Can a high street wedding dress be as chic and impactful as an expensive, traditional bridal gown? In my opinion, yes - the high street's wedding dress offerings are much more than the odd white dress with a token smattering of embellishment.
And with weddings set to be more expensive than ever in 2026, according to Bridebrook’s 2026 wedding report, coming in at an eye-watering average of over £20k. One place brides-to-be can save a little, without losing style, is their wedding dress and these days, there’s more affordable wedding dresses to choose from than ever before.
- Ghost - Simple, elegant styles are signature to Ghost's wedding collection. All are made using luxe fabrics, with flattering silhouettes and effortless, flattering silhouettes.
- Rixo - Known for its retro styles, Rixo taps into the modern aesthetic of romantic, laidback but full of impact.
- Monsoon - Romance is at the core of Monsoon's bridal collection, featuring lace, ruffles and organza.
- Phase Eight - Phase Eight's bridal collection includes gowns in petite, curve plus jumpsuits and separates.
- Needle & Thread - The occasion wear brand has recreated many of its bestselling event dresses into bridal gowns, with embellishment and detailing making them stand out from the crowd.
Thanks to the high street, the bridal sector is overflowing with budget bridal gowns. If there's one place you can save without sacrificing the theme it's a wedding dress, with brands including Rixo, Phase Eight and Monsoon dedicating entire sections of their online retail spots to wedding dresses.
From slinky bridal dresses to lace gowns that look couture plus bridal separates, the high street has stepped up its bridal offering with so many head-turning gowns that look far more expensive than their price tag.
There are also more alternative wedding dresses to choose from now, too, thanks to the high street. They can be few and far between in traditional bridal boutiques – if it’s a bridal jumpsuit, skirt and top or something a little less classic you’re after, give the high street’s wedding sections a thorough browse.
With a little tailoring and clever accessories, guests will never know...
How I chose the best high street wedding dresses
- Brand: All of the brands highlighted are traditionally high street, both online and bricks and mortar.
- Price: You can pick up a high street wedding dress for as little as £150 / $300, and I’ve kept the price point low to show the amazing value and quality of high street bridal gowns.
- Style: From lace-covered gowns to feather-trim mini dresses, I’ve included a range of styles and wedding dress trends to show how incredible the high street’s offering is.
Where to shop the best high street wedding dresses
Ghost Wedding Dresses
Why I rate it: "Focusing on silk gowns, Ghost's bridal collection features halter neck styles, tea dress silhouettes and stunningly simple slip dresses."
Ghost Angelica High Neck Satin Maxi Dress
© GhostThis high neck wedding dress is made from a sleek, satin fabric and ties into a bow at the neck. Cut on the bias, it reminds us of Meghan Markle's second wedding dress.
Rixo Wedding Dresses
Why I rate it: "Cool brides flock to Rixo for their vintage inspired designs with contemporary touches. Ideal for the boho bride."
Monsoon Wedding Dresses
Why I rate it: "Monsoon has a wide variety of wedding dresses, starting from the sleek and sophisticated to the traditional. There's also modern-designs including drop-waisted bridal gowns, mini dresses and feather trimmed slips."
Monsoon Luciane Off-Shoulder Wedding Dress
© MonsoonDesigned in ivory tulle, this stunning wedding dress has all the trimmings; beadwork, romantic embroidery and an off-shoulder silhouette. It also features a bustle loop and buttons for when the evening event starts.
Phase Eight Wedding Dresses
Why I rate it: "Classic styles in ivory and white, Phase Eight also caters for the bride who wants a bridal outfit with a difference - think jumpsuits, separates and suits."
Needle & Thread Wedding Dress
Why I rate it: "Packed with pomp and prettiness, Needle & Thread's wedding dresses are ideal for the bride on a budget who wants to make a big impact. Their gowns include the brand's signature detailing, including embroidery, ruffles, embellishment and the bridal accessories are just as stunning - including capes, instead of veils."
Needle & Thread Scatter Dot One-Shoulder Ankle Gown
© Needle & ThreadEmbellished from top to toe, this stunning gown features a floor-length cape for the most romantic of detailing.
Nobody's Child Wedding Dress
Why I rate it: "Affordable and modern, the Nobody's Child bridal range includes minis, maxis and midis."
Nobody's Child Crepe Statement Bow Lucienne Mini Dress
© Nobody's ChildShort and sweet, this mini wedding dress is given a bridal moment with the OTT bow at back. Stunning!
Coast Wedding Dresses
Why I rate it: "Coast's bridal selection includes some of the most diverse wedding dress styles on the high street."
Coast Beaded and Embellished Cap Sleeve Fishtail Wedding Dress
© CoastCoast's bridal gowns include this flattering, fishtail dress with intricate beading, cap sleeves and high neckline.
Reformation Wedding Dresses
Why I rate it: "Reformation's bridal collection is as cool as you'd expect from the Californian clothing label. Think slinky, silky creations made for the minimalist bride."
Whistles Wedding Dresses
Why I rate it: "The curated collection features around 15 wedding styles that speak to those who their wedding dresses without embellishment or embroidery. Think clean lines and flattering silhouettes."
Whistles Lettie Wedding Dress
© WarehouseEffortlessly minimal, this gown has a fitted corset top, to accentuate the silhouette, and a full skirt designed to move beautifully as you glide down the aisle.
Club L London Wedding Dresses
Why I rate it: "Catering for the bride who wants something non-traditional, Club L London is the place to go for those bridal dresses with a difference. There's minis, maxis, slinky gowns, bodycon bridal dresses, casual numbers and jumpsuits plus plenty of dresses that would serve as evening gowns for the bride."
Club L London Dreamer White Lace Halter-Neck Mini Dress
© Club L LondonCreated using premium lace, this chic halter neck screams after party for the bride.
ASOS Wedding Dresses
Why I rate it: "ASOS stocks not only own brand wedding dresses, but brands including OMNES, JW Pei and Six Stories Bridal."
ASOS DESIGN Structured Bodice Full Skirt Maxi Dress
© ASOSThis bestselling style is relaxed yet stylish; note the structured bodice, peplum detail and longer length.
Tips for buying a high street wedding dress
- Tailor it – Like any bridal gown, it might need tailoring to be the perfect fit, so find a local tailor you can trust to see if alterations are possible.
- Take pictures – When trying on, make sure to take pictures of yourself in the dress to see how it photographs. Not forgetting the back of the outfit too, since that’s what most of your guests will be seeing through the service.
- Evening wedding dress – Even if you’re buying a more expensive wedding dress for the day, the high street could be the place to turn to for an evening wedding dress. The high street has a host of more flirty, fun and danceable dresses too.
- Add accessories – Just like boutique bridal stores, most high street shops that offer wedding dresses have a range of matching, or coordinating, bridal accessories too. Many carry similar embellishments, colourways and details for a pulled together look.
- Check the returns policy – Give yourself plenty of time to try the dress on at home, but do check the returns policy – you don’t want to be stuck with a wedding dress you’ve changed your mind on because you missed the return date.
- In-store appointments - Many of the retailers featured offer in-person appointments at selected stores. Worth a look if you can't decide between a few styles.
