So with budgets for the big day being hit by the credit crunch, thrifty brides can now walk down the aisle in a fairy tale ivory dress for just £15.

This full-length gown features a boned bodice and comes with a satin ribbon belt. It has a net layered skirt and matching stole and is designed to make any bride “feel like a goddess”.

The dress, available at Marks & Spencer, has been slashed from £100. The average wedding gown now costs more than £800.

Rachel Moschke, editor of Wedding Ideas magazine, said: “I have never seen a wedding dress this cheap. If you are on a  really tight budget then it is great.

“A bridal dress doesn’t have to be expensive but it has to give you a wow feeling and give you confidence – if it makes you feel like that, then great.”

M&S describes the dress, available online, as being 100 per cent polyamide with a polyester lining and lower lining made of acetate.

Asda also caused a stir when it launched a range of bridal dresses for £60 in 2006.