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The dress you wear on your wedding day is arguably the most significant outfit you’ll ever put on.
However, many designer bridal brands, despite their beauty, can cost thousands of pounds. If that’s out of your budget, we’ve got you covered.
The great British high street has upped the ante for brides in recent years, with modern, classic and fresh fits that look equally as stunning, without the eye-watering price tag.
We’ve made it our mission to curate the ultimate shopping guide to the best the high street has to offer for brides.
All our picks are under £500 and are considerably lower maintenance if you’re a low-key bride looking for something chic, without having to drain your savings, and these tick every box.
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Whether you’re planning an intimate micro-wedding at a courthouse followed by a posh dinner, or a big party with all the bells and whistles, there’s something for everyone, no matter if you want a classic floor-length gown or a fun mini dress for spending hours under a disco ball.
The best high street wedding dresses under £500
Nobody’s Child Bridal Pearl Satin Draped Slip Lavender Maxi Dress
You’d be forgiven for thinking this was a designer dress. If you love a more minimal maxi style, this satin maxi has a flattering cowl neck, bra-friendly straps, pretty criss-cross back detailing, and a concealed zip fastening.
It’s stunning, affordable, and can easily be tailored if you want a more personalised fit.
TH&TH Waldorf Bridal Dress In Vintage Ivory
This square-neck, column style has a luxurious vintage feel without the giant price tag to match.
For under £250, it’s a steal, and available in sizes four to 28.
It has darting to cinch in your waist, internal boning for added structure and lined cups for extra coverage and comfort.
Club L London Florinda White Boucle Floral-Bardot Neck Mini Dress
A statement dress doesn’t have to be floor-length.
This floral mini has an elegant bardot neckline with white flowers for texture and drama.
The zip closure is invisible too, and the boucle fabric upgrades it from a simple white dress.
Pair with white heels and a clutch for a beautiful courthouse look.
Six Stories Isla Split Sleeve Bubble Hem Mini Dress
Available in sizes 6 to 20, this gorgeous mini dress features a contemporary taffeta bubble hem, making it that much more special than just any white dress.
It’s long-sleeved, with a tailored bodice, making it perfect if you’re getting married in the colder months, too.
Club L London Wanting More Off White Satin Cape Maxi Dress With Oversized Bow
This off-the-shoulder style has that satin crepe finish that’s very classically bridal.
It has everything from an oversized bow, corset bodice, floor-length cape and invisible grip tape so it won’t budge, no matter how long you spend on the dancefloor.
It’s so chic, and less than £300.
Rixo Dune Satin Gown
Simple yet stunning, this satin gown from Rixo is everything.
It’s made from heavyweight fabric with a cut-out, halterneck silhouette and could make a beautiful summer or winter bridal look.
We love the low open back, too, as well as the lined bust for extra opaqueness. Just add heels for the final touches.
Whistles Billie Wedding Dress
This Whistles design looks much more expensive than it is, with all the drama of a fitted bodice and long-flared skirt.
One customer named Tash, gave it five-stars and said: 'I couldn't be happier with this wedding dress! It's absolutely gorgeous and even better in person than I imagined.
The material is so light and airy – I felt like I was floating the whole day. It's incredibly flattering and fit like a dream, hugging in all the right places without feeling tight or uncomfortable.
I was able to move and dance easily, which was really important to me.'
Nadine Merabi Heather White Dress
If you’re planning a dress change into something shorter for your reception, this glamorous number has caught our eye.
It comes with a detachable statement bow at the back, stunning white satin fabric, a white bodice overlay, and internal boning, so you can still enjoy the structure of a wedding dress while having plenty of freedom to twirl around the dance floor all night.
Omnes Sicily Dress in Ivory
A strapless style like this is timeless, but the romantic ivory floral jacquard keeps it feeling fresh, modern, and sophisticated.
It’s a floaty fabric that would suit weddings of all sizes, and you could wear it again on your honeymoon.
Phase Eight Alexia Embellished Maxi Wedding Dress
This pretty beaded design comes in regular and petite sizes and is perfect for a simpler style with lots of sparkle.
It’s hand-beaded, finished with subtle rhinestone detailing and has simple straps to keep it feeling securely in place.
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