Our Favourite Cool & Casual Wedding Dresses
Not everyone wants an embellished wedding dress or a full-skirted ball gown. Check out these beautifully casual wedding dresses
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Some nearlyweds want to walk down the aisle in an intricate lace wedding dress, and some imagine saying ‘I do’ in a fairytale ballgown. But others? Others are after fuss-free, casual wedding dresses.
There are no rules when it comes to wedding dress shopping any more. If you’d feel more comfortable in an elegant yet totally informal casual wedding 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.
And if you later decide to amp things up a bit, why not accessorise a casual wedding dress to make it completely your own?
25 of the Best Informal Wedding Dresses
From high street wedding dresses from the likes of ASOS, to relaxed bohemian wedding dresses from designer brands, here’s an edit of the best casual dresses for a wedding right now.
And to help you find your dream design, we've split 25 of our favourite casual wedding dresses into sections based on style and preference - so if you're in a hurry, skip to the section that feels the most 'you'.
- Simple Casual Wedding Dresses
- Short Casual Wedding Dresses
- Unique Casual Wedding Dresses That Are Not White
- Casual Wedding Dresses for Older Brides
Simple Casual Wedding Dresses
A casual 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.
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 - UK 18
- Expert Take: The train gives a beautiful touch to this casual wedding dress and because it is subtle, it'll be easy to walk and dance in.
2. Praiano Long Sleeve Casual Wedding Dress - £1,895, 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, you'll love the delicate pearl trim on the sleeves - it's the little things sometimes!
- Sizing: UK 6 - UK 16
- Expert Take: The modest design is so elegant, and we love that the sleeves are slightly fluted, adding gorgeous movement to whoever wears it.
3. Augusta Off the Shoulder Crepe Wedding Dress - Approx £2,148, Aesling
When we think of luxurious, size-inclusive wedding dresses, Aesling are the brand that come to mind. Their gorgeous wedding dresses can be ordered online but they do have a handful of UK stockists too if you want to try them on in store.
This particular wedding dress, Augusta, is made from a super relaxed crepe fabric that gives it that slightly more casual feel, though still completely appropriate for a wedding.
The off the shoulder detail is really flattering and we love an exaggerated sleeve.
- Sizing: UK 4 - UK 30
- Expert Take: Though we absolutely love the casualness of the crepe fabric, for an additional fee that won't break the budget, you can order this dress in satin instead.
4. Boho Casual Lace Wedding Dress - £2,800, Grace Loves Lace
Nathalia by Grace Loves Lace may not be the first dress that springs to mind when you think 'casual wedding dresses', but hear us out.
The thick crochet lace and warm lining colour gives this gown a seriously bohemian beach feel that makes it perfect for more casual, go-with-the-flow kind of celebrations.
The stretchy lace makes for a comfortable wear and you can even go barefoot in this on the beach for an even more casual feel.
- Sizing: XS - XXXL (custom sizing also available +£200)
- Expert Take: Though we love the boho feel that the chai-coloured lining gives to this dress, you can swap it for an ivory base free of charge.
5. Pearl Shoulder Satin Slip Dress - £1,895, Galvan
Love pearl wedding dresses but want something a little more understated than the usual? If so, consider a casual wedding dress like this gown from Galvan.
The designer brand have taken a simplistic slip dress and completely elevated it. The pearl shoulder detail is just to-die-for and dainty enough that it doesn't make the dress feel too bedazzled and jewelled.
- Sizing: UK 6 - UK 16
- Expert Take: The front of this dress is stunning, but the back is even better! It features a low scoop back which is draped in even more pearls.
6. Casual Wedding Dress for a Beach Wedding- £108, Free People
Those destined for a beach wedding venue will adore this free flowing beauty from Free People. Featuring a gorgeous crochet trim, bell sleeves and a relaxed fit, this casual beach wedding 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. It also makes for the perfect honeymoon outfit and comes in eight other colourways if you're looking for a casual wedding dress that is not white.
- Sizing: XS - XL
- Expert Take: 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."
7. 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
- Expert Take: 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.
8. Thigh Split Casual Wedding Dress - £POA, Maggie Sottero
The Nolan dress from Maggie Sottero proves that casual wedding dresses can still have structure and a 'wow' silhouette.
The thigh split and pleated fabric give this dress wonderful movement, meaning you can swish around a country garden wedding venue or saunter along a beach without any restrictions. The top of the bodice is structured-yet-simple, making it more casual than more detailed alternatives.
- Sizing: UK 4 - UK 32
- Expert Take: For a more glam look, this dress can be ordered in a glitter fabric, but for those who really want to emphasise the casual element, this gown can be ordered without the train for a much more subtle feel.
9. Keisha Backless Maxi Casual Wedding Dress - £98, 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 - UK 18
- Expert Take: You won't have to worry about wearing a stick-on bra as the backless detail will hide any straps.
10. Ariane Lace Wedding Co-Ord - £399, Whistles
Opting for wedding 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 formal. If you're after a lace casual wedding dress with a difference, we reckon we've just found it.
- Sizing: UK 4 - UK 18
- Expert Take: 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.
Short Casual Wedding Dresses
An easy way to make your wedding dress have a casual 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.
11. Embellished Tulle Mini Wedding Dress - £475, Needle & Thread
Though embellished and adorned with detail, the Celia dress from Needle and Thread does have a really sweet and casual feel to it. The short length and tulle hems make it feel really playful and much more casual than long wedding dresses.
The fact that it's champagne instead of stark white or ivory also makes it feel less formal, but if you're after something even more fun, you'll be pleased to know this adorable gown can be bought in pink, green and black!
- Sizing: UK 4 - UK 20
- Expert Take: The great thing about Needle and Thread is that, as well as offering several colourways for many of their dresses, they also offer a handful of their styles in different lengths. This dress comes in a mini, but it can also be bought as an ankle-length gown. Although that may feel more formal, the fun and whimsical element of the design is very much maintained in the maxi version.
12. Mini Casual Wedding Dress With Feather Hem - £350, 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.
The shift silhouette and simple fabric makes this more of a casual wedding dress in comparison to other designs and the short length only adds to that cool, chic vibe.
- Sizing: UK 6 - UK 18
- Expert Take: With a high neck and long sleeves, this dress needs hardly any accessorising - let the feathers take centre stage and really embrace the minimalist style.
13. Contrast Lace Corset Wedding Dress - £15, 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: UK 8 - UK 18
- Expert Take: The midi length of this dress is the perfect excuse to show off a fabulous pair of designer wedding shoes.
14. 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 our reviewer 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: UK 4 - UK 18
- Expert Take: The embellishments will shine in the most beautiful way under the lights. We love this dress and reckon it could also work brilliantly as an engagement party dress, or as a wedding reception dress!
Casual Wedding Dresses That Are Not 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.
15. Pink Off the Shoulder Tulle Wedding Dress - £500, Needle & Thread
To say we're obsessed with the Lisette wedding dress is an understatement - we're more than obsessed.
This Needle and Thread ruffle gown is completely stunning and, despite being crafted from ruffles upon ruffles of tulle, has a somewhat informal feel to it when compared to more traditional wedding dresses.
The pastel pink hue makes it such a fun casual wedding dress that could be worn to small, intimate weddings or big outdoor celebrations.
- Sizing: UK 4 - UK 20
- Expert Take: We love a pink wedding dress, but as we already know, Needle and Thread dresses often come in a number of shades and this gown is no different. Choose between red, champagne, forest green, bright green, black, ivory, dark pink and floral when buying this dress. There's also a mini version for nearlyweds who love a leg moment.
16. Larah Feather Print Maxi Wedding Dress - £199, 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 nearlyweds will adore. "This is a lovely dress. It is light to wear despite having three layers," says one reviewer.
- Sizing: UK 6 - UK 20
- Expert Take: The flutter sleeves are the ideal nod to the soft feather pattern. Use the tie belt to cinch in your waist for a flattering finish.
17. Knitted Midi Wedding Dress With Jewels - £450, Needle & Thread
This Needle and Thread dress looks very different to their signature style, but we're absolutely loving the shift.
This peony pink casual wedding dress is made from knitted fabric, making it one of the most comfortable gowns we've ever come across. However, you're getting married so of course, you want some bling - that's where the jewels come in.
You can also buy this dress in champagne if you prefer a more wedding-y shade.
- Sizing: UK 6 - UK 18
- Expert Take: There's no worse feeling than being uncomfortable and restricted on your wedding day, and this super comfy knitted dress eliminates all of that, whilst still ensuring you look chic and stylish.
18. Strapless Black Wedding Dress in Tulle - £240, Pilcro at Anthropologie
Calling all alternative nearlyweds, it's time for black wedding dresses to take centre stage.
This strapless tulle gown from Pilcro is iconic and we love the way it's been styled here. For the ultimate cool-meets-casual wedding dress look, pair this awesome midi tulle dress with biker boots and a jacket.
People will be talking about your look for years to come, and for all the right reasons, too.
- Sizing: XS - XL
- Expert Take: The best part about this dress is that the tulle skirt is completely detachable, meaning this can be transformed from a midi tulle dress into a mini strapless in a matter of seconds. Two looks in one? It doesn't get much better than that.
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.
19. Havana Wrap Jacquard Wedding Dress - £1,895, Galvan
This Galvan dress is perfect for older brides who want to wear something free-flowing and casual, but still want to look and feel really wedding-y.
The luxurious jacquard silk fabric really elevates this casual wedding dress, and the wrap waist belt will accentuate the figure of anyone who wears it.
- Sizing: UK 6 - UK 16
- Expert Take: We love a leg slit, it adds movement and allows you to show some extra skin, but you can always have it adjusted if you prefer to show less leg.
20. Lace V-Neck Casual Wedding Dress - £350, Monsoon
If you love casual wedding dresses that can be re-worn after the big day, consider the Emily lace dress from Monsoon.
Though lace is often associated with formality and dressier occasions, this particular design has been perfectly crafted for a more casual affair.
The asymmetric hemline is super playful and the three-quarter length sleeves give it an informal edge as well.
- Sizing: UK 6 - UK 24
- Expert Take: The mix and match of different kinds of lace here make it a much more casual wedding dress than other lace designs, and the V-neckline gives a collar vibe, almost emulating a summery shirt dress.
21. Simple Strapless Cape Wedding Dress - Approx £1,866, Aesling
All hail the Sagrada dress from the Aesling collection. It's traditional in its silhouette, but the simple fabric and cool cape make it feel much less elaborate than other wedding dress designs.
Perfect for older brides or more modest nearlyweds, the cape adds additional movement and coverage to the back of the dress, while leaving your décolletage elegantly on show.
The crepe fabric is so comfortable and despite having a super trendy cape, the dress remains understated and cool.
- Sizing: UK 4 - UK 30
- Expert Take: Wearing casual wedding dresses doesn't mean you have to go the whole day without a second look! This cape is removable, so you could wear it for the ceremony, and whip it off during the reception.
22. Elsie Midi Casual Wedding 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 wedding accessories.
- Sizing: UK 6 - UK 16
- Expert Take: This casual wedding dress is available in three different levels of bust coverage so you pick which one makes you feel the most confident and comfortable.
23. Orchid Casual Wedding Dress in Crochet - £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: UK 2 - UK 30
- Expert Take: This dress is available in ivory over mocha or blush which will give it even more of a unique finish.
24. Tilly Skirt & Top Wedding Dress 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 casual 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: UK 6 - UK 14
- Expert Take: 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.
25. Tanya Cotton Belted Midaxi Dress - £99, 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 satisfied shopper.
- Sizing: UK 6 - UK 20
- Expert Take: The white belt gives a contemporary edge to this wedding dress but it can easily be removed if you prefer a casual wedding dress that's a little more traditional.
How to Dress for a Casual 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.
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 people 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
