Casual Wedding Dresses: The Best Wedding Dresses for Casual Weddings

Just because it’s your wedding day doesn’t mean you have to go all out with the glitz and glamour. Your special day should reflect your personal style, and for the brides into more laid-back looks, there’s no need to force yourself into a ballgown.

If cool and casual is your vibe, you can absolutely find a stunning dress that feels true to you while still making you feel like a beautiful bride. Let’s be clear: casual doesn’t mean boring or forgettable, and we're here to prove it.

Whether you're planning an easygoing wedding, need something comfortable for the dance floor, or are simply going for a more relaxed look, we've curated a list of the 16 best casual wedding dresses. From elopements to intimate ceremonies, or just a general laid-back vibe, shop our top picks and find your perfect casual wedding dress.

The 16 Best Cool & Casual Wedding Dresses for Low-key Ceremonies 

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Casual wedding dresses for older brides/ brides over 50

Whether it’s your first wedding, second wedding, or a vow renewal, some brides taking to the aisle later in life may prefer a more casual look. This isn’t to say that older brides or those over 50 are any less of a bride - every bride deserves to feel beautiful and confident on her special day, no matter her age! While age should never dictate what you can or can’t wear, some brides who have already worn the princess silhouettes and tulle may now be looking for something more casual and refined. Beautiful lace, delicate embroidery, and sleeves are popular choices among brides over 50, and we adore these dresses from John Lewis and Monsoon for more laid-back weddings. For those who want something slightly more elaborate, check out our complete edit of wedding dresses for older brides, perfect for any occasion.

Casual wedding dresses with sleeves

Sleeves instantly lend wedding dresses a classic and timeless elegance, even when the vibe is more laid-back. Casual wedding dresses with sleeves strike the perfect balance between chic and effortless. We love the styles from LILYSILK and ASOS, where delicate silk fabrics and playful ruffles make these dresses ideal for chic city or registry office weddings. These designs offer a relaxed, yet stunning look that’s perfect for brides who want a touch of sophistication.

White casual wedding dresses

Choosing a casual wedding dress doesn’t mean you have to forgo the classic bridal white. Even with a more understated design, opting for bright white over shades like ivory, off-white, or even a coloured dress will ensure you still feel like the bride on your special day. These silhouettes from Club L London and Princess Polly may be simple, but the elegant low-back and maxi length give an otherwise casual wedding dress option, a bit more oomph.  

Casual beach wedding dresses

For a destination wedding or coastal ceremony, a casual dress code often feels like the perfect fit. Embrace those beachy vibes with a relaxed, easygoing wedding dress that complements the natural surroundings. Think floaty fabrics, breezy silhouettes, and laid-back designs, perfect for a day spent by the sea. Need some inspiration? We’ve rounded up our favourite beach wedding dresses to help you find the best style for your big day.

Short casual wedding dresses

Short wedding dresses may stray from the conventional bridal look, but that doesn’t always mean they’re necessarily casual. Short wedding dresses can give off a super elevated look fit for all occasions, including your wedding day! However, if you are going for a casual look, an easy way to achieve this is by opting for a shorter dress. Maxi gowns naturally give off the appearance of looking more “dressed up”, and based on wedding trends, mini dresses are becoming more and more popular for brides. Head to Oh Polly and Coast for these gorgeous short casual wedding dresses - it’s no mistake that they both have gorgeous floral motifs, something we’re really into right now! 

Casual simple wedding dresses

Although "casual" and "simple" might seem like they go hand in hand, they're not quite the same. A wedding dress can be casual yet intricate in design, or simple yet too luxurious for a laid-back setting. For brides who want a blend of both, we've found some perfect picks. While technically a bridesmaid dress, this satin gown from Nobody’s Child is ideal for a casual bridal look. If you’re after something a bit more bridal but still elegantly simple, this Coast midi dress with a bow detail and sparkly straps is an absolute must-have.

Casual plus size wedding dresses

Every bride deserves to feel stunning on her wedding day, regardless of body type. Gone are the days of limiting yourself to certain styles - it's all about embracing what makes you feel confident and comfortable. While there’s no need to restrict your search to plus-size collections, they can be a great option if you’re looking for a better fit. These ranges are designed with curvier bodies in mind, offering more flattering cuts for hips, waists, and thighs. We’re loving these gorgeous casual plus-size gowns from Ever Pretty and Coast. Whether you’re drawn to a free-flowing, whimsical look or something more structured and timeless, there’s a perfect fit waiting for you!

Casual wedding dresses for summer

When you’re tying the knot in the heat of summer, the last thing you want is a heavy gown weighing you down. If you’re a fan of light, airy day dresses, why not carry that vibe into your wedding day? Check out Nobody’s Child and Oh Polly for stunning casual summer wedding dresses that are effortlessly bridal. These styles are perfect for garden party weddings, where you can enjoy a day of bubbly, alfresco dining, garden games, and delicious canapés, all while feeling cool and comfortable in a dress that’s just right for the season.

Considering a Casual Wedding Dress? Laid-back is Never Low-Effort

It doesn't always have to be ballgowns and tulle, if glitz and glamour aren’t your thing, that’s totally okay! Casual wedding dresses are a great option for brides who still want to look and feel bridal, but in a way that suits you, feeling authentic to how you dress on a normal day. Of course, there are varying degrees of casual - from sun dress to elevated simplicity and city chic - we hope our favourite casual wedding dresses have provided the inspiration you need to take the plunge! 

For even more stunning, non-traditional bridalwear, explore the best wedding suits for women, the best high street wedding dresses or the best alternative wedding dresses.