The high-street is full of beautiful wedding dresses at the moment.
I know from my own experience that planning a wedding can take months. You spend endless hours deciding what your guests are going to eat, what booze they’re going to drink and even which napkins they’ll wipe their mouths on. While this is all important stuff, it doesn’t really compare to deciding on which outfit you’re going to wear.
Of course, the last couple of years had different plans for those who had their weddings coming up, and plenty of nuptials had to be cancelled as a result of the pandemic. But there’s one silver lining I hope I can provide for you. If you’re planning on getting married at some point, then you have more time to decide what you’re going to wear. And if budgets are smaller than you had previously hoped for, then I have good news: High-street wedding dresses look as good as designer ones.
With a rise in the market for well-priced bridal gowns and jumpsuits, there’s zero shame attached to spending less on your gown. In fact, affordable can be incredibly chic. The latest brands to offer chic but inexpensive bridalwear are Rixo and Ghost. The Who What Wear team includes huge fans of both brands, and both offer interesting and fun takes on bridalwear.
From Whistles to some of Net-a-Porter’s new design talent, there are plenty of frugal but no-less fabulous wedding dresses out there just waiting to be discovered.
There are other brands that also stock affordable dresses. ASOS, following the success of its vast and brilliant bridesmaid range, has dresses for as little as £150. It also stocks Needle and Thread, a British brand that specialises in intricately embellished occasionwear with a comfortable price tag. One of my favourite affordable red carpet go-tos, Self-Portrait, also offers a drop-dead-gorgeous wedding range. Reformation, meanwhile, might not be the first name you think of for bridal looks, but the brand has a couple of gorgeous gowns. Better yet, Whistles‘ wedding dress collection continues to be one of my favourites, with all pieces under £400.
If you want some inspiration for shopping affordable high-street wedding outfits, just take a look at my pick of the expensive-looking options that will cost you a fraction of the price of a traditional frock. I’ve picked out a selection of dresses from some of our favourite stores that can totally be worn for your big day. While what one person deems as “affordable” can differ greatly for another, considering many wedding dresses cost in the thousands, I’ve kept my edit below the £1,000 threshold. If that still seems expensive to you (it is a considerable amount of money, after all), rest assured there are plenty of dresses that come in under this—starting at a mere £XX. Keep scrolling to shop the specialised wedding dress collections from ASOS, Whistles and so many more.
The cut-out back and puff sleeves are details I didn’t know worked together until I saw this beautiful gown.
For the bride that lives and breathes the cottagecore aesthetic.
I’m really into the whole covered-button-and-crisp-collar situ.
Minis are just as wonderful as full-length gowns; especially when they feature dramatic sleeves.
The perfect, classic-feeling midi dress for city weddings.
You had me at the oversized bow.
The fluid ruffle detailing on this dress will make you look as if you’re floating; so beautiful.
This dress is truly breathtaking.
If there was ever a day to dress yourself in a giant bow, your wedding day is that day.
One of the season’s most in-demand dresses loads itself as a standout wedding look.
This feels so incredibly special.
2022’s need-to-know dress brand has create a spellbinding bridal capsule.
The only word that describes this dress? FABULOUS.
The sleek silhouette on this dress is guaranteed to appease minimalist brides.
All-over lace is usually so expensive.
You really need to see this dress on—it’s stunning.
If stark white hue aren’t your thing.
Just imagine how great this’ll look on the dance floor.
Simple but so pretty.
Just wait until you see the bow on the back of this beautiful mini.
This is serving major ‘90s Kate Moss vibes.
If dresses aren’t your thing, try a chic jumpsuit instead.
This feels so ethereal.
This dress ticks off so many major dress trends—definitely one for the fashion-conscious bride.
A refined take on the princess dress.
I love this flattering style.
A classic Ghost look. All it needs is a sleek floor-length veil.
A very classy take on the co-ord.
The perfect look for a summer wedding.
There’s just something so premium about this silhouette.
The cowl neckline and thigh split work so well together.
If you love sequins.
A great lace option.
This silk dress will look good on everyone.
The definition of understated elegance.
Gorgeous back.
The cowl neck, low back and burnout velvet motif feel so ’90s—in the best possible way.
This is calling to be worn with a cute cropped jacket.
The neck on this is excellent.
This is just so classy.
The long sleeves and high neckline make this ideal for winter nuptials.
Definitely Cinderella vibes.
An option minimalists will love.
I adore the addition of the romantic lace hem on this dress.
If you’re not a dress person, this cool jumpsuit might be what you’re looking for.
The delicate embellishment on this dress is breathtaking.
Simple and chic.
A silhouette that’ll look timeless in your photographs.
I’m obsessed with this silhouette.
Be the reception in this sparkly mini.
This was made for boho brides.
This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated. Next up, these are the biggest spring/summer 2022 fashion trends to know.
