Understated is not a term normally associated with the wedding dress institution, but it’s a trend currently taking over aisles. Brides are trading showy, dramatic gowns in favor of comfort and personal style, and couples are opting out of over-the-top wedding receptions, instead going for nature-inspired, casually elegant fêtes, customized to reflect who they are.

And the pared-down approach seems to be imported from—where else?—France. Nobody does effortless chic like the French, and the move to trim away the overly showy and “loud” elements to focus on comfort, functionality, and personal style has brought a slew of French bridal designers to the attention of American brides.

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