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Brides / Kevin Liang
When it comes to planning a wedding, some brides prefer glitz and glamour while others veer towards a relaxed celebration. There's no wrong way to have a wedding, of course, and if a laid-back affair is calling your name, a low-key or casual wedding might be the move. Not only are these events typically more intimate and budget-friendly, but a casual dress code is often easier for guests to achieve. Even if your "I dos" are going to be low-key, finding a casual wedding look that still feels beautiful, bridal, and special is essential.
Typically, casual wedding dresses have fewer (if any) embellishments and beading, and they're often made of more lightweight, breezy fabrics. What's more, lots of casual brides opt to wear shorter styles to suit their bridal aesthetics. Not only are most of these gowns easy to wear after the big day, but they're typically lower in cost, which can help you stick to a specific budget. And the best part is, there are tons of casual wedding dresses out there, fit for all types of celebrations.
Whether you're having a seaside celebration, a backyard bash, or simply keeping things informal at your dream venue, there's a laid-back look for you. To help, we've sourced the best options from the most reputable sellers, keeping quality, materials, size range, and price point in mind.
Read on for the best casual wedding dresses.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Jenny Yoo Abby Dress at Jenny Yoo
- Best Budget: Lulus Heavenly Hues White Maxi Dress at Lulus
- Best for Spring: DB Studio Allover Lace Flounce Hem Dress at David's Bridal
- Best Linen: Reformation Baela Linen Dress at Reformation
- Best for a Courthouse Wedding: Lulus Remarkable White Lace Dress at Lulus
- Best Illusion: Dress the Population Sidney Gown at Nordstrom
- Best Victorian-Inspired: BHLDN Katarina Gown at Anthropologie
- Best Bow: Katie May Natalie Dress at Revolve
- Best Satin: Revelry Skye Midi Satin Dress at Revelry
- Best for Winter: Revelry Gemma Velvet Dress at Revelry
Best Overall
Jenny Yoo Abby Dress
We love everything about this casual wedding dress from Jenny Yoo. The minimalist slip dress oozes effortless style. It’s made with a luxurious satin cut on the bias and has a flattering asymmetrical one-shoulder design. The dress comes in ivory as well as five additional colors and falls gracefully over the body. The timeless dress comes in a midi length but can be made longer by having it customized.
Who It's For
Brides who favor a one-shoulder style dress
Size Range: 0-26 | Material: Satin | Length: Midi
Best Budget
Lulus Heavenly Hues White Maxi Dress
This ethereal gown from Lulus is a casual wedding favorite. The plunging neckline, banded waist, and full maxi skirt feel effortlessly bridal. Considering there are 13 different color options to choose from, you can either stick to classic white or opt for cream or even black to switch it up.
Who It's For
The bride who wants a classic but casual bridal gown
Size Range: XXS-3X | Material: Georgette fabric | Length: Floor-length
Best for Spring
DB Studio Allover Lace Flounce Hem Dress
Chic detailing and flirty hems pair perfectly for spring weddings, and this high-neck dress from DB studio is faultless for floral-filled celebrations. The short skirt keeps the look casual while the long sleeves fight any springtime chill—plus, the all-over lace makes the design feel bridal as can be.
Who It's For
A bride who wants to incorporate lots of lace into her casual look
Size Range: 0-26W | Material: Polyester | Length: Knee-length
Best Linen
Reformation Baela Linen Dress
An off-the-shoulder style and airy linen fabric make this charming midi dress from Reformation an easy choice for laidback nuptials. The understated silhouette is perfect for informal backyard weddings or intimate elopements, while the high slit adds some sexy flair. Made from super breathable linen, this dress is made for weddings in sweltering climates.
Who It's For
Brides looking for a lightweight dress for a summer or outdoor casual wedding
Size Range: 0-12 | Material: Linen | Length: Midi
Best for a Courthouse Wedding
Lulus Remarkable White Lace Dress
This is the type of dress you can wear to the courthouse and then to a celebratory brunch afterwards. The white lining gives the appearance of a two-piece set, while the sheer lace overlay provides coverage with a rounded neckline and short sleeves. Pair it with some statement heels for a sophisticated-meets-casual bridal look.
Who It's For
Sophisticated brides who want a stylish dress
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester, lace | Length: Midi
Best Illusion
Dress the Population Sidney Gown
Covered in fluttery floral 3D appliqués, the Sidney gown from Dress the Population is ideal for brides who lean toward dreamy silhouettes and eccentric styles. A sweeping peekaboo skirt keeps the design casual, while the high-end detailing boasts your bridal status. You can either opt for white flowers over nude or branch out with blue, black, or a pink overlay.
Who It's For
Brides who love a dress with a lot of stunning details
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Nylon | Length: Floor-length
Best Victorian-Inspired
BHLDN Katarina Gown
Full of vintage charm and bygone-era beauty, BHLDN's Katarina tulle gown feels at home in almost any casual setting. The tulle design is surprisingly streamlined with floral embroidery and a subtle train. We suggest keeping your accessories simple to really allow the dainty, all-over floral embroidery to shine.
Who It's For
A bride who wants a feminine gown with butterfly sleeves
Size Range: 0-26W | Materials: Polyester, tulle | Length: Floor-length
Best Bow
Katie May Natalie Dress
Elegant without feeling too formal, this sleeveless dress from Katie May seamlessly marries bridal and elevated casual aesthetics. The sweetheart neckline and midi length are easy to dress up or down, while the lace accent and big bow keep the look contemporary.
Who It's For
A bride who is looking for a casual dress that is elegant
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester | Length: Midi
Best Satin
Revelry Skye Midi Satin Dress
Satin has become one of the most popular wedding dress fabrics, and this sleek style from Revelry is an easy bridal choice. A cowl neckline, figure-flattering ruching, and dual knee-high slits make the Skye a must-have, no matter which of the 30+ colors you select it in.
Who It's For
Brides who want a midi dress in a luxurious fabric
Size Range: 0-32 | Material: Satin | Length: Midi
Best for Winter
Revelry Gemma Velvet Dress
From the rich velvet material to the long sleeves and high bateau neckline, it's clear Revelry's Gemma dress was made with cold-weather celebrations in mind. Whichever color you select (there are 25+ hues), this gown will keep you warm, while the dramatic draped back keeps the look from feeling too covered up.
Who It's For
Brides who want a more covered-up look with an elegant style
Size Range: 0-32 | Material: Velvet | Length: Floor-length
Best Simple
Reformation Zenni Dress
If you’re looking for a simple and stylish dress, this mini from Reformation has it all. The sleeveless, fitted dress has an A-line skirt and a boat neckline. The polyester fabric has a nice sheen and comes in a lovely ivory shade. This dress has a V-back and zipper for a great fit, and a style that you’ll want to wear again and again.
Who It's For
The bride who wants a fitted, stylish dress they can wear frequently
Size Range: 0-12 | Material: Deadstock woven fabric made from 100% Polyester | Length: Mini
Best Floral
Reformation Kourtney Dress
This floral frock is perfect for fashion-forward brides who want their gowns to fill in as "something blue." A flattering ruched waist and simple spaghetti straps give way to a subtle slit and mixed blue patterns, for an eclectic look.
Who It's For
Brides who want a casual wedding dress that can double as a sundress
Size Range: 00-12 | Materials: Viscose | Length: Ankle
Best for Fall
Revelry Giselle Dress
Fall weddings and velvet fabrics go hand-in-hand, which is why we adore Revelry's Giselle dress for a casual autumn celebration. The glamorous faux-wrap style is elevated but not too fancy, and the short sleeves provide just enough coverage against the fall breeze. Pair it with a pretty jacket or shrug if the temps start to dip.
Who It's For
A bride who wants a glamorous and flattering dress
Size Range: 0-32 | Material: Velvet | Length: Maxi
Best Blazer Dress
SuitShop Women's Tuxedo Dress
If you're torn between a suit and a dress, SuitShop has you covered with a frock that blends the two wedding styles. Featuring a structured tuxedo silhouette, satin lapel, and pockets at the hips, this statement style exudes sophistication, class, and timelessness. We love that it also comes in short lengths for all the petites.
Who It's For
The bride who prefers a more structured and stylish dress
Size Range: 00-20 | Materials: Crepe and satin | Length: Mini
Best Mini
Love Shack Fancy Liv Dress
Between the exaggerated collar and the romantic puff sleeves, LoveShackFancy's Liv dress is fit for a night of dancing with your family and friends. Whether you wear it for the ceremony or just the after-party, this flirty mini was made to turn heads.
Who It's For
A bride who wants a casual dress with a romantic style
Size Range: P-XL | Material: Cotton | Length: Mini
Best Statement Sleeves
Willowby by Watters Cameron Tiered-Sleeve Off-Shoulder Mesh Column Wedding Gown
You don't have to ditch your bold bridal gown vision just because you're having a casual wedding. This gown from Watters Cameron balances a relaxed style with a formal look thanks to its richly textured fabric, large-scale cutwork, puff sleeves, and sweeping floor length.
Who It's For
A bride who wants to wear a formal gown to her casual ceremony
Size Range: 0-26 | Material: Polyester | Length: Floor-length
Best Lace
Bronx and Banco Madeleine Dress
The Madeleine Dress, by Bronx and Banco, is a dream come true for any lace aficionado. The figure-flattering sheath wedding dress features a defined waist and elegant puff sleeves. The scalloped hem is an especially lovely feature because of its raw texture.
Who It's For
The bride who wants a fitted and feminine sheath dress
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Lace, polyester and elastane | Length: Calf-length
This beautiful Lulu's halter dress is ideal for any summer bride because it is both modern and flattering. This sleeveless, pleated bodice dress has an open back and is shaped from sheer woven organza for a sophisticated yet seductive look. Wear this midi-length, stretchy crepe knit skirt with a bodycon silhouette and a sultry side slit for ease of movement during the outdoor ceremony.
Who It's For
A bride who wants a modern dress that is suitable for a summer wedding
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester, spandex | Length: Calf-length
Best Two-Piece
Free People Danelle Set
Calling all fashion-forward brides! Whether worn together or separately, we adore this trendy ruffle-decorated crop top and fitted pants ensemble with some blooming floral accessories and strappy bridal sandals. The easygoing two-piece outfit will become an instant classic after the wedding, whether you opt for a minimalist approach or glam it up with a few statement jewelry pieces.
Who It's For
The bride with a trendsetting style
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Cotton | Length: Floor-length
What to Look for in a Casual Wedding Dress
- Fabric and Length: There's no rule that says a casual wedding equals a casual wedding dress, but usually, the formality of the event will be somewhat congruent to the couple's day-of attire. While you can wear anything you'd like on your special day, "wedding casual" doesn't mean jeans and a t-shirt (unless that's what you prefer, of course!). Instead, look for "quiet luxury" dresses made from lighter fabrics and without heavy detailing or embellishments. A linen dress, like Reformation's Baela Dress, is both simple and lightweight. You can also consider shorter hemlines, so midi and mini dresses like LoveShackFancy Liv Dress, are completely within reason.
- Venue and Season: When sifting through casual wedding dress options, consider your venue and the time of your event, not to mention the season. While a ball gown may sound fun, it might not mesh with your backyard event. Additionally, many casual weddings take place outdoors, and being prepared for the elements (with a jacket or fabric that can fight the breeze) is a must.
- Budget: Lastly, you'll want to consider costs. If a casual wedding means a tight dress budget, look for casual wedding dress styles that don't require much tailoring, can easily be worn again, and feel complimentary to your day-of vision. We included several styles that are around $100, like Lulus Heavenly Maxi Dress. If you're concerned about spending the money, think of it as an investment in a dress you'd wear to church, a nice brunch, or a special outing with friends.
Why Trust Brides
Contributing Expert Writer Rachel Varina is a full-time freelancer with over 10 years of editorial experience and six years of experience in the wedding industry. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Elite Daily, Betches, Zola, and more.