20 Best Simple Wedding Dresses of 2021

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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.

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

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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.

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For a City Hall Wedding: Galvan Lines Charmeuse Slip Dress

A slinky slip dress 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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

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.

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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!

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Most Dramatic: Alex Perry Cape-Effect Crepe Gown

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.

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For a Semi-Formal Wedding: Floravere Bow Back 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!

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Best High-Neck: White by Vera Wang High Neck Halter Dress

One of the best features of a simple wedding dress is that it most likely won't weigh you down and instead, will move effortlessly with you. This body-skimming halter-neck gown from White by Vera Wang will have you gliding down the aisle.

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For a Winter Wedding: Floravere Flocked Velvet Dress

For a winter wedding, long sleeves and velvet touches are a must. This dreamy Floravere gown comes complete with gauzy sleeves flocked with velvet details.

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Best Cowl Neck: Jenny by Jenny Yoo Minimalist Slip Gown

Not all slips are created equal. How a slip dress is constructed is very important from the draping right down to the placement of seams. 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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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Best Backless Slip: Reformation Sauvignon Dress

This silk charmeuse slip dress moves like liquid and it's soft sheen captures the light at every angle. This Reformation dress comes complete with adjustable straps helping to keep pesky tailoring to a minimum.

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For a Garden Wedding: ML Monique Lhuillier Eyelet Lace Dress

For easy breezy summer days, you need an easy-breezy summer dress crafted from lightweight fabrics like eyelet lace. Wear this romantic midi dress to your nuptials in the garden or on the beach.

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Best High-Low: Parker Black Strapless Dress

A high/low hemline embodies the best of both worlds. It's short and casual at the front and long and formal at the back making it the perfect choice for a semi-formal wedding.

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Best Mini Dress: Reformation One-Shoulder Mini

off-the-shoulder dress — Courtesy of Nordstrom

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

Shopping FAQs

Are you a minimalist bride searching for the perfect simple dress? We've answered three common questions brides have when shopping for a simple wedding dress.

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? There are many ways to 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.

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