Not every bride dreams of being the bridal princess with a big day. In fact, many brides are opting for a smaller, scaled back affair with a limited guest list - and a more casual wedding dress in tow.

As intimate affairs become increasingly popular, brides are seeking fuss-free wedding dresses without sparkle and voluminous skirts. Whether you’re eloping to an exotic destination or having a local family affair, we’ll cover everything you need to know about casual wedding dresses - from informal dresses for low-key and older brides to dresses suitable for the beach. 

With so many styles to choose from, we’ve whittled down our favourite picks across our Ronald Joyce and Victoria Jane collections to help you choose the perfect casual wedding dress for your needs.

The perfect casual wedding dresses for low-key brides

Casual wedding dresses have become increasingly popular thanks to scaled back weddings during the pandemic where brides have been less extravagant and opted for fuss-free styles. Our amazing designer Veni Infantino has listened to brides and produced plainer gowns for the new collection. Three that we love are 18617, 18610 and 18614.  

Crepe wedding dresses 

18617 is a classic yet casual crepe style featuring blouson chiffon sleeves, a modest split and a scoop corset back. 18610 is also made of crepe with a scoop corset back but features a plunging illusion neckline and straps. 18614 is beautiful halter neck crepe style with a striking chiffon racer back and cascading bridal buttons to the hem - perfect for a beach wedding.

Victoria Jane style 18617 Victoria Jane style 18610 Victoria Jane style 18614

Plain skirt wedding dresses

Two wedding dresses that suit brides wanting a touch of lace are styles 69702 and 18604. Featuring decadent bodices teamed with plainer skirts, both styles offer elegant options without overwhelming detail. 

Ronald Joyce style 69702 Victoria Jane style 18604

Boho wedding dresses 

The boho look is a trend that is sticking with us for many years to come. The increasingly popular style is effortless and easy to wear with floaty skirts and a range of delicate details.  However, we love the simplicity of styles 18608 and 18618, which we think would look fabulous at whimsical outdoor weddings. We particularly love the feminine v-neckine and distinctive laser-cut waistband in style 18608 and illusion side panels and train hem in style 18618.

Victoria Jane style 18608 Victoria Jane style 18618

Bridal jumpsuits

Have you considered a wedding jumpsuit? Perhaps you're not a fan of layers or feel awkward in a dress. Maybe you've worn a big white dress before and seek a completely different style for your second wedding.  Two wedding jumpsuits from our Victoria Jane collection deliver something different. Vega (style 18567) is our exquisite crepe, tulle and floral lace embroidered jumpsuit featuring sheer 3/4 length sleeves and an open back. What’s more, it can be worn with an accompanying bodice and detachable overskirt (sold separately as style 18568) for a more covered look and alternative A-line silhouette. 

Victoria Jane style 18567 69820_054_cropped

We also love Kathleen (style 69820) for a beach ceremony. Featuring an open back, sheer legs and chic lace halterneck neckline, it’s the perfect pick for the party-loving bride or a second evening outfit. A complementing chiffon overskirt with leg split offers a more traditional element to this bridal look. Perfect for taking the look from day to evening and wearing while walking down the aisle.

Wedding dresses for older brides

For more mature brides or vow renewals, three of our classic styles provide something less extravagant and more structured - 69651, 69678, and 69661.

Our first plain option with more structure is Fabienne (style 69651), a Mikado A-line wedding dress with a modern waist belt and an alluring off-the-shoulder lapel neckine. Floretta (style 69678) also offers a plain Mikado dress with a fit and flare silhouette, striking keyhole neckline and structured collar. Our final choice is Fiorella (style 69661), a structured fit and flare Mikado gown with a high back and ruched asymmetrical off-the-shoulder cap sleeves.

Ronald Joyce style 69651 Ronald Joyce style 69678 Ronald Joyce style 69661

If you’re seeking a plus-size casual wedding dress, you may also delight in the knowledge that all of our wedding dress styles are available in UK sizes 6 to 30.

Good luck in your search for your dream dress!

Your local bridal boutique will be able to match you with the Ronald Joyce lace wedding dress of your dreams.

Browse all of our designer wedding dresses here.

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