A wedding dress is one of the biggest fashion expenses a girl will make, averaging £1,500 in the UK.
Many will spend twice that.
However, for those with a more modest budget to work with, take a look at what’s on the high street. An explosion of pretty, affordable bridal-ware has taken place with a nod to more contemporary designs. Women are looking for an outfit that reflects their lifestyle.
Sustainability is also having an impact. By opting for something less formal, you can get to wear it more than once. My grandmother did just that; shortening the sleeves of her Normal Hartnell wedding dress so that she could wear it for cocktail parties. And then I wore it 68 years later.
Here are some of my picks.
Whistles has a small but impressive collection of wedding attire. With it’s square neckline and clean silhouette, this Mia dress in satin is a winner. £499
Monsoon’s Elizabeth embellished wedding dress will speak to the romantic girl. This enchanting artisan piece looks much more expensive than its sale price tag of £349.30
The soft flowing lines of this Vera Cape dress from Monsoon, would be as much at home on a beach as a church. £209.30
This stylish Ted Baker SIAAA Halter neck Jumpsuit in the softest pink won’t limit you to your wedding day but can be worn multiple times. £199
This Gasby dress from Reformation ticks the sustainable box and carry you through more than your big day.
Self Portrait’s Pleated Crochet Flora Maxi dress exudes stylish elegance. £360
Minis are making a come back. Think Keira Knightly or Mia Farrow, if you want to show off your legs, opt for this mini length lace Carraway dress from Reformation. £320
This versatile two piece wedding suit from Whistles is bound to take you places beyond your big day. Blazer £299. Trousers £229
Cream wedding dress in a sturdy weave from H&M £199.
This Melba Bardot wedding dress in ivory from Whistles is timeless. £649
Phase Eight’s simple but pretty Victoriana Bridal jumpsuit. £159.20
Stand out in this ASOS satin panelled wedding dress with fishtail in oyster. £95
2 thoughts on “High Street Bridal Wear”
My wardrobe was a disaster, not only was the style of the clothes wrong, they were the wrong colours too!
I was excited for our shopping day, but felt so nervous on the day.
I met Emma in Zara in Oxford Street and while I wouldn’t have picked any of the clothes she had put by for me, of course she chose well. I spent over £300 and had 2 huge bags of shopping!
My first night out with my husband after our spree, 2 ladies complimented me and commented on my £29 top from Zara.
Thank you Emma, I’ve appreciated your advice even more as time has gone by and what’s more I “get” what you’ve said. No more clothes wearing me. I’m wearing them AND no more black!😊
Shame I’m not going anywhere with my 4 new coats and 3 new pairs of boots.
ps: looking forward to seeing my two new friends Emma and Zara soon.
STAY SAFE, STAY WELL x
Some lovely and relatively inexpensive wedding dresses here – all of which could be recycled for future
use!