Informal Wedding Dresses

From LoveToKnow Weddings

If you’re leaning towards an informal wedding, you’ll probably want to shop for informal wedding dresses to go with it. Not all weddings have to be formal, Cinderella-like affairs. While pulling out all the stops may be fine for some people, others prefer weddings of a more low-key variety. Their choice of clothing reflects this. Perhaps, some of these tips can help.

Gallery of Informal Wedding Gowns

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The Cost of Informal Wedding Dresses

The best part about the informal wedding dress is the price. With more formal gowns costing in the thousands, informal dresses can cost in the hundreds and less. There are more options for purchasing dresses of a more casual nature as well. For instance, one doesn’t specifically have to go to a bridal shop. Instead, one can visit formal wear shops, dress shops and any shop selling beach wedding dresses, which tend to be more casual. It may sound unromantic, but secondhand shops are also a great place to find informal wedding attire.

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Why Informal Wedding Dresses?

Those who choose informal wedding dresses do so for any number of reasons. Many don’t want to pay the high price associated with a pulling-out-all-the-stops, expensive, designer gown. Others are planning on a more low-key beach or backyard type wedding. Many would prefer to save the money for a down payment on a house and still others don’t want to pack a bulky formal wedding gown for a destination wedding. Those who are getting married for the second time may prefer to wear something more casual since they already wore a fancy dress the first time around. No matter the circumstances, if an informal dress is for you, there are plenty of options.

An informal dress doesn’t have to come with as many of the adornments, bells and whistles as a formal dress. There can be sequins and pearls, or you can wear a dress that’s plain and simple. Any length will do. Informal dresses tend to be sleek and stylish with perhaps a slit up one side. They can be strapless or have spaghetti straps or sleeves. They can even be worn off one shoulder. Some beach brides even wear a white sarong.

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Accessories

If you’re choosing to go the informal route and are thinking about accessories, you’ll probably want to leave your hair uncovered, use a short, simple veil or wear flowers or other simple adornments. Sparkly barrettes and hair bands are perfect for this type of dress. Instead of carrying a large, cascading bouquet of flowers, try holding long stemmed blooms together with a satin ribbon. White pumps or a pair of high-heeled strappy sandals will finish off your outfit and add class.

Don’t forget jewelry! You can still wear an understated string of pearls or a pendant with a single diamond or cameo. Pearl drop earrings will make you feel like a princess. It may be an informal style, but you can still look like a bride!

Just because you’re wearing an informal wedding dress doesn’t mean you won’t look stunning on your wedding day. There are many attractive and stylish dresses to choose from. Contact your local bridal salon to find out what types of informal wear they have in stock. They’re sure to have something suitable. If not, they can make a recommendation, such as a store selling formal wear for proms. You may not spend a lot of money on your informal wedding dress, but chances are you’ll still look like a million bucks.

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Comments

For a boat wedding - which is a really unique and fun idea - you'll want to wear clothes similar to beach wedding attire. If it gets a bit wet, you'll still be okay. Check out these articles for some great ideas: Beach Wedding Attire and What to Wear to a Beach Wedding. Best wishes!

-- Contributed by: Melissa Mayntz

We are planning a wedding this June and decided to get married on our boat. All of our friends have boats as well and will be rafted out the whole weekend with us. The question is what should we wear as wedding attire. It should be able to get wet. Suggestions???

-- Contributed by: Boat wedding

Isabel - You'll want to avoid white, of course, but I'd recommend light colors (aqua, rose, taupe, etc.) that won't be as hot to wear in the sun. Floral patterns are also good wedding attire for guests. Also try to find lighter fabrics that allow air circulation and aren't too constricting, and avoid a long skirt or shoes that may be uncomfortable in sand if you aren't sure where exactly the wedding will be held (some are on pavilions or in gazebos, others right on the sand).

-- Contributed by: Melissa Mayntz

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