Wedding belles...
FROM OFF-THE-PEG BUYS TO HIRING YOUR DREAM GOWN, ANTONIA KRASKOWSKI HAS EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR BIG DAY ON A BUDGET
BEST FOR… MINIMALIST
Known for its slinky, bias-cut designs, Ghost is the go-to destination for the minimalist bride.
This season’s collection is inspired by the 1970s, with gorgeous detailing such as blouson sleeves, soft waterfall frills and delicate silkcovered buttons adorning dresses, as well as suits and jumpsuit styles to choose from.
■ Ruffle-sleeve dress, £395, ghost.co.uk
BEST FOR… FAIRY TALE
Brides wanting ethereal lace, sequins and exquisite beading at affordable prices – look to Needle & Thread. Its dresses are not only a fashion-insider favourite, but have been seen on celebrities and royals alike including Helen Mirren and the Duchess of Cambridge.
■ Frill dress, £525, needleandthread.com
BEST FOR… TIMELESS STYLE
Every piece in Phase Eight’s bridal edit comes in at under £500. The collection includes gowns with exquisite hand-beading and gorgeous embroidery, as well as modern takes on bridal wear such as midi dresses and jumpsuits.
■ Lace jumpsuit, £259, phase-eight.com
■ COVER IMAGE: Beaded gown, £450, phase-eight.com
BEST FOR… SUSTAINABLE
Monsoon has long been known as the ultimate wedding party destination, catering for mothers of the bride and groom, bridesmaids, flower girls and page boys – as well as the bride herself.
What’s more, the company’s SEW initiative has seen it make a commitment to using sustainably sourced fabrics, scoring points with eco-conscious brides.
■ Button sleeve maxi dress £309, monsoon.co.uk
BEST FOR… SOMETHING BORROWED
What’s the ultimate in both sustainability and money saving?
Renting, of course. The bridal outfit hire market has skyrocketed with sites such as Hurr (hurrcollective. com) and By Rotation (byrotation. com) creating dedicated bridal areas on their sites.
By Rotation’s Something Borrowed collection offers weekly rentals from as little as £20 for accessories and £26 for clothing.
■ The Vampire’s Wife dress, worth £1,595, hire from £250 per week, byrotation.com
BEST FOR… LAST MINUTE
Since launching bridal in 2015, ASOS has become a leading online destination for affordable wedding dresses – in 2021, the retailer sold a staggering 125,000. This year’s collection includes delicate lace and embroidery as well as simple camisole slips. There are also veils and wedding capes, priced from £48. All items are available for next-day delivery.
■ Cape, £125; camisole dress, £120, asos.com
BEST FOR… UNDER £100
Coast’s Wedding Edit starts at just £89 and features something for every taste, from organza puff-sleeve maxi dresses and tulle-skirted princess gowns to slinky silky camisole dresses – ideal for eloping on the beach.
■ Organza dress, £89, coastfashion.com
BEST FOR… FASHION FORWARD
After launching a capsule wedding range in 2021, RIXO’S bridal offering has gone from strength to strength with a 17-piece collection featuring dresses, jumpsuits and separates for the modern bride. With a distinctly city-chic feel, these pieces can be worn again and again, long after you say “I do”. Prices start from £225.
■ Sequin dress, £425, rixo.co.uk
BEST FOR… SUITS
One of the biggest trends to emerge in recent years has been the wedding suit – and the high street has listened.
A suit makes a chic alternative to a traditional gown – try swapping the blazer for a waistcoat for a summery take on the trend.
■ Blazer, £268; trousers, £168, reiss.com