LIFESTYLE

Choosing the Perfect Casual Wedding Dresses

Find a look that achieves the ideal balance between beautiful and comfy, whether you want to wear a flowy sundress or a glam maxi dress on your wedding day.

Take magazine pages out, browse online bridal boutiques, and explore Pinterest to create a visual collection of your favorite dresses.

Bodycon Lace Dress

Embrace your curves in this fitted bodycon lace dress. Featuring a ruffled sweetheart neckline with optional attachable shoulder straps, this scene stealer will have everyone talking. Complete with all-over ruched detailing and a lined bodice, this mini dress is genuinely in a league of its own.

Style with a cute bralette for a more sensual look or a blazer overtop for a classic date-night style. The contrast lace detailing along the neckline and hemline adds a hint of glamour that will make you feel like a star all night long.

If you prefer comfort dressing with a modern twist, wear your black lace bodycon dress with an olive fishtail parka for relaxed chic styling. Amplify your outfit with black leather mid-calf boots for added height and appeal.

Flowy Mini Dress

If your casual wedding dress code is more laid-back than black tie or cocktail attire, look for superficial cuts and shorter lengths. These styles are chic, effortless, and still feel bridal.

This flowy midi dress is perfect for spring and outdoor ceremonies with floral elements. The romantic puff sleeves are a fun detail to complement your blooms, and the soft linen fabric is lightweight enough to keep you comfortable throughout the day.

The best part about this style is that it is a perfect fit for older brides. The asymmetrical draped net adds texture, and the high neckline will flatter your silhouette. Pair it with minimal jewelry and chic shoes; you are ready to make a statement at your wedding.

A casual winter wedding can be as beautiful as a summer event, especially if you opt for this wrap dress from LoveShackFancy. The adjustable waist tie lets you dress it up or down, and the deep V-neck is bra-friendly for comfort all night long.

The best casual wedding dresses, like this flirty mini dress, also give you the green light to try shorter hemlines. It is an excellent option for beachy or outdoor weddings that may start warm but turn chilly by the evening. The chic, detailed lace balances the high-low hemline for a sophisticated finish.

Cowl Neck Slip Dress

Slip dresses are a minimalist’s dream, with just two straps supporting a draped bias-cut silhouette in flowing fabric like silk or satin. They can look chic and sleek when worn independently or layered under other dresses or tops. One of our favorite slip-dress styles is the cowl neck, which is both sexy and flattering for many body types. This dress looks great with a blazer or cropped cardigan and can be worn to casual events and black-tie affairs. This satin cowl-neck slip is a classic, with subtle draping that hugs curves and hits just below the knee. This midi style comes in several colors, including navy blue and green. The adjustable straps and back make this a versatile option all year round.

The million-dollar question regarding slip dresses is, what bra do you wear with them? If you opt for a backless option, you can use nipple pasties or stick-on bras. For strapless options, keep a travel-size steamer like this Oprah-approved Nori Press in your bag for on-the-go touch-ups.

Shorter Hemline

If you are not looking to rework a full-length dress, you can opt for shorter styles that reach right up to your ankles. These dresses are highly versatile and can be worn casually or formally. They may be worn with either heels or flats. The key is to pick a style that fits in all the right places and is flowy in the others. For example, this linen-blend dress with flutter sleeves is fitted in the shoulders and waist while the rest flows away from your hips. The result is a figure-enhancing look that will flatter any body type.

Some dresses may have a curved hemline that can be difficult to cut straight and even. In such cases, using hem tapes or fabric glue is advisable instead of sewing a new hemline. These double-sided tapes are transparent, heat sensitive, and highly effective at keeping your hemline at the perfect length without using scissors or sewing machines.

Another good option is to use a sewing machine to make a permanent hemline for your dress. This process can take much time, especially if you do not regularly sew. Preparing your garment correctly is essential, including squaring the hemline if necessary. After that, you can stitch the hemline using one of the methods above.