wedding dresses: the most stylish and affordable

wedding dresses: the most stylish and affordable

Wedding dress shopping season is upon us. With the Christmas holidays being the most popular time of the year to propose, so January becomes the best time of year to buy a dress. But how do you find 'the one', sartorially speaking? Here, 14 fashion editors and industry experts explain how they chose the most important dress of their lives...

“I tried on dozens of dresses at all kinds of bridal shops before I found my Alexander McQueen gown. It was from the brand’s ready-to-wear collection, so it wasn’t quite like I was copying Kate Middleton, but I did get it fitted by McQueen’s in-house tailor, Judy, which is an experience I will treasure forever. What I loved about the dress was the simplicity; my friends, family and husband-to-be were looking at me, in the dress, rather than trying to pick out my face from a balloon of tulle or lace. It had a flattering sweetheart-Bardot hybrid neckline, and an inbuilt corset - good underpinnings like these are essential if you’re going for that minimal slip-like look, but are over a size 12. Looking back at the pictures, I still think it is my favourite thing I’ve ever worn.”...
Fishtail wedding dresses - despite fitting closely to the body, before they flare out - can be among the more flattering of silhouettes. Column-like shapes to elongate the body, but with just enough volume in the skirt to add the requisite levels of big day 'drama,' it's easy to see why the style is so popular.

From tulle-panelled lace and trumpet hems, to crepe and fluted cotton blends, there are plenty of different cuts and fabrics to choose between, for a wedding dress that is both stand-out, but classic at the same time.

Lois Adeoshun, on ELLE's fashion team, says: 'Fishtail wedding dresses are a great style for complementing your curves and snatching that waist! They hug your body in all the right places giving you the showstopper moment that brides dreams of.'

While vintage wedding dresses and power suits are also fail-safe choices for nuptials, a fishtail shape is a great alternative for those wanting to add a modern twist to their bridal look.

Here are the best wedding dresses