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Zara has launched its debut bridal range and prices start from just £17.99
Complete your big-day look with everything from satin gowns to statement headbands
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Your support makes all the difference.After a year of postponements, weddings are officially back on. But, while the celebrations can finally resume, many people’s nuptials now look a lot different to the larger-than-life fanfares we were all so used to.
Whether a savvy way to try and save some pennies or simply an excuse to shun tradition, there has been a boom in so-called “micro-nuptials” of late, with many couples snubbing superfluous spending in favour of more intimate and personal touches, especially when it comes to what to wear.
According to Bridebook, there has been a surge in high street wedding dress sales, with 67 per cent of brides no longer opting for an expensive, made-to-measure gown for their big day, while the term “casual wedding dress” was googled 158 per cent more in January 2021 than in January 2020.
So there couldn’t be a better time for one of the high street’s leading brands to launch its very first bridal collection.
This week, Zara has launched a range of wedding-ready clothing, from satin floor-length dresses made for an evening of twirling on the dancefloor, to dressing gowns, statement headbands and even lingerie. The best part? Prices start at just £17.99.
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If you’re getting hitched this year, or just so happen to be on the hunt for some ivory-coloured pieces to add to your wardrobe, read on for our pick of the best items to buy in Zara’s new bridal range, and a selection of more wedding-friendly favourites from the high street.
Zara long silk bridal dress: £159, Zara.com
The high street stalwart’s collection features a range of dreamy dresses, including this long number, which is made of a mulberry silk blend.
Available in the shade “oyster white”, it features a V-neck and short sleeves with a soft lace applique trim, and a line of covered buttons at the back. The dress comes in a range of sizes, from XS to XL.
Zara silk bridal dress with lace trim: £99.99, Zara.com
A gown that can be dressed up with heels for your nuptials or worn in the boudoir, this option is also made from a mulberry silk blend and comes in the shade “oyster white”.
Detailing includes a lace-trimmed V-neck and thin straps, as well as a matching soft lace panel on the skirt. The dress is available in sizes XS to XL.
Zara gathered silk bridal headband: £17.99, Zara.com
Headbands are a great way to add a stylish touch to your wedding day ensemble and this one is sure to make an impact. Made of a mulberry silk blend, it has a ruched detail across the band and comes in a soft white shade that’s sure to compliment most hues. We think this is a great piece to add to your shopping basket, whether you’re a bride or not.
Zara long silk bridal dressing gown: £159, Zara.com
Get ready to say “I do” in style with this long open dressing gown made from a mulberry silk blend. Ideal for relaxing in while the big day prep gets underway, it has long full sleeves and a tied belt in the same fabric.
The dressing gown comes in the shade “oyster white” and is available in two sizes – XS to S and M to L.
Zara lace bridal bodysuit: £59.99, Zara.com
If you’re looking for something sultry to slip into at the end of the night, consider this bodysuit which is made of a soft lace blend. It has thin adjustable straps and a back vent detail, as well as a snap-button fastening at the bottom, meaning it’s easy to put on and off.
Currently, there are only a few sizes left up for grabs online, ranging from 32B to 38B.
M&S silk and lace multiway push up bra and thong: £42, Marksandspencer.com
If the bridal bodysuit isn’t currently available in your size, turn to this bridal lingerie set, which took the top spot in our review of the best. The set is from the retailer’s ongoing collaboration with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Made from luxurious silk, “the bra is designed with sparkly rose gold lace embroidery and hardware”, noted our writer. It also features a thick underband, “which means it stays in place all day long, even when worn without straps”.
“The matching thong is also made from silk and French-designed lace and is among one of the most comfortable we’ve worn as, unlike some silky bottoms, these ones are made with added stretch so they don’t dig in.” All in all, it’s not only “super-versatile but features a host of feminine touches that are guaranteed to make you feel special”.
Tortware cora clip in pearl shell: £22, Tortware.com
Another great destination for bridal accessories is Tortware – these particular clips featured in our round-up of the best wedding hair accessories, with our writer noting that they’re perfect for minimalist brides. “The set is made from an eco-resin material and features a striking white pearlescent design,” noted our writer. “Subtle enough not to detract from your dress, but sure to sparkle under the lights, these would look perfect on any bride”.
Coast satin cami bridal dress with bow: £66.75, Coastfashion.com
Zara isn’t the only high street brand that’s nailing bridal wear this year – there are plenty of other affordable destinations that won't break the bank. Case in point is this dress by Coast, which landed a spot in our guide to the best bride essentials. With changing in the evening fast becoming the thing to do, our writer praised its sleek silhouette and modern square neck with a low back. It’s a must-have if you don’t want to drag your train around in the evening.
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Looking for more big day outfit inspiration? Read our guide to the best bridal hair accessories