'How I bagged a wedding dress for £180 and fooled guests into thinking it was designer'

When it comes to wedding dresses, the pressure to spend big is real – but brides like Amy are proving you don’t need to drop thousands to look unforgettable on your big day. Speaking to wedding planning app Bridebook, Amy, from Leeds, revealed how she found her dream dress for just £180 on ASOS – and even her guests couldn’t believe it wasn’t designer.

“I ended up going with a dress from ASOS for £180, and most people were shocked when I told them the price; they thought it was a lot more expensive,” she says.

Amy’s choice proves just how far the high street has come in recent years when it comes to bridal fashion. From delicate beading and chic silhouettes to minimalist slip dresses that rival luxury labels, big retailers like ASOS, Whistles and Zara are catering to modern brides who want both style and affordability.

The average UK wedding dress now comes in at £1,515, but designer options can stretch well beyond that. By choosing a high street gown, Amy shaved £1,335 off the average cost while still enjoying that iconic ‘say yes to the dress’ moment.

“I ordered a few different dresses online to try on with friends, so I still had that ‘say yes’ moment, just without the boutique price tag,” she explains.

READ MORE: Long sleeve wedding guest dresses under £100 for autumn that flatter all shapes

Her beaded ASOS gown, with its embellished detailing and floaty frill skirt, has since sold out (unsurprisingly). But if you’re hoping to replicate her savvy find, sign up for back-in-stock alerts on the product page here. And the best part of choosing the high street? Brides can experiment with multiple styles at home before committing. “I ordered a few dresses to my house, tried them on with my bridesmaids, and it was just as fun as going to a boutique,” says Amy.

Fashion-wise, high street wedding dresses are no longer about compromise. From Whistles’ sleek, city-ready satin gowns to ASOS’ whimsical embroidered maxis, these pieces channel the same timeless elegance you’d expect from high-end designers – minus the five-figure price tags. Plus, many can be re-worn or re-styled for future events, making them a more sustainable choice.

If you’re planning a wedding in 2025, expect to see more brides embracing chic, ready-to-wear dresses that look just as striking in a registry office as they do in a countryside church. Whether you’re into clean minimalism, boho lace or high-shine embellishment, there’s a high street hero out there that won’t break the bank.

Amy sums it up best: “Don’t be afraid to look on the high street or order online. You’ll be surprised what gems you can find – and no one will ever guess the price.”

The best high street wedding dresses under £200 Nobody's Child White Bandeau Maxi Lena Bridal Dress

Shop it for £100

Nobody's Child is quietly becoming a big player in the low-cost bridal category, with a couple of stand-out designs you would never guess cost around the £100 mark. This bandeau style is ideal for minimalist brides.

Chi Chi London Cowl Neck with Lace Insert Maxi Dress

Shop it for £140

The lace back detail of this dress is an element you don't often find in simple high street wedding dress options. Paired with a cowl neck and a satin-like fabric, it's delicate but still makes a statement.

Coast Bandeau Corset A Line Satin Wedding Dress

Shop it for £149

With an elegant bandeau neckline and a structured corset bodice for a flattering silhouette, nobody would ever guess this dress is from a high street brand.

Pretty Lavish Piper Tie Maxi Dress

Shop it for £88

This brand may be known for its beautiful collection of bridesmaid dresses, but it also offers some of its best-selling fits in ivory and champagne shades perfect for brides. The lovely pieces also come in sizes 6 through 18