Spring is officially here, which means it is the season for weddings. Whether you're planning on attending weddings this year, or want to treat yourself to a new outfit there are some amazing options to choose from the high street.
If you're looking for a wedding or occasion dress, the dress code will be dictated by the bride and groom. Black tie events call for floor-length and luxurious styles, while co*cktail and casual occasions suit shorter hemlines and more relaxed looks.
To make the search for your perfect outfit easier, Bethan Shufflebotham from The Mirror has hunted the high street for some beautiful options which won't break the bank.
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Searching for the dresses that are in style this season, Bethan focused on spring colours, romantic silhouettes, and importantly - nothing white. Here are her top picks:
New Look - Green Ruffle V-Neck Midi Slip Dress - £37.99
If I were attending another wedding this year, I'd definitely choose this vibrant lime green dress from New Look. It's perfect for co*cktail attire but could also work for a black-tie event.
Usually, I find it hard to find occasionwear in my local New Look without resorting to their concessions like AX Paris, but this dress is part of the retailer's main line and is a beautiful yet affordable option, priced under £40.
The satin fabric gives this dress a luxurious feel, and its flattering midi length means you won't trip over it on the dance floor. The ruffle detailing adds a romantic touch, and it's one of those dresses that looks as good from the back as it does from the front.
If you're looking to break away from the traditional idea of a dress, coloured suits are a stylish alternative for wedding guests. MandS offers a sophisticated take on wedding guest attire with their Crepe Tab Detail Wide Leg Trousers and Ruched Sleeve Blazer, which I'm tempted to buy in every colour.
Co-ord sets are so versatile they can be worn for a special event, the office or dressed down for brunches and days out. You're essentially getting three outfits in one, which makes them great value for money.
For example, the blazer can be worn with jeans, while the trousers can be paired with a striped T-shirt and trainers for a laidback look.
The trousers have an elegant silhouette, with a high waist and wide leg, while the blazer offers ruched sleeves and long lapels. It's a great wedding pick when paired with a pretty blouse, but it's a shame it doesn't have a button or fastening so it can be worn without anything underneath for evening occasions.
The blazer has over 1,000 reviews from shoppers, who say it's ideal for styling for a range of occasions. One said: "Lovely blazer, fits perfectly, not oversized at all, light in colour. Would be perfect to dress up or down."
River Island - Pink Satin Twist Front Floral Maxi Dress, £50
Keeping with the satin trend - a favourite among wedding guests in 2024 - is this River Island dress, which also serves as a perfect evening outfit for holidays. Available in plain green, I was particularly drawn to the red and pink floral pattern of this piece, which seemed perfect for Spring events.
The twist front detail is great for those who are a bit self-conscious about their tummy area, while the split hem adds a touch of sass. The £50 ensemble features a v-neckline that is secured with a tack stitch to avoid being too revealing, and the back has a slight elastic waist for all-day comfort.
The long sleeves make it ideal for those slightly cooler April/May weddings. It's also a great option for an evening meal on a foreign holiday.
Personally, I found this to be a really beautiful dress, but there were a couple of things I might have altered. A side slit in the skirt might have looked better, and the tack securing the front of the dress had torn on some of the dresses in store, so I wouldn't feel confident enough in its security for such a special occasion.
Primark - Rita Ora Ruffle Maxi Dress, £25
Attending other people's weddings can be a costly affair, so for those on a budget, Primark's latest collection with Rita Ora offers some worthy options. While some plain blue and pink ruffle dresses did catch my eye, it was this buttermilk yellow floral number that ticks all the trend boxes that left me smitten.
The £25 dress is the most affordable I tried, and I believe it looks far more expensive than its price tag. The dreamy dress boasts frilly layers, spaghetti straps, and off-the-shoulder sleeves that drape elegantly over the upper arm, which is perfect if this is an area you're self-conscious about.
Pair this dress with slim heels and a mini bag, and you've got yourself a wedding guest-friendly outfit.
At H&M, I noticed a lot of patterns that could have been suitable for a wedding guest, but they fell short when it came to the cut and shape. The best I could find in my local store was this Broderie Anglaise Tunic Dress, ideal if you're going as their 'something blue'.
Made from breezy cotton, this dress definitely has a relaxed vibe and would be most suited to a sunny destination wedding. However, it absolutely requires nude underwear as it's unlined.
The short, loose-fit tunic dress features long raglan balloon sleeves with elasticated cuffs and a small collar with gathers and a V-shaped opening at the front.
Shoppers have been raving about a 'stunning dress', with some even snapping it up in white, ideal for brides-to-be for their hen do, while others have praised it as 'perfect for my holiday'. However, I find myself nodding along with some of the more critical reviews, where one shopper's comment resonated with me: "Lovely fabric but it's just not for me. Strange length and too wide."
And don't forget, if you haven't yet congratulated the newly engaged couple, take a look at these thoughtful engagement gift ideas.
