You may have fantasized about smooching your true love on your wedding day, decked out in a show-stopping wedding dress. What you probably didn’t imagine was the cringe-inducing price tag that might come with the gown of your dreams.
As one of the most sentimental of wedding purchases, the wedding dress is also one of the priciest. According to a mix of data, the average cost of a wedding dress in 2023 was around $1,500 to $2,500. An analysis from analytics firm Edited says that retailers charge 3.9 times more for wedding dresses than they do for similarly designed dresses that are not described as bridal.
With all eyes on you on the big day, you want to find a wedding dress that will make you feel like a confident, gorgeous goddess (or fairy princess, mermaid, stylish oil baroness, etc.). On the other hand, you don’t want to shell out money on a dress you’ll only wear once.
We’re here to help. We’ve created a guide with money-saving tips on shopping for a bridal outfit on a budget with a roundup of affordable red-carpet wedding-worthy dresses you can buy right now.
How To Find an Affordable Wedding Dress
Picking the perfect dress should be exciting — not stressful. Here are some pointers for hunting down your dream dress without digging into your honeymoon/DJ/catering budget.
Set a Limit
“Affordable” means different things to different people. Before you start shopping for your wedding dress, decide what affordable means to you and set a budget for how much you are willing to spend.
Shop Off Season
Bridal shops often discount their dresses at the end of each season to make room for new inventory. If you’re flexible with your wedding date, consider shopping during the offseason to take advantage of these sales. Offseason dates vary by location, but in general, summer is considered a high wedding season, while fall and winter are considered the offseason.
Consider the Wedding Location and Climate
The location of your wedding should play a big role when choosing the style of your wedding dress. For example, if you’re having a beach wedding, you might want a lightweight and flowy dress that doesn’t weigh you down in the sand. If your wedding is in the fall or winter, you may want to go for a long-sleeve dress designed from heavier fabric, like silk.
Try On Different Styles
With so many wedding dress styles to choose from, it’s a good idea to try out different looks — even if you think you have a clear idea of what you want.
Top Wedding Dress Trends in 2024
No matter what the theme, venue, season or body type, there’s a wedding dress style out there for every bride. Here’s a quick guide to the most popular 2024 wedding dress styles:
- Ball gown: This is a classic and traditional wedding dress style featuring a full skirt and a fitted bodice. It often has a dramatic, voluminous look, with layers of tulle, lace or organza.
- A-line: This style is similar to the ball gown but with a more flowing skirt that flares out gradually from the waist, creating a sleek and elegant silhouette.
- Mermaid or trumpet-style: This style is fitted through the bodice and hips and then flares out at the knees for a glamorous look. Trumpet-style wedding dresses are often made with form-fitting fabrics like satin or silk and can have embellishments like lace or beading.
- Sheath: This style is slim and streamlined, hugging the body closely from head to toe. It’s often made with lightweight and flowy fabrics like chiffon or crepe and is ideal for a beach or outdoor wedding.
- Tea-length: This style is retro-inspired and features a hemline that falls between the knee and ankle. It’s a playful and feminine look and works well for an outdoor or vintage wedding.
- Empire: This style features a high waistline that sits just below the bust, creating a flattering and elongating effect. It’s often made with flowy fabrics like chiffon or organza and can have a bohemian or ethereal feel.
- Two-piece: Fun and flirty, this style is a modern twist on the classic wedding dress that features a separate top and skirt.
Favorite 2024 Wedding Dresses Under $1,000
Best Western-Style Wedding Dress
1. The Sadie
Arguably, any wedding dress could be a Western-style wedding dress if you add boots and a cowboy hat. We selected The Sadie (from the aptly named A Western Wedding Co) for being sweet and simple and for including a flirtatious slit from which to show off your cowboy boots. If you’re looking for a pair, might we suggest these eye-catching white floral booties from Country Outfitter?
Price: $277.50 at AWesternWedding.com
Best Mermaid-Style Wedding Dress
2. ‘Make Them Marvel’ Beaded Mermaid Maxi Dress
Designed from flowy material with a flared hem, this red carpet-worthy mermaid-style wedding dress evokes old-world Hollywood glamour. We love the drama of the flared skirt paired with the shimmery art-deco-inspired detailing.
Price: $279 at Lulus.com
Best Boho-Style Wedding Dress
3. Azazie Memphis
We imagine this lovely boho-style wedding dress on a vintage-inspired bride. Sheer floral lace drapes from the sleeves like angel wings, giving it an ethereal feel. Flowy and delicate, the dress would dazzle against an outdoor or ocean backdrop.
Price: $669 at Azazie.com
Best Grecian-Style Wedding Dress
4. Etsy Greek Goddess Dress
Characterized by draped or pleated fabric and reminiscent of a toga, the Grecian-style wedding dress look is classic and romantic. This Greek Goddess dress from Etsy is a lovely example featuring a flowing silhouette and handmade braided belt. Go barefoot with this one to feel and look like a goddess.
Price: $220.44 at Etsy.com
Best Vintage-Style Wedding Dress
5. Willow Bridal Gown
With its flowy chiffon sleeves, tule shoulders and thigh-high slits, this vintage-style wedding dress manages to be traditional and sexy. We love that the dress is made from ecovero viscose, an environmentally friendly fabric derived from certified renewable wood sources using eco-responsible production methods.
Price: $618 at for ForLoveandLemons.com
Best Short Wedding Dress
6. DB Studio Puff Sleeve Short Satin Dress
Puff sleeves and an ultra-flattering empire waist make this sweet and chic dress a casual wedding must-have. Versatile and unfussy, it’s perfect for the whimsical bride seeking a one-of-a-kind look that shows some leg and won’t get stepped on out on the dance floor. Consider styling this short wedding dress with white cowboy boots, like the model, or a playful pair of blue heels.
Price: $69.99 at DavidsBridal.com
Best Beach Wedding Dress
7. ASOS Cut-Out Halter Embroidered Midi Dress
If you’re planning a seaside nuptial, you have so many options when it comes to finding the perfect gown. A major perk of choosing a Midi dress for your beach wedding? You won’t have to worry about dragging the skirt through the sand. This beach wedding dress with a cutout back, side slit, and halter neck bodice is effortlessly elegant. It’s all low-key sophistication, and we are totally here for it.
Price: $65.70 at ASOS.com
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