We unveil where our editors found ‘the one’. From romantic Monique Lhuillier gowns to custom confections made by designer friends to renowned London boutiques – here they tell the stories behind the looks they chose for their big days and give you insight to the ultimate guide to saying ‘I do’ in style with insider tips on where our editors found their wedding dresses.
Lydia Elise Millen
The Dress: @halfpennylondon
When I tried on the body con designs that I initially thought I’d go for, they felt a little bit like I was wearing underwear. I most certainly got that special feeling as soon as I tried on what went on to become my wedding dress though and the reactions from my Mum and best friend only confirmed that I’d found the one.
Find out more about Lydia’s wedding here.
Patricia O’Dwyer
The Dress: @theownstudio
I think people worry a lot about the dress being ‘timeless’. Style changes, and trends come and go so the likelihood is in years from now you might make a different choice but I think that can be said for anything so go with what you love and then at the very least the way you feel on the day will be timeless.
Find out more about Patricia’s wedding here.
Alessandra Frame
The Dress: @mirazwillinger
I think I always knew I wanted a classic silhouette, off-the-shoulder sleeves, and was always drawn to images of very elegant brides wearing their hair in a simple chignon. However you really don’t know what style is going to work until you try and let me tell you… I tried them all!
Find out more about Alessandra’s wedding here.
Tara Hughes
The Dress: @melaniebakerdesigns
Any preconceptions of what I thought I liked definitely changed when I started trying things on! I think the biggest factor, in the end, is finding something that suits your personality. I thought I wanted the ball gown but definitely felt way better and more myself in a fitted more minimal look.
Find out more about Tara’s wedding here.
Lottie Daisy
The Dress: @zimmermann
I definitely knew I had found ‘The Dress’ when I fell in love seeing it online and then when I tried it on. It just felt so me. I loved the detail of the dress and also I loved that I would wear it again and again for years to come, as it is the perfect summer dress. I felt like a princess.
Find out more about Lottie’s wedding here.
Alexandra Dudley
The Dress: @phillipalepley
I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted my wedding dress to be before my bridal appointments but I’d always thought I’d go for something slim fitted and quite simple. It was the feeling of first trying on a sample couture A-line dress from Phillipa Lepley that made me so sure that I wanted to wear something classic and specifically a dress by Phillipa. I felt like I was floating, almost as though the dress was carrying me.
Find out more about Alexandra’s wedding here.
Marie-Claire Chappet
The Suit: @zara
The Drese: @halfpennylondon
Having a city civil ceremony (in December no less) allowed me to lean into my more natural style (ie not a full-length wedding dress and veil, believe it or not) and don a white trouser suit. Despite promising myself I would splash out, I actually found my perfect suit in Zara, with shoulder pads and a loose, flared cut to the trousers, which satisfied my inner Rolling Stones bride aspirations.
Find out more about Marie-Claire’s wedding here.
Portia Freeman
The Dress: @lizmartinezbridal
One of my bridesmaids pointed the wedding dress out and I wasn’t sold on it but when I tried it on, sweet lord I knew straight away! The long lace sleeves, high neck, super structured waistline, I was hooked, lined and well and truly besotted with my dress. I made sure that I kept bridal boutiques to a minimum of 3 visits as I didn’t want to confuse myself and I always asked my most brutally honest mates to come along with me.
Find out more about Portia’s wedding here.
Isabella Fougler
The Dress: @louiseselbybridal
I always had a very clear vision of what I wanted, so when I met Louise the natural decision was to go bespoke to create my dream dress. Louise is based at her home in Kew; one of the bedrooms is converted into a light-flooded showroom, with exposed wooden floorboards and a beautiful rail of dresses taking centre stage. The atmosphere is very relaxed, Louise builds a personal relationship with all her brides which makes the experience even more luxurious.
Find out more about Isabella’s wedding here.
Related Article: The Most Stylish Wedding Dresses Of 2023
