Some women have an idea – dare I say, "vision" – of what they’ll be wearing on their wedding day months, maybe even years, in advance. But not everybody who plans a wedding is as into the whole shebang. Personally, I find it hard to feel pumped about a deadline that's 18 months away.
If shopping in actual bridal shops makes you feel awkward or you think dropping £2,000 on a dress you’ll wear once isn't a particularly good idea, this list is for you.
They may not always be white, long, lace or veiled but dammit, these dress and heel combinations are beautiful – and because none of the pairings costs over £115, if you’re not getting married, then they make really gorgeous outfits to waft ‘round your flat in.
Slinky and cut-out doesn’t sound at all appropriate but actually, with its short sleeves and loose midi fit, this Zara dress makes a lot of sense, especially with matching and super sweet ASOS heels. Not the one if a bra is an essential part of your arsenal, though.
Zara Knotted Dress with Button, £79.99, available at Zara
ASOS Sweetheart Bridal Pointed Heels, £35, available at ASOS
One for the romantics out there, this white ruffle dress ticks a lot of trend boxes (asymmetric hem, polka dots), plus you’ve got your something blue via these very chic satin Stradivarius mules, which look terribly expensive.
Bershka Short Polka Dot Dress, £29.99, available at Bershka
Stradivarius Polka Dot Low-Heel Mules, £29.99, available at Stradivarius
Form-fitting but still essentially quite good craic, this spotty number has that '90s spaghetti neckline that we're yet to see a person look anything but brilliant in. Bravo Topshop.
Topshop Spot Jacquard Slip Dress, £49, available at Topshop
Topshop Jinny Woven Kitten Heel Mules, £56, available at Topshop
White lace dresses shouldn’t be totally off the cards, just because you’re shopping on the high street. This off-the-shoulder chicness comes to you from River Island. Add zebra-print points for a touch of '80s glam; you’ll wear them approximately a million times after the wedding, too.
River Island White Bardot Lace Midi Dress, £75, available at River Island
Monki Zebra Pumps, £35, available at Monki
The most elegant version of a T-shirt dress maybe ever, this silk crepe number is so simple, it looks spenny. Add some heels that Carrie B would be proud of and the whole thing feels very old-money New York society wedding.
Topshop Pink Seamed Crepe Midi Dress, £46, available at Topshop
True Decadence Pointed Heels With Diamante Buckle, £38, available at ASOS
Prim, proper and covered up in all the right places for a church wedding. Finish with a pair of colour-clashing-print mules.
PrettyLittleThing Blue Lace Ruffle Detail Midi Dress, £45, available at PrettyLittleThing
H&M Mules With Sparkly Decoration, £29.99, available at H&M
If the idea of a midi or maxi dress reminds you of dressing up in your mum’s clothes as a child, then just go mini. Max out the coverage elsewhere by going for long sleeves and closed-toe block heels.
New Look White Lace Long Sleeve Dress, £30, available at New Look
Stradivarius Court Shoes With Ribbon Tie, £39.99, available at Stradivarius
The super soft silk and high neckline give all the 1940s feels; just add some high-shine sandals for a retro megamix that feels very 2018.
River Island Light Pink Thigh Split Cape Sleeve Dress, £50, available at River Island
Zara High Heel Strappy Sandals, £29.99, available at Zara
If your nuptials are a nighttime affair, there’s every reason to consider a sequin dress. Match the magic of the dress with some equally extra mules. You’re the bride, go for it.
Bershka Sequin Dress, £49.99, available at Bershka
River Island Gold Snake Embellished Mules, £60, available at River Island
If your wedding day is abroad, or at the height of a British heatwave, a non-clingy wrap dress might just be your saving grace.
H&M Lyocell Wrap Dress, £59.99, available at H&M
M&S Kitten Heel Mule Shoes, £25, available at M&S
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