What is a simple wedding dress?

Traditionally, a simple wedding dress is clean and sleek with minimal embellishments. A simple wedding dress is pared-back and unfussy and suited to all types of weddings from casual ceremonies to formal nuptials .

How do I style a simple wedding dress?

If you're more of a minimalist, you can choose to pair your dress with delicate personal jewelry and modern accessories. If you're looking to make a statement, consider a dramatic floor-length veil or shoulder-grazing earrings.

Are simple wedding dresses less expensive than other wedding dresses?

Usually, simple wedding dresses with less embellishments like hand beading or embroidery will be less expensive than ornate gowns. That said, the type of fabric also plays a major role in the overall cost of a gown so make sure to familiarize yourself with the different types of fabrics before you start your search.

17 Best Simple Wedding Dresses of 2021

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Commerce Photo Composite — Brides / Chloe Jeong

We're firm believers that your wedding day look should celebrate and showcase your personal style. While some brides may covet dramatic ballgowns crafted from layers of voluminous tulle or heavily embellished fabrics, others may find beauty in clean lines, classic silhouettes, and subtle details. If you fall into the latter category – you're a minimalist bride.

As a minimalist bride, you'll likely be drawn to simple and classic silhouettes like pared-back slip dresses, unadorned ballgowns, and courthouse-chic mini dresses. For the bride who seeks out simple designs with an unexpected twist, you'll love gowns that boast subtle and shimmering beading, romantic lace details, and modern necklines. Whether you're having an intimate backyard ceremony, throwing a glamorous black-tie wedding or exchanging vows at city hall, there are scores of simple wedding dresses out there to complement every bridal style.

Read on for the best simple wedding dresses for every season, body type, and budget.

Best Off-the-Shoulder: David's Bridal Off-the-Shoulder Dress

simple dress — Courtesy of David's Bridal

You can never go wrong with an elegant off-the-shoulder number–especially if it's crafted from oh-so-flattering body-skimming fabric. This mermaid style could easily be worn for a winter or summer wedding.

Most Timeless: Galvan Lines Charmeuse Slip Dress

This slim-fitting gown is the epitome of effortless chic. Whether you're getting married at city hall, in a ballroom, or in your backyard, this simple silhouette is never out of place.

Most Intricate Back: Tadashi Shoji Cowl-Back Crepe Gown

Conservative in the front, all party in the back, this Tadashi Shoji stunner will photograph beautifully from all angles. Sweep your hair up into a loose bun to really showcase all of the lace detail.

For a Black-Tie Wedding: Nouvelle Amsale Strapless Ball Gown

Brides who covet traditional styles and clean lines will love this modern take on a classic silhouette. Featuring a gentle train and an impressive abstract bow, this gown is perfect for a black-tie affair.

Best Slip Dress: Julie de Libran Crystal-Embellished Silk-Satin Gown

If you're a bride-to-be with a minimalist aesthetic, then a simple slip dress is a no-brainer for your wedding day but if you're looking for an elevated version of this classic silhouette, then opt for a style with unexpected details. This silk-satin slip from Julie de Libran features an exquisite crystal embellished back and a high slit at the front.

Most Romantic: Reformation Geranium Dress with Back Bow

This Reformation dress is the epitome of understated glamour with its subtle neckline, puff sleeves and plunging v-back–talk about old Hollywood glam!

Best Size Inclusive: David's Bridal Strapless Plus Size Dress

simple wedding dress — Courtesy of David's Bridal

This clean and modern stretch crepe strapless gown hugs your body in all of the right places. Designed with a form-fitting bodice and curve-accentuating princess seams, this David's Bridal gown couldn't be any more flattering or timeless.

For a Spring Wedding: Black Halo Asymmetrical Bodice Dress

For the spring or summer bride, a strapless column dress is the way to go. This Black Halo number actually features a no-slip grip on the bodice so you won't have to worry about adjusting your gown throughout the night–phew!

Best Cowl Neck: Jenny by Jenny Yoo Minimalist Slip Gown

This Jenny by Jenny Yoo style features a soft cowl neckline, an empire bust seam, and a bias-cut skirt that gives way to a gentle train to create a truly figure-flattering design.

Best Ballgown: David's Bridal Off-the-Shoulder Satin Plus Size Gown

Accentuate your decolletage and waist in this off-the-shoulder A-line gown. Crafted from dreamy lightweight satin and complete with hidden pockets, you'll never want to take this dress off!

The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Dress Shopping

Best A-Line: Rime Arodaky Open-Back Embroidered Tulle and Crepe Gown

If you're having a summer wedding, sheer lace cutouts are the perfect way to show some skin and to stay cool. This A-line gown also features a center slit making it super easy to glide down the aisle and around the dancefloor.

For a Formal Wedding: Tadashi Shoji Off-the-Shoulder Crepe Gown

This Tadashi Shoji stretch-crepe gown is the perfect balance of structured and relaxed. A gentle off-the-shoulder neckline brings a romantic softness to a body-skimming silhouette.

Best Allover Sparkle: Retrofête Asymmetric Lace-Up Sequined Stretch-Tulle Gown

Whether you wear this down the aisle or to the afterparty this sparkly number should be in every bride's wedding wardrobe. Our favorite detail? The lace-up back.

Most Dramatic: ASOS EDITION Extreme Cape Sleeve Maxi Wedding Dress

Choosing to wear a simple gown doesn't mean you can't bring the drama! This lightweight crepe gown with a modern cape-effect is giving us serious Solange Knowles vibes.

Best Mini Dress: Reformation Oversized Bow Dress

For an impossibly chic city wedding, this silky mini dresses from Reformation is a must. Wear yours with monochromatic accessories and a bold lip.

For an Intimate Ceremony: Amsale Lace Hem Slip Dress

For the laidback bride who is having a wedding at home in the backyard, at city hall, or at an intimate venue, this sheath dress is for you.

For a Semi-Formal Wedding: Max Mara Bow Shoulder Dress

It's all in the details when it comes to making a simple dress feel special. Maybe it's bows, a plunging neckline, lace embroidery, an asymmetrical hemline, or an open back–start with the shape of the silhouette and go from there!

What to look for in a simple wedding dress

Simple wedding dresses are perfect for the bride-to-be who appreciates clean lines, streamlined silhouettes, and classic fabrics. Since everyone's definition of simple isn't necessarily the same, there are many different types of wedding dresses that fall into this category. If you're a bride with minimalist tastes, you should look for pared-back slip dresses or modern silhouettes crafted from unadorned fabric. Brides with more traditional tastes should opt for classic ball gowns in taffeta or organza. And if you're searching for a simple wedding dress with interesting details, look for designs with subtle beading and lace or dramatic silhouettes with eye-catching necklines and plunging backs.

FAQ

What is a simple wedding dress?

Traditionally, a simple wedding dress is clean and sleek with minimal embellishments. A simple wedding dress is pared-back and unfussy and suited to all types of weddings from casual ceremonies to formal nuptials.
How do I style a simple wedding dress?

If you're more of a minimalist, you can choose to pair your dress with delicate personal jewelry and modern accessories. If you're looking to make a statement, consider a dramatic floor-length veil or shoulder-grazing earrings.
Are simple wedding dresses less expensive than other wedding dresses?

Usually, simple wedding dresses with less embellishments like hand beading or embroidery will be less expensive than ornate gowns. That said, the type of fabric also plays a major role in the overall cost of a gown so make sure to familiarize yourself with the different types of fabrics before you start your search.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, guests, wedding parties, and more.