Franklin Dean
Wedding dresses can be expensive, with the average cost of a wedding dress being around $2,000. However, there are many options available for brides who want to spend less on their wedding dress. Some people may consider a wedding dress to be cheap if it costs less than the average price, or if it costs less than $1,500. There are several places where brides can find affordable wedding dresses, including online retailers, department stores, and second-hand marketplaces.
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What You'll Learn
Average wedding dress costs
The average cost of a wedding dress varies depending on the source and the year of the data. According to The Knot's 2024 Attire and Fashion Study, the average cost of a wedding dress is $2,000. This is supported by The Knot's 2025 Real Weddings Study, which surveyed nearly 17,000 US couples and found the average cost to be about $2,000. This data also revealed that the average cost of a wedding dress varies by location and region. For example, in 2023, the average spend in the Mid-Atlantic was over $2,200, while in the Midwest, it was about $1,900. International destination celebrations drove the average cost up to just under $2,800.
Based on the $2,000 average, any dress below this price point could be considered cheap wedding apparel. One source suggests that $1,500 and under is cheap, with average prices ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, and expensive dresses costing $10,000 or more.
There are many options available for those seeking a cheap wedding dress. Some sources suggest setting a budget of $1,000, with several retailers offering stylish options within this price range, including BHLDN, Torrid, and ASOS, and Lulus and Anthro. Department stores such as Macy's also offer a range of options, with prices starting at $299 for Calvin Klein's High-Low A-Line Gown. For those on a tighter budget, TheDressWarehouse offers discount wedding dresses starting at $99, and Nearly Newlywed provides a marketplace for pre-owned wedding dresses at a fraction of the cost.
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Budget-friendly retailers
The average cost of a wedding dress is $2000, so any dress below this price point is usually considered a cheap wedding dress. However, different couples have different budgets, so a cheap wedding dress for one couple might not be cheap for another.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly wedding dress, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some retailers that offer wedding dresses at affordable prices:
BHLDN
BHLDN offers high-quality, affordable gowns for under $1000. They also have huge discounts during sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Torrid
Torrid is another retailer that provides stylish and inexpensive wedding dresses for under $1000.
ASOS
ASOS has a wide range of wedding dresses, including their "Luxe Bridal" collection, which features intricate silhouettes and designs for just $200 to $300. They also offer discounts during sales events like Black Friday.
Lulus
Lulus offers a variety of wedding dresses, with prices starting as low as $40 and never exceeding $530. They also have discounts during major sales events.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom has a selection of formal white dresses perfect for a low-key ceremony or reception. The Mac Duggal Rosette Chiffon Cutout Gown, for example, is a chic and feminine option for under $600.
Net-a-Porter
While known for its high-end price tags, Net-a-Porter also offers a few fabulous wedding gowns for under $1500.
In addition to these retailers, you can also explore options like renting a designer gown from companies like Rent the Runway or Borrowing Magnolia, shopping at local bridal boutiques for sample sales and clearance racks, or even making your own dress or hiring a local seamstress through Etsy.
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Pre-owned dresses
For those looking for a pre-owned wedding dress, there are several options to consider. Buying a second-hand wedding dress is not only a great way to save money but also helps to reduce the environmental impact of designing and creating a new dress. Nearly Newlywed, for example, is an online marketplace for brides looking to sell their gowns or purchase a pre-owned wedding dress. They offer a wide range of designer wedding dresses at a fraction of the cost, with savings of up to 90% on salon prices. Nearly Newlywed verifies all dresses for condition and authenticity, ensuring that you receive a high-quality design. They also offer a return policy for added convenience and peace of mind.
Another option for pre-owned wedding dresses is Stillwhite, the largest global marketplace for pre-owned, used, and second-hand wedding dresses, with over 97,140 wedding gowns available. Stillwhite allows you to connect directly with sellers and browse through hundreds of designers, such as Maggie Sottero, Pronovias, and Alfred Angelo. You can also take advantage of secure payment methods like PayPal to ensure safe transactions.
Pre-owned wedding dresses are a sustainable and cost-effective option for brides on a budget. By shopping at online marketplaces like Nearly Newlywed and Stillwhite, you can find a wide variety of designer gowns at significantly reduced prices while also reducing your environmental impact. With savings of up to 90% on salon prices, you can stay within your budget without compromising on style and quality.
In addition to online marketplaces, you can also explore local options for pre-owned wedding dresses. Some bridal salons may offer pre-owned or sample dresses at discounted prices, providing an opportunity to try on dresses and receive personalised assistance from bridal consultants. It is recommended to begin your search by exploring affordable bridal shops near you to take advantage of these additional services.
Whether you choose to shop online or in-person, pre-owned wedding dresses offer a unique opportunity to find your dream dress at a fraction of the cost. With savings of up to 90%, you can stay within your budget and focus your spending on other aspects of your wedding day. Remember, the average cost of a wedding dress is around $2,000, so any dress below this price point can be considered a bargain!
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Dress quality
When it comes to wedding dress quality, there can be a noticeable difference between a cheap and an expensive dress. The quality of the fabric and construction can vary, with some cheaper dresses made from synthetic fabrics and featuring poor-quality stitching, strange-looking hems, and seams.
However, it's important to note that price does not always directly correlate with quality. Some expensive dresses may be poorly constructed, while some cheaper options can offer good quality. For instance, a user on Weddingbee.com mentioned that they preferred Mori Lee dresses over those from Alfred Angelo, despite the latter being more expensive. They also noted that some dresses by British designer Caroline Castigliano, which cost around $7000, were reportedly poorly constructed.
The more intricate the design, the higher the cost is likely to be. Embellishments such as intricate beading, embroidery, or 3D floral appliqués require skilled artisans and can take a significant amount of time to perfect, increasing the price. Complex designs with built-in corsets, boning, or multi-layered skirts also demand meticulous craftsmanship, making them more labour-intensive and costly.
Additionally, the brand markup can significantly impact the price. Dresses produced domestically may be more expensive due to higher labour costs, and new tariffs on imports may also affect pricing.
When it comes to finding a cheap wedding dress without sacrificing quality, there are several options available. More retailers and labels are offering affordable options that look luxurious. For instance, Macy's offers a range of options, including Calvin Klein's High-Low A-Line Gown for $299, which is perfect for both the ceremony and reception. BHLDN, Torrid, and ASOS also offer high-quality, affordable gowns for under $1000.
For those looking for an even more affordable option, TheDressWarehouse offers designer wedding dresses starting at $99, allowing you to shine like a star without breaking the bank. Nearly Newlywed is another great option, offering a marketplace for pre-owned wedding dresses at a fraction of the cost. They verify all dresses for condition and authenticity, ensuring you can trust that you're purchasing a high-quality design.
In conclusion, while there can be a difference in quality between cheap and expensive wedding dresses, price is not always indicative of quality. By shopping around and considering various retailers and labels, it is possible to find a beautiful wedding dress that fits your budget without sacrificing style or quality.
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Additional costs
While the definition of a "cheap" wedding dress can vary depending on individual budgets and preferences, several sources suggest that wedding dresses priced below $2000 can be considered affordable or cheap. With that in mind, here are some additional costs to consider when purchasing a wedding dress:
Deposit and Payment Plans
It is important to note that when ordering a wedding dress, you may not need to pay the full amount upfront. Most retailers and designers will require a deposit, typically ranging from 30% to 50% of the total cost, to confirm the order. This deposit covers the initial expenses for materials, labour, and production. The remaining balance is then due when you pick up the dress. Some boutiques and designers may also offer instalment plans to provide more flexibility for brides.
Alterations
Wedding dresses typically come in a fixed set of sizes, and alterations are often necessary to achieve the perfect fit. The cost of alterations is not usually included in the base price of the wedding dress but is an additional expense that increases the overall amount spent on the attire.
Shipping and Tariffs
If you are ordering your wedding dress online or from an international brand, be sure to consider shipping costs and potential tariffs or import taxes that may apply. These additional costs can impact the final price you pay for your dress.
Accessories and Complementary Items
Don't forget to factor in the cost of any accessories or complementary items you may need with your wedding dress. This could include shoes, a veil, jewellery, or special undergarments. These additional items can add up, so be sure to include them in your budget.
Cleaning and Preservation
After the big day, you may want to consider having your wedding dress professionally cleaned and preserved, especially if you plan to pass it down as a family heirloom. This service can add to the overall cost of your wedding dress, but it may be worth it to maintain the dress's condition for years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
The average cost of a wedding dress is around $2,000, so a cheap wedding dress would be anything below that price point.
There are plenty of places to shop for budget-friendly wedding dresses online, including Nearly Newlywed, Lulus, Anthro, BHLDN, Torrid, ASOS, and TheDressWarehouse. You can also find affordable options at department stores like Macy's.
Yes, here are some specific options for cheap wedding dresses:
- The Azazie Stevie, a chapel-train, tulle, and lace dress that costs between $200 and $300.
- The Azazie Ava, a perfect elopement A-line chiffon gown with an off-shoulder neckline and delicate mesh draped sleeves.
- Calvin Klein's High-Low A-Line Gown ($299) is a classic style with a high-low hem that makes it comfortable for dancing.
- Terani Couture gowns are known for being worn by some of the world's most stylish and successful ladies, and you can find them at TheDressWarehouse, which offers clearance prices.
