Informal Wedding Dresses

There are a variety of weddings where informal wedding dresses are appropriate; a registry office wedding for instance. Ladies marrying for the second or third time are more likely to choose an alternative to the formal wedding gown.

Occasions for Informal Wedding Dresses

Tropical wedding and beach weddings also call for a more informal approach to the wedding dress because the climate and atmosphere is more relaxed and laid back. Smaller weddings and weddings for more mature couples also tend to be a little less formal and an informal wedding dress is more suitable. Informal wedding gowns are also a good choice for budget weddings. Eloping usually calls for an informal dress as well.

What is an informal Wedding Dress?

Informal wedding dresses are usually evening dresses, which are elaborate enough to make you stand out as the bride. Usually it does not require you to wear a veil and is not necessarily white or cream. To find an evening dress, which is still formal enough to constitute a brides dress, you need to restrict yourself to a few simple rules.

Firstly, the dress should still be full length or at least three quarter length. I have, however seen brides who have chosen a lovely beige satin pantsuit or skirt and jacket for their second and consequent weddings.

The same rules about color and style apply to these as well. Keep the informal wedding dress to one color. Strong floral patterns are not a good choice unless they are part of the fabric weave and the same shade as the rest of the dress.

Pastel colors are the best option as they are still soft enough to constitute a lovely bridal gown. Anything with beading, rhinestones or lovely fine lace will do the trick

Choosing a dress

Look for dresses made of sheer or light fabrics with some flow to them, as they are more feminine. Strapless or shoestring strap evening dresses are also very feminine teamed up with a sheer cropped jacket or a lovely sheer shoulder drape. Anything with a slight sheen to it is also appropriate.

Try not to be tempted by dressed which would make you look more like a brides maid then a bride. Once you have your informal wedding dress you can dress it down or up with accessories. If you want a very informal look then leave your hair down and looking natural, maybe pin a flower to your hair and wear small, inconspicuous jewelry and a shoe less formal in shape.

Keep your make up simple. If you want to dress your dress up then go for the full works. Get a great hairs style, a lovely more formal stiletto shoe or strappy sandal and even a soft feathery headpiece in lieu of a veil. Choose your make-up a littler stronger and make your jewelry a bit bolder. Do not be afraid to add some soft glitter spray to your shoulders and décolletage. You will still need good quality undergarments to give the dress a good shape.

Other informal attire

If your idea of informal is totally casual then an informal wedding dress for you will be something very simple. For tropical and Hawaiian type weddings, a lovely soft linen sleeveless dress in white is a great option. It still has a bridal feel but is not formal.

Team it up with a soft white sun hat decorated with a sheer scarf and some lovely flat sandals. If you are having a beach wedding and wish to incorporate your bikini, then choose a lovely sarong for the occasion. Choose one with a lovely classic floral print and wear it over a white bikini or something sheer and fine with beaded edging over a floral bikini.

You may wish to dress up the outfit with jewelry and a sun hat. Choose a plain slip on shoe. As far as your make up is concerned, you should opt for a lovely sun kissed look. If you do not have a tan, you should consider a fake one before the wedding to make your outfit look better.