The words ‘wedding’ and ‘cheap’ aren't typically strung together in the same sentence.
According to Bridebook: “Despite the cost of living crisis, wedding spending rose £1,500+ year-on-year to £20,775 as the average total UK wedding cost, surpassing £20,000 for the first time.” That’s a lot of dough to drop on a single day.
While venues and catering are typically the most expensive part of wedding planning, there is another cost to deliberate before the ‘I dos.’ The wedding dress is the pinnacle of the Big Day. Guests eagerly crane their heads to catch the first glimpse of the bride gliding down the aisle, desperate to see what she is wearing.
A recent report from March 2024 noted that the average wedding gown costs £1,400, yet those who have ever watched an episode of Say Yes To The Dress will know these prices can soar even higher.
For a dress you only wear once, such prices may seem a little extravagant. Thankfully, with an increased interest in sustainability, brides are coming up with creative ways to budget.
Some opt for high street numbers they can re-wear, while others upcycle their gowns after their nuptials, dying and cropping the dresses for future non-bridal occasions. Others shop vintage, breathing new life into a preloved dress that costs a fraction of the price of its newer counterparts.
While we’d all love to step out in Danielle Frankel on our wedding day, it’s not always feasible. However, less expensive gowns need not sacrifice style. After all, Emily Ratajkowski wore Zara for her wedding.
From high street heroes such as Sister Jane to Rixo and Reformation, there are plenty of brands stocking bridal ensembles for under £500.
Discover the best, affordable wedding dresses to wow the crowd on your Big Day.
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Rixo Estella Silk Midi Dress
Spotted on the likes of Madonna and Kate Middleton, Rixo is a celebrity-approved womenswear label that’s amassed a cult following since its foundation in 2015 - and its bridal collection doesn’t disappoint.
As with all Rixo designs, the Estrella is inspired by years gone by. Referencing a vintage silhouette, the collared piece features a unique waistcoat bodice and an open back.
Buy now £525.00, Rixo
Ghost Nina Satin Maxi Dress
Available in three serene colourways, Ghost’s beautiful Nina Satin Maxi Dress is a unique take on a bridal-inspired look. Cut on the bias, this piece is crafted from statin and boasts an intricate diamond panelling on the bodice.
Buy now £195.00, Ghost
Sleeper + NET SUSTAIN Boheme Midi Dress
A wedding day is a hedonist’s time to shine. Add some high-octane glamour to your wedding wardrobe and slip into a bias-cut midi showcasing plumes of ivory feathers. Sleeper’s Boheme number is sure to turn heads as you walk down the aisle. Better yet, it’ll work for the party too.
Buy now £240.00, Net-A-Porter
Karen Millen Compact Stretch Insert Panel Soft Skirt Tailored Midi Dress
Style out a true Carrie Bradshaw moment in a vintage-inspired frock featuring unparalleled tailoring and impeccable construction. A nipped-in waist and a perfectly pleated skirt culminate in a retro silhouette reminiscent of Old Hollywood glamour.
Buy now £191.20, Karen Millen
Reformation Joana Silk Dress
Silk and strapless, you’ll shimmer your way from the first dance to the early hours in Reformation’s Joana dress. Amp up the glamour with a tennis necklace from the likes of Swarovski or Amina Muaddi.
Buy now £300.00, Reformation
Samsoe Samsoe Sally Sequin Maxi Dress
Unleash your inner party girl with Samsoe Samsoe’s Sally Dress. An affordable take on the popular 16Arlington design, this sparkle-clad showstopper will take you from the big day to an even bigger night.
Buy now £200.00, Anthropologie
Nobody’s Child Ivory Satin Bardot Gaia Bridesmaid Maxi Dress
Available in sage or pearlescent cream, Nobody’s Child’s Gaia dress is a slinky pick. A fluid satin cut and off-the-shoulder detailing create a highly romantic look.
Buy now £110.00, Nobody’s Child
Sister Jane Dream Evermore Embellished Bow Dress
Be a vision of grace in Sister Jane’s Evermore Embellished Bow Dress featuring a Sixties-inspired mini shift silhouette, a cascading back bow and a peppering of gemstone dot detailing.
Buy now £145.00, Sister Jane
Maeve Sleeveless Embellished Smocked Midi Dress
Perfect for casual weddings, Maeve’s Sleeveless Embellished Smocked Midi Dress is primed for bridal beach parties and barefoot nuptials.
Buy now £144.00, Anthropologie
Coast Satin Bandeau With Tie Detail Wedding Dress
Spend less than £100 thanks to Coast’s generous supply of glamorous bridalwear. This pearlescent number comes complete with a feminine bardot shoulder, a romantic bandeau bodice and on-trend tie-sleeves.
Buy now £90.30, Coast
Mango Floral Devoré Dress
Ooze whimsical romance in Mango. The brand’s fairytale frock is created with devoré technique and a silk blend fabric, topped off with floral corsage detailing and a pearlescent cream hue.
Buy now £320.00, Mango
Abercrombie & Fitch Cowl Neck Halter Mini Dress
Stick to a budget and opt for a classic mini dress with a sexy halterneck design. Abercrombie’s flirtatious number merges party-girl glamour with classic bridal themes. Very Marilyn Monroe.
Buy now £58.00, Abercrombie & Fitch
Omnes Marilyn Dress in Ivory
Simple yet sleek, Omnes’ glamourous Marilyn dress features a feminine V-neck, a strapless silhouette and a slinky satin finish.
Buy now £79.00, Omnes
