Don't want to blow the whole budget on the dress? We present the chicest options under £1,000
Attitudes towards wedding-dress shopping are changing fast. For the past few years, an increasing number of brides have been moving towards a more modern and sustainable approach, either choosing a casual gown they'll be able to wear after the event, or turning to the new school of more affordable bridal brands, rather than spending thousands on a dress they would only wear once.
Of course, this shift was sparked by the pandemic, but a low-key attitude to bridal traditions seems to be sticking, with a host of ready-to-wear brands and high-street retailers responding to the rise in interest for affordable wedding gowns.
If you are hoping to keep costs down, you're in luck: there are now more mid-range options than ever. The high street has moved enthusiastically into the wedding market – Reiss and Ghost have both recently launched stellar edits – while there are plenty of contemporary wedding dress designers offering up beautiful pieces that come in under four figures. If you're commencing your own search for The One, also consider checking the sales and trunk shows for affordable takes on dresses that may usually cost far more.
Below, we round up some of the most beautiful, affordable wedding dresses available to shop right now, from sleek and simple columns cut with precision to sequin-soaked styles made for dancing in. And if you're after some inspiration for the full look? Here, see all the real-life wedding-dress inspiration you'll need.
Ghost's recently launched Modern Bride collection is sure to please anyone searching for a fuss-free dress. A nod to the brand's Nineties beginnings, the edit features several beautifully cut and satisfyingly simple slip dresses, which will work perfect for city nuptials and garden parties alike. The key is all in the cut: the Elodie dress, pictured, featured bias-cut skirt inserts that ensure beautiful movement as you step down the aisle (and hit the dancefloor).
The spring's Reiss Atelier collection contains some stellar bridal options, including this crisp cotton-blend Daphne gown. From the front, it's minimalist perfection: but peek at the back to discover the drama.
Reformation's sustainably made bridal collection contains some beautiful options, whether you want a strapless bodice and full skirt or figure-skimming simplicity. Crafted from glossy liquid satin with a flattering drape along the shoulders, the Ronda is a clear-cut winner.
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Trust Jacquemus to tackle bridalwear with an unexpected twist. This bright-white gown is cut with a foldover neckline detail and trimmed with a slender black hem.
Simkhai's dazzling strapless dress is embellished all-over with sequins and beads, so the only accessory you'll need is a pair of elegant stilettos.
For something a little more fun, look to mid-range favourites Rixo. The brand's bridal capsule is brimming with feathers, sequins and sparkle: these are perfect pieces for city ceremonies, post-dinner dress changes, and even a particularly chic hen do.
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One of our favourite Australian fashion brands, Rachel Gilbert makes occasionwear designed to dazzle. Her pieces usually fetch well into four-figure territory, but if you're studious in your scrolling you may find a special piece in the seasonal reductions. This sequin-soaked, shoulder-baring piece is perfect for the most precious of evenings.
Another one you shouldn't sleep on, this pleasingly priced gown is classic Roksanda: note the dramatic pleated silhouette at the back and the way the floor-length silk-satin flows gracefully to the floor.
With their puffed sleeves, ruffles and volume, Cecilie Bahnsen's whimsical dresses have ushered in a new wave of wedding-day femininity. This signature Tilde style looks as fabulous with low-heeled mules as it does elegant, minimalist flats.
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This glitzy dress from The Own Studio is perfect for a low-key, fun wedding. Throw on the label's oversized blazer for the ceremony and then remove it to dance the night away.
Another Australian name to know, Aje is leading the charge of modern dress brands hitting the market. Its all-white pieces easily work as bridal options: we'd wear this frothy tiered mini with sparkling statement shoes to a summer celebration.
If you're after something guaranteed to turn heads as you make your evening entrance, Self-Portrait is likely the brand to deliver. A fan favourite, this sequinned white midi featured a plunging neckline, helpfully fastened by a sleek central tie. Try teaming it with silver accessories.
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Galvan is undoubtedly one of the dreamiest occasionwear brands around and offers a whole range of cuts and materials depending on your style. This sequinned dress is perfect for a party-centric wedding.
With an asymmetric neckline and feather-trimmed cuffs, 16Arlington's thigh-grazing mini was made with post-dinner dancing in mind.
If it's simplicity you are striving for, make sure to check out Whistles' bridal collection, which focusses on a minimalist aesthetic. We love this square-necked, floor-grazing design, which features a delicate lace back detail.
