I’m getting married next year, so I know all too well that the hunt for a dress (or in my case, two – one for the ceremony, one for the evening) might seem exciting, but is actually quite daunting. There are many decisions to mull. Do you go traditional (veil at al) or for something more modern? Perhaps you dread the idea of wearing white and want to go for an alt-colour.
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There’s also the long v short debate. Not to mention the overwhelm from everyone chipping in their thoughts on what suits you best. Just remember: it’s your day and ultimately your dress, so finding something you love is what matters most.
So, whether you’re planning to get married on a beach or a register office, are on a budget or can splurge, want a “traditional” wedding dress or something non-trad that you could wear again to get more bang for your buck, I’ve put together a selection of the best wedding-style dresses. I’ve also included a few tips to help you on your wedding day.
The best wedding dresses and outfits for every bride
Omnes
Jai jacquard dress in bleached mauve
£125
Omnes jacquard dress
£125 at Omnes
The high neckline here is complemented by an open crossover back, and it comes in several delicious sorbet colours.
Omnes
Jai jacquard dress in bleached mauve
£125
Nobody’s Child
Bridal ivory satin bandeau Eira maxi dress
from £250
Phase Eight
Imani midi dress
from £186.75
Nigel Preston
Soho wrap midi dress
£328
Nigel Preston wrap dress
£328 at Free People
Lean into the boho nature of this dress and style it with a long drop necklace. It will take you into autumn as well – just add a jumper over the top.
Nigel Preston
Soho wrap midi dress
£328
Reformation
Frankie dress
£348
Reformation sequin dress
£348 at Reformation
Sequins for a wedding are a little unexpected, but also ethereal and fun. I love the flower detailing on this spaghetti-strap dress.
Reformation
Frankie dress
£348
The Fold
Clever crepe suit
from £195
The Fold ivory jacket
£325 at the Fold
The Fold ivory trousers
£195 at the Fold
A classic ivory suit will always be exactly that, a classic. This version from the Fold is double breasted without being boxy.
The Fold
Clever crepe suit
from £195
Asos Design
Curve satin off shoulder mini dress in ivory
£120
Asos mini dress
£120 at Asos
Channel your inner Charli xcx with this off-the-shoulder short style. Just add a veil for the full rock star effect.
Asos Design
Curve satin off shoulder mini dress in ivory
£120
Needle & Thread
Meadow ditsy sweetheart ankle gown
£550
Needle & Thread gown
£550 at Needle & Thread
Needle & Thread is a go-to for fairytale styles, and this dress gives great coverage while still looking delicate.
Needle & Thread
Meadow ditsy sweetheart ankle gown
£550
Rixo
Maybelle satin dress
£495
Rixo satin dress
£495 at Rixo
Designed to be loose and floaty, this lace-trim dress is cut so that you can still wear a bra.
Rixo
Maybelle satin dress
£495
Nadine Merabi
Marni pink suit
from £245
Me+Em
2-in 1-lace crochet dress
£295
Me+Em lace dress
£295 at Me+Em
Wear this short dress with a slip underneath, and then repurpose it on holiday (or even your honeymoon!) with a bikini underneath.
Me+Em
2-in 1-lace crochet dress
£295
Faithfull
Milana midi dress dolce broderie white
£340
Faithful broderie dress
£340 at Faithfull
Broderie is very 2026, and this V-shaped corset top is flattering, giving the dress a vintage look. Very countryside coded.
Faithfull
Milana midi dress dolce broderie white
£340
Reiss
Gigi cotton cut-out belted midi dress in cream
from £298
Cut-out belted dress
£298 at Reiss£298 at John Lewis
The beauty of the high street means this gorgeous cut-out dress is more affordable than it would otherwise be. I’d swap the ivory belt for a gold chain one.
Reiss
Gigi cotton cut-out belted midi dress in cream
from £298
Georgia Hardinge
Torrent dress floor length
£475
Georgia Hardinge pleated dress
£475 at Georgia Hardinge
Beautifully designed, this pleated floor-length dress is sculptural but still has an easy softness.
Georgia Hardinge
Torrent dress floor length
£475
Mint Velvet
Cream sculpted jacket and tailored wide-leg trousers
from £160
Mint Velvet statement jacket
£175 at Mint Velvet£175 at John Lewis
Mint velvet tailored trousers
£160 at Mint Velvet
If you find blazer proportions difficult, a fitted jacket could solve your problems. It will hug your body rather than swamp you.
Mint Velvet
Cream sculpted jacket and tailored wide-leg trousers
from £160
Monsoon
Cali embellished cape sleeve wedding dress ivory
from £330
Monsoon cape sleeve dress
£330 at Monsoon£550 at John Lewis
Empire line with gorgeous floaty sleeves, this dress also has some subtle beading that isn’t too glitzy.
Monsoon
Cali embellished cape sleeve wedding dress ivory
from £330
Aje ruffle gown
£539 at Aje
Ruffled dresses were all over the red carpet at Cannes this year, and were worn by all ages. It’s a forgiving style, and in barely there lemon, really makes an impact.
Rat & Boa
Olympia sequin dress
£450
Rat & Boa sequin dress
£450 at Rat & Boa
Wear a slip under this slightly sheer sequin dress, and just add gold accessories.
Rat & Boa
Olympia sequin dress
£450
Posse lace trim dress
£475 at Posse
This vintage-inspired dress in linen would be ideal for hot summer nuptials.
Dôen
Coraline corded lace-trimmed silk-satin midi dress
£600
Dôen satin midi dress
£600 at Net-a-Porter
A classic shape, but with a tie belt, which means you can cinch the waist for some added glamour.
Dôen
Coraline corded lace-trimmed silk-satin midi dress
£600
How to buy a wedding dressAdd personality to your look with accessories. Photograph: chabybucko/Getty Images
Stick to the budget that you set for yourself. There are so many good options on the high street now that you don’t need to spend thousands of pounds.
Don’t get seduced by the choice available. Stick to what you know makes you feel comfortable (enjoying the day should be top of your list), so steer away from shapes and silhouettes that you wouldn’t usually wear.
Add some personality with accessories. A fun pair of earrings or a quirky detail on your shoes will inject your look with some individuality.
Underwear is important, so give it the same thought that you give your dress. I would recommend a bra fitting before you start looking for an outfit. Invest in a good strapless bra, or multiway style if you are looking at spaghetti strap dresses or bandeaux.
Bring your own steamer: the last thing you want to discover on the big day is that your hotel/venue only has a travel iron. My go-to is from Steamery.
For more, read Jess Cartner-Morley’s 52 women’s summer wardrobe updates for under £100
Melanie Wilkinson is the Guardian’s styling editor