With the rise of cool, hip brides who don’t feel the need to spend thousands on a dress these days, there’s also a real flow of great, affordable bridal and bridesmaid brands answering their prayers. There are even a few High Street giants who have got in on the act. Here’s the low down:
Yes, the store that doesn’t seem to set a foot wrong in the style stakes has moved into Bridal. Expect attention to detail ruffles, bows and modern shapes. Prices start at £499 and the range launches in February.
2. REWRITTEN
When two friends Fran and Katie found themselves frustrated by the current Bridesmaid dress offering out there, they decided to make their own. Their customer self described as ‘Damn Cool Bridesmaids’, these are dresses for those girls who don’t follow the norm – the type of girl who’d wear Reformation to a wedding (and they’ve already been picked up by bloggers such as Anneli Bush). And I for one love what they’re doing:
 |
| The ‘Tokyo’ dress in chianti: £140, Rewritten |
 |
| ‘Havana’ top: £65, Rewritten. Long skirt: £95, Rewritten |
Kate Halfpenny is a stylist who had gone onto design her own super successful Bridal range, who makes and designs her range in London. Not totally frugal, pieces start at £695 but her dresses (and skirts and separates) are to die for and as I am such a fan of what she does, I couldn’t not include!
4. ASOS BRIDAL
Yes, I know I’ve already talked about their range before, but look how pretty and affordable it is! Plus Asos bridesmaid dresses that won’t break the bank? Gutted this wasn’t around when I was looking!
 |
| Ruched maxi dress: £150, Asos |
 |
| Ruffle column maxi dress: £65, Asos |
 |
| Maxi dress: £150, Asos |
5. REFORMATION
Not only would you be the coolest bride on the block: you’d also be investing in a sustainable fashion brand. Yes, Reformation have officially made ECO cool (and their recent collection with Net A Porter was a storming success – I’m hoping we can expect a London store soon!).
 |
| Dress: $388, Reformaton |
 |
| Dress: $428, Reformation |
Another of the High Street stores killing it with its Bridal selection. It’s also a bit of a one-stop shop for Flower Girls, Bridesmaids and page boys, too. They’re even doing the on trend two piece, which is a really modern way to approach Wedding dressing:
 |
| ‘Dominika’ lace top: £129, Monsoon. Lace skirt: £199, Monsoon
|
1. No smudge mascara: £21, Bobbi Brown
2. Lipstick in ‘Naturist’: £8, Topshop
3. Diamonte earrings: £9.50, Marks & Spencer
4. Sandals: £150, Loeffler Randall at The Outnet
5. Nail polish in ‘Sparkling’: £6.49, Revlon
6. Leather pouch: £117, Anya Hindmarch at The Outnet
7. 101 ointment: £11, Lano at Net A Porter
8. Cream highlighter: £10, Topshop
9. Velvet sandals: £165, Whistles
10. Biography bracelet: £40, Astley Clarke
2. Lipstick in ‘Naturist’: £8, Topshop
3. Diamonte earrings: £9.50, Marks & Spencer
4. Sandals: £150, Loeffler Randall at The Outnet
5. Nail polish in ‘Sparkling’: £6.49, Revlon
6. Leather pouch: £117, Anya Hindmarch at The Outnet
7. 101 ointment: £11, Lano at Net A Porter
8. Cream highlighter: £10, Topshop
9. Velvet sandals: £165, Whistles
10. Biography bracelet: £40, Astley Clarke
Great post!
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
Ooh those velvet Whistles shoes! I love.
I got married in a Reformation dress – actually, your first Ref pic which they have redesigned with shoulder straps (GOOD move!) – and had ASOS bridesmaids too. I understand why people spend £££ for designer/made-to-measure/couture (!!), but for a dress that you are going to wear for about 12 hours…I'd rather spend the money on a coat/holiday/new kitchen instead!
Love that you wore Reformation – and totally agree – wish I hadn't spent so much on my dress now we need a new kitchen! xx
This is a great round up. If I could do it over again, I believe I would go all out in a blush gown. They are gorgeous.
Love all the blush colours! x
Absolutely love the Reformation dress for my summer wedding but unsure on sizings. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
So I have only bought 1 dress from Reformation, and I got the 8…although could've sized up – they're not the most forgiving brand! If you are London based they have a pop-up store in Monmouth st until mid December in case you wanted to have a try on for sizes? x
Get in touch with their Customer Services! I sent over my measurements and they were able to tell me the measurements of the exact dress. However, I would say that I had to make a fair few alterations to mine!