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20 alternative wedding dresses that won't break the bank
Our edit of the best (and most affordable) wedding dresses you won't find in a bridal shop...
By Shelly Vella
Weddings are EXPENSIVE, so if you're looking for a dress that will make you feel a gazillion dollars but won't mean you're eating cucumber sandwiches for the wedding breakfast, you're in the right place. Fashion & Style Director Shelly Vella picks her top twenty dresses to have you looking aisle-ready without breaking the bank...
1
Halo Swirl Bodycon Dress, £42, TFNC @ Topshop
Just add a veil, and this super cute little bandeau number will see you through from the vows to the evening's first dance.
2
Diana Bodycon Dress, £120, Miss Selfridge
One for the party girl, this embellished delight of a dress is more about the 'do' after the vows.
3
Jacquard Off-the-Shoulder Dress, £150, Untold @ House of Fraser
Break from tradition with this off-the-shoulder number, the perfect 'pack me I'm going to Vegas' dress.
4
Lily Flower Dress, £299, Hobbs
This romantic slip of a dress is a bouquet in itself. Strewn with appliqued flowers it's the simple way to wow on your wedding day.
5
Scuba Mesh Midi Dress, £415, DKNY @ Net-A-Porter
Perfect for far flung shores, this cool dress is for the off-piste bride who wants a piece that will enjoy A LOT of staying power in her wardrobe.
6
Lucianna Dress, £160, Coast
If you're looking for something a little more unusual, this dress, with it's full, silver print skirt, can be accessorised in a thoroughly modern, fresh way. Registry office or traditional aisle – it's a winner.
7
Gracie Satin Dress, £115, Coast
A sexier, sassy little number for a bride with an eye for stylishly simple clothes. Again, spend on accessories and make this your own.
8
Cressida Dress, £395, Phase Eight
Vintage-inspired and oh-so-pretty, this little dress will wow your guests all day AND night.
9
Layla Lace Dress, £119, Monsoon
In soft silver, this dress is a pretty alternative to whites and creams.
10
Catherine Dress, £299, Monsoon
A floor-sweeping, romantic dress for girls who still like to keep their legs and arms covered in church.
11
Georgina Dress, £349, Monsoon
This elegant beauty wouldn't look out of place on the Downton Abbey film set.
12
Sophia Dress, £499, Monsoon
Crystal-strewn and floor-sweeping, this dress looks and feels like the dream wedding dress - a little more pricey but still a saving on traditional dresses.
13
Tiered Embellished Gown, £250, Needle & Thread @ Net-A-Porter
Bohemians, rejoice! This beaded beauty will look as pretty on an Ibizian beach as it will with veil in a creaking, country church.
14
Embroidered Bandeau Prom Dress, £75, Chi Chi London
Sweep your hair into an updo, add a pointy mid heel and smile all the way to the altar in this gorge frock.
15
Lattice Embellished Maxi Dress, £95, ASOS
This is a modest beauty that will look stunning on a willowy, tall figure.
16
Lace Skater Dress, £70, True Decadence @ ASOS
A summer wedding lust-have and for £70, you'll have change for a pair of designer heels. Just saying...
17
Wiggle Dress With Lace Overlay, £55, ASOS
If you're not keen on your upper arms and like to keep it plain and simple, this dress is your go to.
18
Long sleeve lace detail dress, £50, Vila
Understated and simple, this little shift dress will look great teamed with a retro-vibe, mid-heel and clutch. A spray of white flowers in hand too, obviously.
19
Lila Midi Dress, £260, Self Portrait
Contemplating nuptials on a foreign shore? This beauty feels fresh out of a Dolce & Gabbana fragrance campaign. Italian lakeside? Yes please
20
Kristal Lace Layer Dress, £195, French Connection
Trust us, this is a dress you'll want to keep on wearing after the main event.
Shelly Vella
Fashion & Style Director
I'm the boss lady of team fashion and your go to for all things fashion, be it tried and trusted trends or day to day outfit trauma. I've been doing this a while so go on, test me. Oh and I love horses and chocolate.
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