Bride on a budget
HIGH STREET bridalwear has never looked so good. KATIE WRIGHT vows that you can look stunning on a shoestring
THE average wedding now costs a whopping £20,000, according to Time Out magazine. And, furthermore, a survey by Brides magazine revealed the average spend on a wedding dress alone is £1340.
But what if your budget doesn’t stretch , or you simply don’t want to spend a fortune on a dress you’ll wear once? Thankfully, the high street’s bridalwear selections are better than ever, offering serious style AND value for money.
BRIDAL BUDGET: UNDER £400
Frock specialist Damsel In A Dress this season carries a trio of floor-length bridal gowns that will hold their own against even the most striking backdrop Florence Wedding Dress, £380 (www.damselinadress. co.uk)
BRIDAL BUDGET: UNDER £300
Ghost has a selection of 11 satin dresses in beautiful, vintageinspired shapes that can be dyed to order in four weeks, with prices ranging from £195 (for slightly shorter styles) to £275 (for long-sleeved and floorskimming styles).
The Brigitte Bardot collection at La Redoute has a couple of dresses that boho brides will love. The strapless bustier dress, with its gathered front and long, dipped-hem train is enough to make anyone want to elope to the Caribbean Ghost Wendy Dress in Ivory, £225 (www.ghost.co.uk) Brigitte Bardot Bustier Style Hooped Wedding Dress With Pleat Detail, £245 (www.la redoute.co.uk)
BRIDAL BUDGET: UNDER £200
They don’t actually come with the bridal prefix, but Coast’s host of long, white dresses are more than altar-appropriate.
From the full-skirted floral Lucianna to the lace-topped Lori Lee, these dresses are unfailingly feminine, but they’ll still leave you with change from £200.
Similarly, ASOS is packed with wedding-worthy gowns from brands like Jarlo, Fame and Partner and Forever Unique, as well as the site’s own bridal line.
Lucianna Dress, £160 (www. coast-stores.com)
BRIDAL BUDGET: UNDER £100
Even supermarkets have got in on the ‘I do’ action, with Tesco this year stocking an £80 wedding gown.
BHS offers more choice, and shorter styles will set you back around £95.
But the best bang for your buck can be found online at sites like Little-Mistress.com, where nude and cream maxi dresses are soft and pretty and well below the £100 mark.
F& F at Tesco Signature Lace Wedding Dress, £80 (www.clothingattesco.com)
Ivory Bella Lace Short Bridal Dress, currently reduced to £76 from £95 (www.bhs.co.uk)
Little Mistress Nude Applique Maxi Dress, £70 (www.little-mistress.com)