12 best high-street wedding dresses that are as chic as they are affordable

Everything about this Rixo dress is fun – the all-over sequins, the cut-out back, the gorgeous velvet bow tie. Combining vintage glamour with modern elegance, we think this would be the perfect dress for brides looking to change into a second dress for the evening part of their wedding day celebrations. Easy to move and dance in (thanks to its midi length), the sequin embellishment would catch the lights on the dancefloor perfectly. It’s also super flattering, with a slightly nipped-in waist – a show-stopping piece for brides wanting to turn heads.

Now you might associate Ghost with bridesmaid’s dresses, but did you know the brand has its very own bridal range? Offering everything from white power suits to simple midi dresses, we particularly liked the Liliana dress which features an elegant v-shape neckline, pretty frills and bohemian ruffles. The highlight of the dress is the cut-out back design, with a pussy-bow neck fastening and buttons. Made from a satin-back crepe that flatters and falls beautifully, this simple and timeless design feels perfect for anyone looking for a romantic dress that will never go out of style. We think it’s ideal for brides hosting at-home weddings in their family gardens.

Okay, so this technically isn’t a dress, but nothing quite says bridal chic like an all-in-one jumpsuit – and this ivory jumpsuit from Whistles is our absolute favourite modern alternative to a traditional wedding dress. Featuring a flattering high round neckline and a tailored fit that falls into wide-leg pants, we love the tie-back detail here, which adds a touch of femininity to such a sleek look. Made from polyester, we found this super easy to steam and the simplicity of the design makes it versatile and easy to accessorise with a whacky pair of heels or jewellery. A chic and contemporary choice for the modern bride – this is currently sitting in our online basket patiently waiting for our own registry office ceremony.

Also from Whistles, this silk wedding dress is a stunning choice for a destination wedding. The lightweight silk fabric is perfect for warmer temperatures, and the simple yet elegant design makes it ideal for beach or garden shots. Featuring a high square neckline and silk patchwork details, we loved the delicate spaghetti straps that crisscross at the back, and the low back with cowl back detailing. Made from silk, it feels lovely against the skin, and it’s super easy to pack in a suitcase as it also steams like a dream (so it’s a practical choice for brides who are travelling abroad).

For some couples, a wedding isn’t limited to just one day of celebrations, oh no. For couples going all out, there are welcome drinks and rehearsal dinners the day before, and pool parties or BBQs the day after – which means you don’t just need one wedding dress, but multiple white occasion dresses. This butterfly dress from Reformation has a bit of a Spanish vibe to it, thanks to its off-the-shoulder ruffle sleeves and ruffle sleeves, which add a playful yet feminine touch. The flowing skirt falls to a midi length, making it appropriate for daytime events, or cocktail hour. Pair with white Birkenstocks for day two of an abroad wedding or strappy heels for a rehearsal dinner. A great investment piece.

Don’t let the word “bridesmaid” here fool you into thinking this dress isn’t also perfect for brides. Featuring a midi-length skirt and pretty ruffle detailing, this feminine silhouette is ideal for wearing at a registry office service, on your hen do or even taking on your honeymoon. In fact, you could even get away with wearing this to a Christening, at a garden party or – as it’s made from linen – on holiday abroad. A sustainable and practical choice that will see you through all wedding-related celebrations. A big thumbs up from us.

This may be the most expensive high-street wedding dress on our list, but we felt fab wearing Rixo’s Jodie dress. For a town hall or registry office wedding, it’s best to opt for a more understated and elegant outfit. And this silk midi-dress has both those things in swathes. Featuring blouson sleeves, a buttoned waist panel and a bias-cut skirt that flatters the figure, a smart v-shaped neckline collar and cuffed sleeves, it really is a simple and timeless design – practically guaranteed to never go out of style. And, the fact that it can be dressed up or down makes it a practical choice for other special occasions, too.

We felt like the real-life version of Elizabeth Bennet going to the Netherfield Ball in this white bridal dress. A lovely option for a church wedding, this maxi-length Monsoon dress has an A-line silhouette which creates a romantic and feminine look, and some seriously intricate beaded embellishments. The sheer sleeves and high neckline mean it’s conservative without feeling boring. And for £450, we thought this was a bargain if you’re looking for something that feels a little more traditional but on a high-street budget. Just pair it with a simple veil to complete the bridal look.

This is such a simple dress and, honestly, you could wear this at any type of wedding – registry office, church, stately home, garden marquee – because it feels that timeless. Made from a satin-back crepe fabric, this Ghost dress is cut on the bias (so it falls exactly where you want it to) and features a V-neckline with a million fiddly fabric-covered buttons dotting the front.

We loved that the straps on this dress were a little wider – which means if you’re slightly bigger-busted, or you don’t like the idea of forgoing your bra on your wedding day, you can easily fit undergarments with straps underneath. A sophisticated choice for any modern bride going for that effortlessly thrown-together look.

Another “bridesmaid but not really a bridesmaid dress” from Nobody’s Child. This vintage-inspired tea dress has a fitted waist, fluted sleeves, an ankle-grazing hemline and fabric-covered buttons studding the front. Made from viscose, the fabric does have a slight shine to it (and you need to watch what colour pants you wear underneath), but we think this is an ideal wedding dress to wear to a rehearsal dinner or welcome drinks the night before the big day. And at £85 you really can’t go too far wrong.

This spectacular manon dress from Olivia Rose The Label is super chic. The figure-hugging design accentuates your curves and creates an incredibly flattering silhouette – perfect for a sophisticated city wedding. After all, practicality-wise, city weddings often involve a lot of walking and dancing, and a tighter-fitting dress can make it easier to move around, compared with a ball gown. With statement puff sleeves – which can be worn on your shoulders for a square neckline or off the shoulder completely – this is a bold choice, and we love it.

We couldn’t finish our round-up of high-street wedding dresses without including a mini, and this short dress from Monsoon’s bridal range is the perfect wedding outfit for an evening dress change (on the big day) or for a hen party night out. Make a statement with this fun embroidered mesh mini – featuring a delicate mesh overlay, long sleeves, scallop trim on the skirt, and a fun cut-out back, it’s guaranteed to earn you a double tap or two.