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The past few years have been a financial struggle for many of us, and this has caused a lot of to take a less conventional approach to their big day. If you're currently planning yours, it's likely you're turning away from the princess fairytale of decades past and considering more affordable high-street options. Thankfully, there are plenty of brilliant, affordable (even bordering on 'cheap') wedding dresses out there that still have that luxurious feel thanks to silks, tulle, lace and all of the trimmings you'd expect from a bridal gown – without the associated eye-watering price tag.
High-street and mid-range brands like H&M and offer luxury-looking pieces that can easily be tailored to make the perfect fit, while designer brands like Cecilie Bahnsen, Self-Portrait, and Jacquemus all include white, ivory and cream dresses at a lower price point, so you can get a big fashion name at a small price. That means you can spend all the money you've saved on some fabulous and accessories, too..
. So, whether you're looking for a , a heavily embellished design, or even something simple in a , there is surely an option for you among these more affordable wedding dresses, all of which are under £1,000. The Sunday dress first appeared in Vivienne Westwood's SS97 collection.
Drawing inspiration from high-society 18th-century women, this piece features a sculpted, corset-inspired silhouette that falls into a midi-length finish, complete with an embroidered orb at the hip. Perfect if you're looking for something a little regal on your wedding day. With a fitted satin bodice and a full tulle skirt, this dress is a bridal classic.
Whether worn with or without straps, the sweetheart neckline is perfect for a fairytale wedding – just add a giant bouquet, satin pumps and a bejewelled handbag. Satin, strapless and streamlined, feel like a Greek goddess on your wedding day in this elegant Norma Kamali gown. Pair with gold accessories and sandals for an island wedding escape or wear with a fur cape and sparkling diamonds for a frosty winter occasion.
Draped across the body, this dress from French fashion house Jacquemus is a stellar example of a big brand name at a relatively low price. Capturing the seaside inspirations of the brand's founder, it has cuts and straps in all the right places – perfect with a pair of white and gold accessories for the beachy bride. Cut in a loose, tiered silhouette and trimmed with signature ruffles, this Lizzie mini dress is undeniably Molly Goddard.
It's made from white cotton, with voluminous sleeves and a square bib that rests on the shoulders, making it a whimsical bride's dream gown. Nothing says celebration quite like sparkle, and this short, sleeveless dress from H&M's latest collection is a fun alternative to traditional wedding attire. The high neck silhouette adds sophistication and the short length will go brilliantly with big, platform silver heels.
Simple yet effective, this figure-hugging Christopher Esber maxi dress has intricate cut-outs with sculptural bead detailing, fit for an artsy bride. Wear yours with minimal accessories so the embellishment still stands out. This bandeau dress from H&M is a great affordable bridal option.
The cotton jacquard weave feels luxe, despite the accessible price point, and the pleated bodice with boning adds shape and support. Perfect with a bouquet of blooms to match the delicate floral jacquard, and it's a practical length for taking to the dancefloor in the evening in your silver flats, too. Copenhagen-based brand Rotate is an expert in occasion dressing.
This sleek satin mini strikes the perfect balance of low-key Scandi-chic and something that still feels seriously special. Whether you're wearing this dress for the main ceremony or the reception, the halter neck and intricate open-back will be sure to make a statement. Also from Rotate, but quite the opposite, this dress is for the bridal maximalist.
Covered in shimmering sequins and with oversized statement shoulders, it's one perfect for a fashionable bride who's not afraid to stand out. Wear this dress with silver accessories and ramp up the sparkle, because why not? Why not make your big white wedding dress silver instead? This satin style will have you shining all day (and night) long, but not at the expense of comfort. Why not up the ante and pair this dress with silver pumps and accessories too for the ultimate statement? We're obsessed with the delicate pearl embellishments and bow-back detail of this ladylike tulle gown.
A great choice for a classic bride who wants her fairytale wedding for less. Cinched at the waist and full-skirted, this cotton Staud gown is the perfect option for a summer wedding or rehearsal dinner. Worn with pointed pumps and a polished mini-bag, you'll feel like the chicest modern bride.
For the daytime bride who's looking to live her cottage-core dream, the Penelope Apron dress by Damson Madder is a great and extremely affordable option. The corset-style bodice, with waist seam details and bows that gather into a fuller skirt, adds just the right amount of detail to feel elevated on your special day. We're big fans of TOVE's approach to minimalist dressing, and this crisp cotton gown makes the ideal choice for a summertime wedding.
Paired with gold accessories and your daytime wedding look is complete. Whistles has become a mainstay for bridal (and bridal party) dressing because of its great cuts and reasonable prices. The square neck on this classic mermaid tail dress lends a fresh, modern feel – but the long train and plunging mesh back adds a nice dose of tradition, too.
This 100% silk maxi dress is perfect for the understated bride. Its bone shade, a softer alternative to classic ivory or white, draws us all the more in. Fitted with delicately fluted sleeves, bias-cut panels and a leg split, we'd style with sandals and simple accessories.
Nothing whispers 'quiet luxury' quite like a Toteme dress. And why not opt for this one on your special day for a modern take on bridal dressing? Pair this draped maxi dress with equally clean accessories, like hoop earrings, pointed ballet flats and a sculptural clutch bag. Part of the Cos Atelier capsule, where specialised craft and innovative applications are the priority, this cotton dress is shaped with a bandeau neckline and eight rows of topstitching that sculpt from the bust to the hip.
The slim-fitting silhouette is offset by an A-line hem and full skirt for statement styling. Paired with ballet flats, it's perfect for a summertime garden wedding. If you're gravitating toward simple silhouettes and clean lines for your special day, then this Alex Perry strapless and close-fitting dress is ideal.
The midi length means it's more practical for a daytime celebration but with the right accessories, it will shine into the night..
