Beautifully plain and simple wedding dresses

Modern bridal looks are a true reflection of a brides sense of style and personality, more than ever. If the minimalistic and modern aesthetic has caught your eye, after being the fastest growing trend in the bridal industry, then this round-up of plain and simple wedding dresses is for you.

Below, we’ve picked our favourite understated ‘it girl’ styles from Sofia Cruz's latest collection. Think softly pleated organza bodices, beautifully cut low backs, cowl necklines and draped off-the-shoulder straps. Plain wedding dresses don't always automatically mean simple, beautiful draping, and intricate detail add a level of detail and there is always room for modern accessories to personalise your look.

Laidback and effortless

Sofia Cruz is the queen of deceptively plain and simple wedding dresses. Her stunning silhouettes come in luxurious crepe, organza, satin and a new brocade Mikado. One of our favourites from the new collection is effortless Alber. Made from satin-backed crepe, it glides over curves and falls beautifully. The crepe also has a soft sheen and all the detail here is in the strikingly low scooped back and the flattering pleated cowl neckline.

Enchanting classics

Sofia Cruz hones her expertise in designing minimalistic bridal wear using a range of fabrications, that allow brides to fully show their personality and transform a 'plain' dress into their dream wedding dress. Florentina use brocade mikado, a plain fabric woven to display subtle floral emblems that hit the sweet spot between minimalism and maximalism. You could choose to style Florentina, in a modern way with a plain veil and statement earrings, or lean into a more traditional look with lace edged veil and crystal belts.

Another style that can be both modern, and classic is off the shoulder gown, Jade. Plain mikado is often the fabrication thought of most when a 'plain' wedding dress is mentioned, and this style is truly timeless. A sweetheart neckline is a romantic feature, and the detachable straps are perfect for personalising the gown, or creating two looks in one.

Steal the show

Ultimate 'it girl' gown, Renzo is a super modern option for brides looking for a plain wedding dress. The split skirt is straight off 2024 bridal catwalks, whilst the draped bust detail and exposed boning form a contemporary version of a classic sweetheart neckline. Pair with a dramatic lace veil like Lane for insta-ready look.

Designs to suit your setting

Whilst it helps when planning a wedding to choose your venue first, and everything else follow, your wedding dress the number one thing that is going to best represent you and your style. The best thing about plain dresses are they look perfect anywhere!

Plain and simple wedding dresses for every style of venue…

Take inspiration from our beautiful real life brides, too. Alix and James married at the Mallorca restaurant where they got engaged and Alix wore one of our most popular designs, an off-the-shoulder sheath in soft crepe. “I wanted something simple and elegant,” she says. “It didn't have any detail on it, which meant I could accessorise with any jewellery I wanted. It made me feel beautiful.”

Traditional...

Real brides Charley knew that "the beauty was in the simplicity of it. Charley's winter wedding showcases how a modern plain mikado gown, can be styled traditionally for a classic wedding look with a navy and burgundy theme.

Classic...

“I wanted something timeless but beautiful for our classic golf course venue,” says Megan. "I knew this was the dress for me when I put it on. It also fitted me like a glove and it required no alternations at all. I felt like the bride I’ve always dreamt of being. I bought the Leonie belt too, as I wanted something classy with a bit of sparkle. Also, my bridesmaids wore blush pink Laila dresses with matching belts."

Contemporary...

Siobhan, who married at a stylish venue in Bali, also wanted plain and simple wedding dresses but was looking for something more modern to suit her villa ceremony. She chose Elton, a modern Mikado ballgown by Anna Sorrano. "The dress was perfect,” she says. “I loved the small details and the cuff on the sweetheart neckline was a beautiful touch. I’m relatively short and the buttons running the entire length of the dress helped to add length. I also had some fabric taken from the front of the dress, which was made into hair bows for me and my flower girls. As well as the dress, I bought a cathedral-length veil, an underskirt and a large satin bow.”

Elegant extras

As you can see from the real weddings above, the joy of plain and simple wedding dress is that you can dress them up or down to suit your style. So, why not add a belt, tiara and more? Or keep it simple with just a tulle jacket with delicate pearls? Here are a few styles to try…

Our plain tulle Hilde bolero is a dream for modern brides, as it adds a touch of unexpected chic and can be used to create two looks in one. Simple style at its very best.

The popular Shai jacket turns it up a notch with a scattering of pearls for a touch of detailing. Pair this with our simple pleated Mikado belt too, for an understated contemporary feel.

Then our Willa and Fillipa veils are the perfect finishing touch. Choose between lovely plain tulle or go for a light sprinkling of pearls to complete your look.

Effortless bridesmaids' styling

If the look for your big day is minimal elegance you’ll want you maids to match the tone. Much like our plain and simple wedding dresses our bridesmaids dresses can be dressed up or down too, depending on how much sparkle you like.

Choose between luxurious draped satin in five contemporary colours and four different styles. Or go for soft chiffon in six styles with everything from strapless to angel sleeves and in 15 beautiful shades.

Simply the best

Finally, if you haven’t found the perfect plain and simple wedding dresses above, don’t worry. These are just a few of our favourites but we have plenty more in store from our exclusive ranges, plus new styles arriving every week. So, pop in and chat to our bridal experts (or contact them online). Tell them all about your venue, your theme and your day-to-day style and they’ll help you find the perfect understated and elegant look, we promise!

Click here to check out all our plain and simple wedding dresses, then try on your favourites at your nearest wed2b store. Here’s what to expect when you visit, too. Lastly, for more inspiration, check out our Instagram, Facebook or TikTok accounts.