GETTING married is all fun and games – before you discover you may have to fork out a small fortune on a wedding dress.
As a bride-to-be already sweating at the price of canapes and flowers for my big day, I decided to turn to the high street for my bridal gown – and LOVED what I discovered.
On average, brides in the UK spend between £1,300 and £1,500 on their wedding dress, with some designers even charging upwards of £10,000 for their gowns.
Considering I’m going to wear mine for a matter of hours, I challenged myself to see what I could find for under £150.
From Asos and Shein, to Coast and River Island, there were so many stylish options available for brides on a budget.
I even find a host of short ones that looked perfect for a registry office or intimate elopement – many with cute bows on the back.
Here are some of my tops finds, that would be perfect for any bride to say ‘I do’ to…
Coast
High Neck Vintage Style Embellished Wedding Dress – £153.30
Lace wedding gowns are having a huge moment – just look at what Lauren Sanchez opted for with her bespoke Dolce & Gabbana gown when she married Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos.
I couldn’t resist this absolutely breathtaking High Neck Vintage Style Embellished gown, which came in at just £3 over budget at £153 – but I decided to make an allowance for it.
It was so comfortable to wear and I immediately sent pics to my friends and showed them to stylish train too.
Out of all the high street shops, I found that Coast had one of the biggest wedding dress ranges, and were handily stocked on numerous retailers like Boohoo, Debenhams and John Lewis, so would really recommend having a look.
Coast
Taffeta Bow Back Puff Sleeve Mini Dress – £89.10
With many people opting for registry offices for their ‘legal ceremonies’ or simply they want to save the cash and have a micro wedding (fair!), we are seeming a boom in short wedding dresses.
If following tradition is not top of your priorities list, a long poofy wedding dress doesn’t need to be either.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t still look 10/10 elegant and *bridal*.
I loved this puffed sleeve mini dress which cost just £89.10 and was super flattering.
It even had a huge bow on the back which elevated it from ‘just’ a little white dress…
Coast
Puff Sleeve Wrap Bodice Fit And Flare Wedding Dress – £90.30
Ever since Anne of Green Gables drooled over puffed sleeves, I have had a mild obsession with them.
So continuing the voluminous sleeve fad is this maxi dress which is sure to make a statement and turn heads.
I loved the flattering, wrap bodice, which helped to nip me in at the waist, with the long, romantic skirt cascading out underneath.
If you have a garden wedding or a sweet country parish ceremony, this could be just the dress for you – and at £90.30, you get a lot of puffed sleeve for your money.
ASOS
ASOS DESIGN premium scuba fold over bardot mini dress with sash detail in white – £85
Back to the minis, and this Asos bardot mini dress was a huge hit – just look at that added sash for a touch of drama.
At £85, it could be the perfect for fashion-forward registry ceremony.
It could also double up as a hen do show-stopper, and comes in sizes four to 18.
ASOS
ASOS DESIGN long sleeve embroidered mini wedding dress in cream – £102
Perhaps you love lace, but want a mini that ticks all the boxes.
I fell in love with this high-necked dress which was adorned with pretty floral detailing.
There were even teeny tiny beads in the design for added sparkle.
What’s not to love?
A special shout out to these incredible shoes which I also picked up from Asos, which were super comfortable and had a bling buckle for some sass.
OMNES
Santorini Dress in Ivory – £140
As soon as I saw this satin, halterneck dress online, I had to try it for myself.
The £140 Santorini dress by sustainable and ethically conscious women’s fashion brand Omnes was even better from behind too – with a sumptuous draped bow and elegant train.
The listing states that “she is perfect for city weddings, engagement parties, honeymoons and all those other moments when a white maxi dress is the order of the day” and I absolutely agree.
Particularly with the recent hot weather, the Santorini dress cool in all meanings of the word.
RIVER ISLAND
White Bow Back Blazer Mini Dress – £40
Who says blazers are just for the groom?
This sassy and gorgeous white mini blazer will ensure you are the centre of attention, without needing a huge Cinderella dress.
I felt a million dollars in the blazer dress – which is a bargain £40 right now.
While the blazer is business in the front, it certainly is party in the back…
RIVER ISLAND
White Sweetheart Neckline Button Mini Dress – £59
River Island are smashing their current offerings, and this includes this second mini from their bridal range.
I loved the sweetheart neckline and pearl button embellishment, which added a touch of glitz to the white dress.
Sometimes, less can be more.
SHEIN
Lace Trailing Wedding Dress – £86.99
When it comes to my wedding dress, my starting point is probably Kate Middleton’s iconic bridal lace gown, which will go down in history for its timeless design.
While I may not have a spare £250,000 for her Alexander McQueen extravaganza, Shein thankfully has the next best thing.
I was so excited to try their £86 replica and it certainly delivered.
I felt so elegant and also comfortable in their structured gown which had stunning lace sleeves.
For it being over 2,900 times cheaper than Kate’s, it was such a great deal.
QUIZ
White Chiffon Floral Midaxi Dress – £38.49
Quiz has smashed it out the park with this midaxi dress – currently priced at £38.49 – which has a pretty floral design.
I loved the flattering shirred back, and I felt the tiered skirt added a romantic touch.
It even comes in a pink colour if you want to wear it to a wedding as a guest.
QUIZ
White Bandeau Mini Dress – £34.99
If you are looking for an elegant white mini that puts all the focus on you, this Quiz offering is the perfect choice.
It only cost £34.99 and made me feel incredible – particularly thanks to the flattering A-line silhouette.
My favourite part was the bandeau neckline and pocket detailing – and I immediately snapped this one for my friends too.
Finish off the look with these incredible accessories which added to the reason that I loved the look…
Wedding makeup do's and dont's
Paige Williams, Founder & CEO of the iconic P.Louise makeup brand shared her tips.
DO: Go timeless over trendy
We all love a trend babe, but for your wedding day? Let’s keep it classic. Think soft glam, radiant skin, neutral tones with a pop of sparkle – You want to look back in ten years and still be obsessed with your glam. Classic never goes out of style.
DON’T: Try something totally new
Your wedding day is not the time to switch it up with neon liner or completely new brows babe. You want to feel like you, just the most elevated, glowing version. Stick to what you know makes you feel confident and gorgeous.
DO: Prioritise long-wear formulas
Your wedding is a marathon, not a sprint. You’re not just walking down the aisle, you’re dancing, hugging, crying, and posing all day long. You need makeup that’s in it for the long haul. Go for waterproof, transfer-proof & cry-proof products. Your face needs to slay from ‘I do’ to the last dance and be able to handle those happy tears.
DON’T: Overload your base
Babes, less is more. You want coverage, not cake. Go for that breathable, buildable base that lets your real skin glow through. You’re aiming for flawless, not flat. Trust me, your photos will thank you.
DO: Book a trial
Non-negotiable. Whether you’re DIY-ing your glam or booking a MUA, a trial is your makeup dress rehearsal. Test it in daylight, take selfies, wear it for hours. It’s the only way to know it’ll hit just right on the day.
DON’T: Forget your neck & chest
Don’t stop the glam at your jawline, babe. Blend that foundation, bronzer and glow down to your neck and chest, we’re going for seamless, snatched and sculpted from every angle. You’re the main event, let it show.
