Samantha Birch - The High-Street Bride’s Guide - How to Plan Your Perfect Wedding On A Budget

Simple elegance is what it’s all about at Dessy: swingy chiffon column dresses that wouldn’t look out of place on a far-flung beach, and slinky, sophisticated satin and charmeuse for understated glamour.

If you’ve got an unusual cut in mind – off-the-shoulder, cowl back or asymmetric neckline, for instance – there’s a good chance you’ll find it here, and the same goes for hard-to-get colours. Most gowns are available in ivory or white but if you’re feeling crazy, some styles even come in polka dots and prints – and you can order ‘extra length’ versions if you’re a taller Mrs-to-be.

Sheer overlays, ruffled necklines and hankie hems make Impression’s bridesmaid range one to watch if you dare to be different on your big day. Many of their looks have a laidback prom or party feel, so if you’re the type of bride who’s known for bucking trends, partying ’til dawn and doing things your own way, this multi-tonal lot – most gowns are available in white – could be the collection for you.

I admit it: I’ve had a thing for Kelsey Rose maids dresses for a while now. In fact, if you ask me, they’re pretty much the height of bridesmaid chic. They’re mostly modern, fitted and – dare I say it – even cool, with a few cute retro-inspired shorter skirts in the mix too. They’re a smart bet for a range of necklines – strapless, one-shoulder, halter – and where ruffles do appear they’re minimalist and finished with contemporary finesse. To top it all off, dresses come in an insane amount of colours, with most styles available in white, ivory and champagne for more trad brides.

Enzoani regularly rock the bridesmaid world with their off-the-wall collections – we’re talking that fierce embellished, coat-cut gown in magenta and their feather-light, breeze-catching daydream in lilac. If you’re after a statement look like no other, this is the label for you – just bear in mind that for the most part you’ll have to sacrifice shade for style: dresses often come in pastels and scene-stealing black, but I wouldn’t set your heart on hard-to-come-by white.

Their straight-up Bridesmaids collection is usually wall-to-wall floor-length satin and chiffon in sheaths, empires and columns. Most looks come in classic bridal colours and necklines go from romantic sweethearts to off-one-shoulders and halters – in short: floaty beach bride or city sophisticate.

Then there’s the Affairs collection. Styles are normally shorter, lacier and on the whole go for a lot more of a ‘fun and flirty’ vibe, though you can also find versions of some of the Bridesmaids dresses here with hiked hemlines.

The Angelina Faccenda Bridesmaids collection is generally more like the first than the second – expect city-slicker classics along with a few pre-knee cuts, and more chances taken on the detailing side.

In all the Mori Lee collections though, be aware that the few taffeta dresses rarely come in whites, creams or ivories like the chiffon and satin do – instead, be prepared to compromise with something subtle like a gorgeously glowy champagne.

Best for:Barely-there-budget brides. If you haven’t got time to wait for the sales on the high street and your numbers won’t stretch much beyond £100 to £200, downsize your skirt and your outlay – then put your actual bridesmaids in a prettily styled, more low-key jersey number.

Before I start on this one, let me say that these are not the only designer dresses I’ve got for you – there are lots of other options in a more strictly bridal style in the upcoming section – but I thought it was worth noting that if you’re up for a not-so formal, unconventional get-together, there are both glam and laidback designer looks that are out there for less than you think.

I’ll be honest: the bridal possibilities here are few and far between – don’t expect floor-length and be prepared to compromise on colour – but in the past I’ve seen a shimmering, cowl-neck, knee-length number that took the lame out of lamé for £509, while a pretty beige, lace look with waist bow made vintage-cute an affordable £407.

Proving beyond a doubt that the name’s a total misnomer though, you’re just as likely to find something in the straightforward Moschino range – I once spotted a wrapover V-neck in creamy crepe for £509, and a pastel-pink ruched boatneck for £446.

Alternatively there’s Love Moschino, where I’ve seen a registry office-perfect long-sleeve, funnel-neck jersey dress for £177, and a relaxed, white lamé-jersey dress with one short sleeve for £229.

If you’re willing to go as high with your hemline as your flavour of fashion, this online mecca could be a port of call. They do stock a bridal range, but unless you’re ready for your credit card to take a battering, I’d steer clear.

Instead, take one of my top tips: narrow your search to dresses, click on the colours you’re happy with – from white, neutral and silver to metallic, gold and pink – and arrange by price, from low to high. Then hold tight to resist temptation: be sure to only browse as far as your budget allows.

If you’re after the all-out, floor-length white designer stunner, this isn’t the way to get it (the next section is), but if you’re looking for something low-key in a cute, Bradshaw-weds-Big registry-office number, this could be for you. The trick is to find the luxe not in the length but the fabric: that short, well-cut look in jersey won’t do it, but in satin-trimmed lace you’re indulgently casual-cute.

Not convinced? Here’s some of the hot stuff I’ve found this way: Malene Birger had a cream, ruffled, mid-thigh lace number up for £310; Anna Sui debuted a daring long-sleeve mesh and satin look that was not for the faint-hearted – or strait-laced mothers-in-law – at £375; Alice + Olivia had me at “hell ooo ” with a slinky, beach-ready silk maxi for £395; Antik Batik went all ornate and elaborate in a silk blend with cheeky open back for £420; and there was a near-homage to Bradshaw in a Burberry London V-neck, high-shoulder style – just add sheeny bling – for £495.

Harrods and Selfridgesare a similar story: more big names’ short dresses in decadent fabrics for £500 and under. Apply the search technique and prepare for some serious knee wobbles!

Yes, some of their bridal gowns are more than £1,000, but if you’re after a short or simply glam ivory style – think columns or sheaths in chiffon, silk or tulle – you’ll still likely spot some picks around the £500-or-less mark. I for one was always a big fan of the floor-skimming boatneck, V-back Corrina and the slinky, square-neck, peekaboo Bettina. Littler brides – like me! – will also love the novelty of several styles actually being available in petite. Buy direct from their website (their wedding section is a do for once), or from the smaller selection over at Net-a-Porter.

If you’re dreaming of a white wedding, walk away now – Viv’s statement, out-there Anglomania collection is for high-fashion brides with a kink in their style. I’ve seen a short-sleeved, knee-length purple number for £435 at Net-a-Porter, while a brocade-print piece with deceptively structured slouchy collar was £345. The collection can also be good for brides who favour the two-piece look – there was a time when you could supply the skirt and Westwood did a romantic red off-the-shoulder top to go with it for £300.