An Ask the Editor Happy Hour: A Wedding Dress for a Casual Ceremony

For several years, my wedding plans included 12 people at a Taco Bell.  But, like most women, when presented with the opportunity to put all of our friends and loved ones into one place, I took it.  I wish we’d done something smaller.  So I was so glad to see this comment from a bride looking for a simple, easy wedding for her and her partner.

Dear Belle,

My partner and I have been engaged for three years.  We haven’t tied the knot because neither of us wants to plan and pay for a wedding.  Last week, we decided not to let our parents dictate our wishes and reserved a restaurant’s patio for a late-May wedding.  That means I need a dress and I’m hoping you could help me choose one since I hate to shop.  

My budget is $500, maybe $750 for the RIGHT dress.  I want something lovely but not overly formal.  No sequins.  No tea length or floor length.  No spaghetti straps, preferably with sleeves but sleeveless is an option.  My partner is going to wear a white suit, so no blazer dresses or jumpsuits.  I would also like to wear white.  However, I would not be opposed to a soft pink or a soft pastel.  

Love your blog.  Thanks for the help.  ~Spencer

Hold on a moment, let me stretch.  This is an important exercise, and I want it to have my full attention.  Alright.  Let’s go.

This Sami Dress is the best pick for a modern bride who wants a dress that feels more cocktail than bridal.  If you want more chest coverage, you can add a mesh modesty panel in a similar white hue or line the sides with a mesh fabric to lessen the depth of the v-neck.  If you like this look, but want a slightly more traditional gown, Tadashi Shoji makes a wonderful alternative.

As for styling, I love how the dress is styled in this photo.  I might shorten it a bit to be just under the knee, but the double strap sandal  opens up the leg line in a way an ankle strap shoe wouldn’t.  I would choose a modern, pearl hoop earring.

This Badgley Mischka dress is so feminine and sleek at the same time.  The pleated bodice and the puffy sleeve give it something extra, while the pearl appliqués bring in a classic bridal touch.  If you hem this, stay below the knee.  If you take it all the way up to a mini-dress, it’ll likely throw off the proportions of the sleeve and look top heavy.

Because the dress is so much, I would choose a pearl stud earring with a little more oomph.  I would also grab a simpler shoe and a sleek clutch.

This Milly halter dress has a very cool, modern lace pattern.  The neckline is also a little bit dramatic and fun.  It would make a great dress for a casual ceremony or a rehearsal dinner.  If you like the style, but not the lace at the throat, try this simple satin charmeuse dress.

I like the metallic shoe with this, but would probably skip the ankle strap.  This d’Orsay style peep toe is more my speed.  I would also wear my hair up to really give the neckline its due.  This slightly braided style is nice, as is this very full, tousled ponytail.  If you want extra length for your ponytail, ask your stylist to order a remy hair extension specifically made for ponytails or a clip in hair set that can be dyed to match.

It should come as no surprise that a woman who wore a pink dress to her own wedding loves a pink dress.  So I scoured the Internet for a pink, short dress, and all I found was disappointment.  My fear with a short pink dress is that you will look like a bridesmaid, not the bride.  So if you’re going to go pink, may I recommend a floor length dress?

This Amanda Uprichard gown gives you a dash of pale pink, but it’s so simple that it won’t be too much for a casual wedding.  Want something more formal?  I have been trying to find a reason to buy this tulle gown for like six months.  I may throw an elaborate 41st birthday party just so I can wear it. Actually that’s a great idea.  I’m definitely doing that.

The other great thing about this dress is that you can dress it up or down as much as you like.  You can do a birdcage veil.  You can wear dramatic earrings.  You can wear a stack of bangles six inches tall.  It is a blank canvas in the best possible way.

Want a fun, refreshing cocktail for your wedding reception?  This a Starboard Spritz, a take on the Aperol Spritz.  It has strawberry and herbal notes, so it isn’t too sweet.  It’s fizzy and fun to drink at a cocktail hour, but more substantial than something served in a flute glass.

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