Theres a growing trend for brides to distance themselves from the big bridal frock and choose something more maid-like instead.
Take online boutique Minna which has been happily creating vintage inspired dresses since it launched in 2008. Recently though its designer Minna has seen so many customers wearing her dresses as bridal gowns that she has decided to create a separate collection to embrace them. Launching in August, it will cover knee-length lace and silk dresses, veils and accessories.
Minna Shannon dress, £300
Costing between £200 and £700, its a thrify option and affords you the privilege of having a second dress for dancing, something flirty for the register office or a party the following day as you cling to the bridal theme for a final time.
Minna Vera dress, £400
Sinclair Sellars, founder of bespoke bridesmaid dressmaker Maids to Measure, said we usually just cater for bridesmaids but recently a couple of the brides have got in on the act too. One couldnt find anything she liked in bridal shops, wanted to design her own but couldnt afford couture, another wanted sleeves out of season. If theyre happy to have a bridesmaids dress in white or ivory then we're happy to make it for them (and from £190 they're on to a winner).
A Maids to Measure bespoke bridal sketch
Belle & Bunty, known for its slinky, elegant eveningwear, launched a similarly glamorous and understated bridal collection last year but are seeing a cross-over between daring brides who want the dresses usually reserved for bridesmaids, and maids who are following the Pippa school of matrons by wearing ivory and cream.
Belle & Bunty's Belle dress, from £745
Our Willow Dress in Emerald Green Silk Crepe and the Red Silk Satin Belle Dress have been particularly popular as choices for bridesmaids and even some daring brides says Belle & Bunty designer Hannah Coniam-Thompson, we can also make any of our styles in custom colours too.
Belle & Bunty's Willow dress, from £745
Wearing white didn't become popular until Queen Victoria wore it at her wedding to Albert in 1840. Before then colours and styles were chosen according to current trends, black being the most popular. Since then we've remained pretty faithful to Victorian styles - we're not as trailblazing as we think we are. All credit to the bride who has the courage to shake things up.
Belle & Bunty's Bunty dress, from £745
Belle & Bunty's Primrose dress, from £745
