Where to buy wedding dresses including Whistles, Rixo and ASOS (2024)

FINDING the right wedding dress is the biggest part of wedding planning for many brides.

Whether you're looking for high-end retailers such as Vera Wang, Vivienne Westwood or a high street number, we're here to help you with where to buy wedding dresses.

Not sure where to buy a wedding dress? Don't panic, we're here to help.

We've broken down the wheres, whats and whys, with suggestions of the best places to look on your journey to find the 'one' (well, after your fiancee that is), and exactly, where to find the right wedding dress for you.

Knowing where to buy wedding dresses can be a minefield; some may turn to high-end luxury retailers, such as Vera Wang, and Vivienne Westwood, however, which are usually made to order and you shop in a boutique.

However, in recent years, there has been a huge surge in brides shopping for more affordable wedding dresses available to shop at the high street stores, including favourites from Rixo, Whistles and more.

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Where to buy wedding dresses?

Phase Eight

Phase Eight is a high-street retailer we can rely on for affordable, elegant and timeless bridal wear, as well as garments suited for bridesmaids and the mother of the bride, which makes for easy wedding prep.

There are plenty of wedding dresses to shop at Phase Eight, including traditional and timeless classics, which come in the classic white colourway.

But those who want to buck the status quo can opt for soft dusty pink wedding dresses, embellished designs, mini dresses, and everything in between.

The Phase Eight styles are so varied there is bound to be something to suit every style, season and body shape.

Poppy Embroidered Wedding Dress, £450, Phase Eight - buy here
Cherie Bridal Floral Textured Jumpsuit, £269 - buy here
Ariel Fit And Flare Wedding Dress, £299 - buy here

ASOS

ASOS has everything, whatever the occasion - including weddings.

Whether you are shopping for one unforgettable wedding dress, a selection of wedding dresses, or maybe a wedding suit for the registry office, there are plenty of designs for the bride to shop.

Not only does ASOS have their brand designs of wedding dresses, but they also stock other retailers so you can shop to your heart's content.

Plus, if you need to secure a suit for the groom, bridesmaid dresses, and ensembles for the wedding guests, ASOS has covered all bases.

ASOS EDITION Sienna bead and embroidered plunge bodice wedding dress with lace underlay in ivory, £158.77 (Was £395), ASOS - buy here
ASOS DESIGN bow back mini wedding dress, £120 from ASOS - buy here
Y.A.S Bridal satin maxi cami dress with train, £90 from ASOS - buy here

Mango

Mango has a variety of dresses and suits to shop for those walking down the aisle, as well as wedding guests.

While there is no specific category to shop for wedding dresses online, Mango has pulled out the stops in recent months in the sense it uses luxury fabrics to elevate every style, which is reflected in the premium price tags.

We particularly love the Capsule collection, which features luxury textures, and sleek, elegant styles, such as satin suits, silk slip dresses, as well as slinky cape designs, all of which are timeless and suited for weddings throughout the year.

Satin-finish suit jacket, £300 from Mango - buy here
Silk lingerie dress, £119.99 from Mango - buy here
Lingerie dress with cloak detail, £230 - buy here

Whistles

If you've been eyeing up Nicola Peltz's gorgeous Valentino dress from her nuptials to Brooklyn Beckham, we have found a very similar design for a fraction of the cost at Whistles.

But this is not the only regal wedding gown the premium high-street brand has.

Whistles has a dedicated section to shop everything wedding, including wedding dresses, accessories and heels, as well as bridesmaid dresses, and wedding guest-appropriate looks.

The wedding dress selection is vast as it ranges from corset style, short sleeve, puff sleeve, and a-line, to suits, and there are even some wedding dresses on sale.

We think the prices for the Whistles wedding dresses are reasonable, as they range from £200 up to £899, which is a fraction of the price from other bespoke bridal stores.

Mia Square Neck Wedding Dress, £499 - buy here
Sabrina Silk Wedding Dress, £699 - buy here
Lettie Wedding Dress, £899 - buy here
Andie Wedding Blazer, £299 - buy here

Monsoon

French Connection

French Connection has been a longstanding high street retailer, and whilst they might not have a dedicated bridal range they have some lovely white dresses.

French Connection has several dresses to shop, from mini, midi and maxi, as well as halterneck, strapless designs, long sleeve, embellished, and feathered creations to suit every type of bride and every season.

Echo Crepe Strapless Midi Dress, £110 - buy here
Ennis Eco Satin Slip Mini Dress, £89 - buy here

Chi Chi London

Chi Chi London is an affordable high-street retailer to have on your radar if you are looking to keep costs low when planning a wedding.

This British fashion house was founded in 1988 and has evolved over the decades.

It offers a variety of designs to shop online, but Chi Chi London's The Wedding Hub is the dedicated destination for all wedding attire, and the selection is impressive.

From lace to embellished wedding dresses, mini, midi and maxi designs, as well as short-sleeve, sleeve and sleeveless, every type of wedding dress can be found at Chi Chi London.

Better still, prices range from £50 to £300, which your bank balance will appreciate.

Sequin Bodice Tulle Maxi Wedding Dress, £168.75 (Was £225) - buy here
Sleeveless Jacquard Wedding Dress with Train, £138.75 (Was £185) -
Pleated Bodice Wedding Dress, £108.75 (Was £145) - buy here

Ghost

Ghost never fails to impress, whether it is blouses, everyday dresses, or bridalwear.

Holly Willoughby and Kate Middleton are fans of the label, which is also stocked at M&S. Though they didn't turn to the brand for their wedding ensemble, there is no reason why anyone wouldn't.

We love Ghost's timeless and elegant designs, which are suitable for any style, any season and any bride's wedding day aesthetic.

Ghost bridges the gap between high street and high end as it prides itself on premium fabrics and stylish cuts.

Plus, Ghost has plenty of options for the mother of the bride, as well as bridesmaids, so a one-stop wedding shop makes for ultimate convenience.

Ghost Delphine Dress, £156 (Was £195), Ghost - buy here
Freya Satin Midi Dress, £159 - buy here
Olivia Satin Maxi Dress, £95 (Was £225) - buy here

River Island

River Island launched its bridalwear in 2023, much to our delight but they haven't confirmed yet if it'll be back for 2024.

Whilst we wait to see if they'll bring back bridalwear, it's worth checking out their white dresses and cream outfits for a casual, non-traditional bride.

We love that you won't have to spend a fortune to look stylish when exchanging your vows.

Cream Bridesmaid Bardot Maxi Dress, £90 from River Island - buy here
Gold Glitter Floral Cape Blouse and Trousers, £45 and £65 - buy here
White Ruched Bodycon Mini Dress, £45 - buy here

LK Bennett

LK Bennett offers affordable ready-to-wear garments as well as more premium creations, including bridalwear.

The fashion house has a whole host of stunning garments to shop for your wedding day, including dresses, as well as suits smart tailoring, and, of course, accessories to complete the look.

The LK Bennett wedding dresses range from super feminine satin maxi dresses, to lace button-front designs, which are more nostalgic and vintage-inspired, which we love.

Hyacinth Ivory Low Back Long Train Wedding Dress, £349 (Was £699) - buy here
Harlow Ivory Satin Crepe Long Wedding Dress, £349 (Was £699) - buy here
Iris Ivory Crepe Bridal Tuxedo Trousers, £124 (Was £249) - buy here

Anthropologie

Anthropologie may go under the radar when it comes to shopping for a wedding dress, and admittedly, it does not have the widest selection of "traditional" dresses for a marital ceremony, but there are stunning staples for a low-key event or less conventional bride.

This isn't an official bridal collection, but it's a great option if you're thinking of a casual affair or a pre-wedding party.

Some may wish to stick to the white colour palette when tying the knot, while others may channel a more gothic vibe or black tie, there are some stunning tulle creations too.

Pilcro Strapless Detachable Tulle Lace Midi Dress, £240 - buy here
Bardot Adoni Long-Sleeve Lace Midi Dress, £109 - buy here
Bardot Bow Off-The-Shoulder Mini Dress, £119 - buy here

Coast

Coast has our vote when it comes to shopping for bridalwear.

There are a multitude of wedding dress styles, ranging from bandeau, draped bodice, balloon sleeves and A-line skirts.

Plus, there are wedding dresses made from various fabrics too, such as tulle, silk, sating and lace.

So it's safe to say brides are spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping for wedding dresses at Coast, no matter the budget or season of your special day.

Statement Bow Back Bardot Wedding Dress, £119 - buy here
Column Twill Bridal Dress With Removable Belt Train, £149 - buy here
Premium Lace Applique Full Skirted Princess Wedding Dress, £679 (was £849) - buy here

Karen Millen

Karen Millen has plenty of dresses for brides.

While some may want a simple wedding dress others may want a lightweight crepe fabric, and other brides may be looking to channel a regal aesthetic with a cape dress.

Plus, there are plenty of dresses suitable for the mother of the bride, bridesmaids, and wedding guests, so we strongly recommend bookmarking a try-on session at Karen Millen.

V Neck Belted Maxi Dress, £85 (Was £169) from Karen Millen - buy here
Embellished Bustier Woven Maxi Dress, £324.35 (Was £499) - buy here
Tailored Compact Stretch Viscose Cape Mesh Panel Midi Dress, £181.35 (Was £279) - buy here

Reiss

Reiss is the place to go if you're looking for a stunning, timeless, and elegant fitting dress, with a reasonable price tag.

Admittedly Reiss is not best known for its wedding dresses, but that doesn't mean you won't be able to find a wedding-appropriate outfit.

It's also worth noting that Reiss also does stunning tailoring for men and women.

Rupa Draped Maxi Dress, £268 - buy here
Sienna Crepe Wide Leg Suit Trousers, £178, Double Breasted Crepe Blazer, £278 - buy here
Keira Atelier duch*ess Satin Cape Maxi Dress, £595 - buy here

Nobody's Child

Nobody's Child is a highly regarded, yet affordable, eco-conscious fashion brand, which Holly Willoughby is known to be fond of.

But did you know that alongside Nobody's Child's stylish skirts, printed dresses, and loungewear they also stock wedding dresses too.

From puff sleeves to strappy bridal dresses, ivory hues and champagne colour palettes, Nobody's Child has a variety of maxi and maxi dresses to see you walk down the aisle in style.

Cream Puff Sleeve Zora Midaxi Dress, £120 - buy here
Ivory Satin Bardot Gaia Maxi Dress, £88 (Was £110) - buy here
Ivory Satin Lace Trim Nessy Bridesmaid Midaxi Dress, £88 (Was £110) - buy here

Rixo

Looking for something eye-catching, yet flattering and timeless, Rixo has a variety of options.

Rixo has become well known for their wedding guest dresses, but their bridal collection is jaw-droppingly lovely.

Rixo's bridal collection is extensive, with some simple and timeless designs, midi, maxi and mini length, as well as more playful creations such as feathered accents.

Whether you turn to Rixo for your main ceremony or the reception, there are plenty of styles to sample, and they even do veils and other important bridal accessories.

What is helpful is that Rixo has curated edits for each wedding event. for a bride to help with your selection.

Eve Silk Halter Dress, £975 - buy here
Rixo Lena Feather Dress, £600 - buy here
Cairo Sequin Georgette Gown, £975 - buy here

Reformation

Reformation has a variety of premium quality garments and is a firm favourite with celebrities, including Adele, Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift.

Some say Reformation is on par with Rixo as the dresses are made from luxury fabrics, but they are not overly expensive like other high-end designer labels, making it the perfect go-to.

What's more it is a sustainable brand, which is perfect for the eco-conscious bride.

Payton Satin Dress, £648 - buy here
Elena Satin Dress, £1068 - buy here
Ronda Silk Dress, £748 - buy here

Nadine Merabi

Nadine Merabi is called on for red-carpet events and uber-glamorous affairs, plus the luxury label has a variety of bridal ensembles to shop.

Nadine Merabi has a range of dresses, both mini and maxi, as well as jumpsuits, and suits, so there is something to suit every wedding celebration, style and budget.

If you are an "English rose" bride and want a pre-Raphaelite aesthetic or more of a Hollywood glitzy wedding dress, Nadine Merabi is the go-to.

Gabriella White Dress, £595 - buy here
Jessica White Dress, £217 (Was £395) - buy here
Emilee White Dress, £365 - buy here

Needle & Thread

is known for its ornate designs, floral prints, and blend of textures.

If you are a bride looking for something super fun, playful, ethereal and feminine, Needle & Thread has plenty to offer.

Mia Strapless High-Low Gown, £475 - buy here
Lily Bloom Ankle Gown, £550 - buy here
Brianna Strapless Gown, £725 and Cape, £225 - buy here

Odd Muse

Odd Muse has garnered a lot of attention, and high praise at that, after founder Aimee launched the "slow pace" fashion house in 2020.

The brand may be famed for the Ultimate Muse Blazer, which you could easily wear with tailored trousers to a wedding reception, but the brand also has a dedicated bridal section, which is perfect for low-key weddings, reception outfit changes, destination weddings, and every type of wedding.

Aimee prides herself on creating designs with flattering silhouettes, whether it is a mini or midi design, capped sleeves, short sleeves, long sleeves, or even a dusting of sparkles.

The Ultimate Muse Satin Bardot Mini Dress, £155 - buy here
The Ultimate Muse Pearl Trim Midi Dress, £165 - buy here
The Ultimate Muse Sleeveless Jumpsuit, £145 - buy here

What to look for in a wedding dress?

When shopping for your dream wedding dress there are plenty of options and it is easy to be overwhelmed or feel confused.

Many of us may worry about opting for something that may not necessarily be our style because we are swept up in the moment - but just take your time and make sure to choose something you love - and you feel fabulous!

Ultimately, the key to finding your dream bridal gown is to remember what you like, the styles that best suit you and your body shape, the weather, the season, the venue, the setting, and the budget.

Some may prefer figure-hugging, empire-line designs, while others prefer floaty styles or puffy creations.

Popular options include buttery soft silk and satin fabrics, while tulle is still equally popular, and common when shopping for bridal gowns.

It is important to factor in your favourite features or what you may like to disguise, which may mean you may feel more comfortable in long sleeves for instance or Bardot, if you are conscious of your arms.

Plus, you must take into consideration the season you are getting married in, as that may narrow down styles for you - you don't want to be too hot or too cold.

A destination wedding lends itself to lightweight fabrics, soft silks, or ethereal strappy designs so as not to overheat.

Ultimately, it is your special day and you want to feel the best version of yourself.

How much do wedding dresses cost?

Wedding dresses can vary in price depending on your style, the time of year (you may be able to save a bit more if you shop during sale seasons) as well as where you are shopping, whether you are looking to blow the budget on a designer wedding dress or high street wedding dress.

High-street wedding dresses can vary in price depending on where you are shopping. Generally, wedding dresses from high street brands can fetch anywhere from £85 up to £250 plus.

While high-end bridal gowns can span anywhere from £250 to £2,500, and sometimes even more expensive than that.

It is always a good idea to keep an eye on sales, as there can be further reductions on select retailers around tentpole sale events, such as the January sales, or Black Friday.

What is important to remember is that sticking to your allocated budget, and shopping within your affordability is key, as it can be easy to get carried away.

Who buys wedding dresses?

There is a question mark over who buys a bride's wedding dress.

It has been said that traditionally the bride's family will buy the wedding dress for the happy couple, however, now most brides will buy the dress themselves.

The bride and groom may have been saving for their wedding for years, in which case they have allocated a set budget to all elements of their wedding day, including both of their outfits.

In this instance, the couple pay for their outfits for their ceremony, which is the more common, and favourable option in recent years.

Where to shop for wedding dresses?

There are plenty of places to shop for wedding dresses, and that includes shopping for the best wedding dresses from high-end and designer bridal boutiques, as well as high street.

With such a wide variety of bridal shops to head to knowing where to start can be overwhelming.

Previous brides recommend booking appointments to try on wedding dresses in person at various boutiques, though this can come with a small cost depending on where you shop.

The more dresses a bride tries on the more likely they are to understand the styles that suit their body shape, as well as the elements they want or do not want in their dress.

Also, when it comes to trying on your wedding dress it may surprise you that some styles suit you better than others, and other designs that may not have been on your radar are super flattering.

Some may want their dress bespoke and make tweaks, while others may use this as a base to understand their preferences and look elsewhere that may be more affordable.

Over the years more high street retailers have evolved from only offering white dresses, which could be worn as a wedding dress, into launching specific bridal edits, or collections.

Popular high-end high-street retailers include Reformation, Needle and Thread, as well as more designer brands such as Vera Wang, Vivienne Westwood and many more.

ASOS, Whistles, and Nobody's Child also have a variety of wedding dresses to shop for affordable high-street wedding dress prices.

ASOS - shop here
River Island - shop here
John Lewis - shop here
Karen Millen - shop here
Whistles - shop here
Ghost - shop here
Rixo - shop here
New Look - shop here
Needle and Thread - shop here
Reformation - shop here

Can you hire wedding dresses?

Yes, you can hire a wedding dress, and it is a favourable solution for those looking to save more on their wedding dress, which a bride will only wear for one day.

Not only is renting your wedding dress cost-effective, but it is a more sustainable option too.

There are numerous rental sites to hire your wedding dress, including Hurr, By Rotation, Hirestreet, while retailers also offer the option to rent dresses directly, such as Rixo.

It's worth noting with rented dresses, that you will not be able to make amendments like you would your purchase for the perfect fit.

Where to buy a cheap wedding dress?

It is important to stress what we mean by cheap wedding dresses - it's not dresses that look tacky and poorly made, but simply more affordable wedding dresses.

There are plenty of retailers to shop for affordable wedding dresses, in particular high street retailers, including Nobody's Child and ASOS, among many others.

When shopping for your wedding dress, as we mentioned before, you must select a budget that is within your reach and stick to it.

Typically high street retailers have a variety of bridal dresses, which can range in price from £50 to £250, which is scope enough to find something for brides on a budget.

It is also worth keeping an eye out for vintage dresses in charity shops or on pre-loved sites, such as Vinted, Depop, Facebook Marketplace and eBay, where you may stumble across some hidden gems for a fraction of the price than buying brand-new.

For those on a budget, it may also be worth looking into rental sites, and in some cases those rentals allow you to purchase the wedding dress of your dreams for less - though this is on a case-by-case basis, and it's worth remembering that the dress is likely to have been worn.

Where to buy non-traditional wedding dresses?

There are plenty of bridal boutiques to shop non-traditional wedding dresses.

Whether you are looking for a mini dress, a bohemian style, or more colourful designs instead of the traditional white or ivory shades, there is plenty to choose from.

Some may even want to opt for an alternative outfit to a wedding dress, such as a suit or jumpsuit, the key to remember with your wedding dress is that only your and your partner's preferences matter.

If you are looking for stylish mini dresses for your wedding dress, patterned designs, or something a little more colourful and unconventional, ASOS, Whistles, Mango and River Island have a wide variety when it comes to shopping on the high street for your wedding dress.

If you are looking for more high-end wedding dresses that are not so conventional we recommend as they carry a lot of detail.

We would also recommend Reformation and Rixo as there are some stunning creations from there too.

Where to buy boho wedding dresses?

If you are channelling a more bohemian aesthetic or ethereal look, there are plenty of wedding dress styles out there to shop, from high-street brands and designer labels.

When we think of bohemian dresses we think of blouson sleeves, floaty fabric, and loose draping instead of structured bodices.

For affordable retailers head to ASOS, Coast, Ghost, Phase Eight, but for more high-end wedding dresses this style lends itself to Needle & Thread, David's Bridal and Reformation.

Where to buy old wedding dresses

If you are looking for an old wedding dress (and by old we mean vintage) there are plenty of places to shop to your heart's content.

What we love about a vintage wedding dress is they are timeless, and more affordable, but also unique and, most likely, a design not every bride is currently wearing.

Plus, it may hold more sentimental value.

In some cases, parents or grandparents pass down their wedding dresses, which you can alter or use parts of to create a bespoke design.

However, if you don't have that luxury then we recommend heading to vintage stores and charity shops, as you never know what hidden gems you will find.

Alternatively head to bridal boutiques, both online and in-store, and ask to see their archives.

For example, Rixo has a dedicated archive section on the site to shop for old Rixo dresses.

Why not head to rental sites or pre-loved shopping destinations, such as eBay, Vinted, and Depop, to scour for vintage wedding dresses?

Where to buy plus size wedding dresses

Plus-size wedding dresses are sought after, and if you are planning your special day nothing is stopping you from finding that whatever your size, style, or type of wedding.

There are plenty of bridal boutiques that make dresses bespoke to each individual, as some may find the hips are tight but the waist needs taking in, or the bust and each body shape is different.

This is reassuring for all brides as you don't always simply buy your wedding dress straight off the hanger as you would other items of clothing, there is more scope for alterations.

If you are conscious, or shopping on a budget, ASOS has a variety. of bridal gowns, as well as plus size, petite and tall.

Other retailers also include Simply Be, Karen Millen, Monsoon and Whistles.

Where to buy sample wedding dresses

If you are on a budget when it comes to your wedding, then a sample wedding dress might be a good option.

While there are affordable high-street brands to shop for wedding dresses, rental sites, and archived sections, you can also shop for wedding dresses in a brand's sample sale.

A sample sale is typically the last chance to buy before the item. is gone for good, though they may not have every dress in every size, as it is the last chance to buy.

Places to shop for a wedding dress in the sample sale, include Angelica Bridal, Love Bridal, Made With Love, and Ivy and White.

Where to sell wedding dresses

If you are not sure what to do with your dress after, you can always sell it as a pre-loved wedding dress.

Admittedly selling your wedding dress or any garment, you are not guaranteed to get the same price you paid for it back, but it is a little money back - and every penny counts, after all.

In some cases, the retailer where you purchased your wedding dress may buy back, or have a resale section for you to sell your item through.

Alternatively, you can list your wedding dress with stunning photos, and mention any faults, stains or snags, on Vinted, Depop and eBay.

Typically Vinted has been hugely popular as it cuts extra fees for the seller.

Why are wedding dresses white?

Traditionally, in some cultures, a bride wearing white on their wedding day is a symbol of purity and a fresh start as they marry their partner and embark on. anew life together.

There are various tones of white, which some brides may prefer to go with their style preferences, skin tone, and the aesthetic of the venue.

Having said that, not all brides wear white, some may prefer gothic black ballgowns, for a black tie dress code on their special day.

Those who want to buck with tradition can even opt for a more colourful wedding dress, ultimately the choice is up to you, your religion, culture, and style preferences.

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