An elaborate ball gown isn’t for everyone, and with wedding trends ever changing, more brides are opting for a laid-back, uber-cool and relaxed bridal style for the big day.
Your wedding day should be completely and utterly you, and that includes your dress. You should both feel and look your beautiful best, and if that means ditching those traditionally ideals of a what a wedding dress should be, then we’re all for it. And with recent events changing the way weddings play out – and forcing us all to have to ‘go with the flow’ – we’re seeing more and more pared down looks heading down the aisle. From mini dresses and bridal suits to boho dresses and jumpsuits, these relaxed wedding dresses and laid-back bridal looks will score you some serious style points.
The Boho Bride
The relaxed bride is often a free-spirited bride with an affinity for all things boho, so it wouldn’t be a round-up of laid-back bridal looks if we didn’t make a nod to OG of laid-back bridal dressing: the bohemian trend. The off-the-shoulder top and full-length skirt of the Florence Ivory two-piece by Grace Loves Lace creates a whimsical silhouette that epitomises a relaxed wedding dress, which the French lace and delicate fabrics exude luxury.
The Mini Dress
However, our interpretation of a laid-back bride doesn’t always have to be a vision of boho beauty strolling bare-foot along a beach, with a wafting silhouette and a flower crown. She’s a bride that’s not fussed about sticking to traditions or fitting into the extravagant bridal stereotypes, so that can mean keeping things short, simple yet still super stylish on the big day. We’re loving the short wedding dress trend currently taking hold at micro-weddings around the world and this understated, ivory mini dress from Reformation ticks all the boxes.
Read More: The Best Dresses for a Micro-Wedding
Laid-Back Bridal Tailoring
A nod to nonchalance and power dressing all in one, this two-piece from Ghost takes tailoring and makes it fitting for a relaxed bride. The Viola jacket is a tailored fit and shapes around the waist, and paired with the wide-leg Senna trousers creates a beautifully understated and elegant bridal look. Both pieces can also be worn again, separately or together, as occasionwear or even a wedding guest outfit.
The Party Dress
A relaxed wedding dress can still pack a punch in the glamour stakes, but in an effortlessly cool kind of way. This mini dress from Harmur is perfect for fun-loving brides who like to get the party started. The bow is detachable, so for brides opting for a more understated look you can ditch it completely or if you’re all for a bold bridal accessories you can choose to add it or take it away at any point in the day.
Ultra-Sleek Silhouettes
A sleek and simple silk dress is a minimalist bride’s uniform, but with delicate fabrics and modern cuts, there’s something bold and alluring about Rowley Hesselballe’s ready-to-wear silhouettes and we’re a little bit obsessed with this Alara silk satin gown.
The Vintage Look
While laid-back brides may have a tendency to break from traditions, a relaxed wedding dress can still provide an homage to times gone by. New takes on vintage 50s and 60s silhouettes are proving popular with modern brides and the relaxed-fit of this Rixo Bridal shift dress creates a timeless look.
A Stunningly Simply Wedding Dress
Sometimes less really is more and this 100% Italian silk matte crepe gown with a gentle cowl neckline with micro spaghetti straps is the perfect example. Savannah Miller’s Cerise gown is super sleek, exquisitly cut and jaw-droppingly beautiful.
The Perfect Bridal Jumpsuit
The sweetheart neckline of the bodice paired with the wide leg trousers creates the most flattering shape, while the pocket details crisp ivory colour emanate effortless bridal cool. Catherine Deane’s Ryo jumpsuit is a chic look for a city bride.
The Bridal Blazer Dress
Relaxed doesn’t always have to mean ephemeral, boho and light wafting fabrics. A laid-back bride is often a bit of rule breaker and this bridal blazer is certainly a long way from the classic bridal gown. A structured fit and micro length, this Rotate piece is perfect for an uber-cool micro wedding.
The Casual Ballgown
With its modern scooped neckline, full-bodied skirt and nonchalant pocket detail, Jenny Yoo’s Lawrence dress is an on-trend ode to the laid-back bride.
The Hippy Bride
House of Ollichon, renowned for their bridal jumpsuits and separates, offer up plenty of wedding dress alternatives for the laid-back and fun-loving bride. With 70s dressing proving popular with the fash-pack, we’re slightly obsessed with these Guilieri Flared Trousers and matching top. The fabric – silk satin with a scalloped top lining – offers a modern, geometric alternative to floral lace.
Read More: Our Pick of the Best Bridal Separates
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