Whether it’s style, sustainability, budget-consciousness or a combination of all three, ready-to-wear bridal collections are a game-changer if you’re looking for a wallet-friendly modern wedding dress. Monsoon, Whistles and Rixo have always been stalwarts in the accessible wedding dress arena, but many other high street and mid-price brands have started offering chic, contemporary options that merge affordability and elegance.
New to the bridal market is Aligne, a British brand known for its contemporary silhouettes and sustainable ethos. True to its minimalist aesthetic, its first bridal capsule collection is crafted in structured satin sculptural silhouettes, offering effortlessly cool, understated elegance.
Nobody’s Child has always had style and sustainability at the forefront of its easy-to-wear collections, and the brand’s debut bridal range is no different. Its designs feature modern jumpsuits, sharp suiting and billowing balloon-sleeved dresses.
Sleeper, known for its sleepwear-meets-daywear, has launched its reimagined bridal collection based on looks that can slip seamlessly into the everyday wardrobe, making each piece more than just a dress for the day. Think voluminous, fun dresses – even one with detachable feathers – and loungewear that ticks the box for the honeymoon or wedding night.
Closer to home, Kindred of Ireland has launched an inaugural bridal collection crafted entirely from linen. Balancing comfort, sophistication and sustainability, playful bows, tiers and frills in a beetled linen finish give a subtle sheen for an unexpected take on bridal wear. For brides looking to incorporate “something blue” in a fresh way, the capsule collection even includes a tiered frill dress in the palest, prettiest shade of blue.
Also offering something blue to brides-to-be is Sinead Keary The Label, whose capsule collection comes in a powdery blue shade. The collection features slip skirts, tailored shift dresses, and pearl-encrusted short suits in structured satin.
Penneys is also making its mark in the bridal space, offering sweet and cute budget-friendly flourishes for everything from the big day to the honeymoon or hen party.
Meanwhile, Spanish retailer Mango has unveiled an elevated capsule collection featuring intricate occasion-wear dresses, many of which come in crisp white – ideal for modern bridal celebrations. Reiss, Ba&sh, Asos, Reformation and Karen Millen are also brands to note for affordable bridal-ready styles.
One of the main advantages of affordable bridal collections is their versatility. If you’re leaning towards a more traditional gown for your big day, high-street styles can seamlessly transition to other wedding festivities, such as the civil ceremony, night-before soirée or the second-day celebration. Plus, they typically require minimal alternations, meaning you won’t be faced with sky-high tailoring costs, and, of course, they can be worn repeatedly long after the wedding celebrations.
