Five best wedding dresses under £500

Weddings are an expensive business. The average British couple spends £25,000 getting hitched, with more than £1,000 of that going on the dress alone. Thankfully there are plenty of less-expensive options out there, from second-hand dresses to budget high street gowns. Here's our pick of the best-value wedding dresses to suit a range of budgets and tastes...

1. Phase Eight Bridal Cathlyn Wedding Dress

Phase Eight offers a range of beautiful wedding gowns at a variety of prices. If you love the vintage look, this floor-length Cathlyn Wedding Dressis a stunning option. Featuring bead and sequin embellishment, it comes with a deep v-neckline, cowl-draped back and subtle fishtail hem - and is fully lined for a flattering fit.

2. Debut Ivory 'Alicia' wedding dress

For timeless elegance, look no further than Debut's Alicia gown. With its lace detailing and gentle-falling pleats, the floor-length dress has an effortless feminine feel. It's made from 100% polyester - though you'd never guess as it looks far more expensive in real life.

3. Beach Wedding Dress Tiarella

If you're planning to get married on the beach, or just prefer a more relaxed look, the Tiarella dress from Dynasty London is a beautiful alternative to a standard bridal gown. Made from floaty chiffon with a simple A-line design, it's flattering and easy to wear. What makes it special though, is the bodice encrusted with sparkling gold and silver beads.

4. Phase Eight Bridal Cressida Wedding Dress

Not everyone wants to sashay down the aisle in a floor-length gown, especially more mature brides. Phase Eight's Cressida dress is cut just below the knee but isn't short on romance. With its fit and flare shape, the dress is super flattering and comes with a boned bodice and tulle underlay for a feminine silhouette (gentle skimming over any lumpy bits). We also love its three-quarter-length sleeves – a welcome addition if your arms are not your best feature.

5. ASOS BRIDAL Lace Long-Sleeve Crop Top Maxi Dress

If you love the idea of full-on lace but don't want to look like something from another era, Asos Bridal has the answer. This maxi dress comes with a high neck and long sleeves, with a crop-top overlay for interest. It's also available in their Curve collection, for sizes 16 plus.