‘Perfect for any body shape’: 20 of the best wedding dresses for every bride
Whether you want long, short, Charli xcx-inspired or a classic suit, here are our fashion writer’s favourite looks to say ‘I do’
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I’m getting married next year, so I know all too well that the hunt for a dress (or in my case, two – one for the ceremony, one for the evening) might seem exciting, but is actually quite daunting. There are many decisions to mull. Do you go traditional (veil at al) or for something more modern? Perhaps you dread the idea of wearing white and want to go for an alt-colour.
There’s also the long v short debate. Not to mention the overwhelm from everyone chipping in their thoughts on what suits you best. Just remember: it’s your day and ultimately your dress, so finding something you love is what matters most.
So, whether you’re planning to get married on a beach or a register office, are on a budget or can splurge, want a “traditional” wedding dress or something non-trad that you could wear again to get more bang for your buck, I’ve put together a selection of the best wedding-style dresses. I’ve also included a few tips to help you on your wedding day.
The best wedding dresses and outfits for every bride
OmnesJai jacquard dress in bleached mauve£125£125 at Omnes
Omnes jacquard dress
The high neckline here is complemented by an open crossover back, and it comes in several delicious sorbet colours.
OmnesJai jacquard dress in bleached mauve£125£125 at Omnes
Nobody’s ChildBridal ivory satin bandeau Eira maxi dressfrom £250£250 at Nobody’s Child£250 at Anthropologie
Nobody’s Child satin dress
A full-skirted bandeau column maxidress is modern – and perfect for any body shape.
Nobody’s ChildBridal ivory satin bandeau Eira maxi dressfrom £250£250 at Nobody’s Child£250 at Anthropologie
Phase EightImani midi dressfrom £186.75£186.75 at Phase Eight£186.75 at Debenhams
Phase Eight midi dress
With its vintage-inspired A-line silhouette, this textured dress would look elegant with flat pointed pumps.
Phase EightImani midi dressfrom £186.75£186.75 at Phase Eight£186.75 at Debenhams
Nigel PrestonSoho wrap midi dress£328£328 at Free People
Nigel Preston wrap dress
Lean into the boho nature of this dress and style it with a long drop necklace. It will take you into autumn as well – just add a jumper over the top.
Nigel PrestonSoho wrap midi dress£328£328 at Free People
Asos DesignCurve satin off shoulder mini dress in ivory£120£120 at Asos
Asos mini dress
Channel your inner Charli xcx with this off-the-shoulder short style. Just add a veil for the full rock star effect.
Asos DesignCurve satin off shoulder mini dress in ivory£120£120 at Asos
RixoMaybelle satin dress£495£495 at Rixo
Rixo satin dress
Designed to be loose and floaty, this lace-trim dress is cut so that you can still wear a bra.
RixoMaybelle satin dress£495£495 at Rixo
Nadine MerabiMarni pink suitfrom £245Blazer, £295 at Nadine MerabiTrousers, £245 at Nadine Merabi
Nadine Merabi pink blazer
Nadine Merabi pink trousers
Style this pink suit with a pair of red shoes for full-on romance.
Nadine MerabiMarni pink suitfrom £245Blazer, £295 at Nadine MerabiTrousers, £245 at Nadine Merabi
Me+Em2-in 1-lace crochet dress£295£295 at Me+Em
Me+Em lace dress
Wear this short dress with a slip underneath, and then repurpose it on holiday (or even your honeymoon!) with a bikini underneath.
Me+Em2-in 1-lace crochet dress£295£295 at Me+Em
FaithfullMilana midi dress dolce broderie white£340£340 at Faithfull
Faithful broderie dress
Broderie is very 2026, and this V-shaped corset top is flattering, giving the dress a vintage look. Very countryside coded.
FaithfullMilana midi dress dolce broderie white£340£340 at Faithfull
ReissGigi cotton cut-out belted midi dress in creamfrom £298£298 at Reiss£298 at John Lewis
Cut-out belted dress
The beauty of the high street means this gorgeous cut-out dress is more affordable than it would otherwise be. I’d swap the ivory belt for a gold chain one.
ReissGigi cotton cut-out belted midi dress in creamfrom £298£298 at Reiss£298 at John Lewis
Georgia HardingeTorrent dress floor length£475£475 at Georgia Hardinge
Georgia Hardinge pleated dress
Beautifully designed, this pleated floor-length dress is sculptural but still has an easy softness.
Georgia HardingeTorrent dress floor length£475£475 at Georgia Hardinge
Mint VelvetCream sculpted jacket and tailored wide-leg trousersfrom £160Jacket £175Trousers, £160 at Mint Velvet
Mint Velvet statement jacket
Mint velvet tailored trousers
If you find blazer proportions difficult, a fitted jacket could solve your problems. It will hug your body rather than swamp you.
Mint VelvetCream sculpted jacket and tailored wide-leg trousersfrom £160Jacket £175Trousers, £160 at Mint Velvet
MonsoonCali embellished cape sleeve wedding dress ivoryfrom £330£330 at Monsoon£550 at John Lewis
Monsoon cape sleeve dress
Empire line with gorgeous floaty sleeves, this dress also has some subtle beading that isn’t too glitzy.
MonsoonCali embellished cape sleeve wedding dress ivoryfrom £330£330 at Monsoon£550 at John Lewis
AjeCleo gown£539£539 at Aje
Aje ruffle gown
Ruffled dresses were all over the red carpet at Cannes this year, and were worn by all ages. It’s a forgiving style, and in barely there lemon, really makes an impact.
AjeCleo gown£539£539 at Aje
Rat & BoaOlympia sequin dress£450£450 at Rat & Boa
Rat & Boa sequin dress
Wear a slip under this slightly sheer sequin dress, and just add gold accessories.
Rat & BoaOlympia sequin dress£450£450 at Rat & Boa
PosseDarya dress£475£475 at Posse
Posse lace trim dress
This vintage-inspired dress in linen would be ideal for hot summer nuptials.
PosseDarya dress£475£475 at Posse
DôenCoraline corded lace-trimmed silk-satin midi dress£600£600 at Net-A-Porter
Dôen satin midi dress
A classic shape, but with a tie belt, which means you can cinch the waist for some added glamour.
DôenCoraline corded lace-trimmed silk-satin midi dress£600£600 at Net-A-Porter
How to buy a wedding dress
Stick to the budget that you set for yourself. There are so many good options on the high street now that you don’t need to spend thousands of pounds.
Don’t get seduced by the choice available. Stick to what you know makes you feel comfortable (enjoying the day should be top of your list), so steer away from shapes and silhouettes that you wouldn’t usually wear.
Add some personality with accessories. A fun pair of earrings or a quirky detail on your shoes will inject your look with some individuality.
Underwear is important, so give it the same thought that you give your dress. I would recommend a bra fitting before you start looking for an outfit. Invest in a good strapless bra, or multiway style if you are looking at spaghetti strap dresses or bandeaux.
Bring your own steamer: the last thing you want to discover on the big day is that your hotel/venue only has a travel iron. My go-to is from Steamery.
For more, read Jess Cartner-Morley’s 52 women’s summer wardrobe updates for under £100
Melanie Wilkinson is the Guardian’s styling editor