Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding dresses are often a significant expense, with the average cost of a wedding dress estimated to be around $2,439. However, there are several ways to find a beautiful wedding dress without breaking the bank. One option is to buy a pre-owned dress, which can be found on sites like PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com and StillWhite, often at a fraction of the retail price. Shopping at bridal sample sales or purchasing floor samples from bridal salons can also offer significant discounts. For those with a family heirloom dress, alterations can be made to modernise the gown and add sentimental value to the wedding day. Department stores and online retailers like ASOS and JCPenney offer affordable alternatives to bridal boutiques, and renting a dress is another cost-effective option for those who don't wish to purchase. With a bit of creativity and strategic thinking, finding a dream wedding dress within a budget is definitely achievable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rent instead of buy | Rent the Runway, Laine London |
| Second-hand | Nearly Newlywed, Facebook Marketplace, The Bride's Project Dresses, Play it Again Val, Sixpence Bridal, ieie Bridal |
| Online shops | Azazie, BHLDN, ASOS, Lulus, Reformation, Shopbop, Etsy, TheDressWarehouse, David's Bridal |
| Customisable | Cocomelody |
| In-person shops | Bravo Bridals |
| Budgeting for alterations | $15-$300 |
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What You'll Learn
Rent a wedding dress
If you're looking for a wedding dress on a budget, renting is a great option. Renting a dress is far cheaper than buying, and it saves you closet space. There are a variety of places to rent a wedding dress, including Rent the Runway, which has a dedicated bridal section with gowns, dresses, jumpsuits, and separates. ASOS, Reformation, BHLDN, and Lulus also offer wedding dress rentals.
When choosing a rental dress, it's important to consider the style and overall wedding plans. For example, if you want to dance the night away, opt for a breathable fabric that allows you to move freely. Fit and flare dresses, ball gowns, and A-line gowns are all popular choices that complement a variety of body types.
If you're looking for a custom gown, Cocomelody offers affordable and customizable options, allowing you to design your own look with the help of in-house designers.
Additionally, sites like Nearly Newlywed offer a unique opportunity to rent or buy pre-owned designer gowns at a fraction of the original price. This is a great way to snag a high-end dress without breaking the bank.
Remember to secure your rental ahead of time to ensure availability for your big day. With rental options, you can look and feel beautiful without spending a fortune.
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Buy second-hand
Buying second-hand is a great way to get your dream wedding dress for a fraction of the cost. Many brides choose to sell their dresses after their big day, so you can snap up a bargain. Even if the dress has some signs of wear, a seamstress can replace the trim, or you can get it dry-cleaned, and it will still save you money.
There are many online marketplaces for second-hand wedding dresses, such as Borrowing Magnolia, PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, StillWhite, and Loved Twice Bridal. These sites offer a wide range of designer dresses at discounted prices, and many of them are in excellent condition, having only been worn once. Buying pre-owned is a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice, giving beautiful dresses a second life.
Department stores and online retailers like ASOS, JCPenney, or even Target, also offer white dresses that can work well for weddings. These options tend to be simpler and more affordable, and you can add your personal touch with accessories. Thrift stores and vintage shops are also great places to find unique, vintage gowns that no one else will have.
If you're looking for a truly special and sentimental dress, consider wearing a family heirloom. You could wear the wedding dress of your mother, grandmother, sister, or aunt, and have it altered to suit your style. Even extensive alterations tend to be cheaper than buying a new dress, and the sentimental value is priceless.
Remember to be cautious when buying a pre-owned dress online, as you may not be able to see it before purchasing. Always do your research and shop around to find the best deals and ensure the dress is in good condition.
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Choose a customisable gown
If you're looking for a cheap wedding dress, one option is to choose a customisable gown. This option is perfect for brides who want a unique, tailored look for their wedding day without breaking the bank.
Cocomelody, for example, is a bridal brand that offers affordable and easily customisable gowns. You can work with their in-house designers to create your dream dress, choosing the fabric, colour, and style that suits your personality and vision. This option is also great if you're looking for a specific size, as they offer a vast variety of size ranges.
Another similar option is Gowns of Grace, which offers custom wedding dress options for brides seeking a one-of-a-kind look. Their expert team will collaborate with you to create a gown that reflects your personality, style, and vision, ensuring that every detail is perfect for your big day.
Customisable gowns are a great way to get a cheap wedding dress without sacrificing style or fit. You can work with designers to create a dress that is truly yours, and you may even be able to choose from a variety of fabrics and colours to find the perfect combination. This option is ideal if you're looking for a unique, personalised dress that won't break your budget.
Additionally, if you're open to non-traditional options, renting a wedding dress is a great way to save money. Sites like Rent the Runway offer bridal looks, including dresses, jumpsuits, and separates, at a fraction of the sales price. This option is perfect if you're only planning to wear the dress once and want to save some closet space (and money!).
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Shop online
Shopping online for a wedding dress is a great way to find a cheaper option without sacrificing style. Many online retailers offer a wide range of affordable wedding dresses that can save you money compared to buying from a traditional bridal salon.
Etsy
Etsy is a fantastic option for those who want a custom, made-to-order wedding dress without breaking the bank. Etsy has innumerable bridal designers, allowing you to find every budget, style, colour, and fabric you can dream of. Most designers will send swatches of fabric and even a fit gown to ensure correct sizing before finishing your dress. Etsy is often cheaper than traditional bridal salons because designers can cut out the middleman and sell directly to brides.
Lulus
Lulus is another excellent online store for finding on-trend wedding dresses at affordable prices. They offer a range of stylish options, from boho to modern, with dresses starting as low as $40 and never exceeding $530. Lulus also makes it easy to shop by organising designs by dress code, fabric, and style. They also offer free standard shipping on orders over $50 and free returns within 30 days.
ASOS
ASOS is a well-known online retailer that offers an in-house bridal line and wedding dress options from other brands. Most of their gowns fall under $300, with many priced under $200. ASOS carries a range of styles, including deep-plunge maxis, halter midis, and sequined shift dresses, as well as accessories and lingerie to complete your look. They also offer free returns, allowing you to try on multiple styles.
Azazie
Azazie is another online retailer that offers a selection of affordable wedding dresses, with most of their options retailing for under $300. They have a range of styles, including the Azazie Stevie, a chapel-train, tulle, and lace dress priced between $200 and $300, and the Azazie Ava, a perfect elopement A-line chiffon gown.
Other Options
In addition to the above, there are several other online options for finding cheaper wedding dresses:
- Nordstrom: While they don't have a lot of wedding dresses, they offer a wide array of formal white dresses perfect for a low-key ceremony or reception.
- Amazon: Amazon has thousands of budget-friendly wedding dresses, some starting as low as $50.
- Online retailers like Net-a-Porter, Moda Operandi, MATCHESFASHION, and ShopBop supply top fashion houses whose RTW (Ready To Wear) dresses in white are often much less expensive than made-to-order wedding dresses.
- Websites like Stillwhite, Poshmark, and Facebook Marketplace offer gently used wedding dresses for 50%-80% less than retail prices.
- Companies like Rent the Runway and Borrowing Magnolia let you rent a designer gown for a fraction of the cost, with prices starting at $50-$300.
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Compare prices
Comparing prices is a great way to find a cheaper wedding dress. Here are some tips to help you get started:
First, decide on a budget that you are comfortable with. This will help you narrow down your options and make it easier to compare prices. It is important to remember that you may need to factor in additional costs such as alterations and shipping, so it might be worth building in a buffer to your budget to accommodate these.
Next, start your research by checking prices at various retailers. You can visit their websites, give them a call, or even pay them a visit in person if they have a physical store. Take note of the prices of the dresses you are interested in, and don't forget to ask about any potential additional costs.
When comparing prices, be sure to consider the quality and style of the dress, as well as your own personal preferences. It is also worth checking the return policy and terms and conditions of each retailer, in case you change your mind or need to make any alterations.
Some popular places to find affordable wedding dresses include ASOS, Reformation, BHLDN, Lulus, Azazie, and Cocomelody. You can also try renting a dress from places like Rent the Runway, Laine London, or even Facebook Marketplace, which can be a more affordable option than buying.
Finally, don't be afraid to negotiate and ask for discounts, especially if you are buying multiple items from the same retailer. It is also worth keeping an eye out for sales and promotions, as you may be able to snag a bargain.
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Frequently asked questions
One of the best ways to save money on a wedding dress is to buy pre-owned. Websites like PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, StillWhite, and Loved Twice Bridal offer a wide range of designer dresses at a fraction of their retail price.
Yes, you can shop at bridal sample sales or purchase floor sample dresses from bridal salons. Many bridal boutiques offer sample sales where you can find gowns that are in excellent condition but were tried on in-store.
You can opt to wear a wedding dress passed down from a family member, such as your mother or grandmother. You can wear the dress as is or have it altered to suit your style and current trends.
You can find affordable wedding dresses at department stores and online retailers like ASOS, JCPenney, or Target. You can also rent a dress, which is far cheaper than buying one. Websites like Rent the Runway offer bridal looks, and bridal brands like Cocomelody offer affordable and easily customizable gowns.
