11 high street wedding dresses that actually look really expensive

Why splash the cash when you can look banging on a budget?

best-high-street-wedding-dresses (11)

by Marina Avraam |
Updated on

Is it time for you to pluck up the courage and dive headfirst into finding the best high street wedding dress for your perfect day? If the time has come for you and your partner to tie the knot, you'll have discovered just how expensive weddings can be. But, contrary to popular belief, your wedding dress doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Cheap wedding dresses do exist, and most of them come in the form of wonderful high street wedding dresses.

Don't get us wrong - if you want to wear the most creme de la creme wedding dress on your big day - we don't blame you. After all, you only (hopefully) get married once. What better time to splash the cash than on the most special day of your life?

But, if you're having a low-budget wedding with family and friends, then a high street wedding dress is ideal for the occasion, especially if you're looking for a simple wedding dress. High street wedding dresses can be absolutely gorgeous and look just as expensive and luxe as their pricey counterparts. However, this is only if you select the right style and fit, and from the right place.

There are a few reasons why you might want to hold back spending half your wedding budget on the dress. The most obvious one is that you'll probably only wear it once before storing it away somewhere safe for the rest of eternity. We don't know about you, but having a £2,000+ dress sitting in a dusty closet doesn't sit right with us.

For example, ASOS wedding dresses are a great option, and brands like Whistles and John Lewis carry an impressive range of affordable wedding dresses that are simply stunning.

From slip dresses to ball gown silhouettes, we've listed the very best high street wedding dresses. We are here to help you feel fabulous on your big day.

SHOP: The best high street wedding dresses

Coast Statement Bow Bandeau Taffeta Bridal Mini DressCoast
Price: £71.10 (was £79)

www.coastfashion.com

This season's love of bows and shorter silhouettes is clearly not stopping any time soon, and this Bridal Mini Dress from Coast has a playful take on both trends. Despite looking so expensive, this dress is ridiculously reasonably priced, meaning it won't be long before this dress is sold out.

ASOS Mary Satin Wedding Dress With Drape Bow BackASOS

Effortless to wear, the Mary Satin Wedding Dress from online retailer ASOS, comes with a floating draped maxi skirt and blouson sleeves that move with you when you walk. You'll look a vision in this dress, complete with bow back and pretty button details on the sleeves.

Whistles Adelaide Wedding DressWhistles
Price: £349 (was £699)

www.whistles.com

The one-shoulder style on the Adelaide Dress gives us major Greek Goddess vibes, as does the botanical embroidery and elegant column silhouette. We'd love to see it styled with some barely-there sandals and a half-up half-down hairdo.

ASOS Eden Crepe Square Neck Cami Wedding DressASOS

Despite being high-street, the Eden Dress from ASOS looks so high-end. It's giving us major supermodel vibes with its square neck, thin cami straps and structured silhouette. It combines the minimalism of the 90s and brings it to a whole new level with a fresh, updated and modern look.

Phase Eight Poppy Embroidered Bridal Dress, PearlPhase Eight

The details on this Poppy embroidered number are just stunning. With an all-over lace design, cinching waistband and semi-sheer back, this wedding dress is the perfect combination of elegance and sensuality.

Reformation Payton Satin DressReformation

Could we really make this list without including a simple, floor-length slip dress? This one has a low scoop back with button detailing for the drama. A classic design you'll love looking back on in your wedding album in years to come.

Pretty Lavish Alexis Belted Maxi DressPretty Lavish

The Alexis Dress from Pretty Lavish is smart, sophisticated and classy. So, essentially, everything you could possibly want in a wedding dress. Its minimalistic design is set off with a bold belted waist that is the focal point of the dress, and its voluminous sleeves only enhance it more.

Monsoon Luciane Off-Shoulder Bridal Dress, IvoryMonsoon

Luciane from Monsoon is nothing short of enchanting. If you're looking for the ultimate princess dress, this one is it. With a ballgown-inspired skirt, off-the-shoulder sleeves and cascading floral embroidery down the bodice, this stunning dress is one to bookmark.

Coast Embellished Tie Back Boho Bridal Maxi DressCoast
Price: £206.10 (Was £229)

www.coastfashion.com

For brides who prefer longer sleeves, Coast's Embellished Tie Back Boho Bridal Maxi Dress is an ideal gown. The dramatic flared sleeves are a nod to vintage designs and it's decorated with scalloped edges and beautiful embellished sequins that catch the light as you move.

Hope & Ivy Bridal DressHope & Ivy
Price: £88 (was £140)

hopeandivy.co.uk

Hope & Ivy have the answer to all your inexpensive wedding dress questions. Its Rowan Cowl Back Embroidered Dress is the most gorgeous solution and features tie detailing for a chic finish.

Monsoon Briana Bridal DressMonsoon

This simple yet stunning maxi dress by Monsoon is the perfect solution for a chic, budget-friendly wedding dress. It has button-up detailing for a vintage look and feel and features puff sleeves for an undeniably beautiful finishing touch to an already gorgeous dress.

Amazon wedding registry

Why not help your guests out by signing up for Amazon's wedding registry? With over 250 million products to choose from, click here to start creating your dream wedding list now.

What wedding dress silhouette should I choose?

From A-line shapes to trumpet gowns, the silhouette options for wedding dresses are nearly endless. This can unfortunately make things a little daunting. Here are a few tips to ensure the silhouette you opt for complements your banging figure. For a full breakdown of the wedding dress trends currently dominating the bridal world, make sure to read our full guide.

Generally, a mermaid or ball gown dress with a cinched waist is ideal if you want to accentuate your curves. This also works great for those with an hourglass figure. Consider whether you'll be wearing a summer wedding dress or a winter wedding dress beforehand.

If you're on the shorter side, avoid ball gowns or dresses with too many pleats. This can overwhelm your petite figure. We suggest simple, flowy A-line silhouettes or even a short wedding dress. Tall girls, slip dresses and narrow skirts were practically made for you - so take advantage.

For girls that are members of the itty bitty titty committee, a plunging neckline or low back can look absolutely stunning, as would the classic strapless dress. On the other hand, ladies with bigger boobs should aim for wider straps. As well as this, look for a neckline that will hide a strapless bra on the big day, like a sweetheart neckline.

These are just a few general tips to help make sense of things. But at the end of the day, we want you to remember that rules don't matter. If you put it on and feel good - wear it. Plain and simple.

Marina Avraam is the Deputy Commercial Content Editor for Closer. Hobbies include (but not limited to) finding the best designer dupes, buying every iteration of the adidas gazelles and listening to celeb podcasts every hour of every day.

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