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.

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 the older bride should wear? ›

Having dressed many older brides for their wedding day, we find bridal outfits with sleeves to be of preference. Whether the bride chooses delicate lace, intricate beading or classic satin, sleeves are a great way to add a touch of modesty and sophistication to wedding dresses for brides over 50.

What kind of wedding dress is slimming? ›

An A-line gown hugs the waist area, creating a slimmer waistline while flattering the bust,” he says. “It can make a petite bride look taller with its overall slimming effect.”

Why simple wedding dresses are the best? ›

The clean lines and subtle details of minimalist dresses allow the bride's personality to shine through, creating an effortlessly elegant appearance. Minimalist wedding dresses are often adorned with delicate lace, subtle beading, or minimal appliques that enhance their beauty while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.

How to be a timeless bride? ›

Focus on Timeless Elements

Quality Fabrics: Opt for high-quality fabrics like silk, lace, delustre satin, crepe and tulle that not only look luxurious but also stand the test of time. Elegant Details: Delicate lace, intricate beading, and subtle embroidery are timeless details that add sophistication to any dress.

What does the grandma of the bride wear? ›

A comfortable and flattering formal gown is always appropriate for the grandmother-of-the-bride—especially if it's covered in sparkles. We especially love the clean lines and rich textures of these styles. Sarah's grandmother Susan wore this stunning long gown to the wedding in Israel.

What should a 60 year old woman wear to a wedding? ›

Fit-and-flare Wedding Guest Dresses For Women Over 60

Fit-and-flare dresses whether knee-length or longer are chic and flattering. It has a defined waistline and fits closer to the body but is not too tight which makes it uncomfortable. This forgiving silhouette fits every body type.

What to wear under wedding dress to flatten stomach? ›

Convertible bodysuits like offer great support beneath strapless ball gowns, while seamless briefs and thongs like work best for form-fitting gowns and body-skimming slip dresses. If you're wearing a wedding dress that's backless and/or has a plunging neckline, you should consider a deep-V backless bodysuit.

How to look slim as mother of the bride? ›

A-Line Dresses: A-line dresses are a classic choice for mothers of the bride. This silhouette gently skims over the waist and hips, creating an elongated and slimming effect. Choose a dress with vertical details, such as pleats or vertical lace panels, to further enhance the illusion of length.

Why are mermaid wedding dresses so popular? ›

They Play up Natural Curves: Unlike ball gowns or A-lines, mermaid wedding dresses hug the chest and waist, which helps create an hourglass figure. Generally, the snug fit around the hips includes flattering tapering and ruching, and the fitted neckline complements the bust.

How to make a simple wedding dress look elegant? ›

A simple white dress stands out with a flower crown filled with bright colored blossoms, or even a dramatic seashell crown if you're having a beach wedding. Hair jewelry offers another unique touch of exotic elegance. For the boho bride, try a wide brimmed hat with a colorful ribbon or flower attachment.

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.

What wedding dress does not go out of style? ›

Whether adorned with lace, beading, or simple satin, a ball gown is an enduring choice that exudes grace and sophistication. The A-line silhouette is another timeless choice that has been favored by brides for decades.

What is the most classic timeless wedding dress? ›

A-line and ball gown silhouettes paired with strapless, sweetheart, off-the-shoulder, or V-necklines are often associated with the style as it is quintessentially bridal. Similarly, simple fabrics, such as satin or mikado, are widely adored.

What should a woman over 40 wear to a wedding? ›

Formal weddings typically call for dressier attire, such as long gowns or co*cktail dresses, while semi-formal weddings may allow for more flexibility, with options like knee-length dresses or dressy jumpsuits. For beach or outdoor weddings, it's best to choose a lightweight and breathable fabric.

Should older brides wear veils? ›

Traditionally, veils were worn by brides to symbolize purity and innocence. However, in recent years veils have evolved to become a fashion statement and an expression of personal style. Many brides over 50 choose to wear a veil as a way to add a touch of elegance and tradition to their bridal look.

What do I wear to a wedding in my 50s? ›

A midi dress is an occasionwear classic for a reason. They'll work for weddings, birthdays and even a day at the races” says Cigdem, “typically, a midi dress will end around the middle of your calf, which is great for over 50's who want to have a little extra leg coverage without wearing a maxi style.

What do brides wear for their second wedding? ›

For your second wedding, wear whatever you want. This is still your wedding day, and you should wear whatever makes you feel beautiful. You may choose to stick with traditional white, or switch it up for an ivory or blush color – or something even brighter! Whatever you pick, make sure it makes you happy.

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