When it comes to buying your wedding dress, it can feel like a gargantuan task. Unless you're the type of person who knows what you want as soon as you've become engaged, the amount of choice on offer can feel overwhelming. Even more overwhelming is the cost; weddings are, as we all know, an expensive endeavour, to say the least. So, how do you find something beautiful to wear without spending the entire budget? You may not have considered a high street wedding dress yet but, as a fashion editor who spends endless hours trawling the internet for the very best pieces to buy, I can attest to the fact that you'll find some of the most beautiful wedding dresses from the likes of Reformation, Rixo, Whistles and Monsoon. Karen Millen, meanwhile, has also reported that, according to data from Google Trends, searches for 'high street wedding dresses' increased by 5,000% over the past 30 days (23 June - 23 July).
Clearly, shoppers have cottoned on to the fact that as well as finding simple wedding dresses galore on the high street, you can also source more elaborate styles if you're looking for something less conventional. One of the best things about buying your wedding dress on the high street? Well, it obviously means you haven't used the entire budget all on one element of the day, but it also means you could organise a try-on session in the comfort of your own home. Plus, you could invite as many friends or family members as you like to make it feel like a true bridal appointment.
Best high street wedding dresses at a glance:
Best midi high street wedding dress: Self-Portrait Crystal-Embellished Taffeta Midi Dress, £380
Best lace high street wedding dress: Whistles Ivory Wedding Dress, £319
Best short high street wedding dress: Rixo Silk Mini Dress, £650
Best ruffle high street wedding dress: Needle & Thread Off-Shoulder Gown, £500
Best high street wedding dress with a train: Monsoon Embellished Wedding Dress, £325
It's also worth noting that there are high street brands creating beautiful pieces which aren't necessarily classified as bridalwear but would be perfect for your wedding. Karen Millen, for example, has a host of intricately beaded gowns which would look sensational as a wedding dress for any non-traditional brides or even serve as a show-stopping look for celebrations around the main event (for those planning a wedding weekend). Similarly, Self-Portrait has everything from bouclé mini dresses to tailored maxi dresses and elegant jumpsuits, which would work for civil ceremonies, destination weddings, next-day parties and everything in between.
Don't discount pre-loved or vintage styles, either. There are thousands of wedding dresses to be found on eBay in a great selection of sizes, most of which could be altered to suit your style and requirements. And then, of course, there's wedding dress rental services, which are more affordable and sustainable.
If you do want to invest in an outfit for your wedding that you can keep forever (or even sell on after the big day), these are the very best affordable wedding dresses that you could, with a few tweaks, even wear again. And again.
Shop: The Best High Street Wedding Dresses
Best ruffle high street wedding dress
www.needleandthread.com
This romantic dress is made of ruffles without the silhouette feeling overwhelming or unflattering. It features an integrated corset for extra structure and support, with an off-the-shoulder neckline. The champagne shade is ideal for brides sticking to tradition but for brides on the hunt for something more colourful, this dress is also available in red, black, dark green, two different shades of pink and two floral prints.
| Material | 100% recycled polyester |
| Size range | UK 4-22 |
| Fit | Tight fitting with an internal corset – we recommend to size up if you are between sizes |
Best tulle high street wedding dress
coastwww.johnlewis.com
This pearl-studded dress is perfect for brides looking for something quite traditional that still feels simple and not too over-the-top. The details – bead embroidery and bow at the back – speak for themselves, so you can keep your accessories minimal. Plus, it's under £400.
| Material | 100% polyester |
| Size range | UK 6-18 |
| Fit | True to size |
Best lace high street wedding dress
whistleswww.whistles.com
It's the sheer detail with the lace for us. Dreamy. Available in all sizes, up to 18, the Therese Wedding Dress is currently discounted with £330 off the original asking price. An absolute steal.
| Material | 100% Polyester |
| Size range | UK 4-18 |
| Fit | Has a slim silhouette so you may need to size up if you're between sizes |
Best plus-size high street wedding dress
asoswww.asos.com
ASOS has a brilliant selection of plus-sized wedding dresses which consistently sell out – they're that good. This pretty tie-strap style has romantic beading and a long tulle skirt with side slits, so you can show off your dream wedding shoes.
| Material | 100% polyester |
| Size range | UK 16-30 |
| Fit | Regular |
Best square-neckline high street wedding dress
Whistleswww.whistles.com
Square necklines are currently one of the most sought-after details on wedding gowns and this style from Whistles is the best you'll find. It has a low back with covered buttons and an elegantly draped skirt which gives you just a hint of a train.
| Material | 100% polyester |
| Size range | UK 4 -20 |
| Fit | True to size |
Best midi high street wedding dress
www.net-a-porter.com
A really chic option for a city wedding, this midi looks like you've put together the perfect two-piece. The Princess of Wales has worn a very similar iteration of this dress, so you've already got the royal seal of approval. Wear with classic court shoes and your favourite pair of earrings.
| Material | 91% polyester, 5% acrylic, 4% other fibres |
| Size range | UK 4 -14 |
| Fit | True to size |
Best short high street wedding dress
rixolondon.com
If you're looking for a short dress either for your ceremony or as a party look, Rixo's feather-trimmed style is perfect. It manages to be both elegant and playful and it will look truly fabulous on the dance floor.
| Material | Silk crepe de Chine (100% Silk) |
| Size range | UK 6 -20 |
| Fit | True to size for a relaxed fit, size down for a slinkier look |
Best high street wedding dress with a train
www.monsoon.co.uk
This dress will look as though it's been made for you, so pretty are the details like the embroidery and hand beading. It has a romantic silhouette with an off-shoulder neckline and metres of tulle which sweep into a small train behind you.
| Material | 100% recycled polyester |
| Size range | UK 6 -22 |
| Fit | Regular |
Best strapless high street wedding dress
www.coastfashion.com
It's hard to believe that this wedding dress is under £120. The Bardot neckline and oversized bow. at the back make it feel far more expensive. If you're after something super simple, wear on its own with ivory pumps or, to elevate it further, add a long veil.
| Material | 97% polyester, 3% elastane/spandex |
| Size range | UK 8-18 |
| Fit | True to size |
Best backless high street wedding dress
www.reiss.com
With its square neck and heavy, premium fabric, this dress is the perfect choice for any brides looking for something backless. It's incredibly elegant and would be the perfect choice if you're getting married somewhere hot. Add a long veil for your ceremony and then wear on its own for your reception.
| Material | 67% cotton, 29% viscose, 4% elastane |
| Size range | UK 6-14 |
| Fit | True to size |
11.
Rixo, Silk Gown
Best long sleeved high street wedding dress
rixolondon.com
Crafted from the most beautiful jacquard silk imprinted with a rosebud pattern, this bias-cut gown features covered buttons down the back and a small (but perfectly formed) train. It's a real show-stopper that, with a few alterations, you could wear again after the wedding.
| Material | 100% silk |
| Size range | UK 6-20 |
| Fit | Comes up a bit small, so take a bigger size if you're unsure |
Best high street wedding slip dress
www.ghost.co.uk
This lovely slip dress could easily be accessorised for your ceremony with an oversized jacket, but worn on its own for the party. Alternatively, if you're looking for a dress for the night before your wedding, try this with bold silver jewellery and strappy heels.
| Material | 100% viscose satin |
| Size range | UK 8-20 |
| Fit | True to size |
Best short sleeved high street wedding dress
www.whistles.com
Pretty organza puff sleeves, a tiered hem and open-back detail really elevate this dress, which is made from 100% silk. Perfect for any kind of celebration, you could even dye this after your wedding day to create an occasion dress you can wear for formal events to come.
| Material | 100% silk |
| Size range | UK 4-20 |
| Fit | Regular |
www.thereformation.com
Made of ivory jacquard, with an asymmetric neckline so that one sleeve is slipping off the shoulder, Reformation's silk number is ideal if you want a slinky dress with a slim fit.
| Material | 32% silk, 64% viscose, 4% spandex |
| Size range | UK 4-16 |
| Fit | Slim fit |
www.ghost.co.uk
This lovely cowl-necked slip dress could easily be accessorised for your ceremony with an oversized jacket, but worn on its own for the party. Alternatively, if you're looking for a dress for the night before your wedding, try this with bold silver jewellery and strappy heels.
| Material | 100% viscose |
| Size range | UK 8-20 |
| Fit | Semi-fitted |
www.karenmillen.com
This Karen Millen x Ooto London gown is 'most viewed' among the high street retailer's white dresses. And with its slinky cut and detachable fringed cape, it's not hard to see why it's proving to be a winner.
| Material | 100% viscose |
| Size range | UK 6-16 |
What is the average price of a wedding dress in the UK?
Short answer - it depends. According to hitched.co.uk's 2023 wedding survey, the average amount spent on a wedding dress in the UK was £1,300. Having said that, your wedding dress could be more or less expensive, depending on what you're looking for.
Brands like ASOS, Reformation and Revolve offer affordable high-street wedding dresses for as little as £300. However, if you're looking for a bespoke dress from a designer, £2,000 may be a more realistic starting point.
Which high street brands do wedding dresses?
Brands have been launching bridal collections left, right, and centre, and we're seriously impressed. Coast has its premium bridal collection, which offers up plenty of styles and separates ready for you to build your perfect wedding day outfit. From short chiffon mini dresses to flowing plunge-neck sequin gowns, whatever you're feeling for your wedding, they've got you covered. And then there's A-list favourite, Rixo, with everything from silk gowns to feather-trimmed mini dresses.
At Whistles, you'll find a selection of dresses, tailoring and jumpsuits that offer something for every bride (and bridesmaid). Our hero piece? The Mia dress, with a flattering square neckline.
Self-Portrait is the destination for dresses with attention to detail. Think structured hems, intricate lace details and embellishment, and they all start at just £280.
ASOS's wedding department reported sells around 800 bridal dresses a day – with its gowns from as little as £50, it really does cater to all budgets and styles. Additionally, Monsoon has a range of wedding dresses which could-be designer, while Ghost is the place to head if you want something elegant with vintage vibes. The brand's silky dresses would also be perfect for additional wedding looks, if you're on the hunt for something to wear the day before your wedding or even for engagement drinks.
How far out from your wedding should you buy your dress?
When shopping for a wedding dress, you need to strike a balance between not shopping too far in advance, but also not leaving it too last minute. Shopping too far in advance could mean a change in trends as well as personal preference, while leaving it for a few weeks before can lead to unnecessary stress. The sweet spot? Around eight to 12 months before your wedding day. This will give you time for multiple fittings, as well as alterations, which typically take around three months.
How much are wedding dress alterations?
Depending on how minor or major the tweaks are, your alterations could cost anywhere from £80 to £400. Services such as Bride & Alter offer bespoke services, so be sure to have a look online to find the best place near you, for the best price.
Where can I sell my wedding dress?
Selling your wedding dress is a great idea for a few reasons. Firstly, you'll be extending the lifecycle of the garment by passing it on to another bride, and you'll also be making some extra cash for the honeymoon. A few of our favourite second-hand retailers to sell pre-loved clothes are Vestiaire Collective and Vinted.
Hannah Banks-Walker is Grazia's head of fashion commerce. She has previously written for the likes of Harper's Bazaar, The Financial Times Glamour, Stylist, The Telegraph, Red, i-D and The Pool on everything from fashion to curly hair (hi!) to the patriarchy. Not necessarily in that order. Find her on Instagram and Twitter. But please don't look for her MySpace profile, which until now was the last time she wrote about herself in the third person__.