Fascinators at the ready, we're teetering on the edge of wedding season. For brides who have had to reschedule their big day a thousand times, blowing the budget on a dress might not be top priority. There's never been a better time to find an affordable wedding dress, with plenty of options that may not be a custom-made, bespoke, gown but will look every bit as fabulous.
Brands have been launching bridal collections left, right, and centre and we're seriously impressed. Take Self-Portrait, for example, already known for their occasionwear, whose collection of mini cut-out lace dresses, blousy sleeves, and beautiful floor-skimming gowns starts from £280.
High street retailer Coast recently launched its new 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. They even have matching pieces for your dog, guys.
High street fave Whistles kicked off 2022's wedding season with a bang, returning with a selection of dresses, tailoring and jumpsuits that offers something for every bride (and bridesmaid).
Our hero piece? The forward-thinking Cecilia dress, which is perfect for a more modern bride - with sheer mesh sleeves and a slit that exposes just a hint of leg. The Whistles wedding collection is available online and in-store at the London flagship store, where customers can pre-book private bridal appointments for the bride and her bridesmaids.
British label Harmur’s debut line offers floor-length gowns, jumpsuits, minidresses and separates from £770. After struggling to find her own wedding dress, Ally Voss launched Clover London, to bridge the gap between high street and bespoke (all priced at £1,000). Rixo, meanwhile, introduced its debut bridal collection last year, full of feather-trimmed dresses, skirt suits and jacquard maxi dresses complete with elegant trains. It was so successful that the brand has also launched a dedicated range of bridesmaid dresses, with four wearable styles in four soft-focus pastel shades.
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ASOS reported selling around 800 bridal dresses a day in 2021, with its embroidered gowns priced at £150. Monsoon and Ghost have enjoyed success with bridalwear, so it’s no surprise that other high street brands are beginning to introduce it, too.
Elsewhere on the high street, Monsoon’s collection majors in capped-sleeved styles that deserve to take centre stage. While Sister Jane's Dream Sister Jane collection features giant bow trains, tiered blousy dresses and puff sleeves.
In fact, whether you head to French Connection, ASOS, Self-Portrait, Coast or Needle & Thread, you'll find maxi dresses, vintage-inspired outfits, full-skirted looks, full-length wedding gowns and even square-neck wedding dresses – everything to ensure you'll not only find the perfect bridal dress, you'll also have a much more affordable wedding on your hands. Plus, these high street shops also offer excellent options for bridesmaid dresses and even mothers of the bride, too.
SHOP: The Best Wedding Dresses For Every Budget
SHOP: The Best High Street Wedding Dresses UK
It's all about the detail on this dress from the lace peplum over lay to the diamanté trim.
A cap makes an excellent addition to your wedding day dress, go on, float about that venue.
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.
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.
Something you'll be able to wear time and time again, a classic wide leg cut is seriously flattering, too.
The trademark cut out lace of Self-Portrait makes an ideal bridal outfit.
Tulle tiers and a one shoulder style are an instant update.
A Bardot neckline could potentially be the most flattering out there.
The vintage feel of this dress makes it feel like one-of-a-kind.
A deep plunging neckline and embroidery give a relaxed boho feel.
An easy breezy style that would look just as good at a beach wedding as it would a town hall ceremony.
A tux style mini makes the ultimate cool-girl alternative to a wedding gown.
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.
Super simple, super chic; the fashionista wedding dress.
This dress is as demure as it is pretty and you could even shorten it after the wedding so you can wear it again.
If your style is more glam than traditional bride, this gown is a great option.
A flutter sleeve is the ultimate flattering style.
A big bow makes a great plus one (Groom aside).
Add a little pizzazz to your wedding day with a floor length sequin gown.
Square necklines are currently one of the most sought-after details on wedding dresses. This Whistles gown has nailed it.
If you're looking for something dramatic that's still affordable, BHLDN is the place to go.
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.
This is a glorious dress that would work for a civil ceremony, dinner the night before or even a second outfit.
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.
Cut to a shorter length, this floral lace dress features a tiered skirt with feminine border trims.
This dress looks far more expensive than the price tag would suggest thanks to the intricate detail.
Get on the rental hype.