Minimalist wedding dresses are a wedding day dress style that so many nearlyweds opt for on their special day, and when it comes tosimple wedding dresses in the UK, we're the experts you need.
Wearing a beautiful, elegant and simple wedding dress is a great option for those who prefer a more minimalist look and want to steer away from the glitz and glam look. It’s a common misconception that simple gowns are just plain column dresses - but that’s not the case at all.
The ‘simple’ in ‘simple wedding dresses’ can come from a number of things. These elegant wedding dresses come in a number of different silhouettes and fabrics, with simple ball gowns, backless sexy wedding dresses, high-street wedding dresses and sultry satin dresses all feeding into the mix.
Simple Wedding Dresses to Suit All Styles
Explore our take on simple wedding dresses and prepare to fall head over heels in love with these exquisite designs. There’s something for every style and budget, with some of these high-street wedding dresses costing less than £300. Who said bargains can’t be beautiful?
- Plain and Minimalist Simple Wedding Dresses
- Long Sleeved Simple Wedding Dresses
- Simple Satin Wedding Dresses
- Simple Elegant Wedding Dresses
- Simple Wedding Dresses Under £100
- Short Simple Wedding Dresses
- What is a Simple Wedding Dress?
- How Do You Accessorise a Simple Wedding Dress?
Simple Wedding Dresses With Sleeves in the UK
Long sleeved wedding dresses are so stylish and extremely popular with stylish nearlyweds. These simple long sleeve wedding dresses in the UK are elegant and perfectly suit minimal dressers.
1. Praiano Long Sleeve SImple Wedding Dress - £1,895, Galvan
Simple wedding dresses with sleeves in the UK don't come much sleeker than this design by Galvan. The long sleeved silhouette is elegant and minimal, and works so well with the indulgent and luxurious silk fabric.
Though the shape and design are simple, there are many a detail to be admired here. We love the intricate buttons at the back of the high neckline, and the pearl detail on the cuff of the sleeve is gorgeous, too.
- Sizing:UK 6 - UK 16
- Expert Take:This dress needs very little in the form of accessories, but a pearl headband or pearl wedding shoes would work really well with the cuff detail.
2. Lilah Simple Wedding Dress With Wrap Silhouette - £295, Nadine Merabi
Nadine Merabi have a brilliant selection of affordable wedding dresses that still look and feel really luxurious, and Lilah is the perfect example of that. At less than £300, this is a bargain in the wedding dress world!
The simple wedding dress silhouette and relaxed fit make for a really comfortable wear and the adjustable tie on the waist means you can tweak the fit to just how you like it.
- Sizing:UK 6 - UK 18
- Expert Take:This dress is giving expensive lady of the manor on the morning of her wedding vibes and would make an equally gorgeous hen do outfit.
3. Adwen Open Back Simple Wedding Dress - £898, Reformation
The Adwen dress from Reformation proves you can have simple wedding dresses with sleeves, and still have a surprise in the design.
The open back detail is so fun and allows you to show off some skin whilst keeping things modest at the front.
- Sizing:UK 4 - UK 16
- Expert Take:Despite costing a fraction of most designer wedding dresses, the design is sophisticated and smart - it even has a finger loop on the end of the train so you can walk easily!
4. Augusta Off the Shoulder Wedding Dress - £2,166, Aesling
Aesling are our go-to designer brand for simple wedding dresses that exude elegance and modernity, and the Augusta design is one of our favourites. The off the shoulder neckline means you can really embrace some stylish jewellery pieces, and we love when a bardot neckline is combined with long sleeves.
- Sizing: UK 4 - UK 30
- Expert Take:Ruched sleeves give this gown a Grecian feel, and they're detachable so you can switch between long sleeves and sleeveless throughout the day.
5. Amelia Long Sleeved Simple Wedding Dress - £POA, Justin Alexander Signature
The Amelia gown from Justin Alexander’s Signature collection gives nearlyweds the option to have long sleeves on their wedding dress whilst keeping the top half of the dress open, giving it a strapless feel.
The floaty fabric used for the skirt is whimsical and is a gorgeous contrast to the structure of the bodice.
- Sizing:UK 2 - UK 32
- Expert Take:The contrast between the super structured bodice and the floaty skirt helps to create a really romantic silhouette that will flatter all figures.
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6. Ebony Grecian Simple Wedding Dress - £POA, Justin Alexander
How gorgeous is this Grecian wedding dress from Justin Alexander? The Ebony gown is bursting with pretty details that we adore, from balloon pleated sleeves with buttoned cuff detail, to the V-neckline with mesh panel and pleated structure - this simple wedding dress has just so much to offer.
- Sizing:UK 2 - UK 32
- Expert Take:Although this dress is giving Grecian vibes, the pleating has a really structured feel to it, making it feel modern at the same time.
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7. V-Neck Simple Wedding Dress With Sleeves - £POA, Sincerity Bridal
Simple wedding dresses and ball gown styles can work in harmony together, and Style 44296 is the perfect example of that.
The sheen finish on the fabric reflects the light and perfectly showcases the movement of the skirt. The wrap detail on the bodice adds a super pretty texture to the design.
- Sizing:UK 2 - UK 32
- Expert Take:If you're a fan of simple wedding dresses that have structure and shape to them, ball gowns like this are ideal.
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Simple Beach Wedding Dresses in the UK
Are you after simple beach wedding dresses in the UK, or perhaps one to pack and take with you to your abroad wedding? These simple wedding dresses are already beach wedding ready, all you need are some comfortable wedding shoes to walk on sand with and you're good to go.
8. Double Leg Split Beach Wedding Dress - £1,712, Daughters of Simone
If you're after simple beach wedding dresses in the UK, don't discount designers like Daughters of Simone from overseas. The brand ship worldwide and have a flagship store here in the UK for you to go and try on dresses in person.
The double leg slit detail on this particular gown creates effortless movement, making it perfect for wearing at a beach wedding.
- Sizing:XS - 5XL
- Expert Take:The sizing is extremely inclusive at Daughters of Simone, and if you're unsure of your size, you can send the brand your measurements and they can advise you.
9. Cowl Neck Simple Beach Wedding Dress - £215, Rat & Boa
Love wedding dresses that are simple, elegant and sexy too? If so, consider Ophelia, a cowl neck wedding dress from Rat and Boa.
The brand are famous for their sexy, slinky dresses and this one is perfect for a beach wedding in Ibiza or somewhere similar.
- Sizing:XXS - XXL
- Expert Take:The cowl neck at the front is mirrored at the back, and the adjustable shoulder straps mean you can wear them as tight or loose as you like.
10. Palm Ombre Pink Wedding Dress - £2,495, Rue de Seine
Bohemian wedding dresses don't have to be covered in layers upon layers of crochet or lace to feel boho - and the Palm dress from Rue de Seine proves just that.
The designers have taken a plain and simple beach wedding dress and added a dreamy pink ombre to make it stand out.
The halter neckline and backless silhouette make it feel beachy and whimsical.
- Sizing:UK 6 - UK 24
- Expert Take:Not a fan of pink wedding dresses? It's also available in a plain off white too.
11.Bella Draped Satin Wedding Dress - £2,974, Grace Loves Lace
The simplicity of this satin wedding dress is in the gorgeous fabric. The way the satin is draped across the Bella dress from Grace Loves Lace creates the prettiest silhouette, perfect for modern and stylish nearlyweds. The spaghetti straps are dainty and we love how the thick belt detail cinches in at the waist.
- Sizing:S - XL
- Expert Take:This is one of those simple wedding dresses that actually has quite a lot of detail and design aspects, but the simplicity of the fabric makes it feel minimalist.
12. Dove V-Neck Simple Wedding Dress - £2,219, Grace Loves Lace
Those seeking a sexy wedding dress without all the bells and whistles will love the Dove dress from Grace Loves Lace. The plunging neckline is flattering and sultry and is held up by dainty spaghetti straps. The silhouette is a soft fit and flare and isn’t too fitted which will allow comfort and movement on your wedding day.
- Sizing:S -XL
- Expert Take:Simple wedding dresses really don't come more elegant and classy than this Grace Loves Lace design.
13. Valentina Satin Wedding Dress With Leg Slit - £1,972, Grace Loves Lace
We are obsessed with the sheen on this gown - we just adore simple wedding dresses made from satin. The Valentina style from Grace Loves Lace has so many pretty details from the ruched bodice and thick pleated belt, to the leg slit and asymmetric hem - there’s so much to love here.
- Sizing:S - XL
- Expert Take:It's not often you find simple wedding dresses in the UK that have such unique details - the asymmetric drop hem is so stylish and offers a unique spin on more traditional fishtail gowns.
Simple Elegant Wedding Dresses in the UK
Nearlyweds looking for simple elegant wedding dresses in the UK will love these next designs. These plain wedding dresses are simple in design but super luxurious when it comes to their fabrics and cuts.
14. Halterneck Grecian Wedding Dress - £POA, Halfpenny London
How stunning is the Twirl dress from Halfpenny London? The skirt is so simple and features a flattering centre split, while the bodice is adorned with draped silk and a unique halter neckline.
- Sizing:XS - XXL
- Expert Take:The back of this dress is just as intricate as the front, with draping and pleated fabric there too.
15. Fitted Marion Wedding Dress With Bishop Sleeves - £3,017, Aesling
When it comes to elegant simple wedding dresses, they don't come much prettier than the Marion gown from Aesling. This V-neck satin gown has thick sleeves and a fitted silhouette, but our favourite detail has to be the bishop sleeves. So beautiful!
- Sizing:UK 4 - UK 30
- Expert Take:As gorgeous as these sleeves are, not everyone wants to wear long sleeves all day. The good news is, these sleeves are detachable so you can pop them on and off whenever you like.
16. Denley Bardot Simple Wedding Dress With Button Detail - £POA, Justin Alexander
A regal beauty, the Denley dress from Justin Alexander is everything and more. The pleated skirt adds volume at the back of the dress and the buttons carry through from the back of the dress all the way to the end of that beautiful train.
- Sizing:UK 2 - UK 32
- Expert Take:Buttons can make all the difference. Simple wedding dresses only need small details like that to tie a look together.
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17. Estelle Strapless Satin Wedding Dress - £POA, Justin Alexander
Simple and chic, this strapless wedding dress from Justin Alexander is truly breath-taking. The Estelle dress has a strapless, curved neckline which softly feeds into the full skirt and ball gown silhouette. The simplicity of the satin means the silhouette can be the real star of the show.
- Sizing:UK 2 - UK 32
- Expert Take:The high apex on this simple wedding dress means even those with a bigger bust will feel supported.
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18. Joan SImple Wedding Dress With Full Skirt - £POA, Justin Alexander Signature
The Joan dress is part of the signature collection by Justin Alexander. The strapless sweetheart neckline gives a flattering shape and transcends nicely into the
- Sizing:UK 2 - UK 32
- Expert Take:There's something really regal about this ball gown, making it truly fit for royalty.
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19. Mikado Simple Satin Wedding Dress - £POA, Olivia Bottega
Elegant and beautiful, this satin wedding dress by Olivia Bottega is a vision. The ruched material on the Mikado dress adds a delightful texture to this gown and the sheen finish on the satin will photograph beautifully on your wedding day.
- Sizing:UK 4 - UK 34
- Expert Take:Simple elegant wedding dresses in the UK can set you back quite a bit, but we reckon you'll be pleasantly surprised by Olivia Bottega's price point.
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20. Lumi Simple Lace Wedding Dress With Leg Split - £2,144, Grace Loves Lace
The lace dream continues with Lumi from Grace Loves Lace.
This simple lace wedding dress is breath-taking. The bodycon fit is sultry and luxurious, whilst the all-over lace detail and scalloped lace edges are full of romance and elegance.
- Sizing:XS - XL
- Expert Take:Lace wedding dresses aren't often considered simple, but this one is simply gorgeous and completely timeless. You'll look back at pictures in decades to come and still obsess over this design.
21. Ruby Lou V-Neck simple Lace Wedding Dress - £POA, Silhouette
Simple wedding dresses really don’t come more elegant than Ruby Lou by Silhouette.
The contrast between the lace bodice and chiffon skirt is beautiful - we love how these two different fabrics blend together. The ruched detail at the waistband is very flattering and the lace sleeves are really pretty.
- Sizing:Dependent on Stockists
- Expert Take:Having just a lace bodice is another way to add detail into your dress whilst still keeping things simple.
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22. Simple Boho Lace Wedding Dress - £POA, Lillian West
For lace lovers, Style 66219 by Lillian West may be the simple wedding dress for you.
The simple silhouette is versatile and easy to style, but the real star of the show here is the lace detail on the flutter sleeves - we love the way it’s replicated at the hem of the train.
- Sizing:Dependent on Stockists
- Expert Take:This style is the perfect example of how a simple wedding dress can really be brought to life by a subtle detail.
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Simple & Plain Wedding Dresses in the UK
Simple not enough? If you're after plain wedding dresses as a UK nearlywed, you will love these minimalist designs. They are plain and simple but still feel super wedding worthy.
23. Mila Off the Shoulder Wedding Dress - £1,735, Grace Loves Lace
How elegant is the Mila dress from Grace Loves Lace? The fold over panel detail is so unique and adds something extra to the simplistic design. This wedding dress is so elegant, the silhouette is timeless and will never go out of style.
- Sizing:XS - XL
- Expert Take:Some may think the fold over is restrictive, but the V-cut out at the back and the crepe fabric mean movement is still nice and easy.
24. Nadia Wedding Dress With Illusion Panel - £POA, Justin Alexander
We’re kick-starting our round up of simple wedding dresses with one of the most beautiful gowns in the edit.
The Nadia dress from designer Justin Alexander has a fit and flare silhouette and we love the illusion mesh panels at the back and around the bust.
- Sizing:UK 2 - UK 32
- Expert Take:The illusion paneladds an extra layer of modesty for those who want a sexy wedding dress that still feels secure when it’s worn.
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25. Seraphine Strapless Simple Wedding Dress With Ruching - £POA, Elysee
If a strapless simple wedding dress is what you’re after, consider the Seraphine X Edition style from Elysee.
The ruched fabric is beautifully done and we love the scoop neckline - it’s modern and stylish and perfect for those who want a flattering neckline without opting for a full V-neck.
- Sizing:Dependent on Stockists
- Expert Take:If you want a plain wedding dress that showcases your figure, this is a great pick.
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26. Bardot Simple Wedding Dress - £POA, Sincerity Bridal
Simple and beautiful, Style 44295 from Sincerity Bridal is an exquisite simple wedding dress.
This minimalist gown showcases bardot sleeves, an off-the-shoulder neckline and flattering ruching under the bust. Keeping things simple, the modest puddle train is the perfect finishing touch.
- Sizing:Dependent on Stockists
- Expert Take:A puddle train is sometimes all you need, especially if you aren't a fan of huge amounts of fabric.
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27. Honey Silk Cowl Neck Simple Wedding Dress - £2,219, Grace Loves Lace
For a sexy wedding day look, consider the Honey gown from Grace Loves Lace. This simple, sultry wedding dress has a pretty cowl neckline and very thin spaghetti straps.
- Sizing:XS - XL
- Expert Take:The silhouette isn’t too figure-hugging, making it ideal for those who want something that will just skim your hips and thighs.
28. Dillon Structured Simple Wedding Dress - £POA, Justin Alexander
If you’re after something more structured for your w-day look, consider the Dillon dress from Justin Alexander. The structured nature of this simply beautiful gown gives off a regal feel.
- Sizing:UK 2 - UK 32
- Expert Take:We love the way the straps get thicker as they move up the shoulders and the seams that run down the front of the dress are such a pretty detail.
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Short Simple Wedding Dress Ideas in the UK
Want a simple wedding dress that's short and chic? These picks are a great fit for you.
29. Santorini Midi Halterneck Wedding Dress - £895, Galvan
Walk down the aisle in style with the Santorini dress from Galvan. This simple plain wedding dress features a knotted halter neckline which is totally unique and modern, and the midi length makes it less formal than a full length gown.
- Sizing:UK 6 - UK 16
- Expert Take:Halterneck wedding dresses are ideal for showing off your shoulders.
30. V-Neck Feathered Mini Wedding Dress - £395, Rixo
Add some fun into your wedding day look with the Toni mini from Rixo.
The feathered hem is so playful and really on trend, and the fluted sleeves only add to the movement of the dress.
- Sizing:UK 6 - UK 24
- Expert Take:An A-line silhouette is the perfect shape for a mini. It keeps things slim-fitting but not too tight.
What is a Simple Wedding Dress?
Caroline from Evelie Bridal Boutique says: “A simple wedding dress has a very minimalist style. The fabric is usually plain with no or little lace or beaded embellishments. Most simple wedding dresses will have a key design or stand out feature that is highlighted by the simple cut and style of the dress.
That key feature can be the design and shape of the dress, or how the fabric is cut on the neckline, bodice, under the arm, on the back or on the skirt. Even though the overall design is simple and minimalistic, one key design feature on a simple wedding dress can still stand out in a very understated way.”
How Do You Accessorise a Simple Wedding Dress?
Caroline from Evelie Bridal Boutique shares her styling tips on how to perfectly style a simple wedding dress. She says: “For a simple wedding dress the accessory options are endless and if you want to add more to your look, you can really go wild with accessories. Choose from a statement veil, headpiece, earrings or amazing shoes.
Accessorising With Veils:
A simple wedding dress is perfect for a detailed or embellished veil. The detail on the veil can be very subtle or really detailed. For example here are seven different veil styles I get a nearlyweds to try when they try veils:
- Raw cut edge veil - this is a barely there veil where the look is very very subtle.
- Corded or stitched cut edge veil - this is still subtle but the edging helps frame the dress and train.
- Braided cut edge veil - this works well with a matte or crepe dress.
- Scattered pearl veil - this style is soft, dreamy and romantic.
- Minimal lace edge veil - pops of lace will really help to frame the dress.
- Detailed lace veil - statement dolce vita style veil which have edging all around the veil are great for making a statement.
- Floral lace veil - this creates a romantic style with soft floral lace dotted around the edge of the veil.
Accessorising With a Headpiece:
If you aren’t going to wear a veil, a wedding headband or headpiece is a great alternative. A headpiece can be worn from the ceremony right through to the evening party and will really complement a minimalist look by having just one stand out statement piece
Accessorising with Statement Earrings:
If you don't like the idea of a headpiece or a veil then you can make it all about amazing statement earrings or amazing wedding jewellery. Statement wedding earrings can be worn for the ceremony or added in the evening to change your look from day to the night.
How to Make a Simple Wedding Dress Stand Out?
Simple wedding dresses will stand out, simply for being so chic and minimalist. But if you think you need something more, we've included a handy video below advising how to make sure your wedding dress stands out. You can also look for a sparkly belt to add some glitz to your plain wedding dress.
Now you have your perfect simple wedding dress, it's time to decide on a natural makeup look to go with.
