The L360 team have consulted fashion experts to handpick a selection of beautiful bridal gowns, because affordable doesn’t have to mean looking cheap.
So, you’ve said ‘yes’. And although there’s a ton of wedmin to deal with (is your cousin’s step-sister’s aunty invited?), there’s undoubtably one detail at the forefront of your mind: the dress.
The second that ring’s on your finger, the vision of elegantly drifting down the aisle in the fairy tale dress of your dreams haunts your every waking moment (or is that just us?).
However, you don’t need us to tell you that the prices of these white wonders are eye-watering to say the least.
If you don’t want to shell out thousands of pounds on a dress you’ll wear for one day then you’re in luck, as L360 has trawled the online clothing racks and conferred with fashion experts to find the best wedding gowns for under £500. Because feeling beautiful on your big day is a pleasure every bride should be afforded.
Read more: The London salons & spas every bride-to-be should visit
Best wedding dresses under £500
Savannah by Kelsey Rose
April Banbury, Married at First Sight UK star and bridal stylist, recommends scouring wedding designer outlets, particularly Lucy Hart Bridal in Leighton Buzzard, where you can find previous-season dresses on sale for bargain prices.
Of the Savannah dress, April says: “It’s perfect for a boho bride looking for something a little different.”
Buy from Lucy Hart Bridal for £359.50.
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Club L Elene dress
April recommends that brides check out high street shops, as some offer a limited bridal collection. Her personal favourite is this Elene dress from Club L.
She says: “For an astonishing £120, the fabric feels fantastic, and the corset is fully boned.
“I love how you can dress this gown up with amazing accessories.”
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Catherine Deane Lavada corset top and Danielle skirt
April loves this elegant two-piece gown by designer Catherine Deane.
She says: “A top and skirt combo that allows you to switch up your look from ceremony to reception if you want.”
Reformation Jeany silk dress
Shabrina Kara, founder of Style with Kara, picked the Jeany dress as “a modern and bold choice for brides”.
She says: “Its halter-neck design beautifully frames the shoulders and upper back, while the high neckline and tie detail add a touch of sophistication.
“Crafted from luxurious silk with a figure-enhancing bias cut, this dress is perfect for brides wanting a look that feels effortlessly glamorous and eye-catching.”
Buy from Reformation for £348.
Nadine Merabi Natalie ivory dress
Shabrina loves this dress as it “exudes confidence and class”.
She says: “The short length keeps it playful, while the striking square neckline, framed with pearl and velvet trim, adds elegance.
“This dress is a perfect pick for a bride looking for a sophisticated yet fun option.”
Buy from Nadine Merabi for £395.
Rotate Birger Christensen sequined recycled satin maxi dress
“Pure bridal glamour” is how Shabrina describes this dress.
She says: “Covered in dazzling sequins, it radiates elegance and sophistication.
“The maxi length adds drama and presence, making it a stunning choice for a bride who loves to shine.”
Buy from Net-A-Porter for £330.
Freya satin midi dress
Shabrina calls this dress “timeless”.
She says: “The silky satin fabric drapes beautifully, creating an effortlessly elegant look. The simple yet refined design makes it ideal for a minimalist bridal dress style.”
Asos Design Mila floral embellished mesh wedding dress with tie straps in ivory
We love the girly tie straps holding up this flouncy dress with bead and sequin embroidery.
The fine mesh skirt will elegantly fly all around you as you cut some moves on the dancefloor.
Coast Twill mini wedding dress with organza skirt
Featuring a twill fitted bodice, this mini dress has a silhouette that just won’t budge.
Contrasting the structured body of the dress, the organza overlay softens the look and creates a captivating shape.
True Decadence Bardot bust cup midi dress in cream
Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn in this beautiful 1950s-inspired gown.
Featuring short, off-the-shoulder wrap sleeves, cute cup detailing and a flared skirt, it’s flattering on anybody.
Forever New Bridal satin long-sleeved mini dress in ivory
We love this mini dress with a sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder long sleeves.
It’s giving Parisian wedding in all the best ways. Tres magnifique.
Forever New Bridal organza bow-back mini dress in ivory
This modern look is almost two dresses in one. Underneath, a sleeveless mini dress with an hourglass shape. On top, a shiny sheer long-sleeved organza mini dress with a puffy bow on the back and shirt cuff detailing.
For the bride who wants a dress as unique as her.
Coast Premium corded embroidery bridal maxi dress with belt
Traditional elegance meets romance with this dress.
It features intricate embroidery and comes with a stylish belt to accentuate your waist.
Coast plunge neck bow waist twill maxi dress with pockets
This sculptural dress is timeless, made with duchess twill — heavy enough to create a stunning silhouette that won’t budge.
The plunging neck frames the decolletage, while a minimal bow at the waist adds a wink of femininity.
And, even better, the dress comes with pockets — great for storing lip gloss for top-ups.
Oasis flutter-sleeve ruffle detail chiffon bridal maxi dress
With sparse flowy detailing, this dress strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and elegance.
We love the feminine flutter cap sleeves — they’ll beautifully frame your face and look good in close-up pictures.
Anthropologie sleeveless sheer linen slip dress
For the boho beach bride, look no further than this frock.
The fun of a mini-dress with the demure vibes of a maxi, this dress has it all.
Buy from Anthropologie for £120.
Free People Elliatt Calypso dress
This effortlessly femme, statement-making mini is giving major chic city registry office wedding vibes.
The big bow on the back reminds your betrothed that you’re the only present they’ll ever need.
Buy from Free People for £188.
Free People something special drop-waist midi
This stunning gown is the embodiment of capital ‘R’ Romantic.
The slim bodice with a billowy skirt, puffed sleeves and sweetheart neckline makes for the perfect vintage charm.
French peasant, but make it chic.
Whistles Ivory Lina lace-insert wedding dress
Oozing sophistication, this dress is the perfect marriage (pun intended) between modern and classic.
The high-neck frock features a low back with pretty button detailing and the lace insert offers interesting detail, without taking away from the overall minimalistic appeal.
Goddiva flared sleeve embroidered maxi dress
Look like you stepped right out of Rivendell in this stunning Goddiva dress.
The floral embroidery is reminiscent of princess gowns in fairy tales, and the flutter sleeves add an air of elegance.
