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Updated Oct 14, 202425 Casual Wedding Dresses for the Laid-Back Bride
You'll love these low-key looks.
Photo: Anthropologie, Show Me Your Mumu, Anthropologie
A classic wedding dress isn't for everyone. We get it. If you're planning a courthouse ceremony, backyard bash, or any other relatively low-key ceremony, it might not be the right choice for your venue. For brides looking to take a more laid-back approach to their wedding wardrobe, casual wedding dresses are the way to go. Offering all the bridal charm with far less fuss and more versatile silhouettes, they can easily be re-worn, making them a more sustainable choice. To ease the stress of finding the perfect dress, we've rounded up the top 25 casual wedding dresses for 2024. Keep scrolling to seamlessly shop our picks with the click of a button.
In this article…
- What is a Casual Wedding Dress?
- Where to Buy Casual Wedding Dresses
- The Best Casual Wedding Dresses for 2024
What is a Casual Wedding Dress?
"Ideally, a casual wedding dress should mirror your day-to-day style," says The Knot's senior fashion and beauty editor Naomi Rougeau. "And I really should put "casual" in quotes as your choice of dress should still speak to the importance of the occasion, simply with far less yardage of fabric." Think simple sundresses or even frilly frocks. They're typically made from lightweight materials, like linen or chiffon. They're also often found with shorter hemlines, whether it be tea-length or even mini. Basically, anything other than a floor-length gown or suit could count as casual wedding attire.
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So, why do some brides decide to skip the traditional wedding gown and opt for a casual wedding dress instead? Simply put: To feel more like themselves. It's not every day you get to dress up in a grand floor-length gown, and doing so can feel quite unnatural for some. A casual wedding dress takes away that pressure. They allow you to look (and feel) a bit more like your everyday self on your big day.
When thinking about your wedding dress, re-wearability might not be a factor that's high on your list of things to consider (understandably so), but that's another major benefit of choosing a casual wedding dress. Because they closely resemble everyday attire, you can get away with wearing them again and again. Who doesn't like the sound of that?
Where to Buy Casual Wedding Dresses
Now that you know what defines a casual wedding dress, let's talk about where to find them. Whether you're on a budget, in a hurry, or simply like the convenience of shopping online, these retailers are the perfect place to begin your search:
- For Trendy White Casual Wedding Dresses: Reformation | One thing about Reformation: They're always on trend. Whether you're browsing for a little white dress for your wedding day, or shopping for everyday wear, you're guaranteed to find the hottest styles within their selection. P.S.: Their products are also sustainably made.
- For Casual Boho Wedding Dresses: Free People | When you think boho dresses, you probably think Free People. Us too. They're one of our favorite places to shop casual wedding dresses with free-spirited flair. Not to mention, in addition to their white bridal styles, they also have plenty of options in color (perfect for the bride looking to bend the rules).
- For a Casual Courthouse Wedding Dress: Nadine Merabi | From casual wedding dresses to tailored pantsuits, Nadine Merabi has everything you need to show up to your courthouse ceremony in style. Their looks are elevated enough to wear on your wedding day but still laid back enough to incorporate into your rotation long afterward.
- For Affordable Casual Wedding Dresses: Petal + Pup | If you're a bride on a budget, Petal + Pup is the perfect place to begin your search for a casual wedding dress. They have plenty of stylish options for less than $100. Better yet? You can get $15 off your order when you use the code 'PETALXKNOT' at checkout.
- For Casual Plus-Size Wedding Dresses: ELOQUII | When it comes to plus-size bridal attire, ELOQUII is our go-to. On their website, you'll find everything from casual wedding dresses to elegant gowns, and even some fun and festive separates. And because of their affordable pricing, they are a no-brainer for brides sizes 14 through 32.
- For Casual Wedding Dresses for Older Brides: Karen Millen | Style has no age limit, and Karen Millen's selection of casual wedding dresses proves it. They have options for every bride, no matter their age. Plus, many of their most popular styles are available in standard, petite, plus, and tall size ranges.
- For Unique Casual Wedding Dresses: Anthropologie | Casual wedding dresses don't have to be boring, and the reality is that most aren't. Choosing to wear a more informal look is a fashion statement in itself, but if you really want to stand out, we recommend checking out Anthropologie. Their wide selection of styles includes unique options from trending brands and designers.
- Don't Forget Your Local Bridal Shops! | There's a good chance that your local bridal salon carries a selection of casual wedding dresses. You heard that right. It's totally possible to get a laid-back look with a designer label. Chat with a stylist about what you're looking for, and they can help guide you to the dress of your dreams.
The Best Casual Wedding Dresses for 2024
Good news: Finding an effortless-looking wedding dress doesn't require much effort. To save you some stress, we've rounded up 25 of the best casual wedding dresses for 2024, including options for every bridal style and budget. The best part? They can all be shipped straight to your door. Talk about keeping things casual.
1. BHLDN Holly Faux Leather Halter Midi Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
Here's a look that will give your little black dress a run for its money. The Holly dress features timeless details including a halter neckline, figure-flattering silhouette and dramatic open back.
Size Range: XS - XL | Length: Midi
2. Showpo Charlita Maxi Dress in Pearl
Photo: Showpo
This streamlined satin dress is perfect for pairing with all your favorite bridal accessories. Consider it a blank canvas just waiting to be decorated.
Size Range: 0 - 16 | Length: Maxi
3. Karen Millen Tailored Compact Stretch Viscose Cape Mesh Panel Midi Dress in Ivory
Photo: Karen Millen
Talk about making a grand entrance. While cape sleeves aren't typically considered casual, you could easily dress this option down with a pair of block heeled sandals for a more laid back look.
Size Range: 2 - 12 | Length: Midi
4. BHLDN Ingrid Off-The-Shoulder Midi Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
Understated looks are never overrated, and the Ingrid dress proves it. Its stylish mid-length silhouette features an off-the-shoulder neckline and meticulous seam detailing.
Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Midi
5. Tadashi Shoji Parmer Bow Back Dress
Photo: Tadashi Shoji
Simple strapless dress: You've met your match. An oversized bow detailing on the back of this figure-flattering midi dress takes its look to the next level.
Size Range: 00 - 18 | Length: Midi
6. Bridal by ELOQUII Strapless Mini Dress With Draped Train
Photo: ELOQUII
This strapless dress may be mini in length but it offers maximum bridal glam, thanks to the help of its oversized bow decal and dramatic trailing cape, of course.
Size Range: 14 - 32 | Length: Mini
7. Lulus Dose of Love Ivory Satin Off-the-Shoulder Mermaid Maxi Dress
Photo: Lulus
This off-the-shoulder maxi dress from Lulus just screams 'summer'. Pair it with sandals for a backyard wedding, or go barefoot on the beach.
Size Range: XS - XL | Length: Maxi
8. BHLDN Jayne Halter Midi Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
The Jayne dress offers vintage vibes in a way that still feels fresh and modern. Complete your look with a string of pearls and a pair of slingback patent pumps.
Size Range: XS - XL | Length: Midi
9. Reformation Babette Silk Dress
Photo: Reformation
What this dress lacks in length it makes up for in style. Cut from iridescent silk charmeuse fabric, the bubble hem mini is a trendy option for 2024 brides.
Size Range: 0 - 12 | Length: Mini
10. Show Me Your Mumu Nicole Maxi Dress in Ivory Luxe Satin
Photo: Show Me Your Mumu
Maybe you're a bride looking to prioritize comfort on your big day. In that case, we have the dress for you. This lightweight maxi dress was practically made to move and groove in.
Size Range: XXS - 3XL | Length: Maxi
11. Reformation Zenni Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
From your bachelorette party to your big day, you're guaranteed to get plenty of use out of this mini dress. Its timeless silhouette makes it the ideal option for any occasion.
Size Range: 0 - 12 | Length: Mini
12. Bridal by ELOQUII Organza Ruffle Mini Dress
Photo: ELOQUII
This festive mini dress is totally wedding reception-ready. Thanks to its breezy A-line skirt, it won't hinder your moves on the dance floor.
Size Range: 14 - 28 | Length: Mini
13. Lulus Talk About Divine White Long Sleeve Backless Maxi Dress
Photo: Lulus
Seriously, what's not to love about this classic maxi dress? With a plunging neckline, sheer long sleeves and an open back, it checks off all our boxes.
Size Range: XS - 3XL | Length: Maxi
14. Reformation Butterfly Dress
Photo: Reformation
Not only is this dress sustainably made, but it's also ultra-timeless (a.k.a. you'll love it for a long time to come). Consider it an investment into your future stylish self.
Size Range: 0 - 12 | Length: Midi
15. Petal + Pup Quinn Bell Sleeve Mini Dress in Cream
Photo: Petal + Pup
Boho brides: This one's for you. Let your free spirited side shine in this whimsical mini, which features bell sleeves and a lace floral fabric.
Size Range: XS - XL | Length: Mini
16. Dress The Population Alicia Chiffon A-Line Dress
Photo: Dress The Population
Trust us: You'll love this look long after your wedding day. Its ultra-classic silhouette, featuring a V-neckline and an A-line skirt, is guaranteed to stand the test of time.
Size Range: XXS - XXL | Length: Midi
17. Bridal by ELOQUII Tiered Ruffle Dress
Photo: ELOQUII
Who says you can't spot a sundress on your wedding day? Certainly not us. Whether you're lounging poolside or walking down the aisle, this tiered ruffle dress is a foolproof outfit option.
Size Range: 14 - 28 | Length: Maxi
18. BHLDN Stevie Sleeveless V-Neck Floral Appliqué A-Line Midi Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
If you thought casual wedding dresses had to be plain, think again. With all-over floral appliques, the Stevie dress offers all the glam of a classic wedding gown in a shorter package.
Size Range: XS - 3XL | Length: Midi
19. Petal + Pup Annette Puff Sleeve Shirred Midi Dress in White
Photo: Petal + Pup
A simple sundress is about as casual as it gets. Pair this puff-sleeved midi dress with some platform espadrilles and your favorite pair of sunnies for an outdoor event.
Size Range: XS - XL | Length: Midi
20. V. Chapman Lily Ruched & Ruffled Stretch Midi Dress
Photo: Anthropologie
At the intersection of sexy and sweet, you'll find the Lily dress. It features a figure-flattering bodycon silhouette and all-over ruffle detailing. Swoon.
Size Range: 0 - 16 | Length: Midi
21. Sachin & Babi Camila Dress in Ivory
Photo: Sachin & Babi
Going to the chapel? This modest wedding dress is the way to go. Its high neckline, puff sleeves and a belted waist prove that you don't need to show skin to be stylish.
Size Range: 0 - 22W | Length: Maxi
22. Show Me Your Mumu Clarissa Corset Dress
Photo: Show Me Your Mumu
We found the quintessential casual wedding dress. You're welcome. Between the Clarissa dress' straight neckline, A-line skirt and leg slit, it's an instant classic.
Size Range: XXS - XXL | Length: Maxi
23. Torrid Ivory Lace A-line Boho Wedding Dress
Photo: Torrid
Planning an impromptu 'I do'? We have the look for you. This lace maxi dress offers all the charm of a classic wedding gown. Plus, it can be shipped to your door ASAP.
Size Range: 10 - 30 | Length: Maxi
24. ASTR The Label Off Shoulder Puff Sleeve Midi Dress in White
Photo: ASTR The Label
This shoulder-baring style is practically begging to be worn alongside your favorite statement-making accessories. Might we recommend a trendy bridal rosette?
Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Midi
25. Reformation Kairo Dress
Photo: Reformation
Equal parts comfortable and cute, the Kairo dress is the ideal choice for a casual summer wedding. It's made from lightweight material and features a breathable mid-length silhouette.
Size Range: 0 - 12 | Length: Midi
