32 Simple Yet Striking Wedding Dresses for Minimalist Brides (2024)

Simple wedding dresses can be just as magical as ball gowns or dramatic a trained look, especially if you identify as a fashionminimalist. Tying the knot doesn’t mandate a theatrical or intricately detailed gown covered in sequins, lace, orfeathers. Instead, modern brides with pared-back tastes crave elegance with an unfussy feel, be it a long, full-length silhouette, sleek, sculptural midi, or timeless tea-length design.

Fortuitously, simple wedding dress options abound. A fluid slip can achieve the right amount of romance, skimming your silhouette effortlessly while commanding attention. Those detailed with lustrous pearls or cut with a bold open back offer a particularly spectacular result. In the same vein, a satin dress with an easy-going essence could be just the thing to make your less-is-more heart skip a beat. To master the art of effortless wedding day dressing, look for lengthier designs with subtly striking touches, like asymmetrical draping, or an element of volume, such as an off-shoulder neckline or puff sleeve.

If a shorter shape speaks your language, this is your moment to express yourself authentically, so why not divert with an unexpected midi length? Seek finely-crafted features like a sculpted bustier bodice, exaggerated sleeve, intricate back detail, or perfectly squared neckline—all deliver an uncomplicated yet striking result, whether for an intimate ceremony or civilcourthouse “I do’s.”

Ahead, shop 32 perfectly minimal and simple wedding dresses below.

Khaite

This off-the-shoulder dress combines classical draping with clean, modern lines. The crepe jersey fabric adds to the effortlessness for a simply elegant fit.

The Row

Let this cowl-neck gown hang languidly off one shoulder or with both straps upright. The draped back is just as entrancing as the front.

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The Row Bamaris one-shoulder maxi dress

Roksanda

Consider a draped cowl back for a stunning focal point. The silhouette resembles a cape without the full-on drama.

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Roksanda Oriana cowl-back dress

Alex Perry

A form-fitting gown is unquestionably the choice when voluminous shapes and layers of fabric feel like too much. The inner corseting construction and sweetheart neckline are the magic details of this sleek yet feminine design.

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Alex Perry Clove bustier gown

Solace

This crepe and satin gown defines pared-back drama. The sleeves project off the shoulders oh-so subtly for a touch of volume.

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Solace London Dakota off-the-shoulder gown

Galvan

Cascading freshwater pearls take this slip gown to the next level. It’s a truly striking option with a modern approach timeless.

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Galvan slip gown

Danielle Frankel

Behold a more ceremonious take on the classic slip dress. Danielle Frankel’s interpretation is detailed with an asymmetric neckline and soft internal bustier with boning for added shape.

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Danielle Frankel Harper open-back gown

Markarian

A full-length gown and train can, indeed, be simple. Case in point: this sweetheart column crafted from raw silk.

Maison Margiela

Sheer inserts along the bust and back steer his silk gown into edgy territory. Meanwhile, the trained hemline lends just a flicker of theatrics.

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Maison Margiela Bridal satin gown

Dior

J’adore a Dior bride. This refined one-shoulder is crafted in white silk crepe and draped delicately as ever.

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Dior Dream Asymmetric long dress

Staud

You’ll make a demure entrance in this high-neck ivory column but delight during your recessional. As you say your “I do’s,” everyone will take notice of the single shell chain detail down the open back.

Saint Laurent

It doesn’t get more effortlessly elegant than this lustrous silk satin gown. The delicate shoulder straps, which cross in the back, enhance the simplicity with a modern touch.

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Saint Laurent silk satin gown

Gabriela Hearst

Embrace Gabriela Hearst’s streamlined approach to tailoring for your bridal look. This strapless silhouette, made from wool, is incredibly well-crafted, from the straight-cut bodice to the darted skirt.

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Gabriela Hearst maxi dress

Maison Essentiele

Go the asymmetrical route with a white bridal slip. Maison Essentiele’s offers the slimmest one-shoulder we’ve seen.

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Maison Essentiele asymmetrical maxi slip dress

Jacquemus

Unfussy beach brides, this gathered number is for you. You might even skip the footwear in favor of bare feet in the sand.

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Jacquemus long dress

Safiyaa

We love the structure of this crepe maxi for a civil ceremony. The off-the-shoulder neckline and bow detail nod to romance while feeling perfectly retrained.

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Safiyaa off-shoulder maxi dress

Anna October

This column silhouette is not like any other. There’s a fluidity to the sustainable acetate fabric that sways in a relaxed manner with every step.

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Anna October column maxi dress

Emilia Wickstead

Emilia Wickstead’s bridal designs are synonymous with simplicity. The structural elements of this crepe gown, from the square neckline to the darted bodice, make it a genuinely striking long-sleeve option.

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Emilia Wickstead Geradine square-neck gown

Norma Kamali

Choose a cowl neck slip for a timeless and pristine bridal look if ever in doubt. Norma Kamali’s iteration is so well-priced.

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Norma Kamali Maria satin gown

Beare Park

Seeking a shorter dress? Look no further than this hyper-minimal pencil silhouette with a modern bustier bodice.

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Beare Park cowl neck pencil dress

Alexander McQueen

A halter neckline is among the most timeless. The fluidity offsets the shape beautifully, down to the floor-pooling hem.

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Alexander McQueen halterneck gown

Sau Lee

Luminous satin fabric feels easier in a strapless silhouette. But, for an alluring finish, it’s all about the thigh-high slit.

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Sau Lee Priyanka strapless gown

Halston

Stretch crepe makes for some of the most pristine wedding gowns. Take this plunging A-line number that’s so-subtly enhanced with a crystal bar.

Nili Lotan

A squared neckline ensures striking simplicity in the world of slip dresses. However, the sculptural open back truly sets this silk gown apart.

Roland Mouret

Crystal embellishments can veer minimal. Like, Roland Mouret’s stunning approach, with a shimmering panel peeking from the softly draped neckline.

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Roland Mouret Diamante Cady gown

A.L.C.

Fluid pleats and a criss-cross halter neckline combine for a beautifully graceful bridal gown. The small front cutout and open back are decidedly modern elements adding to the allure.

Cult Gaia

Skip the bridal jewelry in favor of this metal-adorned silk gown. It’s a truly unique take on the timeless bridal slip.

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Cult Gaia Azealia open-back gown

Totême

Leave it to Totême to make floral jacquard simple and sleek. Note the raw hem finishes for an unexpectedly relaxed element.

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Totême floral maxi dress

Emporio Armani

A jersey midi dress may soundtoo simple. And yet, one look at this tea-length look with a perfectly square neckline, and you’ll realize it’s flawless.

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Emporio Armani sleeveless midi dress

Taller Marmo

A one-shoulder always appears sleek and modern. Picture this draped design in a Marrakesh setting at sunset.

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Taller Marmo Bolkan one-shoulder dress

Victoria Beckham

Another stunning satin slip option from Victoria Beckham. As a ’90s icon herself, she’s perfected every detail, from the slim straps to the low V-shaped back.

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Victoria Beckham

satin slip dress

Tibi

This sleeveless silk gown in a stretch twill fabric looks incredible on the body—and it will appeal to those minimalist brides as it has everything she needs, and nothing she doesn’t.

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Tibi dress

32 Simple Yet Striking Wedding Dresses for Minimalist Brides (2024)

FAQs

What is a minimalist bride? ›

Minimalism in Bridal Fashion

While shimmering embellishments, texture, or extravagant details may be lacking, the minimal adornments allow the attention to be focused on the clean lines, gorgeous fabric, neckline, and sleek silhouette.

How many dresses do most brides try on? ›

On average, brides try on about 4–7 dresses, but we recommend no more than 10. The more wedding gowns you try on, the more confusing things may get. When the bridal gown selection is too big, brides tend to get overwhelmed and struggle to remember what the first gown they tried on looked like.

How to look slim as mother of the bride? ›

Ruching and draping are design techniques that can create a slimming effect. Look for wedding dresses for the mother of the bride with strategic ruching or draping around the midsection or waistline. These details can help camouflage any problem areas while accentuating your curves flatteringly.

What do most brides wear under their dress? ›

Your wedding day is no time for bunching, clinging, or underwear lines. For the most fitted gowns, choose a bodysuit to smooth from bust to hip. Or, to target your bottom half, we have briefs, shorts, half-slips, and leggings in all cuts and sizes.

What does a minimalist wedding look like? ›

Minimalist Wedding Themes: Less Is More

Minimalism is often represented by clean lines, geometric proportions, perfect shapes, and classic, simple color palettes. At the same time, pastel shades, softer lines, and quality design are also a key part of different minimalist looks.

What is a minimal wedding? ›

Minimalist weddings are sometimes characterized by a focus on natural elements, such as greenery and wood, or a sleek and modern look, with clean lines and metal, and a neutral color palette. The goal is to create a timeless and elegant atmosphere that is both beautiful and comfortable.

What size are most brides? ›

Bridal sizing isn't like typical street wear sizing. While you might be a size 4-6 in jeans, you're in fact a bridal size 8-10, and if you're a size 14-16, you're likely a 18-20. Don't worry about it–sizing is just a number! You'll likely see most of our samples in a bridal size 8, 10, 12, 18, 20 or 22 to try on.

Who usually buys the brides dress? ›

While this responsibility can vary from culture to culture, historically the bride's family will pay for her wedding dress and accessories. This includes everything from the dress itself to the veil and shoes.

Is $1000 a lot for a wedding dress? ›

One rule of thumb suggests that brides allocate ten percent of their total wedding budget to their wedding dress. So, if you're planning to spend $10,000 or less on your big day, wedding dresses under $1000 fit that budget quite nicely (and maybe even leaves you extra for the honeymoon!).

How much weight do most brides lose? ›

Not all brides (or grooms) choose to lose weight for their weddings, but those who do usually give themselves a period of two to three months and lose around 10 pounds during that period.

What is the best Colour to wear as mother of the bride? ›

Try blues, greens, purples, and neutrals such as navy, emerald, plum, or silver. These versatile – and universally flattering – palettes make it easy for mothers of the bride and groom to harmonize. With pale green and blue tints, we love silvery shades for Mum, while jewel tones pair well with other rich colours.

Can I go braless in a wedding dress? ›

If your cup size is small enough, you may be able to get away without a bra, while brides with larger busts might feel more comfortable wearing one. "Sewn-in cups or built-in corsets can be sufficient for support for larger chested brides if they're done well," Brickman adds.

Why do you wear a garter under your wedding dress? ›

Traditionally, the wedding garter most often symbolizes love and luck. In the Middle Ages it was more tied up with notions of virginity and the consummation of marriage; these days it's more of a fun, lighthearted wedding way to show off the couple's chemistry and interact with their guests.

What is the superstition about wedding dresses? ›

Many believed that a bride making her own wedding dress would suffer an unhappy marriage. Every stitch made was thought to represent a tear that she'd shed during her marriage. Leaving a dress unfinished until the wedding day however could bring good luck.

What is ethereal bride? ›

Ethereal wedding dresses are ideal for the bride searching for a whimsical, romantic or bohemian look. Ethereal wedding gowns often feature delicate details, soft fabrics (tulle, chiffon and organza) and easy silhouettes. Think 3D flowers and nature-inspired details, flutter sleeves and flowing skirts.

What is the purpose of a mini bride? ›

The Flower Girl and Ring Bearer. The smallest participants in the wedding party, and often the second cutest couple in attendance. This couple will receive the most attention aside from the bride and groom.

What is a barefoot wedding? ›

It is, yes, a bride who literally prefers to be wed shoeless. However, the essence of being a barefoot bride goes far beyond optional footwear. There is personality involved, i.e. a sense of adventure, a carefree sensibility...

What is a Type B bride? ›

Type B. doesn't care what other brides have done, but absolutely doesn't want to be a traditional bride. This bride doesn't want typical photos, doesn't want a big, over the top, bridal party and may not even want a traditional walk down the aisle.

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