15 best casual wedding dresses 2023: Simple & low-key bridal gowns for a small ceremony

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

The good news is that low-key bridal gowns can be equally as stunning and will make you feel just as special as their lavish counterparts. You don’t always need sparkles, bows or big trains to make a statement on your wedding day. 

If you’re looking for proof, we’ve found the best styles available to buy online now from ASOS, Whistles, Net-a-Porter and more…

Hope & Ivy embroidered maxi dress, £140, ASOS

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This sleek bridal gown by Hope & Ivy features an embellished body and open back. It’s special enough for your wedding without being extravagant.

Hollyhock dress, £448, Reformation

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With its slim-fitting bodice and flowing skirt, this beautiful Reformation dress is so flattering and comfortable enough to wear through the night. It’s fully lined and has a romantic sweetheart neckline.

Jenny Yoo Bellini satin midi dress, £250, Selfridges

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A perfect indicator of a low-key bridal dress is whether you can picture yourself wearing it after your big day – and this is the case with Jenny Yoo’s new season midi. Add a pair of sandals to dress it down on a summer’s day, or wear it with heels and a leather jacket for an evening look.

Mia square neck wedding dress, £499, Whistles

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Whistles’ sell-out Mia dress is now back in stock. With its square neckline, deep back and subtly cinched waist, this casual wedding dress is beautifully sophisticated and understated. 

Vanessa Cocchiaro C.J. shirred crepe mini dress, £192, Net-A-Porter

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Trade a traditional bridal gown for an effortless 60s-style mini dress by Vanessa Cocchiaro. It features delicate ruffles around the high neckline and pairs perfectly with strappy heels.

Long sleeve maxi dress with train, £143.20, Coast

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This casual Coast wedding dress looks far more expensive than its £140 price tag. Mixing a fitted bodice and cutaway back with a maxi length skirt flowing into a fishtail hem, it’s a toned-down take on a traditional style.

Phase Eight caterina embroidered wedding dress, £295, John Lewis

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Shorter wedding dresses are an easy way to look more casual without compromising on detail. This gorgeous midi is made from intricate lace and completed with a detachable satin tie belt.

Galvan Pandora silk-satin halterneck midi dress, £895, Net-A-Porter

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Crafted from silk-satin with a silhouette-skimming fit, pair Galvan’s Pandora dress with statement shoes for a stunning wedding ensemble that’s still low-key.

Sachin & Babi midi wedding dress, £1,040, Farfetch

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The cropped length and spaghetti straps make this midi dress perfect for dressing down after your wedding. We love the delicate crystal-embellished brooches.

Vintage satin wedding dress, £999, LK Bennett

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How stunning is this vintage wedding dress from LK Bennett? The ivory satin crepe maxi dress features a 70s rounded collar, buttoned bodice and high slit to the front.

Self-Portrait Grosgrain-trimmed corded lace mini dress, £350, Net-a-Porter

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Instead of bright white, try an ivory mini dress covered with pretty guipure lace, complete with a fit-and-flare silhouette and scalloped edges.

Gillian spot mesh embellished bridal dress, £499, Monsoon

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Monsoon’s Gillian dress has a simple cut but features beautiful sheer flutter sleeves and all-over delicate embroidery. 

Nancy frill wedding dress, £455, Needle & Thread

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Keep your outfit romantic with Needle & Thread’s champagne dress featuring delicate layers of gathered tulle scattered with sequins. You can take your pick from a mini, ballerina or full-length gown. 

Rime Arodaky Jax belted lace-trimmed crepe mini dress, £1,195, Net-a-Porter

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If you’re in the market for an alternative style, take a look at this mini dress by Rime Arodaky. It’s cut from crepe, trimmed with netted lace and tailored in the shape of a blazer for a truly modern bride.

Laurel dress, £495, Ghost

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This timeless maxi dress is made from flowing satin-back crepe and is fully lined. With a cut that edges on conservative, it’s perfect for a low-key wedding.

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