Preparing for your wedding is stressful enough without having to worry about whether or not you can afford the dress you want to wear on your special day. While The Knot reports that the average cost of a wedding dress is roughly $1,600, an increasing number of brides are choosing to wear more reasonably priced gowns. It’s your special day, and how you choose to spend it is entirely up to you, but if you’re hoping to cut costs, you’re in luck. There are more possibilities than ever before from a wide variety of brands that won’t break the bank while yet making you appear like a million bucks.

A wedding on a tight budget doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style. But a wedding dress is not one of those things, and you don’t have to break the bank to look stunning on your big day.

Vogue Ballroom has proven itself to be an iconic wedding venue and function centre in Melbourne. Book today so you don’t miss out.

According to The Knot’s 2017 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding in the United States was a staggering $33,391 in 2017, with many brides spending just over $3,000 on a wedding dress. We absolutely appreciate that you want to look amazing, but it’s important to keep in mind that the vast majority of us will only be able to wear the dress once.

Although wedding dress prices vary widely depending on location, the national average is little over $1,200. While New York City brides spend an average of $3,027 on their dresses, Alaskan brides spend only $804. These numbers were published in the Huffington Post.

Of course, this significant outlay is now standard, so most brides plan accordingly. What, though, if you can’t afford to drop a tonne of cash on a garment you’ll only wear once?

Whether you’re on a strict price limit for the big day or you just don’t like the idea of shelling out hundreds of dollars for a dress you’ll only wear once, you now have more options than ever before. New retailer collections, as well as non-traditional dress selections, as well as the increased availability of these dresses online, make it feasible to save a tonne of money on your wedding dress and get your financial life off to a good start with your new husband. If you’re on a tight budget for your wedding dress, it pays to think beyond the boutique and explore some of your best options.

Buying a wedding dress shouldn’t cost the earth. One person who doesn’t buy it is me. I may be a little partial because I ordered my really cheap wedding dress from eBay. Reasonable prices don’t have to imply settling for a trashy product. You may buy a beautiful wedding dress without breaking the bank. Don’t worry if you haven’t found the perfect dress among the options we’ve compiled for wedding gowns under $1000.

Shopping for a wedding gown isn’t exactly what you’d call a “simple” or “easy” activity. The journey to “say yes to the dress” is a story of blood, sweat, and tears, as shown in countless Hollywood movies and television shows. Online-only bridal destinations like Fame & Partners and Floravere, as well as cheap capsule collections from some of your favourite labels (hi, Sézane and H&M), have promised brides a less painful, less stressful way to shop for the dress in recent years.

A “perfect” fit can only be achieved through changes, so you may still want to check with a tailor or visit a wedding shop to look at more dresses. These businesses, however, provide an alternate, and often cheaper, experience that simplifies the process by reducing the number of options available and giving you more time to try items on at your own pace, thereby relieving some of the associated stress. In addition, whether you’re looking for a bohemian or traditional bridal example, you can get one online.

Looking for Wedding Dress Shops? Look no further, Vogue Ballroom has you covered. 

Shop for Pre-Owned Items

It’s common for brides to spend hundreds of dollars on a dress that will only get worn for a few short hours (from ceremony to reception). You can save yourself half or more of the original cost of a dress by purchasing it used. Wedding gowns can be found in local internet classifieds and even at second hand businesses like consignment shops. However, the best selection is available on the web.

Huge savings can be gained at these pricing. Nearly Newlywed has advertised Vera Wang dresses for $1,500, down from the original $3,000 price. Since you’re buying the outfit “as is,” it’s important to read the description thoroughly. Your wedding gown deserves the best possible performance, so it’s important to get one that has been thoroughly cleaned and stored (it should be packaged after washing, never placed in a closet to avoid degradation, yellowing, and moths).

Go to a local store to get a feel for the selection and try on a few styles to get an idea of what you prefer; while you’re there, jot down your wedding dress size, which may be different from your regular clothing size.

To make a pre-owned dress seem and feel brand new, you’ll need to invest in some professional alterations. Alterations to a wedding dress can range in price from $50 to $150 for minor adjustments like putting in a bustle or adding bra cups, to $300 for major alterations like pulling the dress in at the waist or adding sleeves. A wedding dress’s tailoring costs will be more than those of a regular garment because of the extra fabric and labour involved.

Please Review Samples

Sample dresses are the ones that brides try on at the store before making a final purchase. However, in order to make place for the newest trends, bridal boutiques and stores regularly sell off samples of their wedding dresses at steep prices.

Sample sale blowouts are a common occurrence at boutiques; keep an eye out for them or enquire at your favourite boutique to see if they will be having one in the near future. If you fall in love with a dress before it goes on sale, you may sometimes buy a sample by asking the owner of the boutique how much it would cost to buy a sample.

You should know that if you buy a sample dress, you will walk out of the store with that exact dress. Since you are buying the dress “as is,” you are responsible for having it cleaned and having any necessary alterations made before wearing it. Sample dresses may have scuff marks or loose buttons at the hem or neckline; inspect closely to ensure these flaws may be readily remedied by cleaning and patching (and make nice with a good wedding dress tailor in town).

Sample dresses are sold at a discount because they may have flaws such as missing embellishments, stains on the hem, or broken closures. Even so, it’s a fantastic opportunity for those with champagne tastes but a watered-down budget to score a designer dress at a bargain price. In addition to not having to wait for the designer’s gown to be ordered, another perk is that you can take home a sample dress the same day you choose it from the store.

Hire a Gown

Have no desire to spend a lot of money on a novelty item that won’t get much use? Think about trying out a bridal gown rental. You can either visit a storefront near you to try on dresses in person, or you can search online to find a store that will ship you a dress and accept its return after you’ve tied the knot. If you’d rather shop locally, WeddingWire can help you locate rental shops in your area at costs that are tailored to your specific location.

Hire the Runway ($85 for a rental), Borrowing Magnolia ($400 for a designer rental), and Vow to be Chic ($85 for a rental) are just few of the internet retailers to check if your dream dress is on rent. In most situations, you can rent a dress for a specific period of time (three days, for example) and then return it to the website using the prepaid box and postage provided.

The nicest aspect is that you don’t have to bother with the upkeep or storage of a pricey garment. You should only pick a bridal dress rental provider that offers free returns in the event that the dress doesn’t fit.

Get On The Internet

We all know that buying things online is convenient and quick, but is it strange and unsafe to purchase a wedding dress online? Not! As a matter of fact, its popularity is on the rise. Popular retailers like Nordstrom and Matchesfashion have set up online Wedding Shops to help brides find all they need on their special day. Check out Oscar de la Renta, Rodarte, and Brandon Maxwell dresses, as well as a plethora of other bridal accessories like veils, sandals, and clutches, all of which can be shipped to your home in a flash.

Struggling to find your perfect gown? Check out our extensive list of Wedding Dress Shops in Melbourne

The convenience of online shops like David’s Wedding and BHLDN is sure to be appreciated by brides (and bridesmaids!) who would rather not go the ready-to-wear route and instead shop at more conventional bridal boutiques. Here, you may find boutiques that specialise in small to large sizes from designers like Amsale, Jenny Yoo, and Watters. Take advantage of our quick shipping and easy return policy if you decide the dress isn’t right for you. Although I myself am employed by a bridal salon, I can attest to the fact that purchasing online for a wedding dress has several advantages. Do you have your heart set on a cutting-edge international designer who isn’t stocked at your neighbourhood bridal shop? It’s possible to make a direct purchase online. In addition, websites like The Outnet and Net-a-Porter sell high-end, designer gowns straight from the runway at much reduced prices.

What this ultimately amounts to is that finding your ideal wedding dress no longer necessitates physically visiting stores. Find the perfect wedding gown for the ceremony, the perfect dress for the reception, the perfect dress for eloping, and everything in between with this comprehensive online wedding buying guide. Here is a list of the twenty best places to buy a wedding dress online, organised by price range and style preferences.

Nordstrom

Is it true that you can get your wedding dress at Nordstrom? You certainly do now. Nordstrom provides a large selection of affordable wedding dresses, with prices beginning at $162. The most frugal person’s heart will start racing simply looking at all the choices.

Reformation

Reformation is a company that creates trendy women’s clothing that is also ethically and sustainably produced. Tencel, a material created from regenerated wood cellulose, is perfect for one-piece swimsuits and jumpsuits. The label also offers a wide variety of wedding and celebration gowns for the environmentally aware bride, starting at just $268. You can get both traditional cap-sleeve lace gowns and cutting-edge silk charmeuse two-pieces. Above is the beautiful Hestia wedding dress by Reformation. It has an open back and is made of lace. As wedding dresses go, the price of $528 is quite reasonable. Reformation, for those who want to appear beautiful without a lot of effort or harm to the environment but still want to wear dresses. Anyone who is concerned about their wallet, their style, and the environment will like Reformation’s simple, flowy dresses and eco-friendly manufacturing methods. Though not all of the company’s clothes has yet been made available in inclusive sizing, the recent announcement of an extended-size collaboration with Ali Tate Cutler is a positive development. Get thee to Ref. if “super-cool outdoor party” best describes your ideal wedding.

ASOS

Although the British e-tailer ASOS is best known as a go-to for comfy shirts and reliable denim, it now offers a bridal collection designed in-house. The label also sells underwear to complement your dream dress, as well as accessories like faux-pearl headbands and earrings. Many of the dresses are under $200, and many of them are under $300 (including the high-neck maxi designs and the midi dresses with sheer inserts).

Azazie

Azazie is a prominent online retailer for bridal dresses and accessories, offering direct-to-consumer and high-quality gowns at affordable prices. Based in the tech capital of Silicon Valley, Azazie is disrupting the traditional bridal industry while garnering high ratings from customers and review sites alike. With over 200 wedding dress styles, Azazie is committed to body-positive fashion, selling all dresses from size 0-30, cut and sewn to orders. Many of the dresses are under $350.

H&M

H&M has got you covered if you want to channel your inner duchess without spending a fortune on Alexander McQueen for Givenchy. The bridal boutique first opened its doors in the spring of 2013, and the $300 dress with a sweetheart neckline and lace sleeves was clearly inspired by Kate Middleton’s wedding dress. The H&M bridal collection, like that very first dress, features timeless styles with a modern twist. The best part? No single item exceeds $350 in price.

Etsy

The bridal section of Etsy features the work of some of the site’s most skilled artisans. Dresses on the site range in price from the low hundreds to $1,300 for custom couture, which savvy consumers know to browse. You should check the feedback of previous customers before committing to a purchase. To top it all off, you can have a conversation with your dress’s designer while she creates it.

Etsy features a wide variety of items that are unique, brightly coloured, whimsical, vintage, and adorned with plenty of adornments. Plus, you can discover beautiful dresses in any budget (we’re head over heels for Mywony Bridal’s dresses) both in store and online.

There are vivid lace accents for the free-spirited bride, subtle lace embellishments and beading for the unconventional bride, and blush tones or blue colours for the fun-loving bride. We adore the fact that each of these items is a one-of-a-kind work of heart.

Revolve

You probably already know that Revolve is the place to go for lust-worthy clothing and cosmetics, but did you know they also have a bridal department? The Mademoiselle Bridal Midi Dress is an absolute knockout in our books; it’s a blushing dream of a gown that’s adorned all over with pearls, sequins, and beads, and it’ll have you positively gleaming all the way through your “I dos.” But this midi dress really comes into its own when you go from the ceremony to the reception; the boned bodice and shin-skimming hem will ensure that you have a great time dancing without feeling confined.

Need a new designer dress or a unique piece of clothing? These items, in classic Revolve style, have plunging necklines and low backs; they are perfect for the bold bride.

Top Cities for a Bridal Shopping Getaway

New York, NY

No other city can compare to New York when it comes to the fashion industry. Shopping meccas like Bergdorf Goodman and Barney’s and chic boutiques like those on Fifth Avenue are all within easy reach. In addition, there is a plethora of fast fashion retailers where you may pick up a cute and sassy outfit for your bachelorette party (there is, after all, an H&M on nearly every corner). Finding “the dress” is a process with just as many potential outcomes. You may be familiar with Kleinfeld Bridal Salon from the television show Say Yes to the Dress, particularly if you have your heart set on a Pnina Tornai creation. There are hundreds of stores that cater to every style of bride, so even if you’re looking for a low-key affair, you’ll find what you need. Of course, after you’ve had your fill of retail therapy, there’s always something else to see, do, or eat. On our list of things to do in New York City includes a visit to Central Park, a Broadway or off-Broadway musical, the Metropolitan Museum, and Smorgasburg, an outdoor food market in Brooklyn with dozens of exhibitors selling food made from local ingredients.

Check out our ultimate Melbourne Wedding Dress Shops to take away some of the stress of finding the perfect gown.

Dallas, TX

Although Dallas, Texas, might not be the first spot you think of when you’re on the hunt for the dress of your dreams, it more than lives up to its reputation. Considering its status as one of the country’s most prosperous cities, the city’s retail offerings are substantial. Patsy’s, located in the southern city, is a high-end bridal boutique selling dresses by designers like as Martina Liana and Olia Zavozina. Looking for a little more variety? More than one hundred of the best bridal salons in the country may be found in Dallas. Visit the original Neiman Marcus for some tried-and-true high-end shopping while you’re in town. Check out the vibrant local art scene and sample some authentic Tex-Mex or BBQ while you’re here.

Chicago, IL

The city in the Midwest is famous for its deep-dish pizza, its constant wind, and the Chicago Cubs. This, however, is only a small part of what the Windy City has to offer. Bella Bianca Wedding Couture, one of our top-rated bridal salons, is located there, along with a number of other highly regarded shops. The Magnificent Mile, eight blocks long and home to more than four hundred and sixty speciality shops, is located in the North Side and is a shopper’s paradise. Is there anything else you really must see while you’re here? You may go to the oldest zoo in the United States, Lincoln Park Zoo, or the modern Museum of Contemporary Art.

Los Angeles, CA

When it comes to shopping, Los Angeles is to the West what New York City is to the East. You’ll be able to shop at a wide variety of establishments, from the ultra-chic boutiques on Rodeo Drive to the hippie-chic shops in Venice and the swanky malls like The Grove and Beverly Center. To try on wedding gowns, however, you should visit one of the many bridal salons in the city, many of which can be found on S. Robertson Boulevard. Besides those things, what else should you check out while in Los Angeles? Visit nearby Venice or Malibu for a day at the beach and a night out on the town, and make the most of being so close to the ocean. A few famous people might be among those you see, so keep your eyes open.

Miami, FL

In Miami and South Beach, especially along the well-known Lincoln Road Mall, shopping outdoors is a common pastime. Even though you’ll have to leave the beach to try on wedding gowns, a trip to Chernaya Bridal House or any of the other excellent bridal salons in the neighbourhood is well worth the effort. While you’re here, it goes without saying that you’ll want to spend some time lounging on the beach and indulging in some authentic Latin cuisine and refreshing mojitos.

Conclusion

The average cost of a wedding dress is roughly $1,600. An increasing number of brides are choosing to wear more reasonably priced gowns. New York City brides spend an average of $3,027 on their dresses. If you’re on a tight budget for your wedding dress, it pays to explore some of your best options. Online-only bridal destinations like Fame & Partners and Floravere offer cheap capsule collections.

Vogue Ballroom has you covered for wedding gowns under $1000. It’s common for brides to spend hundreds of dollars on a dress that will be worn for a few hours. You can save yourself half or more of the original cost of a dress by purchasing it used. Wedding gowns can be found in local internet classifieds and at second hand businesses. If you buy a sample dress, you will walk out of the store with that exact dress.

Sample dresses may have scuff marks or loose buttons at the hem or neckline. You should only pick a bridal dress rental provider that offers free returns in the event the dress doesn’t fit. The popularity of buying a wedding dress online is on the rise. Nordstrom and Matchesfashion have set up online Wedding Shops to help brides find all they need. Online boutiques like David’s Wedding and BHLDN offer conventional bridal boutiques with quick shipping and easy return policies.

H&M’s collection is inspired by Kate Middleton’s wedding dress. Etsy features a wide variety of items that are unique, brightly coloured, whimsical, vintage, and adorned with plenty of adornments. You can discover beautiful dresses in any budget (we’re head over heels for Mywony Bridal’s dresses) both in store and online. No other city can compare to New York when it comes to the fashion industry. Shopping meccas like Bergdorf Goodman and Barney’s are within easy reach.

There are hundreds of stores that cater to every style of bride. Dallas has more than one hundred of the best bridal salons in the country. The Magnificent Mile, eight blocks long and home to more than four hundred and sixty speciality shops, is a shopper’s paradise in Chicago. In Miami and South Beach, especially along the well-known Lincoln Road Mall, shopping outdoors is a common pastime.

Content Summary

1.  While The Knot reports that the average cost of a wedding dress is roughly $1,600, an increasing number of brides are choosing to wear more reasonably priced gowns.
2. According to The Knot’s 2017 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding in the United States was a staggering $33,391 in 2017, with many brides spending just over $3,000 on a wedding dress.
3. Although wedding dress prices vary widely depending on location, the national average is little over $1,200.
4. While New York City brides spend an average of $3,027 on their dresses, Alaskan brides spend only $804.
5. If you’re on a tight budget for your wedding dress, it pays to think beyond the boutique and explore some of your best options.
6. Online-only bridal destinations like Fame & Partners and Floravere, as well as cheap capsule collections from some of your favourite labels (hi, Sézane and H&M), have promised brides a less painful, less stressful way to shop for the dress in recent years.
7. You can save yourself half or more of the original cost of a dress by purchasing it used.
8. However, the best selection is available on the web.
9. However, in order to make place for the newest trends, bridal boutiques and stores regularly sell off samples of their wedding dresses at steep prices.
10. You should know that if you buy a sample dress, you will walk out of the store with that exact dress.
11. In addition to not having to wait for the designer’s gown to be ordered, another perk is that you can take home a sample dress the same day you choose it from the store.
12. Think about trying out a bridal gown rental.
13. We all know that buying things online is convenient and quick, but is it strange and unsafe to purchase a wedding dress online?
14. Popular retailers like Nordstrom and Matchesfashion have set up online Wedding Shops to help brides find all they need on their special day.
15. Check out our extensive list of Wedding Dress Shops in MelbourneThe convenience of online shops like David’s Wedding and BHLDN is sure to be appreciated by brides (and bridesmaids!)
16. Find the perfect wedding gown for the ceremony, the perfect dress for the reception, the perfect dress for eloping, and everything in between with this comprehensive online wedding buying guide.
17. Here is a list of the twenty best places to buy a wedding dress online, organised by price range and style preferences.
18. Reformation is a company that creates trendy women’s clothing that is also ethically and sustainably produced.
19. The label also offers a wide variety of wedding and celebration gowns for the environmentally aware bride, starting at just $268.
20. Though not all of the company’s clothes has yet been made available in inclusive sizing, the recent announcement of an extended-size collaboration with Ali Tate Cutler is a positive development.
21. The H&M bridal collection, like that very first dress, features timeless styles with a modern twist.
22. Etsy features a wide variety of items that are unique, brightly coloured, whimsical, vintage, and adorned with plenty of adornments.
23. Plus, you can discover beautiful dresses in any budget (we’re head over heels for Mywony Bridal’s dresses) both in store and online.
24. RevolveYou probably already know that Revolve is the place to go for lust-worthy clothing and cosmetics, but did you know they also have a bridal department?
25. The Mademoiselle Bridal Midi Dress is an absolute knockout in our books; it’s a blushing dream of a gown that’s adorned all over with pearls, sequins, and beads, and it’ll have you positively gleaming all the way through your “I dos.”
26. Need a new designer dress or a unique piece of clothing?
27. These items, in classic Revolve style, have plunging necklines and low backs; they are perfect for the bold bride.
28. No other city can compare to New York when it comes to the fashion industry.
29. Dallas, TXAlthough Dallas, Texas, might not be the first spot you think of when you’re on the hunt for the dress of your dreams, it more than lives up to its reputation.
30. More than one hundred of the best bridal salons in the country may be found in Dallas.
31. The Magnificent Mile, eight blocks long and home to more than four hundred and sixty speciality shops, is located in the North Side and is a shopper’s paradise.
32. Los Angeles, CAWhen it comes to shopping, Los Angeles is to the West what New York City is to the East.
33. Besides those things, what else should you check out while in Los Angeles?
34. Visit nearby Venice or Malibu for a day at the beach and a night out on the town, and make the most of being so close to the ocean.

FAQs About Wedding Dress

What is a decent budget for a wedding dress?

While the national average cost of a wedding dress is $1,631 (including alterations), dress prices are based on various factors and generally range from $500 to $4,000.

Is it cheaper to rent a wedding dress?

Renting a dress is a much cheaper option than buying one and often brings wedding dresses that cost four figures down to three instead. You might be able to save on accessories, too. Some wedding dress rental companies provide packages where you can tack on a veil, shoes, and other accessories for a reduced price.

Who pays for the bride’s dress?

Wedding Attire. Bride and family pay for bride’s dress, veil, accessories and trousseau (read: lingerie and honeymoon clothes). Groom and family pay for the groom’s outfit. All attendants pay for their own clothing, including shoes.

What is my wedding dress size?

Sizing is just a number. Bridal sizing isn’t like typical streetwear sizing. While you might be a size 4-6 in jeans, you’re in fact a bridal size 8-10, and if you’re a size 14-16, you’re likely an 18-20. Don’t worry about it-sizing is just a number!

Are wedding dresses supposed to be comfortable?

Some brides are willing to sacrifice comfort in order to achieve a certain look, while others want to feel as comfortable as possible. Keep this in mind if you want a dress that hugs your hips (like a fit and flare, trumpet, or mermaid), a dress with a long train, or a dress with lots of embellishment.