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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Melanie Wilkinson

Ten wedding dresses, whatever your size, style or budget

wedding dresses: Costa Cliona wedding dress
The high street has really upped its game in recent years with affordable bridalwear, and Coast is one of the front-runners when it comes to getting a designer look on a budget. The Cliona dress is simple in terms of shape but has a lot of style details incorporated in: lace cap sleeves, chiffon overlay across the bodice and jewelled waist detail
Coast, Cliona dress, £395
Photograph: Costa Cliona
wedding dresses 2: Charlie Brear wedding dress
If you like the idea of wearing a traditional dress with a twist, then Charlie Brear is a label you should take a look at. Formerly the Vintage Wedding Dress Company, all Charlie Brear designs feel slightly vintage inspired, while still being elegant and modern. I really like this romantic feathered skirt – you can layer it over several different Charlie Brear dress styles, but this version is my favourite. Opt for silk elegance in the form of the buttoned bodice, and then go for the ultimate in romance on the skirt
Charlie Brear, feathered skirt, £1,990
Photograph: Charlie Brear
wedding dresses: Alyssa wedding dress
All Minna wedding dresses are hand-embellished and made from sustainable, organic, recycled and locally produced materials, hence them being coined 'Eco Luxe'. They certainly offer an ethical and affordable choice for your big day without compromising on style. I'm a big fan of the Alyssa dress and think it could be the perfect dress choice if you're planning a summertime, vintage-inspired day. You can also order online, and still have the opportunity to add individual style details with belt and alteration service options
Minna, Alyssa dress, £530
Photograph: Alyssa
wedding dresses: Lanvin wedding dress
Lanvin is the label to go to if you're looking for a fashion-forward, 'statement dress'. You can expect modern twists on traditional dresses with gathered silks, oversized bows and shoulder details. Because the range is available from www.net-a-porter.com, you can order the dress you want from your desk, and try it on at home. Which is perfect if the idea of traipsing around bridal shops fills you with dread
Lanvin, £2,925 
Photograph: Lanvin
wedding dresses 2: Vera Wang wedding dress
If I had an endless budget for my big day, then I would opt for a Vera Wang dress. She's the designer of choice for celebrities and socialites from Kim Kardashian to Chelsea Clinton – but with Wang's full price gowns starting from around £3,500, they're not an expense that most of us can justify (or afford). So, rejoice in the knowledge that a diffusion line now exists. White by Vera Wang is available exclusively from David's Bridal in the UK and with prices starting at less than £1,000 its a lot more likely to fit into your budget for the big day. Expect signature Wang drapes, full chiffon skirts and jewelled belts
White by Vera Wang, £1,195, exclusively at David's Bridal
Photograph: Vera Wang
wedding dresses: Monsoon wedding dress
If you're looking for an affordable, elegant dress with a feminine, vintage feel then this Monsoon design could be the option for you. Monsoon offers a great collection of vintage-inspired dresses that don't cost the earth, are great quality, and go up to a UK size 18. This strapless design has an inbuilt corset (something you might not expect from a high-street wedding dress under £400) and hand-embellished floral embroidery
Monsoon, Petruska dress, £399
Photograph: Monsoon
wedding dresses: Shimmer wedding dress
The idea of a traditional wedding dress leaves a lot of women cold. Maybe you want something more modern, or something short, and aren't taken by the idea of having to deliberate between a fussy full-skirted dress, or an embroidered empire-line design. If this sounds like you, have a look at J Crew. This sequined playsuit is just one of many designs J Crew offers that are wearable, simple and fun. It may not be for everyone (for one you've got to have some pretty killer legs), but I'm personally in love with this elegant, tomboy option
J Crew, sequin romper, £750
Photograph: Shimmer
Wedding Dresses gallery: Jenny Packham wedding dress
Jenny Packham has been designing bridal gowns for 25 years so she knows what gives a wedding dress that 'wow' factor. Known for her ethereal and feminine designs, Packham's dresses are expensive, but beautiful. If you have the budget, then this dress ticks a lot of boxes: elegant, with enough sparkle to look special, but definitely not 'blingy'. The effect is understated Hollywood glamour
Jenny Packham, Cynthia dress, £3,460
Photograph: Jenny Packham
wedding dresses 2: Justin Alexander wedding dress
Grace Kelly is always a popular bridal inspiration for many a bride. Nothing says romance like a full-skirted lace design (Kate Middleton for one, agrees). So, if this is true of your ideal dress then try this Justin Alexander design. Perfect for flattering any figure, and I love the sweetheart neckline and lace overlay
Justin Alexander, check website for prices
Photograph: Justin Alexander
wedding dresses: Temperley wedding dress
Wearing an Alice Temperley dress for your wedding may seem like the stuff of (expensive!) dreams. But now, thanks to the Alice by Alice Temperley diffusion range, you can opt for a Temperley designed dress without parting with a small fortune. I think this silver-and-gold embellished dress is both elegant and individual, with just a touch of vintage about it. And (here comes the good part) it's only £595
Alice by Alice Temperley, long sapphire dress, £595
Photograph: Temperley
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