Elizabeth Emanuel, who designed the dress with her then husband David, may be associated with exclusive couture gowns, but she has recently launched a bridal range for the high street.

Emanuel's Art of Elegance collection for Bhs is proof that you don't have to go bankrupt to buy your dream dress – each of the four signature-style gowns are £495.

"My couture gowns normally sell for many thousands of pounds which makes them out of reach of the general public," she says.

"It's been a dream of mine to be able to create a range of wedding gowns that reflect my couture collection in both quality and design but at a more accessible price."

Designer gowns – without the hefty price tags – are also at your fingertips at Debenhams, which has an impressive range of big name bridalwear. Creations from catwalk favourites Julien Macdonald, Ben de Lisi and Pearce Fionda are all available, starting from just £120 for a skirt, and £200 for a gown in store or online.

So before you blow your entire wedding day budget on your dress, check out your favourite stores for designer wow factor on your big day. Choosing a fashionable silhouette and picking the right dress for your shape will leave you looking a million dollars – even if you haven't spent it!

SUMMER STYLES

Whether you dream of a traditional meringue-style gown with all the trimmings or crave something with clean and simple lines, there's a bridal gown to suit all tastes. But if you want to walk down the aisle inspired by catwalk trends, Clare Totman, buyer for Evans Bridal, has this advice on capturing of-the-moment bridal looks for spring/summer 08.

"This season marks a welcome return to femininity – the mood is romantic and soft.

"Designers have played with a shorter, full-skirted shape as well as creating an elongated silhouette, using a sleek bodice and floor sweeping hemlines."

If your big day is a spring/summer event, prom style dresses and shorter lengths are also big news for 2008.

Rachele Hayman, Bhs wedding buying director, adds: "The taste for long dresses is changing; shorter styles are more prominent and a perfect choice for any spring/summer wedding."

If you don't want to flaunt your legs, turn to the back – this season's hottest body part. Sexy low-cut backs are a show-stopping alternative for contemporary brides, and will give the congregation something to admire while you're reading your vows.

This year's styles are sleeker and sit close to the body, skimming your curves, so look to dresses that are bias cut, mermaid, or soft A-line skirts.

FIGURE FLATTERING

If you're not a super slim bride, the high street can also deliver. Catering for sizes 14-32, Evans recently launched a new bridal collection featuring statement dresses and flattering two-pieces for plus sizes.

But whatever your size, choosing styles to flatter your figure can give you a real confidence booster on the big day.