Every couple has their own sense of style.

And for some couples, that means throwing a wedding on the casual side.

Relaxed weddings can also be beautiful and elegant, and we’ve got tips to help you make that happen. 

Make your big day laid-back and chic with these casual wedding ideas! 

1. Wear Something Subtle Yet Chic

Watching the bride walk down the aisle is one of the biggest moments of any wedding day – and you know what that means: all eyes will be on your dress!

With so many couples getting married in barns and on beaches, more and more bridal designers are offering stylish, casual looks. From a simple lace sheath to an A-line chiffon gown, there’s a dress to suit every bride’s taste, style, and budget.

No rule says you have to wear a gown, either. Knee-length styles, mini dresses, and midi dresses are all great options. Depending on the type of bride you want to be, you can even wear a romper or jumpsuit.

When it comes to bridesmaid dresses, look for easy, flowy dresses in floral prints or mix and match colors and styles to create a fun, playful look. 

Need help finding the perfect bridesmaids dresses? Check out your local Bella Bridesmaids location!

2. Keep Your Accessories Minimal

When it comes to footwear, there’s nothing more casual than flats. Regardless of your dress, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear comfortable flat shoes – especially if you want to dance all night! So leave the stilettos at home, and wear wedges or strappy sandals instead.

Trying to choose a hairstyle? 

Ditch the cathedral length veil and super stiff updo – you’ll instantly look and feel more relaxed if you wear your hair down or pull it back into a simple ponytail.

And if you’re a boho bride, go all out and wear a flower crown (you know you want to!)

As for jewelry, skip the glitzy baubles and just wear your new wedding ring!

You can also go casual with your choice of flowers. Instead of a traditional bouquet full of roses, opt for wildflowers or simple greenery instead.

Looking for casual flower girl dresses? Give her a casual look that still makes her feel like a princess!

3. Ditch the Tuxedos

Casual weddings give the groom and groomsmen lots of chances to have fun with fashion. There’s no need for a tuxedo. Depending on how relaxed you want to be, they might not even need suits.

One option is to put your groom in some nice pants with a button-down shirt, suspenders, and a tie.

Or, if he wants to wear a jacket, he can pair a blazer or sport coat with slacks for a dressy yet low-key look.

And if he really wants to be casual, he can even wear sneakers with a suit! But remember: if the groom wears sneakers, the groomsmen should do the same.

Don’t forget the fun socks! Check out our favorite pairs of groomsmen wedding socks!

4. Casual Wedding Décor Can Absolutely Feel Special

Now that you have an idea of what to wear, let’s get into some of the nitty-gritty details. 

Your wedding can be as laid-back and relaxed as you want it to be – but it’s still important to decorate thoughtfully for the celebration!

Instead of classic stemware, use stemless wine glasses. Instead of silver utensils, opt for wooden cutlery. When it comes to table decorations, choose short floral arrangements over towering centerpieces.

If your wedding is going to have a rustic vibe, there are lots of fun things you can add to make it special.

Hang some paper lanterns and twinkle lights for a fun, playful vibe.

On the table tops, combine different textures and fabrics for placemats and table linens. Burlap, textured cotton, and even picnic blankets make for warm (and fun) table settings.

What's a wedding without your best friend? Read Adorable Dog Ringbearer and Dog Flower Girl Ideas

5. Consider a Cocktail Wedding Reception

One trend we LOVE is the cocktail wedding reception — a mix-and-mingle party where guests can help themselves to food stations instead of sitting down for a traditional dinner.

The food can be anything, depending on your theme.

For a seaside wedding, serve scallops, shrimp cocktail, and other beachy bits. For a farmhouse reception, serve farm-to-table meat, cheese, veggies, and bread. Even gourmet pizza makes the perfect fare in the right setting!

As opposed to a towering wedding cake, keep it to one-tier or even cupcakes (check out this article from The Knot for some ideas). Forget the traditional desserts and serve macarons or ice cream sandwiches instead.

And if you really want to lighten up the atmosphere, have a lemonade stand that offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Embrace the Casual Theme in Every Aspect of Your Day

The only way to pull off a laid-back wedding is to commit to it! If you make every element look and feel relaxed, it’ll all come together seamlessly.

Want your reception to be super easygoing? An outdoor wedding with lawn games, barbecue food, and bottles of beer may be all you need. If you want your big day to feel like a picnic in the park, go for it!

But if you want to be casual and elegant, as many couples do, you’ll have to do a little planning.

The trick is to be consistent.

Just find the right balance, follow your intuition, and don’t be afraid to throw the wedding you want. Whether you’re taking a DIY approach or hiring wedding planners, make sure to stay true to your taste and style.

Today, it’s all about you.

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