30 Simple Wedding Dresses for Minimalist Nearlyweds
Long-sleeved, satin or lace – simple wedding dresses come in all styles and silhouettes, and here you’ll find our top picks
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If the new-season catwalks are anything to go by, our love affair with simple wedding dresses holds fast, with many designers choosing a rigorously pared-down aesthetic over frills, froth and embellishment.
If you’re the kind of bride who prefers to steer clear of glitz and glam, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite simple wedding dress styles to help you in your search for the one.
From sleek satin gowns to cool and modern laser-cut lace played out in crisp white – and even simple long sleeve wedding dresses – these minimalist designs are a celebration of style, elegance and sophistication.
They’re also proof that simple wedding dresses can still be incredibly striking. Not to mention, of course, the perfect base for accessorising however you want. Statement shoes at the ready!
Simple Wedding Dresses UK: 30 Elegant Styles You’ll Love
From registry office nuptials to barefoot-on-the-beach vows, we've picked simple wedding dress styles that work for all kinds of weddings
1. Arista Dress – RIXO
Perfect for a slick city wedding, this simple satin wedding dress from RIXO is effortlessly elegant with its contemporary wide collar and romantic yet flattering halter neck.
The low back gives it an undeniable sexiness, too. We love!
- Sizing: UK 6-20
2. Ambar Dress – Savannah Miller
The curve-clinging basque waist and billowing taffeta skirt make this sculptural and modern style from Savannah Miller a head-turning option for the big day. We adore the textural silhouette.
The back is finished with delicate freshwater pearl buttons.
- Sizing: Made to order
3. Autumn Dress – Halfpenny London
For simple wedding dresses that are light, bright and beautifully modern with clever construction and a nod to nostalgia, look no further than Kate Halfpenny.
The elegant Autumn gown, with its clean lines and plunging neckline, needs little more than a simple lace-embroidered veil, but can also be paired with the designer’s overskirts and separates for added glam.
- Sizing: Made to order
4. Farah Dress – Unbridled Studio
Radiate laidback romance in this modern tulip-skirted gown from Unbridled Studio.
The Farah’s flattering v-neckline is complemented with the sweetest bias-cut bows for a touch of whimsy – and that gorgeous double-satin skirt features pleat detailing and pockets. Divine!
- Sizing: Made to order
5. Milena Dress – Meshki
Designed with an internal bodice for extra comfort and support, this dress from Meshki is an effortlessly simple yet utterly feminine design that cuts a striking figure down the aisle and on the dance floor.
If you’re looking for affordable wedding dresses for simple wedding celebrations – perhaps a simple registry office wedding dress – this could be it!
- Sizing: UK 4-18
6. Athena Dress – Aesling
Soft lines, modern features and supportive internal corsetry – all key components of a memorable yet simple wedding dress, and all features of this stunning design from Aesling.
The dreamy neckline and those incredible off-the-shoulder swag sleeves give way to a liquid-like skirt and 80-inch train. Gorgeous and glam in equal measure.
- Sizing: UK 2-44
7. Ayla Dress – Mira Zwillinger
Even if you’re looking for wedding dresses that are simple, you don’t need to reserve florals for just the bouquet.
We adore this ‘look at me’ modern A-line gown from Mira Zwillinger which pairs laser-cut florals with a fitted bodice and voluminous skirt for a look that’s bold yet refined.
- Sizing: Made to order
8. Carolina Herrera Cotton-Blend Dress – Net-a-Porter
Mega and midi, this dress from Carolina Herrera is perfect for after-dinner partying and features the most subtle of floral patterns.
It is crafted from a structured woven fabric with an internal corset, which makes it feel incredibly supportive. Perfect for those seeking short and simple wedding dresses.
- Sizing: UK 4-14
9. Neboss Dress – Isabel Sanchis
Winter weddings will welcome this perfectly modern caped style from Isabel Sanchis.
The asymmetric gown is crafted from a stunning silk crepe and just oozes elegance. Think of the photos you can capture with that beautiful cape gently billowing in the breeze…
- Sizing: UK 8-26
10. Low Basque Dress – Kladek Paris
The designer of choice for discerning brides, Kladek’s creations are a celebration of fashion and femininity.
This simple boho wedding dress is crafted from a luxurious duchess satin for beautiful movement, blending sculptural lines and soft draping for a wedding dress that’s definitely minimalist but oh-so stunning in every way.
- Sizing: UK 2-32
11. Ivy Dress – Hera Couture
Simple classic wedding dresses don’t come more timeless than this style from Hera Couture. A sweetheart neckline, elegant bustier and classic train all cut in weighted duchess satin are the perfect accents for an ultra-romantic wedding theme.
- Sizing: Made to order
12. Melody Dress – Whistles
Complement a sleek silhouette – like this simple white wedding dress from Whistles – with textures, mega jewels and plenty of swagger.
It features a modern tie back keyhole detail and a slightly flared skirt that moves beautifully as you do.
- Sizing: UK 4-20
13. Eido Dress – Kindred of Ireland
For a relaxed, easy-breezy vibe, Kindred of Ireland’s luxurious linen twill dresses are the epitome of effortless elegance.
With its neat-fitting corset for subtle structure and side-seam pockets, the pure-white Eido dress is one of our favourite simple A-line wedding dresses. It’s giving coastal vibes, so we also think this would make a great simple wedding dress for a beach wedding.
- Sizing: UK 6-22
14. Cherish Dress – La Premiere Couture
A wedding dress that exudes elegance and luxury, La Premiere’s Cherish design is the perfect base for some statement accessories – think chunky gemstone necklaces and coloured wedding shoes.
Crafted from a luminous taffeta, we love the contrast of the defined, structured bodice and the voluminous skirt.
- Sizing: UK 4-26
15. Margot Dress – Rat & Boa
The modern bride’s go-to for affordable simple wedding dresses, Rat & Boa’s designs will see you through your wedding day and every formal occasion thereafter.
We adore the Margot dress – a masterclass in elegance with its deep cowl back which dips to the waist, and three-quarter-length sleeves.
- Sizing: UK 4-16
16. Emilia Wickstead Keeley Dress – Net-a-Porter
The perfect registry office wedding dress, in our opinion, nobody does simple and elegant like Emilia Wickstead.
Cut from structured cloqué for a sculpted column silhouette, this style is perfect for pairing with bold accessories. That chic fold-over neckline is the cherry on top.
- Sizing: UK 4-16
17. Gates Dress – Made With Love Bridal
Decidedly decadent, yet simply striking, a body-conscious sheath is the perfect way to show off your curves.
This simple, understated wedding dress from Made With Love includes a striking low back and a detachable chiffon scarf that can be styled as a delicate wrap or draped elegantly over the shoulders.
- Sizing: Made to order
18. Wisteria Dress – Truvelle
Are there options for plus-size or long sleeve simple wedding dresses? How about two in one! Simple plus size wedding dresses don't come much better than this and we love the size-inclusive offerings from Truvelle.
Soft lines embody this ethereal organza dress, which comes with optional detachable sleeves and the prettiest illusion back.
- Sizing: UK 2-44
19. Pip Dress – Grace Loves Lace
When it comes to simple beach wedding dresses, Aussie label Grace Loves Lace delivers every time.
Crafted from a divine structured satin – inspired by the shimmering reflection of the ocean at Cable Beach – this style is perfect for brides who want something both romantic and modern.
There’s a slit in the skirt for easy movement… and pockets (because why not?)
- Sizing: UK 6-20 (made to order also available)
20. Solace London Davina Dress – Net-a-Porter
Simple wedding dresses with statement details, like this design from Solace London, are perfect for nearlyweds who want a sleeker silhouette but still to want to feel distinctly bridal.
This column-shaped, off-the-shoulder number is cut from lustrous faille fabric and features a slit in the skirt at the back for easy movement.
- Sizing: UK 4-16
21. Liz Dress – Reformation
Every season we’re wowed by the dresses from Reformation, such as this ivory silk number.
If you’re looking for simple and classy wedding dresses on a mid-range budget, this gorgeous style is fitted at the bodice and features a square neckline and dreamy floor-sweeping skirt.
- Sizing: UK 4-16
22. Gigi Dress – Anne Barge
Simple long sleeve wedding dresses don’t come prettier than this mock-neck lace style from Anne Barge.
The beauty of this gown comes in the hand-worked lace bodice – but paired with the silk ballgown skirt and its cummerbund waist detail, it’s modern princess bride perfection.
A dream option for those seeking a simple lace wedding dress, too.
- Sizing: Made to order
23. Nadia Dress – Justin Alexander
Are you ready for your Hollywood moment? A sophisticated fit-and-flare shape like this style from Justin Alexander deserves bold, confident accessories.
We love the illusion mesh panels on the back and around the bust for a hint of sexiness, too.
- Sizing: UK 2-32
24. Marisol Dress – True Bride Curve
One of our favourite simple wedding dresses with sleeves, this design from True Bride’s Curve collection features the subtlest of details that give it a luxurious finish; delicate pearl beading around the neckline, the lightest chiffon sleeves and elegant satin-covered buttons on the cuffs.
- Sizing: UK 16-32
25. Jessica Watteau Dress – Phillipa Lepley
If the bridal fashion world held its own Academy Awards, designer Phillipa Lepley would surely have an Oscar by now.
The London-based couture designer has established herself as a superstar in the wedding world – and the simple Jessica Watteau, crafted from an ivory silk-crepe, is one of our favourite dresses.
The corseted bodice promises an immaculate fit and the column skirt is artfully designed to flatter.
- Sizing: Made to order
26. Marni Dress – Halfpenny London
You’ll be twirling all the way down the aisle and beyond in this light-as-air, simple wedding dress from Halfpenny London.
A silky satin slip covered with frothy layers of silk organza creates a silhouette perfect for a summer’s day.
- Sizing: Made to order
27. Marcia Dress – Kladek Paris
Modern and demure from the front with its Sabrina neckline, and a dreamy, scooped back to reveal just the right amount of skin, this design from Kladek Paris is so effortlessly chic.
Pair with elbow-length gloves for maximum glamour points.
- Sizing: UK 2-32
28. Yanka Dress – Mira Zwillinger
Searching for simple A-line wedding dresses? This hip-skimming style from Mira Zwillinger proves that you don’t have to forgo detail completely when choosing elegant wedding dresses that are simple.
A sculpted sweetheart neckline, intricate floral embroidery and optional tulle overlay add up to one super feminine look.
- Sizing: Made to order
29. Vincent Dress – Hera Couture
This stunning duchess satin design from Hera Couture is simple, classic and cleverly designed, with its folded neckline that curves beautifully over the bust and flows into a beautiful bow at the back.
We adore the fitted silhouette for a look that’s simple yet sexy.
- Sizing: Made to order
30. Emory Dress – RIXO
Dreaming of a fresh take on the classic, romantic shape of a previous era? Look no further than RIXO’s Emory dress – a sculptured silk-satin silhouette with a deep V-neck, nipped-in waistband and finished with long blouson sleeves. Pure silver-screen siren chic.
- Sizing: UK 6-20
What defines a simple wedding dress?
“A simple wedding dress has a very minimalist style, and the fabric is usually plain with little or no embellishments,” says Caroline Black, co-founder of North London bridal boutique Evelie.
“Most simple wedding dresses will have a key design or stand-out feature that’s highlighted by the simple cut and style of the dress – this could be the shape of the dress or how the fabric is cut on the neckline, bodice, on the back or the skirt, for example.
“And even though the overall design is minimalistic, that one key design feature will stand out in a very understated way,” she adds.
“For me, a simple wedding dress is all about clean lines, a refined silhouette and luxurious fabrics that speak for themselves,” adds Frida Hoffman-Clark, founder and designer at bridal label Kladek Paris.
How can I accessorise a simple wedding dress?
“For a simple wedding dress, the accessory options are endless and if you want to add more to your look you really can go all-out – choose from statement veils or a headpiece, some earrings and even amazing shoes,” says Caroline.
Below, the boutique owner shares her tips for accessorising simple wedding dresses:
Accessorising with veils: A simple wedding dress is perfect for a detailed or embellished veil. Here are seven different veil styles I get brides to try on when they’re choosing a veil:
- Raw cut edge veil – this is a barely-there veil where the look is very subtle.
- Corded or stitched cut edge veil – this is still subtle, but the edging helps frame the dress and train.
- Braided cut edge veil – this works well with a matte or crepe dress.
- Scattered pearl veil – this style is soft, dreamy and romantic.
- Minimal lace edge veil – pops of lace will really help to frame the dress.
- Detailed lace veil – a statement Dolce Vita-style veil which has edging all around.
- Floral lace veil – this creates a romantic look, with soft floral lace dotted around the edge.
Accessorising with a headpiece: If you aren’t going to wear a veil, a wedding headband or headpiece is a great alternative. A headpiece can be worn from the ceremony right through to the evening party and will really complement a minimalist look.
Accessorising with statement earrings: If you don't like the idea of wearing something in your hair then you can make it all about amazing statement earrings or wedding jewellery. Wedding earrings can be worn for the ceremony or added in the evening to change up your look.
Where can I buy simple wedding dresses?
Our edit of simple wedding dresses features a vibrant mix of high street and designer dresses. RIXO, Reformation, Whistles and Rat & Boa offer a gorgeous selection of simple elegant wedding dresses at great price points, while designers such as Justin Alexander, Savannah Miller, Hera Couture and Halfpenny London offer minimalist designs crafted from the most divine fabrics and cut to perfection.
How do I style a simple wedding dress to stand out?
It’s important to remember that just because the cut and style of your wedding dress is simple doesn’t mean it won’t look striking. Lots of brides who choose to opt for a more refined approach still create impact with their look – “it’s all in the quality of the fabrics and fit,” says Frida.
Good-quality fabric and a well-cut dress will make your body sing, but if you feel like you need something more, a simple dress could be enhanced with an embellished belt, some pastel-coloured shoes or a creative bouquet.
Think you’re ready to say yes to a dress? Now it’s time to decide on one of these natural makeup looks to go with it.
