I Just Tried Rixo's First Ever Bridal Collection—Here's My Verdict

Brides to be have faced many hurdles when it comes to wedding planning over the past twelve months, with the constant changing restrictions, closed wedding shops and question marks over when big weddings can happen again. The rise in micro-wedding ceremonies, with fifteen or less people, has unsurprisingly seen a shift in bridal fashion, with many ordering their dresses online, looking for more affordable options and wearing separates or more low-key dresses instead of typical gowns. British brand Rixo has established itself as a wedding-guest favourite over the past five years, however, brides and bridesmaids have also worn the brand which inspired Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey to launch a dedicated bridal collection. The dresses launched this week, and are a beautiful option for brides looking for something a little more fashion-forward or relaxed. Spoiler: There are feather trims, Rixo's signature buttons and sequins involved!

Ordering a wedding dress online might be an overwhelming thought to many, so we turned to bride-to-be Zeena Shah to do a try-on of the collection at home and give them a spin herself. "We're hoping to get married this summer," Zeena explains. "We're keeping all our fingers crossed lockdown will be lifted by then as we cannot wait to celebrate with our friends and family. It's going to be quite a post lockdown party if it does go ahead. I haven't decided on my dress yet. I've got some favourites, but am making the final decision over lockdown. If things change and we aren't able to have the wedding we're hoping for in the summer then I'll need to rethink and am keeping my eyes peeled for a registry chic outfit."

"It's got to have the wow factor!" Zeena says of what she's looking for in a wedding dress. "It's also something a little unexpected and 100% fabulous. I think family and friends might expect me to wear something flamboyant and pink but I actually really loved trying on the more traditional styles. especially adding a veil and pearl headband to the experience."

As for the trying on bridal at home, Zeena said of the process: "I thought it might actually make me feel sad to not be with my family and friends experiencing the wedding dress try on but you could absolutely do it over zoom and pop some champagne at home. It left me with all the excitement and less of the uncertainty of wedding planning. I could also take my time over each dress, take photos, there was no rush, I had plenty of shoe options and a banging playlist."

"The ruffle dress and feathered dresses were some of my favourites but I'd actually have to say the button blouse and skirt was a pleasant surprise and front runner. It fit me so well and is such a chic alternative to a full-blown dress. The quality of the dresses and the silks were really beautiful too."

1. The Ruffle-Sleeved Dress

Rixo Bridal, Ruffle Gown, £975

"I just love a ruffle and thought this dress was very feminine and pretty with the ruffle detailing. The bias cut was very flattering this would be lovely for a festival feel wedding!"

2. The Feathered Mini

Rixo Bridal, feathered mini, £650

"What's not to love? Such a fun dress for a wedding. Very '60s. I love the high neck and feather trims. It made me want to get up and dance around."

3. The Two-Piece

Rixo Bridal, Jacket £375 and Midi Skirt, £350

"I really didn't think I've love this one as much as I did. It was such a flattering shape and again beautifully cut. I love the versatility and you could definitely wear these again as separates."

4. The Feather-Trimmed Gown

Rixo Bridal, Feathered Gown, £895

"Can you tell I found this one really fun? At the top it's classic and simple, with elegant bell sleeves, contrasted with the playful feather trim. A dress to dance in."

5. The Open-back Gown

Rixo Bridal, Satin Gown, £1250

"Wow, what a showstopper! The open back isn't something I'd naturally be drawn to because of the bra situation, but it was very elegant and sophisticated."

6. The Sequin Mini

Rixo Bridal, Sequin Mini Dress, £395

"One of my favourite styles of Rixo's in white for wedding season is just the right amount of glitz and glam. The velvet bow and open back is a nice touch and this would definitely be worn again after a wedding. I could imagine changing into this for the evening reception."

7. The Vintage-Style Gown

Rixo Bridal, Maxi Dress, £1450

"I felt very Bridgerton and regal in this one. It would be lovely with a long veil!"

Next up, see our edit of more high-street and affordable wedding dresses.