We don’t know who needs to hear this but you don’t need to drop £2k on a wedding dress to have the ceremony of your d-r-e-a-m-s.
Thanks to an array of online retailers offering affordable alternatives, speedy shipping and 10/10 service, finding a dress that gives you all the feels without breaking the banks is no longer just a fairy tale.
With cult brands such as Rixo, Sleeper, Self-Portrait and Ghost all delivering high-fashion collections, “buying off the rack” has never looked better. From Bridgerton-inspired gowns to avant-garde designs and understated slips, these ready-to-wear bridal styles will ensure you’re ceremony-ready with change to spare. And the best bit about going down the non-bridal shop route is that you can shop for your dream matrimony ‘fits, all from the comfort of your own couch with a Prosecco in hand- what else are Love Island ad breaks for?
Without further ado, let’s say yes to the dress shall we…
Self-Portrait
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Sorry, dispatched within 1-2 working days and sent on a priority delivery service? It’s a love story. The Self-Portrait bridal edit expertly bridges the gap between high street and luxury, boasting everything from statement Victoriana style lace maxi dresses to fresh and contemporary designs perfect for an intimate backyard micro-wedding. With an impressive A-list and royal clientele, you can trust that Self-Portrait is an iconic label to wear on your big day.
Sleeper
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Laid-back brides won’t want to sleep on this brand. Sleeper really said feathers on everything and pjs for all occasions, and we absolutely stan. Whether you want to say ‘I do’ in your elevated comfies (iconic) or save the party pjs strictly for the dance floor and snap up their silk Atlanta dress for your nuptials, Sleeper will make it their business to ensure your lewk will take you from ceremony chic to slumber party ready in a heartbeat.
Solace London
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Affordable, impactful and wearable? Prepare to ask for Solace London’s hand in marriage because it really is the full package. The designs are bold, confident and refined with dramatic ruffles and sculptural sleeves aplenty. Modern brides, this edit will steal your heart.
Free People
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Not all brides want to stick to traditional wedding wear. If you’re eloping for your special day or you’re having an alternative wedding abroad, Free People is the leading label for unconventional bridal threads. Featuring smocked necklines, cool crochet sets for a laidback beach nuptials, effortless silk suits and vintage inspired maxis, this boho collection was made for the wild at heart. Barefoot brides, prepare to swoon.
Net-a-Porter
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For the bride who wants to make the ultimate fashion statement, look no further than Net-a-Porter. The beautifully curated edit of high-fashion designer dresses and separates carries all the need-to-know bridal labels, including Halston, Les Rêveries and Galvan. Whether you want to own the aisle in a crepe jumpsuit or command the room in something period-drama chic, Net-a-Porter is your one stop shop for exclusive of the moment pieces, modest silhouettes and everything in between.
Needle & Thread
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The British brand knows a thing or two about show-shopping occasion wear so naturally, their wedding dress edit was always going to be next-level. If you want to go all-out romance with blush tones, soft playful tulle and whimsical detailing, say ‘I do’ to Needle & Thread, my friend. She fancy.
Whistles
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Leave it to Whistles to handle your capsule wardrobe and your wedding day attire. From sleek white suits perfect for a town hall venue, to fluted silhouettes and dramatic trains made for an intimate church setting, these off the peg pieces are proof that you don’t need to go to an appointment-only bridal boutique to find ‘The One’.
GHOST
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We’ve never met a Ghost dress we didn’t like, and their wedding offering is no exception. Famed for its romantic details, contemporary silhouettes and fashion forward cuts, the bridal edit offers a range of options, suitable for every bride-to-be. From pared-back party pieces destined for a rehearsal dinner to floor-length masterpieces with oodles of wedding day wow factor, you’re bound to find your sartorial significant other amongst this lovely lot.
Their bridesmaids collection is equally magnifique, consisting of ethereal vintage-inspired dresses in a variety of hues ranging from watercolour pastels through to moody jewel tones and punchy poinsettia red. We’d couple up with any one of them tbh.
RIXO
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Category is: take all of our money. The brand’s first foray into bridalwear did not disappoint, full of vintage inspired pieces, elevated fabrics and signature RIXO shapes, ready-to-wear, off-the-peg bridalwear doesn’t get better than this. We’d live happily ever after with the Allegra, that’s for sure. It’s a boho dreamboat! None left in your size? You can get in touch with their dedicated Bridal Specialist to have a chat about a made-to-order design.
Reformation
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Second only to naked nuptials or recycling your mum’s wedding dress, wearing a Reformation dress (with all the wear-again appeal) on your big day is the most sustainable option.
Unfussy silhouettes paired with ample romance is Reformation’s domain. Whether you’re into little white linen dresses, puff sleeves, ruched bodices or open cowl backs, they’re committed to making sure you look the part whatever you’re wearing, whilst doing their bit for the environment, too. Outfit repeating never looked so good.
Clover London
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The contemporary London-based brand is the ultimate marriage material, offering effortlessly timeless gowns at accessible price points (all the dresses are priced at £1,000).
Their 10-piece collection is all made to order using 100% ivory silk and lends itself particularly well to a summer wedding complete with a dreamy open air tablescape, soft candlelight and bundles of blooms.
ASOS
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For the brides who want to be fancy and frugal, allow ASOS to do the legwork for you. With such a huge variety of styles ranging from fishtails to lace A-line styles, co-ords and fuss-free bandeau designs, plus free delivery over £35 and free returns, you may as well make a day of it, order in a few options and host your very own at-home bridal boutique appointment with your girls. Cue the happy tears!