16 best simple wedding dresses for a minimalist look

These elegant gowns prove that it’s absolutely possible to make a statement with a simple wedding dress.

Updated on 10 January 2024 • Written By Ellie Donnell

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16 best simple wedding dresses for a minimalist look

Simple wedding dresses will never go out of style. They are timeless pieces that make a statement with their simplicity, and a great choice if you don’t fancy wearing a bridal dress that screams ‘look at me’. Forego fussy lace and garish glitz for clean lines and soft fabrics with these gorgeous gowns, which offer style and sophistication in spades. They're guaranteed to have you feeling like a million dollars on your big day.

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Of course, minimalist wedding dresses come in all shapes and sizes, as ‘simple’ can mean different things to different people. We’ve understood minimalist dresses as ones where embellishments are used sparingly, and instead allow the fabric and silhouette to do the talking. In fact, this less-is-more-approach often means that simple wedding dresses are the most flattering style of gown you can go for, using shape, cut and material strategically to create a dress that dazzles in its simplicity.

Understated they may be, but underwhelming they are not. Simple bridal gowns come in a variety of styles and lengths. From figure-hugging satin options to simple long sleeved wedding dresses, you’ll find a huge range of gowns in this list that cater to different preferences. As ever, we’ve kept budget in mind when compiling this guide, with options ranging from under £100 to over £1,000. No matter how much you spend, every single one of these dresses is stylish and sophisticated in equal measure.

Have a browse through our pick of the best simple wedding dresses to buy in 2024, with everything from high street options you can order today, through to made to measure designs. Remember - made to order dresses can take a few weeks - sometimes months - to make, so it’s a good idea to choose one as early as possible.

Whether you’re on the hunt for a sleek, sculptured or soft silhouette, we’ve got a dress to suit you.

Ghost - Delphine Satin Maxi Dress

A gentle V-neck, delicate buttoning and flowy short sleeves lend this elegant dress a vintage-inspired silhouette. It’s cut on the bias to create a more fluid shape, and we love the glamorous 1920s aesthetic. The use of heavy satin fabric creates movement while walking, and ensures it’s soft and comfortable to wear all day.
How much? £195
Buy it: Ghost Delphine Satin Maxi Dress

Piondress - Heidi Short Wedding Dress with Sleeves

If you have your eye on a shorter wedding dress, this mid-length option is uber sophisticated while offering the comfort and ease of a more casual dress. It features long sleeves with detail on the cuffs and a square neckline, which are oh-so flattering. The flared skirt is great if you plan on doing lots of dancing at your wedding!
How much? $469
Buy it: Piondress Heidi Short Wedding Dress with Sleeves

ASOS - Eden Crepe Square Neck Cami Wedding Dress

This budget buy from ASOS is a real steal at just over £100, although no one will be any the wiser. The fitted silhouette, elegant straps and slightly flared hem give this dress an expensive feel, while the low back makes it a great option for summer weddings.
How much? £126
Buy it: ASOS Eden Crepe Square Neck Cami Wedding Dress

Olivia Bottega - Mikado Wedding Dress Ester with Long Sleeves

This stunning dress offers sophisticated structure up top, with fitted long sleeves and a cinched in waist, before opening out into a beautiful full skirt. The best of both worlds! The dress is available as ‘made-to-order' and ‘ready-to-ship', although you'll need to allow nine weeks if you choose the tailor-made option.
How much? £883.35
Buy it: Mikado Wedding Dress Ester with Long Sleeves

Wed2b - Valentin Dress

We like that this simple dress still offers wow-factor in the form of a full skirt and train. Featuring a minimalist A-line cut, with a scooped back and subtle buttoning detail, this gown is sure to leave a lasting impression on your wedding guests. The best bit? It has hidden pockets!
How much? £799
Buy it: Wed2b Valentin Dress

The Row - Guinever Silk Satin Maxi Dress

This streamlined silk option is reminiscent of a slip dress, with thin spaghetti straps and a low V-neck. It’s made in Italy from silk-satin and offers a frame-skimming fit, falling all the way to the floor. Beautifully understated, we love it.
How much? £3,700
Buy it: The Row Guinever Silk Satin Maxi Dress

Galvan - Sienne Crepe Halterneck Gown

We’ll always hold a special place in our hearts for a halterneck gown, and this clean-lined dress is guaranteed to impress. The high necktie drapes around the neck and falls elegantly down the back. Pair with an updo to showcase it properly.
How much? £1,695
Buy it: Galvan Sienne Crepe Halterneck Gown

LK Bennett - Hyacinth Ivory Low Back Long Train Wedding Dress

LK Bennett’s ivory dress features a high neck, gentle rouching under the bust and a split hem to ensure ease of moment. The small train at the back will look stunning in wedding photos, while a tiny crystal button holding together the slit round neck makes a statement in its simplicity.
How much? £349
Buy it: LK Bennett Hyacinth Ivory Low Back Long Train Wedding Dress

Rixo - Zeta Dress

Yes, Rixo does wedding dresses! These guys are always brilliant at bringing vintage glamour into the modern day, and this flowing silk maxi dress in a soft ivory hue proves that point perfectly.
How much? £875
Buy it: Rixo Zeta Dress

Whistles - Lina Satin Wedding Dress

If you feel more comfortable wearing a high-neck dress, this romantic offering by Whistles offers intrigue elsewhere on the gown, such as a slightly lower back, delicate button detailing and a curved train.
How much? £499
Buy it: Whistles Lina Satin Wedding Dress

Alex Perry - Eliza Satin Crepe Gown

The almost imperceptible straps on this pretty crepe number create a ‘barely there’ look around the shoulders, while the main structure of the dress hugs the figure before flaring out at the bottom. A sleek, and slightly risqué, dress that you’ll feel like a million bucks in.
How much? £2,100
Buy it: Alex Perry Eliza Satin Crepe Gown

Milla Nova - Amandin

A simple dress that makes a big statement! This sleek one-shoulder gown with bow detailing features a fitted silhouette and midi-train for a clean and streamlined look. It's part of Milla Nova's 'Iconic Collection', and who are we to disagree?
How much? Made to order
Buy it: Milla Nova Amandin

AW Bridal - Barbara Dress

The most affordable option in this list, AW Bridal’s romantic chiffon dress boasts a Bardot neckline and elegant mid-length hem, giving you the chance to show off your bridal shoes. Pair with a pretty bouquet for picture-perfect wedding photos.
How much? £73.55
Buy it: AW Bridal Barbara Dress

Monsoon - Holly Embellished Cowl Neck Bridal Dress Ivory

The floral detailing on this gown is just subtle enough to create impact without feeling overly fussy. The straight skirt is overlaid with a light and floaty mesh train, while the sensible length means you can easily move around. A stunning option from Monsoon.
How much? £550
Buy it: Monsoon Holly Embellished Cowl Neck Bridal Dress Ivory

Justin Alexander - Stretch Mikado Ball Gown with Square Neckline

Ok, so ‘ball gown’ might not scream simple to you, but hear us out. This beautiful gown by Justin Alexander offers clean lines and fluid textures to create a contemporary dress without unnecessary adornment. Mikado buttons trail all the way to the bottom of the train for a delicate finishing touch.
How much? POA
Buy it: Justin Alexander Stretch Mikado Ball Gown with Square Neckline

Aesling - Augusta

The pleated bodice and off shoulder sleeves on this Aesling dress create a gorgeous, gathered effect at the top, before falling into a straight crepe skirt. Pair with some stylish jewellery to complete the look.
How much? $3,650
Buy it: Aesling Augusta

Now you've sorted out the dress, it's time to find the perfect wedding venue! Check out our guides to country house wedding venues, barn wedding venues, and cheap wedding venues for more inspiration. 

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