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High street wedding dress brands: Where to buy stylish and affordable outfits
Because ‘the one’ doesn’t have to break the bank to be special
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The path to finding the perfect wedding dress is often a long and emotional one that traditionally involves months of planning and several visits to bridal boutiques before the big day.
However, amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, many couples have reconsidered what’s really important to them when it comes to wedding planning, with an increasing number of brides-to-be realising that a gown doesn’t need to have a four-figure price tag to make it aisle-worthy.
Thanks to a boom in last-minute micro-nuptials, high street wedding dress sales have surged with Bridebook reporting that 67 per cent of brides no longer consider an expensive, made-to-measure gown a priority for their big day, while “casual wedding dress” was googled 158 per cent more in January 2021 than in January 2020.
While most brides will be thankful for savvy ways to save a few extra pennies, it’s not just the cost that makes high street options so appealing to contemporary brides. Now, stylish women have their pick of an ever-expanding selection of styles that look so good no-one would ever guess you’re not wearing a couture number.
Prominent brands such as Rixo, Zara, Whistles and Self Portrait are all delivering looks that effortlessly blur the lines between high-fashion and bridal, spanning everything from show-stopping dresses to jumpsuits, tailoring and mix-and-match separates.
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Plus, buying “off the rack” means you actually get to try on a gown in your usual clothing size, have it delivered within a matter of days – compared to the traditional eight-month lead time – and take it anywhere you like for alterations if necessary.
Whether you’ve scaled down your ceremony, chosen to tie the knot at your local registry or want to save some money where you can, we’re here to help you find your wedding day look with our round-up of the best high street brands selling sophisticated bridal gowns, jumpsuits and two-pieces that don’t cost a fortune.
High street favourite Zara launched its debut bridal collection in July 2021, offering a range of womenswear pieces at affordable prices.
The 11-piece range includes everything from satin slip gowns that can be dressed up for the ceremony or worn alone on your wedding night, as well as statement hair accessories and lingerie. Most clothing items are available in sizes XS to XL, with prices starting at just £17.99.
While some styles have sold out since its launch, you can still get your hands on thisgathered silk bridal headband (£12.99, Zara.com), which is ideal for any bride looking to add a stylish touch to their wedding day ensemble. The retailer is yet to announce if there will be a new bridal range for 2022 but keep checking back here for updates.
Prices: £17.99 to £159
Since launching its first bridal range in 2017, Whistles Wedding has gone from strength to strength. From romantic lace gowns to sleek white suits and co-ords, the brand’s current collection offers something to suit every bride and most pieces are available in UK sizes 4 to 16.
The range is crafted from high-quality fabrics with eye-catching details such as embroidered tulle, organza jacquard and scalloped edges. Among our top picks are the super-elegant Mia square neck wedding dress (£499, Whistles.com) and the annie wedding trousers (£229, Whistles.com) and matching blazer (£299, Whistles.com), which gives us serious Bianca Jagger vibes.
Proving that shopping for your dress on the high street doesn’t mean skipping the bridal experience entirely, both the St Christopher’s Place store in London and the Leeds branch offer a dedicated bridal suite where you can try pieces on while sipping champagne. While they are closed during lockdown, the suites are set to reopen once government restrictions have been eased.
Shopping for bridesmaids? Whistles has got you covered there too, offering both midi and maxi dresses in a range of different colours, from pale pink and ivory to turquoise.
Prices: £129 to £649
This British label is famed for its silky tea dresses in ethereal colours and first branched into bridal-wear in 2015 with a range of affordable wedding gowns, jumpsuits and tailoring designed with the modern bride in mind.
Read more: Getting married? These are the 10 best bride essentials
Each season the brand launches a new collection inspired by current trends, with its latest offering bohemian ruffles, fashion-forward cuts and romantic details.
The majority of pieces are available in sizes XXS to XL (UK6 to 16) and are made from luxury fabrics such as satin crepe. One of our top picks from Ghost’s collection is the Claudia dress (£225, Ghost.co.uk), which combines 1930’s elegance with stunning details such as a delicate Georgette bodice, and a stunning draped cowl back that oozes old Hollywood glamour.
Better yet, the brand also has a range of elegant bridesmaid dresses and adorable flower girl styles to complete your wedding party look.
Prices: £195 to £495
After five years of catering to stylish wedding guests, Rixo turned its attention to brides with its debut collection in February 2021.
The 26-piece range delivers styles suited to all brides, whether they’re holding out for a bigger celebration or opting for a more intimate ceremony, with everything from separates to feather-trimmed mini dresses, jumpsuits and contemporary tailoring inspired by stylish women such as Bianca Jagger and Kate Moss.
Available in UK sizes 6 to 16, the collection is limited edition and the brand has yet to confirm if it will be releasing more in the future, so you’ll need to act quickly if you want to get your hands on one of these gems.
The collection also includes accessories to complete your look including a long mesh veil (£185, Rixo.co.uk) and short dot veil (£125, Rixo.co.uk). One of our favourite items is the cordette maxi dress (£975, Rixo.co.uk), which is designed with over-the-top ruffled lace sleeves, a subtle round neck, empire line waist and a bias hip fit.
Rixo also has a dedicated bridal boutique, which is set to open when government lockdown restrictions are eased.
Prices: £75 to £1,450
Since its launch in 2017, Kitri has become the go-to destination for fashion-forward wedding guest dresses that don’t break the bank.
And in January 2020, the British brand turned its attention from the congregation to the bride, with the launch of its first nine-piece bridal capsule collection. Kitri’s founder, Haeni Kim, said she decided to start offering bridalwear in response to customer demand, adding that the range caters specifically to those who need multiple dresses.
The collection offers varying silhouettes designed to suit different body types and, although some pieces are currently sold out, there are still plenty of standout items on offer includingthis lace jumpsuit (£55, Kitristudio.com) and lace midi dress (£85, Kitristudio.com).
Prices: £99 to £215
Not content with taking all our money when it comes to our everyday wardrobes, Asos has become a solid favourite with brides too. So much so that, even during a year filled with postponements, one of the retailer’s own-brand wedding dresses was sold every three minutes in 2020.
It’s not hard to see why the range is so popular, as Asos covers all potential sartorial bases with mini, midi and maxi styles, sequins, lace and minimal slips, all in one place. The pieces range from £75 to £375 and there are lots of accessories, shoes and underwear you can buy to finish your big-day look.
One of our favourite styles is the cari wedding dress (£135, Asos.com) made from ivory satin and featuring a plunging neckline, kimono sleeves and a thigh-high split.
As well as its own brand called Asos Editon, which has a “curve” selection too, the retailer also sells bridal gowns from other brands such as Frock and Frill and Amelia Rose. With free delivery on orders over £35 and free, paperless returns, it’s well worth ordering a selection from the Asos bridal range and trying on in the comfort of your own home.
Prices: £75 to £375
In 2017, the sustainable US brand beloved for its vintage-inspired day dresses launched a wedding line made up of effortlessly elegant styles and gained a cult following among brides-to-be almost overnight.
From frilly sundresses ideal for summer hen parties to satin halterneck styles, jumpsuits and traditional full-length lace gowns, each of Reformation’s offerings are cut to be oh-so flattering and all come in at reasonable prices.
For a gown that’s equally trendy and traditional, we love the stars dress (£435, Thereformation.com), which is slim fitting through the bodice with a full, relaxed skirt and tiered puff sleeves for a more dramatic look. Most styles are available in sizes 4 to 16.
The brand is also a great eco-friendly choice for wedding guests, bridesmaids and mothers-of-the-bride alike. While Reformation is US-based, it offers free express shipping on all international orders, which will three to eight days to arrive.
Prices: £235 to £640
The Self Portrait bridal edit is one for sartorially savvy brides who want to make a statement when walking down the aisle.
Starting at £270, the brand’s collection is proof that your wedding dress doesn’t have to bankrupt you, delivering a selection of fashion-forward styles to suit every type of ceremony. From mini dresses to tiered Victorian-inspired gowns and tailored party frocks, the entire range is made with serious attention to detail and high-quality fabrics such as guipure lace, taffeta and broderie.
If you’re on the hunt for a tea-length dress, we recommend this dot mesh gown (£340, Self-portrait-studio.com), which is designed with puff sleeves, frill shoulder details, a fitted bodice and a removable diamante belt. All gowns are available in sizes 4 to 16.
Prices: £270 to £750
Visit Self-portrait-studio.com now
Whether you’re looking for a classic floor-length dress, chic registry-office-appropriate tailoring or you’re taking a more free-spirited approach, there’s a stunning piece to suit every bride at Monsoon.
Read more: Everything Meghan and Harry had at their wedding that you can still shop today
The 26-piece collection goes from shorter styles to full-length ones, with elegant details such as cap sleeves and hand-created embellishments. Monsoon also has a selection of wedding gowns in its sustainable clothing collection, S.E.W., which are created using sustainable, recycled or responsibly sourced organic materials.
Our top pick from the S.E.W. range is the kate dress (£499, Monsoon.co.uk), which is made from recycled polyester and designed with a V-shaped neckline, feminine 3D floral beading on the bodice and a floor-length skirt that flows effortlessly down, creating natural pleats. All styles are available in sizes 6 to 22.
Prices: £69 to £499
A great choice for women who don’t want a run-of-the-mill gown, Coast’s wedding collection has plenty to offer for all members of the bridal party, from the bride herself to bridesmaids, flower girls and guests.
While the collection was already affordable, the retailer currently has up to 75 per cent off occasionwear, with savings of over £100. For a more traditional style, this embroidered maxi dress (£135.20, Coastfashion.com) is a great choice, featuring a mesh floral bodice and sleeves alongside a ribbon-tie waist and pleated skirt. Alternatively, we love this pencil dress (£74 Coastfashion.com) that is designed with cut-out detailing at the back, floral applique around the waist and flattering short sleeves. Most styles are available to buy in sizes 8 to 18.
Prices: £28 to £111
Voucher codes
For the latest discounts on wedding essentials and other bridal offers, try the links below:
For more wedding inspiration, read our guide to everything you need for a low-key ceremony
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