A lot has changed in the bridal fashion market since I got married in 2017. At that time the options for a fashion-forward dress on a tight budget were very limited, and I knew definitively that I didn’t want to go down the traditional route of meringues and fittings and remortgaging the house to secure “the one”. So, I ended up buying an off-the-peg monochrome Proenza Schouler dress on a whim whilst in Harvey Nichols one day. No friends or family were with me, there were no happy tears and it couldn’t have been less of a “moment” but I was so happy with the result.
The fact is, for many brides-to-be, the idea of putting aside £20k for a gown that you wear once and probably destroy on the dance-floor, has been outmoded for a while now. It’s taken a few years for the industry to catch up, but now in 2022 the contemporary bridal dresses and separates that are available at more affordable prices is truly remarkable.
Before the pandemic hit, retailers such as MATCHES and NET-A-PORTER were starting to stock more trend-led, directional bridal pieces—many were filtering in from new brands founded for this very reason, while others were arriving thanks to existing designers spotting an opportunity to sell cool wedding looks to women who knew they wanted something different and unique. A portion of them from the likes of Danielle Frankel, Emilia Wickstead or Molly Goddard are still going to set you back a pretty penny, but there are many wedding dresses and outfits under-£1000 or thereabouts that still feel as sumptuous and special as you’d hope. According to global fashion shopping platform Lyst, the majority of shoppers are interested in Self-Portrait and Reformation, both of which are documented below. However, many of these lesser-known independent names are bubbling up thanks to real brides sharing their looks on social media; Instagram in particular has become a hub for modern wedding ensembles that sit outside of the classical bridal market (trouser suits and separates, for example, are really on the rise IRL), and it is undeniably having an influence on what women are choosing for their events.
While £1000 may not feel affordable for everyone (and there are brilliant lower-priced high street bridal dresses you can easily shop from online), for some wedding budgets this allows more to be spent on multiple looks as nuptials and parties now often span days, locations and themes. The spillover could be reallocated to having a jolly good knees up (we spent a little extra on keeping everyone very well fed and watered), a fancier honeymoon or kept aside for plain ol’ regular life expenses. Additionally, with wedding plans being continuously changed over the past few years, the perspective on what’s important has shifted. There is undoubtedly going to be a slew of smaller, more intimate weddings, with city nuptials and more private affairs being far better suited to modern bridal looks. Keep scrolling to see the best under-£1000 wedding dresses and separates to buy now.
My friend got married in this and honestly, I’ve never seen anyone look so stunning. The simplicity is total heaven.
Pair this with the matching camisole for an elegant look that still comes in under £1000.
Ever considered sequins?
If I was to do it all over again, I’d strongly consider this liquid-like dress.
A mini that still brings alll the drama. The train is removable, too.
So elegant.
This would also make a stunning evening dress to change into.
This would make a perfect civil ceremony outfit.
I love the texture on this.
So simple and elegant, you can’t go wrong.
So many of Rixo’s beautiful bridal styles are also available up to a size UK 24 (including all three here).
You’re guaranteed to have fun in this one.
Adore.
Capes make a stunning accent if you’re looking to add drama without a massive budget.
This is totally ageless.
A beautiful slip dress.
Available up to a size 26.
Be sure to message the seller if you have any specific design requests as these are all handmade.
Etsy is a great way to support independent businesses, and get a great price for a wedding dress.
If you’re a fan of ’80s fashion, don’t sleep on Retrofête.
Gorgeous.
Simple but still elevated.
A veil would set this off perfectly.
The beaded straps are so pretty.
This feels so classy.
Whistles does the best affordable bridal in my opinion.
Simply beautiful.
A great option with sleeves.
The delicate beading around the neck is divine.
Feathers are always a good idea.
This will feel showstopping.
A co-ord is a great dress alternative.
Style with these fabulous trousers.
For the fashion brides out there.
Love jumpsuits? Why not where one on your big day?
This is so flattering on all body shapes.
A slick suit never goes amiss.
Pair with the matching trousers.
This comes in petite and plus size versions too.
So beautiful.
You can still do traditional bridal on a budget.
Such a classic gown at such an affordable price.
I’m truly obsessed with this gown. I’ve tried it on in red and it made me feel a million dollars.
Embellishments make this feel much more expensive than it is.
Try a cape instead of a veil. Up next, 42 wedding guest dresses we’re eyeing for wedding season. This story was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
