Top 12 Casual Wedding Dresses 2024: Elegant and understated bridal gowns for intimate ceremonies

Casual weddings have become increasingly popular in recent years, as couples opt for a more relaxed and intimate celebration over a traditional extravagant affair. With the growing trend of small weddings and elopements, casual wedding dresses are in high demand for brides who want to keep things simple and low-key on their big day.

If you’re planning a casual wedding in 2024 and looking for the perfect dress to match the laid-back vibe, we’ve got you covered! Here are 12 of the best casual wedding dresses for 2024:

1. A-Line Lace Dress: This classic silhouette is perfect for a casual wedding, with its romantic lace detailing and flattering A-line shape.

2. Boho Maxi Dress: Embrace your inner bohemian goddess with a flowing maxi dress in soft, lightweight fabric.

3. Simple Slip Dress: The epitome of understated elegance, a simple slip dress is perfect for a small ceremony.

4. Off-the-Shoulder Gown: Show off your shoulders in a romantic off-the-shoulder gown that exudes effortless glamour.

5. Tea-Length Dress: For a vintage-inspired look, opt for a tea-length dress with a full skirt and delicate lace detailing.

6. Short and Sweet: A short dress is a fun and flirty option for a casual wedding, perfect for dancing the night away.

7. Jumpsuit: For the fashion-forward bride, a chic jumpsuit is a stylish alternative to a traditional wedding dress.

8. Lace Crop Top and Skirt: Mix and match a lace crop top with a flowy skirt for a modern and romantic look.

9. Floral Print Dress: Embrace the whimsy of a floral print dress for a casual outdoor wedding.

10. Boho Wrap Dress: A boho-inspired wrap dress is a comfortable and stylish option for a low-key wedding.

11. Beachy Slip Dress: If you’re tying the knot by the sea, a beachy slip dress is the perfect choice for a casual beach wedding.

12. Laid-Back Romper: For the ultimate in comfort and style, a chic romper is a unique and playful option for a casual wedding.

Whether you’re planning a small ceremony with just a few guests or an elopement in a picturesque location, these 12 casual wedding dresses are the perfect choice for a low-key and intimate celebration in 2024.

Many couples are choosing to have smaller wedding ceremonies these days, which means intimate venues and often a more casual wedding dress for the bride.

Equally, multiple weddings are also becoming increasingly common, with couples tying the knot in front of close friends and family before having a bigger ceremony later on. Brides are opting for more than one wedding dress, the first usually more casual than the second.

The good news is that low-key bridal gowns can be just as beautiful as their lavish counterparts. You don’t always need extravagant silhouettes or show-stopping trains to feel special on your big day.

Celebrities wearing casual wedding dresses

Sofia Richie wedding day — Sofia Richie wore Chanel on her wedding day

Just because it’s ‘casual’ doesn’t mean it can’t be Chanel. Sofia Richie wore a mini dress adorned with the brand’s signature camellia flower for her wedding reception – one of three of her bridal gowns by the Parisian fashion house. The sleeveless style made its debut on the runway in the AW93 haute couture show, worn by Claudia Schiffer.

Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo getting married in Chelsea — Sophie Habboo wore a mini dress to get married in Chelsea

Sophie Habbo was another bride who chose a more casual wedding dress for her nuptials to Jamie Laing in London, before their second celebration in Spain. The couple got married at Chelsea Registry Office and Sophie wore a mini dress by Vivienne Westwood, complete with a corset bodice, sweetheart neckline, off-the-shoulder straps, and a tulip skirt.

Meghan Markle wore a Stella McCartney gown during her wedding day in 2018 — Meghan Markle wore a Stella McCartney bridal gown in 2018

The Duchess of Sussex chose a modest wedding dress by Givenchy’s Clare Waight Keller when she married Prince Harry in 2018, but it was the Stella McCartney gown she stepped out in later that day that had us obsessed. The elegant halterneck design had a simple floor-length silhouette and open back.

How we chose the best casual wedding dresses

Cut: If your wedding ceremony is more low-key, you likely want a dress with a simple cut without a train, and possibly a shorter length. We’ve included a mix of very modern minis, floor-length gowns without too much fuss, and understated midi dresses which hit the sweet spot between the two.
Price: There could be many reasons you’ve chosen a low-key ceremony, but for those looking to keep costs down, we’ve only chosen dresses priced at less than £1,000 – with some far more affordable options, too.
Quality: Casual doesn’t mean compromising on quality. We’ve chosen dresses made from materials that will still have you feeling amazing on your wedding day. Tactile silks and satins always look luxe, as do jacquard and crepe.

Reformation Rhonda Silk Wedding Dress

Sizes available: UK 4-16

Shipping: £6 Standard Delivery or free over £100

Returns: £6 within 30 days

Made from 100% silk, this stunning Reformation dress has a sleek, figure-skimming cut falling to a maxi length. We think this minimalist style could pass for a designer piece.
Phase Eight Annalise Beaded Wedding Dress

Sizes available: UK 6-18

Shipping: £2.95 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £150

Returns: Free within 28 days

If you’re looking for something low-key but still love a bit of sparkle, Phase Eight’s Annalise dress has been hand-beaded with floral appliques and embellishments. It features a maxi length with a tulle skirt and a simple waist belt.
Whistles Mia Wedding Dress

Sizes available: UK 4-20

Shipping: £6 Standard Delivery or free on orders over £150

Returns: Free within 28 days

Whistles’ sell-out Mia dress is now back in stock. With its simple silhouette featuring a square neckline and subtly cinched waist, it’s beautifully sophisticated and understated.
Rebecca Vallance Bridal Madeline Mini Dress

Sizes available: UK 4-16

Shipping: £8 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £350

Returns: Free within 30 days

If you’re looking for a mini dress, royal-approved Australian designer Rebecca Vallance has this bow-adorned creation that’s gorgeous for a truly modern bride. Made from textured crêpe, it has a strapless silhouette with a bow appliqué at the back.
Galvan Pandora Satin Halterneck Midi Dress

Sizes available: EUR 34-44

Shipping: £7 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £300

Returns: Free within 30 days

Channel Meghan Markle in Galvan’s halterneck Pandora dress. Crafted from silk-satin in a pearlescent ivory hue, it’s cut a little shorter than full length. Pair it with statement shoes for a stunning casual wedding ensemble.
Sachin & Babi Audra Wedding Dress

Sizes available: XXXS-XXL

Shipping: Free Standard Delivery for orders over £400

Returns: Free within 14 days

The cropped length and spaghetti straps make this flared midi dress by New York label Sachin & Babi perfect for a low-key wedding. We love the delicate crystal-embellished brooches.
Forever New Kate Structured Rosette Mini Dress

Sizes available: UK 4-16

Shipping: £4.99 Standard Delivery or free over £100

Returns: Free within 14 days

With its rosette detail and square neckline, Forever New’s white mini dress is a lookalike for Sofia Richie’s Chanel number, for a fraction of the price. It’s fully lined with a tailored fit and structured seams throughout the body.
Monsoon Liz Embroidered Wedding Dress

Sizes available: UK 6-18

Shipping: £3.95 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £50

Returns: Free within 28 days

Monsoon’s Liz dress has a simple cut with beautiful sheer flutter sleeves and delicate embroidery. Our favourite feature? The tiny buttons in the lining so you can lift the train up to dance until the early hours.
Coast Plunge Jacquard Wedding Dress

Sizes available: UK 8-18

Shipping: £3.99 Standard Delivery

Returns: £1.99 within 28 days

This dreamy jacquard wedding dress from Coast looks far more expensive than its £127 price tag. Mixing a full skirt and elegant plunge neckline, it has a beautiful embroidered pattern with a textured appearance.
ASOS DESIGN Emily Drape Wedding Dress

Sizes available: UK 4-18

Shipping: Free Standard Delivery

Returns: Free within 28 days

With its spaghetti straps, plunge neckline and drape detail, we’re picturing this ASOS bridal gown at a beach wedding. It’s made from a satin fabric and is adjustable.
Rixo Toni Feathered Mini Dress

Sizes available: UK 6-24

Shipping: £5 Standard Delivery

Returns: Free within 14 days

We think Rixo’s feathered-trimmed bridal mini dress would be perfect for a smaller city wedding. The flattering piece features a classic V-neckline, an A-line skirt, and slightly flared sleeves.
LK Bennett Lovette Devoré Wedding Dress

Sizes available: UK 4-20

Shipping: £2.95 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £150

Returns: Free within 28 days

Those looking for a modest wedding dress will love this vintage-style piece from LK Bennett’s debut bridal collection. Made from an antique cream sheer fabric with floral and heart devoré, it’s cut with a high neck, long sleeves, and a floaty maxi-length skirt.