Writing inThe Spectatorthis week, Cressida Bonas described her lockdown wedding held earlier this year – a '30-person, socially-distanced, sanitised church service... organised in under two weeks.' She describes the lack of hymns, requirements to keep voices to minimum volume and a realisation she had while shopping for her wedding dress. 'Four days before the big day, I marched up and down Oxford Street on the hunt for a wedding dress,' she writes. 'Finding nothing, I remembered an old Whistles dress I once wore for a James Arthur music video. I went home and found the dusty frock at the back of my cupboard. After some ironing, it looked good as new.'
Of course, weddings under Covid have looked very different indeed, both in terms of the ceremonies themselves and what brides have chosen to wear. Low-key options for brideshave become very popular, as has the choice to select something more sustainable that can be worn again. But Bonas is living proof that, whatever the circumstances, wedding dresses don't actually have to cost a fortune. Even better, they could already exist in your wardrobe – you just haven't realised it yet.
This also acts as another reminder that the high street is full of amazing wedding dresses, most of which come in at under £650. From Whistles – the makers of Bonas' own dress – to ASOS to Self Portrait, there are some truly brilliant options that will suit all brides, whether you're looking for a traditional gown or something more contemporary like a jumpsuit.
SHOP: The Best High Street Wedding Dresses UK
1 of 27Self-Portrait, Ivory Corded Lace Voluminous Skirt Midi Dress, £420
It's all about the detail on this dress from the lace peplum over lay to the diamanté trim.
2 of 27Monsoon, Vera Bridal Catin Cape Maxi Dress Ivory, £299
A cap makes an excellent addition to your wedding day dress, go on, float about that venue.
3 of 27Reformation, Lark Bridal Shrug, £80
An ideal addition to and sleeveless gown or top, for those who want a little extra arm coverage, changing up their wedding day outfit or are simply a little chilly.
4 of 27Reformation, Ivory Silk Cider Top, £150
A pure silk crop top with spaghetti straps, fancy something other than an ivory gown? A two piece is the chicest Bridal outfit out there.
5 of 27Reformation, Ivory Flowing Faye Pant, £180
Something you'll be able to wear time and time again, a classic wide leg cut is seriously flattering, too.
6 of 27Self-Portrait, Ivory Blossom Sequin Tiered Midi Dress, £380
The trademark cut out lace of Self-Portrait makes an ideal bridal outfit.
7 of 27Y.A.S Bridal, One Shoulder Tiered Wedding Dress, £150
Tulle tiers and a one shoulder style are an instant update.
8 of 27Whistles, Esther Bardot Ivory Wedding Dress, £499
A Bardot neckline could potentially be the most flattering out there.
9 of 27Ghost, Laurel Dress, £495
The vintage feel of this dress makes it feel like one-of-a-kind.
10 of 27Hope & Ivy Plus, Plunge Embroidered Ivory Maxi Dress, £112.50
A deep plunging neckline and embroidery give a relaxed boho feel.
11 of 27Vila Bridal, Maxi Dress With Covered Buttons, £52
An easy breezy style that would look just as good at a beach wedding as it would a town hall ceremony.
12 of 27Self-Portrait, Metallic Bouclé Tailored Mini Dress, £400
A tux style mini makes the ultimate cool-girl alternative to a wedding gown.
13 of 27Rixo, Silk Shift Dress With Feathers, £650
Rixo's debut bridal line has been a roaring success – and it's not hard to see why. This feather-trimmed style would be perfect for a registry office wedding.
14 of 27Sir, Pleated Cotton and Linen Blend Dress, £360
Super simple, super chic; the fashionista wedding dress.
15 of 27Monsoon, Laurie Lace and Tulle Bardot Bridal Dress, £359
This dress is as demure as it is pretty and you could even shorten it after the wedding so you can wear it again.
16 of 27House Of CB, Delphine Ivory Draped Corset Gown, £649
If your style is more glam than traditional bride, this gown is a great option.
17 of 27ASOS Edition, Flutter Sleeve Wedding Dress, £112.50
A flutter sleeve is the ultimate flattering style.
18 of 27Self-Portrait, White Taffeta Bow Mini Dress, £350
A big bow makes a great plus one (Groom aside).
19 of 27Jenny Yoo, One Shoulder Sequin Gown, £545
Add a little pizzazz to your wedding day with a floor length sequin gown.
20 of 27Whistles, Mia Square Neck Wedding Dress, £499
Square necklines are currently one of the most sought-after details on wedding dresses. This Whistles gown has nailed it.
21 of 27BHLDN, Willowby by Watters Hearst Gown, £1,148.57
If you're looking for something dramatic that's still affordable, BHLDN is the place to go.
22 of 27RIXO, Feather Trim Mini Dress, £600
Feathers may not be a bridal staple but Lena's more than able to tempt you away from tradition, with glamorous silk jacquard, responsibly sourced ostrich plumes and a flattering miniskirt.
23 of 27Bronx and Banco, Bridal Midi Dress, £813
This is a glorious dress that would work for a civil ceremony, dinner the night before or even a second outfit.
24 of 27Coast, Long Sleeve Bridal Maxi Dress, £119
It's hard to believe this dress is under £150. It will look lovely as it is or, if you want a more traditionally bridal look, add a long veil.
25 of 27Phase Eight, Elyse Lace Tiered Wedding Dress, £299
Cut to a shorter length, this floral lace dress features a tiered skirt with feminine border trims.
26 of 27Needle & Thread, Amalie Sequin V-Neck Gown, £465
This dress looks far more expensive than the price tag would suggest thanks to the intricate detail.
27 of 27Sister Jane, Aurelie Oversized Midi Dress in Ivory, available to rent at Rotaro from £19
Get on the rental hype.
Given the amount of engagements which arise during the Christmas period, it might be worth considering your options.