The Very Best British Wedding Dress Designers

Emilia Wickstead

A favourite amongst members of the royal family, Emilia Wickstead’s creations have graced the wardrobes of Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle on many occasions. Wedding dresses are feminine and elegant, blending elements of vintage glamour and contemporary chic.

‘I’m always inspired by our brides – they are at the heart of everything I do and remain my greatest muses,’ said the designer on her most recent bridal collection. ‘I also find myself drawn to old-world couture and the idea of clever historic and architectural proportions and silhouettes. There’s a quiet drama and refined romance that I find so compelling, that it is almost cinematic. Cinematic brides resonate with me continuously and dictate my mood boards, yet I am always looking through a modern lens that feels relevant to today’s woman.’

The Look: Elegant and simple, with an emphasis on timelessness.

Annie’s Ibiza

When Annie’s Ibiza released its first ever bridal collection in 2024, it sent brides into a spin. The label, known best for its hauntingly beautiful runway collections, put its signature glam-goth appeal on the traditional bridal look. The result? Elegant beadwork, gothic undertones and sculptural silhouettes. It made the collection a major moment for the label – as well as designer Annie Doble, who secured her place in Britain’s couture bridal scene.

The Look: Gothic romance. Brides who enjoy the mildly unconventional (but still want the hallmarks of a wedding gown) will find themselves at home here.

Sassi Holford

Sassi Holford is something of an icon in the British fashion scene, having designed for hundreds of women – celebrities, royals and brides alike – during her 40 plus years in the industry. Wedding dresses here range from traditional to contemporary, but all have that signature Sassi sophistication. Ideal for a spring/summer wedding backdropped by the UK’s rolling country estates.

The Look: Elegant and simple, Sassi Holford dresses are defined by clean lines, luxurious fabrics, intricate lacework and impeccable tailoring.

RIXO

Ever thought you were born in the wrong decade? If vintage appeal and throwback glamour call to you, then you’ll want to pay a visit to RIXO. One of the capital’s cult fashion labels, RIXO is London’s worst-kept style secret. Set up by university friends Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey, the label specialises in vintage-inspired silhouettes and prints – a sartorial code that translates into bridal gowns with a wonderfully retro feel.

The Look: Vintage glam with a chic, relaxed feel. Perfect for town weddings and mid-celebration outfit changes.

Nadine Merabi

For the bride that doesn’t take herself too seriously (and plans to have a proper party to mark the big day), it has to be Nadine Merabi. The Manchester-based designer has cultivated a coveted portfolio of occasionwear – think cocktail dresses, shimmering sequins and swathes of velvet. And while you might first be drawn to her party dresses and jumpsuits, her bridalwear is just as (if not more) reason to stay a lifelong fan.

The Look: Elevated partywear, for the bride who wants to look just as fabulous on the dance floor as they do walking down the aisle.

Ellis Bridals

One of London’s legacy bridal labels, Ellis Bridals has been cutting and sewing wedding dresses for well over a century. First founded in 1912 by Ada Ellis, the label lives on under the creative direction of fourth generation designer James Ellis – who continues the tradition of creating gowns that feel timeless, playful and, when asked for, sexy. (This is also the place to go if you want to scoop up the perfect accessories to match your dress.)

The Look: Modern romance, with room for fun. Expect classic silhouettes infused with dramatic flair (and a few ruffles here and there).

Caroline Castigliano

With over three decades of experience in the industry under her belt, English-born designer Caroline Castigliano is considered one of the leading voices in British bridal design. You can find her bridal boutiques scattered across London, with a flagship atelier in Knightsbridge and more stores worldwide.

The Look: One for the traditional bride; think feminine and classic silhouettes, from ball gowns to mermaids, with lots of emphasis on fine details. (Perfect for those candid ‘getting ready’ photos.)

The OWN Studio

Where do the coolest brides in London go for their wedding wardrobe? Shoreditch, naturally. That’s where you’ll find contemporary design label The OWN Studio. The brand, known for its impeccable tailoring, sleek silhouettes and exquisite fabrics, has also fully branched out into bridal – producing lines of gowns that look exceptionally chic both on and off the aisle. Founded by Jess Kaye and Rosie Williams back in 2018, this is a young brand made for the next generation of brides.

The Look: Laid-back, contemporary wedding wear. The OWN Studio gowns are all about crafting an effortlessly put-together look that can be dressed up or down. (Although it seems sunglasses will always be a hit here.)

Vivienne Westwood

British fashion – and its renowned rebellious streak – wouldn’t be what it is today without the late, great Vivienne Westwood. The designer, who ran in the same social circles as the Sex Pistols, first crashed onto our radar in the 1970s; her flair for corsetry, leather and spikes making her a sartorial leader in the punk movement.

Westwood famously designed her own wedding dress in 1962, but didn’t go on to design for other brides until decades later – when she debuted her very first bridal collection for spring/summer 1992. The designer’s signature edge made her collections the thing of dreams for alternative brides (although you’ll find plenty of options for traditionalists too), and this spirit is carried on by the brand’s current creative director Andreas Kronthaler. Read about his latest collection for the Vivienne Westwood label here.

The Look: Structured corsets, asymmetrical hems and necklines, artful draping and plenty of pearls.

Halfpenny London

What happens when a costume designer turns their hand to bridal? Only good things, if Halfpenny London is anything to go by. When Kate Halfpenny re-routed her career towards wedding salons and white ballgowns, it was to mass excitement – one that earned her an impressive backing of A-list clients, including the likes of Kate Moss, Erin O’Connor and Emilia Fox.

Many of the designer’s creations are made for swapping – separate tops and skirts, detachable sleeves, adjustable gloves and veils – meaning brides can evolve their look over the course of the day without need for a whole new outfit. You can find her luxury bridal brand, Halfpenny London, in a quiet corner of Bloomsbury.

What’s the vibe? Sleek romance, mix-and-match glamour and a healthy dose of theatre. Brides are encouraged to dream big here.

Temperley London

If it’s vintage whimsy you’re after, then Alice Temperley MBE should sit high on your radar. The designer founded her eponymous label in 2000, and has since cultivated a signature style rooted in romance and boho-chic. It wasn’t long before brides started to take notice, and in 2006 Temperley Bridal was born. Designs perfectly blend tradition and contemporary style, while Art Nouveau-inspired embroidery gives a vintage appeal.

The Look: Gowns are beautifully intricate, dressed in lace, dainty pearls, sheer panels and coloured beads. A fairy tale dress with real world magic.

Jenny Packham

This internationally renowned fashion brand set up back shop in 1988, and now boasts stores in London, Paris and New York. Matched with a similarly A-List clientele – think Taylor Swift, Angelina Jolie, Emily Blunt, Kate Winslet and the Princess of Wales (who likes to wear the designer to state banquets) – this is a label where bridal dreams flourish. As for the design? Think the Roaring Twenties with a modern edge.

The Look: Vintage hallmarks redressed for the 21st century; capes, sequins, beads and strong angular silhouettes.

Rolling in Roses

Guilt-free bridal luxury comes in spades from Rolling in Roses. Having previously sold vintage bridal gowns through her boutique Glory Days, Hayley Claire Neil was encouraged to focus on her own designs – opening the doors to Rolling in Roses in 2016. The small-scale label specialises in thoughtful design, sticking to certified organic, recycled and low-impact fabrics to bring its designs to life. And, to help lower its environmental impact, the brand actively donates all of its offcuts to local crafters, makers and artists.

The Look: Contemporary minimalism; designs emphasise simple elegance and timeless silhouettes. Expect plenty of mix-and-match options too.

Clover London

A recent addition to the UK bridal scene, Clover London opened its doors in Parsons Green back in 2021 – and has since captured the heart of the capital with its sugar-sweet, whimsical designs. Clover London offers contemporary made-to-order bridalwear priced between high street and high end; with the ethos to create ‘timeless gowns at an accessible price point’, this is a label that works alongside its clients to create the dream dress.

The Look: Simple silhouettes with feminine finishes. A dream for garden settings and summer weddings.

Cawley Studio

This London-based designer calls to those who want to have fun when they get dressed. Hannah Cawley set up her brand from her bedroom back in 2017, when she and her mother learnt to hand-smock together. Led by quality craftsmanship, vintage design and historical textiles, her brand, Cawley Studio, quickly gained a fanbase in the capital (and beyond).

Every piece of clothing – including bridal – is hand-cut and made in England, sewn from natural fabrics sourced from artisanal mills across the UK, Ireland, Portugal, India and Japan.

The Look: Playful silhouettes that play with scale, dressed in layers of ruffles. You’ll also find Cawley Studio’s signature smocking make an appearance. Playful romance rooted in vintage finds and ideals.

Hermione de Paula

You might have something blue, but what about something pink? Green? Or yellow? Hermione de Paula is the undisputed queen of bridal colour, weaving her couture gowns with pops of spring-like shades. (If anyone can sway the bride away from white, it’s this designer.) Fabric petals, artfully draped organza and modern silhouettes make this a label to watch when it comes to wedding season.

The Look: The perfect match for an English country garden. Florals, cut from fabric or hand-inked, are guaranteed to bloom whatever the weather.