quiz dress a casual vibe. It'll look gorgeous on your wedding day as well as being a staple in your wardrobe for seasons to come. The ruched waist band will keep you comfortable and means you won't have to be too precise when it comes to sizing.
Sizing: 8-18
Pros & Cons: This dress can easily be dressed up or down - if it's too casual for the ceremony, consider adding a beautiful wedding veil or some statement pearl wedding shoes.
10. Strappy Tailored Mini Dress - £55, Oasis
Pop on a pair of bridal sunglasses and a bridal jacket over this Oasis dress and you'll look seriously cool. The triangular strap details are giving us major designer vibes, yet it'll only set you back £55. This is a wedding dress that fashion loving brides will adore.
Sizing: 6-18
Pros & Cons: The pencil style silhouette will hug your figure, but the slit in the skirt allows for movement.
11. Arabella Embellished Bodice Mini Wedding Dress - £140, ASOS
"This short wedding dress hit the perfect balance between fun and fancy for me. Though it's heavily beaded on the bodice, the Arabella dress still felt like it had a fun and casual element to it," explains Rima, who tested this dress at Hitched HQ.
The fit of the bodice was perfect and as it's really well lined, I felt comfortable going braless. Though, because of the lining, you could easily wear a bra and it feel completely invisible. The tulle skirt had plenty of volume and felt really playful."
Sizing: 4-18
Pros & Cons: The embellishments will shine in the most beautiful way under the lights. "I loved this dress," says Rima, "however it didn't feel overly 'wedding-y' to me. It could work brilliantly as an engagement party dress though, or as a wedding reception dress!"
12. Mesh Spot Tulle Mini Dress - £119, Karen Millen
As you've probably seen by now, a simple casual wedding dress can be far from boring and this Karen Millen beauty certainly proves it. The delicate mesh long sleeves are decorated with stripes and polka dots for a finish that is unique and stylish. See more puff sleeve wedding dresses here.
Sizing: 4-18
Pros & Cons: Be careful if you are wearing jewellery when you put your arms through the sleeves that nothing snags on the mesh material.
13. Fringe Diana Dress - £1,425, Galvan
The Diana dress from Galvan is giving us business up front and party down the end! This gorgeous fringe wedding dress has a universally flattering sweetheart neckline and we love the mixture of differing textures. This is the kind of dress that will come alive on the dance floor and make for some impressive photographs.
Sizing: XS-XL
Pros & Cons: If you're undecided between a short or a long wedding dress, the Diana gives the ideal combination of both.
Unique Casual Wedding Dresses
There are tons of unusual yet casual wedding dresses for you to consider - our edit features two-piece wedding dresses and outfits that we reckon your wedding guests won't have seen before.
14. Ariane Lace Wedding Co-Ord - £599, Whistles
Opting for bridal separates is a great way to keep things casual and this delicate lace two piece from Whistles puts a contemporary spin on the traditional wedding dress without being too much. If you're after a lace wedding dress with a difference, we reckon we've just found it.
Sizing: 4-18
Pros & Cons: This material has little stretch to it but the open back means it's still easy to move your arms and the asymmetrical hemline does the same for your legs.
15. Willa Satin Off Shoulder Wedding Dress - £140, ASOS
"The best thing about this wedding dress for me was the train. It felt really 'bridal' - which is not something you always get with high street wedding dresses," says Rima, who tested this wedding dress out at Hitched HQ.
The simple fabric felt expensive and meant it was really easy to accessorise." Rima paired hers with bright pink barely-there heels which really stood out, but blue wedding shoes would work just as well.
Sizing: 4-18
Pros & Cons: "The dress fit was true to size and the slit felt like it gave the perfect amount of exposure whilst still feeling quite modest. The only part of the dress which came up small was the arms. I am fairly slim and the dress really hugged my arms and wrists so those with bigger arms may find it a little snug, though there are zips to help you get in and out of the sleeves."
16. Paris - £POA, Kelsey Rose
An off the shoulder wedding dress is a romantic and pretty choice. We love the Paris gown by Kelsey Rose, for its beautiful lace bodice and floaty, whimsical skirt. It's ideal for a garden wedding venue in the summer as it'll keep you cool but is still a super special style.
Sizing: 6-22
Pros & Cons: The bodice is boned giving you structure and support - you won't have to wear a bra so they'll be no worry about straps showing. You can dress this look up with a gorgeous necklace - our wedding jewellery edit has some lovely picks.
17. Tilly Skirt & Top Wedding Set - £1,099, Constellation Âme
We love this lacy top and crepe skirt set that offers just the right balance of traditional wedding style and boho wedding dress vibes. Vintage-style, graphic lace cap sleeves and scalloped edging combine to create a dreamy, ethereal feel that will have you feeling as though you’re floating down the aisle.
Sizing: 6-14
Pros & Cons: The front of the bodice has a slip but the back is kept purely lace which adds a beautiful element. A strapless bra would be best suited for this wedding dress to keep it looking seamless.
Casual Wedding Dresses That Aren't White
Another way to make your wedding dress casual is by going for a colour other than traditional white. This could be a pink or blue wedding dress, but it doesn't have to be. Print and patterns can add a subtle pop of colour, or you could consider an off-white design, such as ivory or apricot.
18. Floral Long Sleeve Skater Dress - £18, Boohoo
Another option is this long sleeved wedding dress from Boohoo. It's super pretty as well as having a sultry low back that will look fabulous when photographed. Floral wedding dresses are ideal for adding a pop of colour to your outfit, while still looking very wedding-ready.
Sizing: 8-12
Pros & Cons: The scalloped neckline is so delicate and the crochet waistband shows a hint of skin which adds sexiness to the otherwise pretty design.
19. Larah Feather Print Maxi Dress - £289, Phase Eight
If you aren't keen on florals, have you considered a feather print instead? The Larah dress from Phase Eight is a shimmering dream that unique brides will adore. "This is a lovely dress. It is light to wear despite having three layers," says one reviewer.
Sizing: 6-20
Pros & Cons: The fluttery sleeves are the ideal nod to the soft feather pattern. Use the tie belt to cinch in your waist for a flattering finish.
20. Beatrice Drape Wrap Wedding Dress - £130, ASOS
After a sexy wedding dress? Rima suggests opting for the Beatrice dress from ASOS, saying, "The bardot neckline is really flattering and felt really secure as I wore it. I loved the draping over the midsection, it felt really flattering and would really suit a curvier figure."
Sizing: 4-18
Pros & Cons: "One thing I would note is the slit is quite high. I'm between a size 10 and 12 and I would recommend sizing up - the size 10 showed a bit too much leg for my liking, but the 12 felt like a much better fit. The colour is more off-white than the picture shows and has a warm tone to it, so if you're looking for a crisp white wedding dress, this may not be for you," says Rima, who tested this simple wedding dress out at Hitched HQ.
Casual Wedding Dresses for Older Brides
As an older bride, you might not want a wedding dress that is too fussy. The designs below will suit everyone, but especially those who want demure and sophisticated styles - perfect for an older bride wedding dress.
21. Elsie Midi Dress - £699, Constellation Âme
The definition of casual, this elegant midi dress is the ideal pick for registry office nuptials or laid-back elopements. Made with a delicate poly-crepe, the wrap style bodice and floaty sleeves are universally flattering and the simplicity of the gown means you can really go to town with your bridal accessories.
Sizing: 6-16
Pros & Cons: This dress is available in three different levels of bust coverage so you pick which one makes you feel the most confident and comfortable.
22. Shauna Bridal Dress - £249, Monsoon
Up next is another outfit from Monsoon – this time the gorgeous crepe and lace Shauna bridal dress. Coming in at under £250, it offers a clean and classic silhouette with traditional long line buttons but the sheer floral lace panel adds an interesting touch.
Many customers loved the minimalism of this dress, with one person commenting, "The cut is lovely, a nice train and the lace detail in the back is stunning."
Sizing: 6-22
Pros & Cons: The buttons trailing down the back will frame your body beautifully and look amazing if you are walking down the aisle - you might need a hand doing them up though!
23. Orchid - £POA, Maggie Sottero
Inspired by the 1970's, the Orchid dress by Maggie Sottero showcases dreamy layers of heirloom lace for vintage-style romance. It's a simple silhouette but the fabric elevates it to wedding-ready heights, it would look amazing with curled hair and a red wedding lipstick.
If this design takes your fancy, discover more vintage wedding dresses here.
Sizing: 2-30
Pros & Cons: This dress is available in ivory over mocha or blush which will give it even more of a unique finish.
24. Tanya Cotton Belted Midaxi Dress - £130, Phase Eight
The Tanya dress from Phase Eight is available in white or pink, so you can keep your look traditional or a little more quirky with a pink wedding dress. Designed with a frilled neckline and a figure-flattering belt, it is demure and chic.
"Nice fit and lovely cotton material," says one shopper.
Sizing: 6-20
Pros & Cons: The white belt gives a contemporary edge to this wedding dress but it can easily be removed if you prefer a look that's a little more traditional.
25. Gigi Satin Square Neck Wedding Dress - £140, ASOS
Are you a petite bride on the hunt for your dream dress. Rima suggests you consider the Gigi dress from ASOS, which she put to the test by trying it on at Hitched HQ.
"As someone who is fairly short but doesn't like to show too much skin, this dress was perfect for me," she says. "The square neckline meant I didn't feel too swamped in fabric, while the long sleeves and modest neckline made me feel covered enough. I'm somewhere between a size 10 and 12 and would recommend sizing down, especially if you have a small bust like me."
Sizing: 4-18
Pros & Cons: "The satin fabric on this wedding dress is so beautiful and makes the dress feel so high-end - I can't believe it costs just £140!," she explains. We recommend keeping it on a wedding hanger, to minimise any creases in the satin.
Our Favourite Casual Wedding Dresses from Coast
It's no secret that here at Hitched we love a Coast wedding dress - we even have our own Hitched x Coast edit with them! They stock a lovely range of casual wedding dresses, including tailored options and bridal jumpsuits.
26. Sleeveless Tuxe Wrap Mini Dress - £149
Your casual wedding dress can most definitely still be sophisticated as shown by Coast's tuxe mini. It's the perfect compromise if you can't decide between wearing a wedding dress or a wedding suit. It's a gorgeous take on traditional tailoring and is a trend we are totally here for.
Sizing: 6-20
Pros & Cons: The luxe satin belt contrasts beautifully against the crepe material. It is made from thick material so will keep you warm, despite the sleeveless style.
27. Embroidered Satin Jumpsuit - £199
Speaking of suits, it doesn't get more casual than a gorgeous bridal jumpsuit! You'll be able to relax completely if you go for Coast's wedding jumpsuit and we're predicting tons of compliments. The wide leg trousers will elongate your frame and the clever floral embroidery will draw the eye upwards in the most flattering way.
Sizing: 8-18
Pros & Cons: You'll be able to wear this wedding outfit from morning to evening without uncomfortable. It'll take a little longer to undress if you need the bathroom, but it's well worth it for how amazing you'll look.
28. Ruched Bodice Chiffon Dress - £99
Simple and strappy, it's the ruching on this Coast wedding dress that really sold it to us. It looks seriously high-end and creates a really ethereal look. We can see this design pairing perfectly with some ballerina shoes.
Sizing: 8-18
Pros & Cons: The straps on this dress are adjustable so you can cater the neckline to support your chest.
How to Dress for a Casual Wedding?
If you are having a casual wedding, some popular choices for brides are two-piece wedding dresses, wedding suits and bridal jumpsuits, as well as the minimalistic pieces above. Look for relaxed silhouettes, light-weight fabrics such as cotton or linen and designs that you are going to feel comfortable in.
How to Dress Up for a Casual Wedding?
A casual wedding dress doesn't have to mean you won't look dressed up! If you've opted for a casual wedding outfit, dress it up with accessories such as hair accessories, embellished wedding shoes and even wedding makeup.
What Can I Wear to a Wedding at Home?
Tying the knot in the comfort of your own home means you can wear whatever you like. Let your personal style lead the way, whether you choose a laid-back slip dress, a playful short mini or a super cool suit. You could also consider steering clear of tradition and opting for a colourful outfit, such as a pink wedding dress.
Can Brides Change for the Wedding Reception?
Absolutely! In fact, many brides are choosing to switch up their look for their wedding reception with party-ready styles that they can dance the night away in. The key is to look for designs that are easy to move and eat in and are completely different from your wedding ceremony dress. You can swap into a more casual dress or really go wild with your wedding reception dress with short hems, sequins and feathers!
What Can a Bride Wear to a Garden Wedding?
A relaxed garden wedding venue calls for a romantic garden wedding dress - you may wish to incorporate elements of the natural world into your outfit such as floral prints and lace. We also recommend something soft and floaty with a mini or midi hem to avoid any dragging on muddy grounds, and keeping a bridal jacket on hand should it rain on your wedding day.
Remember, if you're going to be walking on grass, wedges or wedding flats are advised!
Where to Buy a Casual Wedding Dress?
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
