High Street Bridal

The dress: the bridal element a girl dreams of the most. For many, this will be the most expensive dress they will ever wear, especially considering they only get one use out of it.

My dress was no exception, as beautiful as it is and as princess-like as it made me feel, the thought of such a costly gown hanging in its garment bag, with no prospect of seeing the light of day again, brings me a little pain.

Fortunately, brides today don’t have to spend a small fortune on that beautiful white dress, as more and more high street retailers are trying their luck at becoming part of the bridal fashion industry.

Now, you may be skeptical, and I can’t blame you, I was, but after spending a considerable amount of time browsing the current selection of high street wedding dresses, I can honestly say, I like what I see.

Have a look at some of my top picks in four different styles, with cost ranging from surprisingly affordable to high street indulgent.

Style: V-Neck

These modern yet whimsical dresses are perfect for the romantic bride that wants a daring neckline. Both feature a scalloped trim in the V-neckline, which I adore.

The Gardenia Wedding Dress (Phase Eight £750) is made of floral tulle tapework and is hand embellished with delicate sequins and beads. The slinky material results in a feminine silhouette with the godet detail creating a full skirt, which gracefully flows into the train. The keyhole back elegantly completes the dress.

The Sofia Long Bridal Dress (BHS £150) is made with delicate lace and has an empire waist and full skirt, with a V-neckline across the back and front of the dress, with satin champagne lining and a grosgrain belt.

Style: Illusion

These beautiful lace creations are prefect for the girl who loves a sweetheart shape but prefers the modesty of a higher neckline. The lace overlay of these styles makes them effortlessly elegant and timeless.

The Mariette Wedding Dress (Phase Eight £650) has intricate embellishments of shimmering beads and sequins on the lace, a delicate train and a concealed back zip.

The Début Ivory Lace Maxi Dress (Debenhams £195) is a delicate satin and lace silhouette dress with a fishtail bottom and V line back.

Style: Cover-up

For the bride that prefers a little extra fabric in the shoulder area, a bolero or shrug is a flexible way to have two looks for the same dress, wear it for the ceremony and lose it for the reception, or whatever feels comfortable. Alternatively, a dress with sheer sleeves will allow the cut of the dress to shine while maintaining a demure bridal look.

The Ellis Bridal Dress & Shrug (Monsoon £699) has a captivating sheath silhouette and scallop-edge train. The embroidered tulle has been generously embellished with beads and sequins that create an everlasting shimmer. The dress includes a concealed zip and a hidden finger loop to lift the train. 

The Elbertine Wedding Dress in Ivory (Phase Eight £650) is a stunning 1920's inspired style which boasts exquisite embellishments and beading. It also includes a detachable sequin belt with a bow at the back to adjust the waist.

Style: Strapless

Perhaps the most popular style in modern brides, and for good reason, with a choice of sweetheart, straight across or semi-sweetheart, you can pick the cut that suits you best and give your neckline and accessories pride of place.

The Imogen Bridal Dress (BHS £450 is made of organza fabric with a satin underlay and netting to allow a full skirt effect. The dress is completed by the intricate embellishments across the bodice and stunning lace-up back. 

The Esme Wedding Dress in Ivory (Phase Eight £350) certainly looks like it stepped out of a fairytale. It features a fitted sweetheart neckline and a fishtail silhouette with a lace skirt and tulle overlay to add volume. Details like detachable straps, a concealed zip at the side and train loops finalize the ethereal design.

Walking Down the Aisle...

As much of a cliché as it may be, I am a girl who loves shoes, and bridal shoes are no exception.

The journey to find my perfect wedding footwear was lengthy and a little obsessive, if I’m honest. I had a very specific idea of what I wanted and did not rest until I found it, using all the search engines and key words, browsing high street and designer brands alike.

My initial inspiration came in the form of an Australian brand called PeepToe and their beautiful MrsWhitedress design (above). A five inch ivory satin creation, with lace overlay and a scallop trim. However finding a picture of these was far easier than actually finding the shoes, and once found they were out of budget and in another continent, so the search continued.

I finally found what I was after when I came across the Odeon Lace Peep Toe Platform Stiletto Heels. Five inch heel: check; White satin with a lace overlay: check; Scallop trip: not check, but the diamante studs on the heel and toe area make up for that, because a little bling is fine by me!

I adored my wedding footwear, but if I had to do it all again, here are some of the gorgeous (yet affordable) designs I would swoon for these days…

No1 Jenny Packham for Debenhams

There is beauty in simplicity and this pair of No1 Jenny Packham sandals are simply stunning. I love the delicate lace detailing on the elasticated strap, a very romantic touch.

Victoriana Diamante Bridal Court by Monsoon

These beautiful satin court shoes offer a very classic look with some modern sparkle. I love that they have combined diamante gems with pearl beads for the trim.

Faith Ivory Sequined Court Shoes for Debenhams

If bling is your thing, then you can’t go wrong with these sparkly court shoes by Faith, which feature an all over sequined detail, very wow factor.

Lilliana Vintage Bow Peeptoe by Monsoon

These dreamy vintage style peep toe heels are just adorable, I love the crocheted lace accessorized with a statement satin bow at the ankle.