Buying Bridesmaid Dresses On The High Street

When I got married earlier this year my dress was designer, but my bridesmaids were from the high street. My reason for doing this was because I wanted a relaxed, fun, dressy style that my bridesmaids would feel comfortable in and want to wear.  

 

Dusky Pink Dresses by Warehouse 2010, £75 each

Dresses were accessorised with hair corsages by Accessorize £7 each

So many Brides are moving away from the traditional made-to-order boutique bridesmaid dresses and looking to their favourite high street stores for pretty, effective and understated, but elegant dresses that will wow guests and complement their theme.

Currently my favourite high street chains for bridesmaid dresses are H&M, Warehouse and Oasis.

High street dresses won't be made to fit, but it will be a standard size that your bridesmaids are used to and half the price of a boutique designer brand! Long or short, you'll find a length that's en Vogue and flattering to the current trends.

Just like any fashion, weddings follow a trend. A lot of the bridal designers, who influence the style and editorial of the magazines you buy, will be basing the look and feel on their new dress collections on wedding fashion - so if you've spotted an idea, theme or colour trend you like the look of in a mag - chances are you'll find a dress on the high street to match.

VINTAGE GLAMOUR  1900's - 1930s

Dresses suited to this theme are sot brown, deep creams and antique pink. A new take on this for 2012 will see organic hues will give a feeling of wellbeing and tranquility. Be daring in a subtle way with soft aquas, light tangerines, celedon greens and dove greys.

 

Pink: H&M £19.99 | Brown: £24.99

Grey: Warehouse SALE £15 | Nude Flapper: Oasis £75


ALL THE FUN AT THE FAIR 1950s
How much did you love going to the fair as a kid? This trend suits a colour palette of black & white, sunshine yellow, burnt orange and bubble gum pink. Mixing a palette of fun, bright, sweetie coloured tones, serving bowls of hard candy and offering guests large outdoor games, evoke all the fun memories of the fair.


Daisy Spot: Oasis £50 | Yellow: River Island £45

Orange: Oasis £60 | Pink: Oasis £90

BEJEWELLED - 1960s

When it's all about making a statement with sparkle, glitter and shimmery candle light. Bright jewel colours are the perfect touch to a glamorous 1960s cocktail party. Add sheer tights in winter or nude seamed tights in summer, a pair of sparkly heels, a wrist corsage of roses and a martini glass in hand! Teal, emerald and midnight blue will be a popular trend for 2012 as well as hot pink and purple.

Emerald: Oasis £70 | Teal: Oasis £70

Purple Oasis £70 | Pink: Oasis £70

THE KEY IS TO ACCESSORISE!

Buying on the high street should relieve your budget for customising and making alterations to what is effectively a blank canvas. Make the dress their own by change plastic belts (the dress comes with) for matching or contrasting coloured sashes. Add embellishment by adding a few sparkly beads to the neckline or buy statement shoes with diamante detail or coloured soles. Cheap buttons can be easily replaced for vintage or antique miss-matched buttons and nude or sheer tights with a seam says instant vintage glamour.

 MY ENGLISH ROSE WEDDING 2011

 Here's a look at my 'high street' bridesmaids on my Wedding Day.

Dresses by Warehouse, Shoes by Next, Jewelery and Hair Corsage by Accessorize