The best Shein wedding dresses for brides on a budget – including gorgeous satin-look number for £23

The Sun

21 hours ago

YOUR wedding should be the happiest time of your life - but discovering the true cost of those Instagram-perfect wedding gowns can put a dampener on things.
Instead of forking out thousands for a designer option, many brides are finding the dress of their dreams on Shein for a fraction of the price.
Take bride-to-be Sophie Cook for example, she found a stunning dress from the Chinese retailer for just £40.
And another lucky lady spotted a jaw-dropping dress being priced at a cool £13.77, thanks to a 66 per cent discount at the fast fashion giant.
So why couldn't this be me?
As a bride-to-be, I decided to see if I could be so lucky and reached for my laptop for a bit of online shopping.
On average, brides in the UK spend between £1,300 and £1,500 on their wedding dress, with some designers even charging upwards of £10,000 for their gowns.
Considering I'm going to wear mine for a matter of hours, I challenged myself to see what I could find for under the £150 mark.
Here are some of the best options I found…
Elitara Elegant Luxurious Beige Off-Shoulder Elastic Knitted Ruched Mermaid Hem Dress - £30.99
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The first dress I tried was this off-the-shoulder gown with a gorgeous sweetheart neckline and a fun train.
And the best part of it is that is only cost £30.99.
With proper steam, it could be taken to the next level and I was hugely impressed with how good of a deal it was.
Belle Satin Strapless Maxi Dress With Adjustable Cross-Back Tie, Wedding Guest Dress - £23.49
BUY FROM SHEIN
If you are looking for your princess moment, this is it.
I was so excited to try this strapless gown, which had a flattering basque waistline.
The dress colour looked whiter on the website, although it was listed as "apricot", and I was surprised just how goldeny/creamy it was when it arrived.
If you added an underskirt, I think it could be taken to the next level - but for £23.49, it could be the bargain of the century.
Lace Trailing Wedding Dress - £86.99
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My wedding dress dreams have always been influenced by one unforgettable look: Kate Middleton's iconic bridal lace gown.
Of course, I'm not working with a £250,000Alexander McQueen budget — but luckily, Shein came through with a seriously impressive alternative.
Their £86 version caught my eye, and once I tried it on, I was genuinely impressed.
The dress featured beautiful lace sleeves and a flattering, structured fit that made me feel both graceful and totally at ease.
For a price tag that's over 2,900 times less than Kate's, this felt like a major win.
EVER-PRETTY Romantic Deep V-Neck See-Through Floral Sequin Short Sleeves Wedding Dress - £40.49
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BUY FROM SHEIN
If you are a boho bride, this dress could be for you.
I instantly felt comfortable in this tulle gown, which was so pretty and flattering and only cost just over £40.
I felt like I could sweep round it all day long, and immediately decided to keep it for my wardrobe.
Elitara Elegant White Tube Long Flare Sleeve Round Neck Backless Rhinestone Decor Mermaid Wedding Dress - £33.53
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BUY FROM SHEIN
This dress looked promising on the website but was my least favourite of the bunch when it arrived - despite me loving the front neck buckle.
I think it was a 'me problem' though and just didn't fit me right or perhaps was the wrong size as the front was super baggy.
However, on a different body I think this dress would look more elegant.
Wedding makeup do's and dont's
Paige Williams, Founder & CEO of the iconic P.Louise makeup brand shared her tips.
DO: Go timeless over trendy
We all love a trend babe, but for your wedding day? Let's keep it classic. Think soft glam, radiant skin, neutral tones with a pop of sparkle - You want to look back in ten years and still be obsessed with your glam. Classic never goes out of style.
DON'T: Try something totally new
Your wedding day is not the time to switch it up with neon liner or completely new brows babe. You want to feel like you, just the most elevated, glowing version. Stick to what you know makes you feel confident and gorgeous.
DO: Prioritise long-wear formulas
Your wedding is a marathon, not a sprint. You're not just walking down the aisle, you're dancing, hugging, crying, and posing all day long. You need makeup that's in it for the long haul. Go for waterproof, transfer-proof & cry-proof products. Your face needs to slay from 'I do' to the last dance and be able to handle those happy tears.
DON'T: Overload your base
Babes, less is more. You want coverage, not cake. Go for that breathable, buildable base that lets your real skin glow through. You're aiming for flawless, not flat. Trust me, your photos will thank you.
DO: Book a trial
Non-negotiable. Whether you're DIY-ing your glam or booking a MUA, a trial is your makeup dress rehearsal. Test it in daylight, take selfies, wear it for hours. It's the only way to know it'll hit just right on the day.
DON'T: Forget your neck & chest
Don't stop the glam at your jawline, babe. Blend that foundation, bronzer and glow down to your neck and chest, we're going for seamless, snatched and sculpted from every angle. You're the main event, let it show.