For the price, you really can't beat the quality of the satin used here. It feels thick and is lined really well, not flimsy or see-through at all. You can't see any underwear through the skirt, which was a massive worry of mine before it arrived. It looks and feels like a boutique dress that would cost three times as much. If you're on a budget but still want a traditional ballgown vibe, this is a brilliant choice.

Our reception was in a large hotel ballroom with lovely warm lighting, and the dress looked absolutely elegant under the chandeliers. The material doesn't feel cheap in the slightest—it's got a really nice weight to it. I was a bit worried the long sleeves would make me sweat indoors, but the venue had the air con blasting so I was actually really comfortable. I got loads of compliments from my older relatives who appreciated the more modest style.

I loved the overall look of this dress for my autumn wedding. The satin has a really lovely drape to it, and the lace sleeves kept the chill off during the evening. My only little niggle is that the buttons on the back take a while to do up, so make sure whoever is helping you get dressed has some patience. Once it's on though, it feels very secure and looks incredibly elegant from every angle.

I styled this dress with a birdcage veil and red lips for a bit of a vintage, timeless look. The scoop neck and satin really lend themselves well to that aesthetic. The dress held its shape brilliantly all day. I spilt a tiny drop of champagne on the skirt during the toasts, but it wiped right off the satin without leaving a noticeable watermark, which was a massive relief.

The scoop neckline on this dress is my favourite part. It leaves just enough room for a lovely necklace without looking too fussy. I paired it with a simple pearl drop necklace and it looked so elegant. The lace on the bodice transitions really smoothly into the plain skirt. I did step on the front of the skirt a few times while walking up the stairs, so definitely make sure you practise walking in it with your shoes before the big day.