When it comes to weddings, some of us go all out on the glitz and glam, while others choose a more laid-back celebration. Of course, there's no such thing as a wrong way to celebrate your wedding, so if you're hoping to keep things casual, you should go for it. Not only will such an occasion go easy on your pockets, but the laid-back setting makes it easier for your wedding guests to follow through with the dress code.
However, even though planning for the big day is essential, choosing a casual outfit that feels special, beautiful, and matches your wedding theme is just as important. Details like shoestring straps, clean V-necks, short shifts, secret pockets, shoulder cutouts, and banded lace trims can give your bridal wear a playful and casual look. Casual and elegant bridal attires are simply airy and whimsical. From off-shoulders to pantsuits, you have endless options to choose from for your big day.
Below, we have put together a list of wedding dresses that will be perfect for your laid-back wedding.
Bridal Tuxedos
Just as there is a beautiful wedding dress for every bride, there is an equally perfect tuxedo! Today's brides don the pants, and they do so with style and elegance. Tuxedos have designs that are flattering to the female silhouette along with elements that make it perfect for contemporary brides. If you can't decide between a dress and a suit for your wedding, then you can opt for a style that incorporates the two. Tuxedo bridal dresses ooze refinement, timelessness, and class with their structured designs.
Bridal Separates and Two Piece Dresses
With this bridal attire, you can come up with your design by matching and mixing bridal separates. You can enjoy rocking a stylish crop top and fitting pants or a lace skirt paired with beautiful bridal accessories and chic sandals.
Whether you choose a minimalist look or spice up your style by adding a couple of jewelry pieces, a simple two-piece bridal dress will become a wardrobe staple right after your big day.
Bodycon Wedding Dresses
Bodycon wedding dresses are the types of dresses that are skin-tight around the bride's waist, chest, and hip areas. The dress then becomes loose around the ankles.
These dresses are a perfect choice for confident brides who would like to turn everyone's heads. Summer brides can choose bodycon dresses because they are both fashionable and flattering and will leave an unforgettable impression.
How can brides pull off this look for their laid-back celebrations? You can emphasize your beautiful figure in a well-fitted, form-hugging dress. If you are feeling more hearing, you can create a sophisticated look by choosing a low-cut or plunging neckline.
For an ethereal look, you can pick lace or silk fabrics. For ease, while moving around an outdoor celebration, go for a midi-length, flexible crepe skirt that features a bodycon style and a sexy side slit.
Casual Bridal Dresses For Beach Ceremonies
You'll be pleasantly surprised by the wide range of stunning casual wedding gowns that are perfect for ceremonies by the beach. The idea here is to look understated and plain to blend into your natural environment. Choose something light, a little free, and comfortable, and allows movement while keeping in mind your location.
Fabrics such as lace, tulle, chiffon, sheer, and satin work well for beach ceremonies. They are light, easy to wear, appealing, and exude sensual femininity.
Off-The-Shoulder Wedding Dresses
Off-shoulder wedding gowns are an embodiment of romance, sophistication, and sensuality. This look is perfect for anyone hoping to embody a princess or fairytale character.
They accentuate a wide range of bridal gown silhouettes. Brides can go for ball gowns, mermaid silhouettes, A-lines, and sheaths for the big day. Whether you choose to flaunt or hide your figure, they will give you an irresistible and flirtatious look. This wedding dress style is also perfect for brides who would like to play up their hairstyles and accessories.
Casual Long-Sleeve Wedding Dresses
No matter what kind of wedding dress you choose, sleeved options are almost always a safe bet. But the style is far more appealing when worn with casual bridal gowns. The casual wedding gown sleeves add a feminine touch to the entire ensemble. This is the style to go for if you're looking for something romantic and classic.
Short and Mini Bridal Dresses
Short and mini wedding dresses are classic designs that are becoming more popular. Besides that, they are perfect for women who like vintage style. They're simple enough to slip on for a night out dancing and a quick getaway, should the need arise.
If you're a bride who is on the shorter side, wearing short dresses that fit you snugly is an excellent way to give the illusion that you are taller than you are. Dresses in this category—whether flowy, halter, lace, or shift—are guaranteed to make jaws drop
Bridal Wedding Pantsuits and Jumpsuits
The popularity of contemporary casual wedding pantsuits and jumpsuits has skyrocketed, taking the bridal market by storm. Instead of wearing traditional wedding gowns, casual pantsuits are elegant, trendy, and unique. Think about wearing exquisitely crafted lace tops with slick, wide-legged pants for a glamorous look.
Are you trying to be alluring? Choose a sweetheart neckline and cropped pants or billowing legs. Are you going for a look that is more bohemian, modern, rustic, or unconventional? You can choose trouser pants with lace inserts that match the top's intricate detailing, or a one-shoulder jumpsuit with an oversized bow and a tight fit.
What to Consider While Shopping for Your Casual Wedding Dress
Here are some things to keep in mind while shopping for a casual wedding dress:
Length and Fabric
No hard and fast rule states the bride must wear a casual dress to her wedding if the ceremony is laid-back. However, the guests and the newlyweds should dress in a manner that is consistent with the event's formality. Even though you can put on whatever you like for your big day, "wedding casual" does not necessarily mean sweatpants and a tank top (unless that is what you choose, of course!).
Rather, look for wedding dresses with lightweight fabrics and minimal embellishments and detailing. You can also choose a linen fabric or shorter hemlines.
Season and Wedding Venue
Think about the event's location, when it will take place, as well as the time of year as you narrow down your choices. For example, a ball gown could seem like fun, but it may not be the best choice for your garden party.
In addition, a lot of laid-back ceremonies take place outside, so it's smart to dress appropriately and bring along a jacket to shelter you from the cold.
Budget
Last but not least, you should be flexible. If you're on a low budget but still want to look amazing on your wedding day, consider styles that don't need alterations, can be re-worn, and complement your overall wedding day goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some questions that brides commonly ask:
Do I Have to Wear a Formal Bridal Gown to My Laid-Back Wedding?
You don’t. It doesn't matter what you're wearing—a two-piece outfit, a bridal jumpsuit, or anything else you currently have lying in your closet—as long as you're comfortable. Although most brides having a casual wedding still opt for lighter shades for their wedding day attire, it is also not compulsory. You should go with whatever makes you happy.
What Types of Venues are Best Suited for Casual Wedding Dresses?
Casual wedding dresses are increasingly popular for outdoor ceremonies, such as those held in the backyard, in the park or garden, or on the beach. They are also common for weddings held in courthouses.
Casual bridal gowns are ideal for relaxed places. You can relax completely without sacrificing any of your allure. And ultimately, it doesn't make a difference where you have your wedding. The goal is to dress in a way that will make you feel confident and beautiful.
What Should a Bride Wear for a Garden Wedding?
For a laid-back garden wedding, you should wear an ethereal garden wedding gown; you can choose to use floral designs and lace as you take inspiration from nature. A bridal jacket also needs to be on standby in case it rains on your big day. We also advise choosing a soft, flowy dress with a midi or mini hem that will not drag on muddy ground.
Keep in mind that wedding flats or wedges are recommended if you plan to walk on the grass.
Find a Bridal Salon Near Me
If you're still having trouble deciding which dress would be perfect for your laidback wedding, you should speak with a bridal stylist to help you narrow down your search and make a choice. At Beautiful Day Wedding, we pride ourselves on helping brides find their perfect wedding dress and create a day they will never forget.
Our Los Angeles store has a selection of dresses that you can choose from. We can also help you get the dress tailored to perfection without compromising on the design. Call us today at 213-386-1900 for more information.
