The rise of wedding party dresses: Tatler’s wedding editor shares the best ‘second’ gowns for when one simply isn’t enough

By Astrid Joss

Tatler's wedding editor rounds up the best bridal brands perfect for the registry office, the late-night soirée, or going away. Searching for wedding party dresses? Look no further…

Clover

This contemporary yet deeply romantic bridal wear brand takes its name from the British 1700 idiom ‘in clover’, meaning a life in ease and luxury – just as it should be when putting together your bridal wardrobe. The capsule collection of five pieces, each made from silk, have a streamlined, no-fuss feel to them. Their standout point is that each dress has one simple, single pronounced detail: be it crisp bows that sit neatly on the shoulder or line the back through to giant puff sleeves. These take the dresses from simple to spectacular in their own understated but brilliant way.

cloverlondon.com

By Natasha Leake

Nadine Merabi

By Natasha Leake

By Laetitia de Belgique

By Hope Coke

There is only ever glitz and glamour when it comes to this British Lebanese designer. Nadine Merabi, favoured by Kate Moss, Rita Ora and television celebrities Davina McCall and Claudia Winkleman, has made a name for herself with girls who are quite happy to steal the show – as one should when playing the bride. While her non-traditional bridal line may not be what you envisage for a church service, it can't be beat for wedding party dresses. Think lace trouser suits, silk feather-trimmed pyjamas (particularly hot with society brides on the dance floor right now) and all-over sequinned jumpsuits. Get ready to make a fashionable stir.

nadinemerabi.com

Calling all brides-to-be! These 6 brands are the ultimate wedding dress designers to watch in 2023, writes wedding editor Astrid Joss

By Astrid Joss

Needle & Thread

Needle & Thread is a favourite of the Princess of Wales, who chose the red Aurora ballerina gown for her ‘Together at Christmas’ 2022 Westminster Abbey carol service; as well as Princess Beatrice, who was a vision in the Celia gown at the Jordanian royal wedding last week. The magic behind these ultra-feminine designs lies in the overtly textured fabrics, where raised tulle patterns give a frothy feel that take us back to girlhood princess fantasies. Equally, the brand's unique use of delicate beading and sequins allows creations to softly shimmer and shine – even in the darkest depths of night.

By Natasha Leake

By Laetitia de Belgique

By Hope Coke

needleandthread.com

Popularised by the gondoliers of Venice, the furlane has a firm foothold in fashion – just ask Talita von Furstenberg, Alexa Chung and Kate Moss

By Laetitia de Belgique

Rixo

Started in 2015 by two university best friends who shared an unparalleled love of vintage fashion, Rixo is now responsible for producing some of England's most coveted looks. It's fair to say that British weddings of late are awash with hot young things swanning around in Rixo. In 2021, the young co-founders Orlagh and Henrietta realised bridal was a ‘thing’ and since then, they have added to their successful wedding line year on year. Mirroring the brand's DNA, gowns take on vintage silhouettes in an array of lengths from mini and midi to long, as well as two-pieces and jumpsuits. Designs are both sophisticated and carefree, making them ideal for a chic registry-office affair or even a going-away outfit. The beautiful brand new King's Road boutique, complete with de Gournay wallpaper and Italian vintage fittings, even has an alteration service. Second dresses, bridesmaids and the mother of the bride can all be taken care of at this fashionable one-stop Chelsea shop.

rixolondon.com

Crown Prince Hussein, son of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania, has married Rajwa Al Saif in the second Jordanian royal wedding this year

By Isaac Bickerstaff

Beulah London

By Natasha Leake

By Laetitia de Belgique

By Hope Coke

Launched by society darlings Natasha Rufus Isaacs and Lavinia Richards in a bid to empower vulnerable women through the employment of business and fashion, the girls at Beulah are most admirably set on using fashion as a force for good. The ethical and sustainable brand has long been recognised and championed by a strong royal and celebrity following.

It was the label Princess Beatrice chose to wear to the Coronation of her uncle, King Charles III, knowing that the world would be watching, while the Duchess of Edinburgh was seen in a Beulah dress at an official Coronation event the day before. The Princess of Wales has also been seen in the brand, as has Princess Mary of Denmark. Beulah's brand new bridal line launched this May: designed and made in London, it ranges from pastel shades of whites, creams and pink in seven different styles in wools, crepes and brocades with a highly sophisticated feel to them. Their perfect for a second dress or those averse to a really traditional frock.

beulahlondon.com