Many brides are opting for off-the-rack wedding dresses from high street brands – here’s where to start your search …
Looking for the perfect dress that won’t break the bank? We’ve selected our top picks from high street and ready-to-wear brands that offer more affordable wedding dress options for brides. Needle and Thread and Self-Portrait have always been popular options, but there is a whole new crop of brands creating affordable wedding dresses that don’t scrimp on style. Reformation, Rixo and Whistles have full bridal collections with a range of styles while ASOS and Zalando offer online wedding edits with options for wedding guests, brides and bridesmaids. Many modern brides are also opting for suits over dresses – a two-piece tailored suit looks effortlessly chic – and increasingly many are choosing more casual ‘second dresses’ to change into after the ceremony. Whether you are on a tight timeline or a tight budget, there’s sure to be something you love from these high street ready-to-wear bridal options.
FOLKSTER
Irish label Folkster offers something for just about every bride, but we love the elegant high neck, long-sleeved Helen gown. Folkster Kilkenny offers bridal appointments (€20 deposit required which is refundable at the end of your visit) so you can try on the entire edit with a couple of your bridesmaids. www.folkster.com
Whistles Wedding returns with fresh bridal and bridesmaid styles, alongside the collection’s signature classics. While the dresses are simple and stunning – we are drawn in by the chic two-piece suits and jumpsuits. Annie wedding trouser, €299; matching blazer, €389; both at www.whistles.com.
Not strictly high street, but predicted to be the best online offering, Matches Fashion has an edit of wedding dresses from designers like Cecilie Bahnsen, Molly Goddard and Emilia Wickstead. Edition Tilde puff-sleeved cloqué dress, Cecilie Bahnsen for Matches Fashion, €790; www.matchesfashion.com.
This bridal collection is a must-see for the city bride. Dresses with dramatic trains sit alongside shorter, more modern silhouettes. Ivory Miranda bardot bridal midi dress, €402; www.monsoonlondon.com.
A sustainable wedding collection for the fashionable bride. No longer subject to US taxes applied on arrival, shop from the EU online store where duties and taxes are included in the price you pay. Long sleeve Otrano maxi dress, €525; www.thereformation.com.
Check out the online-shopping emporium’s bridal collection, especially Asos Edition. There is also a good collection of Curve gowns that are worth a look too. Mila floral embellished mesh wedding dress, €269; www.asos.com
RIXO
Rixo’s bridal collection is full of vintage-inspired pieces, designed in elevated fabrics cut in classic Rixo shapes. You’ll find ready-to-wear, off the peg pieces in a range of sizes and lengths and all at more affordable prices than traditional bridal salons. White Ana silk cowl neck midi dress, €860; www.rixo.co.uk.
REISS
High-street favourite Reiss has a beautiful edit of simple dresses. We love this draped rupa dress which could also work as a rehearsal dinner or day two outfit. Ivory rupa draped maxi dress, €385, at www.reiss.com.
SELECTED FEMME VIA ZALANDO
E-retailer Zalando has a range of bridal options including Berlin-based affordable bridal brand Ivy and Oak. The dresses start at around €200 with a range of styles. Also check out the ivory Jil tuxedo – perfect for the modern bride who wants to opt for tailoring over a dress. Selfregina halterneck ankle dress, €121, Selected Femme, at www.zalando.ie.
SELF-PORTRAIT
From flirty mini dresses to lace two-pieces and contemporary silhouettes, this high street favourite has long been known for its bridal and wedding guest options. Self-Portrait also offers the option to pay with Klarna and spread the amount over three payments with no extra fees. Cream sequin boucle maxi dress, €600, at www.selfportrait.com.
NEEDLE AND THREAD
Needle and Thread has an edit of ready-to-wear dresses, from sequin minis (perfect for engagement soirées) to high-impact gowns. Champagne ruffle dress, €590; www.needleandthread.com.
