Good reasons to buy British for your big day
You’ll never have another dress like the one you wear on your wedding day, and these British wedding dress designers are masters of construction, creating romantic silhouettes and unique details that will make yours one to remember. Whether you’re after a sleek silk number, lovely lace or ruffles galore, these are the names to know.
The Best of British Style – Fashion, Beauty, Brands & More
The C&TH Guide to British Wedding Dress Designers
Vivienne Westwood
Vivienne Westwood is a staple of the British fashion scene, crashing onto our radars in the 197os as a leader in the punk movement alongside former partner Malcolm McLaren. Running in the same social circles as the Sex Pistols, the designer’s brand is synonymous edgy luxury.
What’s the vibe? Structured corsets, asymmetrical hems and necklines, artful draping and layers upon layers of pearls.
Halfpenny London
Designer and stylist Kate Halfpenny has an impressive list of clients, including the likes of Kate Moss, Erin O’Connor and Emilia Fox. You can find her luxury bridal brand, Halfpenny London, in a quiet corner of Bloomsbury.
What’s the vibe? Mix-and-match glamour, with romantic and vintage elements.
Browse the AW22 Collection, ‘Wonder’
Stella McCartney
The daughter of musician Sir Paul McCartney and American photographer and animals rights activist Linda McCartney, Stella McCartney infuses all of her designs with an eco-conscious edge that just makes the splurge all the more guilt-free. The designer released her first bridal collection in 2018 (and famously designed Meghan Markle’s second wedding dress), but has yet to follow up with another.
What’s the vibe? Elegant silhouettes underpinned by a simple yet flawless finish.
Clover London
A recent addition to the UK bridal scene, 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.
What’s the vibe? Cotemporary bridal gowns finished in gorgeous silks.
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 occassions. The brand is described as ‘the epitome of modern femininity’, and has been making waves on the runway since SS12.
What’s the vibe? Elegant and simple, with an emphasis on timelessness.
Temperley London
Having founded her eponymous label in 2000, Alice Temperley MBE has made a name for herself as the designer to go to if you want the classic fairytale look on your wedding day. Temperley Bridal was launched in 2006, and has stores across the UK (and the rest of the world).
What’s the vibe? Romance and whimsy, with an added splash of lace and delicate embroidery.
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 Duchess of Cambridge – this is a label where bridal dreams flourish.
What’s the vibe? Lots of glitz and glamour; the roaring twenties done in the 21st century.
Browse the brand’s latest bridal campaign
Mary Benson
Born from a love of vintage fashion, Mary Benson adopts slow fashion principles (think handmade-to-order creations using deadstock materials saved from landfill) to create her boho chic bridal gowns. Designs are available in sizes UK6-30 and are made in a small studio in York.
What’s the vibe? Utterly romantic and free-spirited, the only frills you’ll find here are on the dresses.
Rolling in Roses
This small-scale British label aims to ‘dress brides from all walks of life and of all shapes and sizes’, while emphasising thoughtful design. To lower its environmental impact, the brand recycles where it can and donate all of its offcuts to crafters, makers and artists so that nothing is wasted.
What’s the vibe? Minimalist and elegant, with options to mix-and-match.
Luna Bride
Creating ethical wedding dresses for eco-conscious brides, Luna Bride uses sustainable fabrics selected from sources that are cruelty-free, organic and vegan (think English lace, organic peace silk and vegan bamboo). This is one for the boho bride.
What’s the vibe? Dreamy designs ideal for destination weddings on the beach, in fields or even nestled somehwere in the woods.
16Arlington
This cult fashion label is known for its playful and eccentric designs, combining ‘conversation-starting’ pieces with glamorous eveningwear for the ultimate show-stopping look. Based in London, 16Arlington was founded by couple and design duo Marco Capaldo and Federica Cavenati.
What’s the vibe? One for the city bride, especially if she wants to party the night away…
Main image: Rolling in Roses
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