These days, you don't have to spend a lot of money to look amazing on your wedding day. Sure, some brides-to-be have dreamed of their wedding gown for their entire life, and if it's really important to you to shell out thousands on a designer piece for your special day, all power to you.
But hear us out. Even as fashion lovers, we can think of a million reasons not to wipe out your life savings on a dress for your big day – the first and most obvious one being that you'll likely only wear the damn thing once.
So there are plenty of reasons to start your search near the bottom of the price ladder, not least because there are a ton of great-looking picks out there that will live up to your dreams and can be worn again. With the average wedding dress in the UK costing £1,385, according to Bridebook, we've decided to go way cheaper and present you with options for under £500. And the best part is, none of your wedding guests will be any the wiser — your down-the-aisle stunner can be your own little secret.
For the bride who's got more important things to spend her cash on... Like the honeymoon.
Zara Long Lace Dress, £25.99, available at Zara
Don't feel restricted by white – this dress also comes in seven other colours.
Ghost Salma Dress, £225, available at Ghost
Short, structured, ruffled and lacy. How many trends can one dress hold and still look this good?
Self-Portrait Lace Frill Midi Dress, £320, available at Self-Portrait
The one-piece that looks like a two-piece, for a modern take on a traditional silhouette.
ASOS EDITION CURVE BRIDAL Lace Long Sleeve Crop Top Maxi Dress, £120, available at ASOS
Don't be afraid of showing a little back. It's your wedding and you wear what you darn well please. Especially when what you want is this beautiful.
Reformation Thistle Dress, £301.20, available at Reformation
High neck and long sleeves don't mean Victorian granny. Lace detailing on the top of this dress gives it just enough of an edge.
Self-Portrait Pleated Crochet Floral Maxi Dress, £320, available at Self-Portrait
Look closely at this Free People dress to find lovely textures created by intricate embroidery.
Free People Jill’s Limited Edition White Dress, £249.95, available at Free People
Low maintenance, airy and plenty of room to breathe.
Mango Plumeti Long Dress, £99.99, available at Mango
Simple, low key and with an unexpected bow fastening at the back.
Whistles Clementine Wedding Dress, £499, available at Whistles
Stevie Nicks meets California beach wedding. Flower crown optional.
Stevie May Exclusive Embroidered Maxi Dress With Pleat Frill, £185, available at ASOS
This summer's big style – a mesh lace skirt – gets an upgrade with these undeniably covetable voluminous sleeves.
ASOS EDITION BRIDAL Backless Maxi Dress In Mesh with Beautiful Embroidery, £180, available at ASOS
Another delightfully inexpensive addition to the boho beach bride collection.
French Connection Cari Sparkle Maxi Wedding Dress, £250, available at French Connection
For those not precious about wearing white.
Needle & Thread Andromeda Maxi Dress, £195, available at Needle & Thread
Not only does this dress have lots of extra room for dancing, it also has pockets to hide cake in. Win win.
Adriana Degreas Pockets Maxi Gown, £361, available at Farfetch
That tulle skirt against the jewelled bodice. Oh my.
Needle & Thread Embellished Tulle Gown, £275, available at Net-A-Porter
Low maintenance, flowy and lovely and cool if you're getting married in a hot place.
Jen's Pirate Booty Poppy Wrap Dress, £188, available at Free People
A flared-skirt riff on the straight-up-and-down '90s cami dress.
ASOS EDITION Cami Wedding Maxi Dress With Seam Details, £95, available at ASOS
Perfect for a city wedding.
Three Floor Star Power Dress, £365, available at Three Floor
Another non-traditional trend-led piece that says "cool" rather than "princess".
Three Floor White Waves Dress, £360, available at Three Floor
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