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Before you try on the dress of your dreams, it’s crucial that you set aside a chunk of your budget for your wedding dress and alterations (don’t forget about those!). With that being said, many brides are clueless about where to cap the dress cost, especially if they’re avid viewers of TV shows like “Say Yes To The Dress,” where brides spend tens of thousands of dollars on wedding dresses alone. Let’s be real—that’s just not feasible, and you’re only wearing the dress once. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with splurging on your wedding dress but, for brides with tight budgets, it’s not a necessity. According to The Knot, brides typically spend an average of $1,564 on their wedding dresses. Which isn’t too bad, right!? But, we challenge you to go even lower. Check out how to find your ideal wedding dress for $500 or less. And, don’t worry—you won’t have to sacrifice style.
If you’re sick of looking at department stores, you now have it easy with the rise in retailers and fashion lines designing affordable, trendy wedding dresses with budget-friendly brides in mind. Online shopping has also ushered in a new era of wedding dress hunting, with many stores offering free shipping and returns. Take a look at a few examples.
Revolve:
Thanks to Revolve Clothing’s new wedding line, you have access to a radically wide range of wedding dresses under $500, which you can order online for free delivery straight to your door. Sacrificing trendiness for cost is definitely not an issue here, with options like an off-the-shoulder gown and a sexy deep-V fitted dress well within your budget. They even have a few lace high-nick options if you’re in to that kind of thing. Their dresses err on the simpler, more casual side, so this can be your go-to shopping destination if you’re having a less formal wedding.
Katie May Legacy Gown ($295)
For Love & Lemons:
If you’ve ever shopped on Revolve, you’re probably familiar with this recognizable brand, which also launched its own wedding line. Their collection currently offers five diverse and exquisite wedding dresses, and only one of them costs more than $500. Prices range from $252-$330.
Modcloth:
For any brides in search of vintage wedding dresses, check out Modcloth’s non-traditional assortment of affordable gowns. They even have an entire line of plus-size dresses. From sophisticated, short A-lines to stunning tiered maxis, Modcloth has a little bit of everything in the wedding dress department. With the exception of two dresses, you don’t have to splurge more than $400.
ASOS:
The ever-popular online retailer offers a bridal collection just as cheap and stylish as the rest of their vast network of clothes. An added perk? The most expensive ASOS wedding dress currently costs $395! Just like Modcloth, ASOS’s Curve brand caters to plus-size brides. And, if you’ve ordered from them before, they’ll give you recommended sizes for each dress. They even have all your other wedding day attire needs covered, like shoes and hair accessories, so you can make ASOS your one-stop shop.
Reformation:
This LA-based clothing brand makes a mix of feminine lacy numbers and fitted sweetheart styles with sustainability in mind. The silk Eliana Dress is one of their most expensive at $598, but it’s reminiscent of a 1920s celebrity and would look completely timeless if you’re willing to stretch your budget a tiny bit.
Reformation Poppy Dress ($388)
Consignment Stores:
You can also consider looking for bargains in high-end consignment stores or on websites like Ebay and Craigslist. It’s not like you can wear your wedding dress for a night out, so many brides sell theirs for discounted prices after their weddings. But, be cautious with this method. See if the consignment store or online seller has a return policy, just in case you find a stain somewhere on the dress or it doesn’t fit the way you imagined.
No matter how much you spend on your wedding dress, you’re bound to look like a million bucks!
