I’m getting married next year, so I know all too well that the hunt for a dress (or in my case, two – one for the ceremony, one for the evening) might seem exciting, but is actually quite daunting. There are many decisions to mull. Do you go traditional (veil at al) or for something more modern? Perhaps you dread the idea of wearing white and want to go for an alt-colour.
There’s also the long v short debate. Not to mention the overwhelm from everyone chipping in their thoughts on what suits you best. Just remember: it’s your day and ultimately your dress, so finding something you love is what matters most.
So, whether you’re planning to get married on a beach or a register office, are on a budget or can splurge, want a “traditional” wedding dress or something non-trad that you could wear again to get more bang for your buck, I’ve put together a selection of the best wedding-style dresses. I’ve also included a few tips to help you on your wedding day.
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The best wedding dresses and outfits for every bride
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Omnes Jai jacquard dress in bleached mauve none-selected
Omnes jacquard dress
£125 at OmnesThe high neckline here is complemented by an open crossover back, and it comes in several delicious sorbet colours.
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Nobody’s Child Bridal ivory satin bandeau Eira maxi dress none-selected
Nobody’s Child satin dress
£250 at Nobody’s Child £250 at AnthropologieA full-skirted bandeau column maxidress is modern – and perfect for any body shape.
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Phase Eight Imani midi dress none-selected
Phase Eight midi dress
£186.75 at Phase Eight £186.75 at DebenhamsWith its vintage-inspired A-line silhouette, this textured dress would look elegant with flat pointed pumps.
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Nigel Preston Soho wrap midi dress none-selected
Nigel Preston wrap dress
£328 at Free PeopleLean into the boho nature of this dress and style it with a long drop necklace. It will take you into autumn as well – just add a jumper over the top.
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Reformation Frankie dress none-selected
Reformation sequin dress
£348 at ReformationSequins for a wedding are a little unexpected, but also ethereal and fun. I love the flower detailing on this spaghetti-strap dress.
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The Fold Clever crepe suit none-selected
- Blazer, £325 at the Fold the Fold £325
- Trousers, £195 at the Fold the Fold £195
The Fold ivory jacket
£325 at the FoldThe Fold ivory trousers
£195 at the FoldA classic ivory suit will always be exactly that, a classic. This version from the Fold is double breasted without being boxy.
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Asos Design Curve satin off shoulder mini dress in ivory none-selected
Asos mini dress
£120 at AsosChannel your inner Charli xcx with this off-the-shoulder short style. Just add a veil for the full rock star effect.
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Needle & Thread Meadow ditsy sweetheart ankle gown none-selected
Needle & Thread gown
£550 at Needle & ThreadNeedle & Thread is a go-to for fairytale styles, and this dress gives great coverage while still looking delicate.
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Rixo Maybelle satin dress none-selected
Rixo satin dress
£495 at RixoDesigned to be loose and floaty, this lace-trim dress is cut so that you can still wear a bra.
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Nadine Merabi Marni pink suit none-selected
- Blazer, £295 at Nadine Merabi Nadine Merabi £295
- Trousers, £245 at Nadine Merabi Nadine Merabi £245
Nadine Merabi pink blazer
£295 at Nadine MerabiNadine Merabi pink trousers
£245 at Nadine MerabiStyle this pink suit with a pair of red shoes for full-on romance.
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Me+Em 2-in 1-lace crochet dress none-selected
Me+Em lace dress
£295 at Me+EmWear this short dress with a slip underneath, and then repurpose it on holiday (or even your honeymoon!) with a bikini underneath.
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Faithfull Milana midi dress dolce broderie white none-selected
Faithful broderie dress
£340 at FaithfullBroderie is very 2026, and this V-shaped corset top is flattering, giving the dress a vintage look. Very countryside coded.
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Reiss Gigi cotton cut-out belted midi dress in cream none-selected
Cut-out belted dress
£298 at Reiss £298 at John LewisThe beauty of the high street means this gorgeous cut-out dress is more affordable than it would otherwise be. I’d swap the ivory belt for a gold chain one.
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Georgia Hardinge Torrent dress floor length none-selected
Georgia Hardinge pleated dress
£475 at Georgia HardingeBeautifully designed, this pleated floor-length dress is sculptural but still has an easy softness.
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Mint Velvet Cream sculpted jacket and tailored wide-leg trousers none-selected
- Jacket £175 Mint Velvet £175
- Trousers, £160 at Mint Velvet Mint velvet £160
Mint Velvet statement jacket
£175 at Mint Velvet £175 at John LewisMint velvet tailored trousers
£160 at Mint VelvetIf you find blazer proportions difficult, a fitted jacket could solve your problems. It will hug your body rather than swamp you.
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Monsoon Cali embellished cape sleeve wedding dress ivory none-selected
Monsoon cape sleeve dress
£330 at Monsoon £550 at John LewisEmpire line with gorgeous floaty sleeves, this dress also has some subtle beading that isn’t too glitzy.
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Aje Cleo gown none-selected
Aje ruffle gown
£539 at AjeRuffled dresses were all over the red carpet at Cannes this year, and were worn by all ages. It’s a forgiving style, and in barely there lemon, really makes an impact.
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Rat & Boa Olympia sequin dress none-selected
Rat & Boa sequin dress
£450 at Rat & BoaWear a slip under this slightly sheer sequin dress, and just add gold accessories.
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Posse Darya dress none-selected
Posse lace trim dress
£475 at PosseThis vintage-inspired dress in linen would be ideal for hot summer nuptials.
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Dôen Coraline corded lace-trimmed silk-satin midi dress none-selected
Dôen satin midi dress
£600 at Net-a-PorterA classic shape, but with a tie belt, which means you can cinch the waist for some added glamour.
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How to buy a wedding dress
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Stick to the budget that you set for yourself. There are so many good options on the high street now that you don’t need to spend thousands of pounds.
Don’t get seduced by the choice available. Stick to what you know makes you feel comfortable (enjoying the day should be top of your list), so steer away from shapes and silhouettes that you wouldn’t usually wear.
Add some personality with accessories. A fun pair of earrings or a quirky detail on your shoes will inject your look with some individuality.
Underwear is important, so give it the same thought that you give your dress. I would recommend a bra fitting before you start looking for an outfit. Invest in a good strapless bra, or multiway style if you are looking at spaghetti strap dresses or bandeaux.
Bring your own steamer: the last thing you want to discover on the big day is that your hotel/venue only has a travel iron. My go-to is from Steamery.
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For more, read Jess Cartner-Morley’s 52 women’s summer wardrobe updates for under £100
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Melanie Wilkinson is the Guardian’s styling editor
