
Wedding dress prices vary depending on factors such as the designer, the fabric, the location, and whether the dress is bespoke or off-the-rack. On average, a wedding dress costs between $1,500 and $4,000, with most people spending between $280 and $1,650. However, designer and custom dresses can cost upwards of $5,000, with the most extravagant gowns exceeding $10,000. For example, the Real Housewives of Atlanta star NeNe Leakes wore two wedding dresses for her second wedding, one of which was worth $20,000.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of celebrity | NeNe Leakes |
| Event | Second wedding to Gregg Leakes |
| Number of dresses | 2 |
| Designer of first dress | Baracci |
| Details of first dress | Gold-embroidered, fit-to-flare, strapless |
| Estimated cost of first dress | $58,000 |
| Designer of second dress | Pnina Tornai |
| Details of second dress | Silk chiffon sheath with an illusion bodice, Swarovski crystal-jeweled floral appliques |
| Estimated cost of second dress | $20,000 |
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What You'll Learn

Nene Leakes' wedding dress designer and cost
Reality TV star NeNe Leakes spared no expense for her second wedding to Gregg Leakes in 2013. The Real Housewives of Atlanta star wore not one but two extravagant wedding dresses for the occasion.
The first dress was a gold-embroidered fit-to-flare strapless gown by Baracci, estimated to be worth $58,000. The second dress, by Pnina Tornai, was a silk chiffon sheath with an illusion bodice covered in Swarovski crystal-jeweled floral appliques. The dress, which normally costs $16,000, was worth $20,000, as NeNe added extra blinged-out appliques.
NeNe's choice of designers for her wedding dresses is not surprising, given her penchant for over-the-top and spectacular fashion. Baracci is a popular designer among the Real Housewives of Atlanta stars, with fellow cast member Kim Zolciak also wearing a Baracci wedding dress for her nuptials in 2011.
Pnina Tornai is an Israeli fashion and wedding dress designer who has appeared on TLC's reality television show Say Yes to the Dress. Her signature style includes body-hugging corsets embellished with Swarovski crystals and precious stones. NeNe's Pnina Tornai dress certainly embodied this signature style, with its illusion bodice covered in Swarovski crystals and floral appliques.
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Cost of alterations
The cost of alterations for a wedding dress can vary depending on several factors. These factors include the complexity of the design, the type of alterations required, the materials used, and the expertise of the seamstress or tailor.
NeNe Leakes, the Real Housewives of Atlanta star, provides a good example of the potential cost of alterations. For her second wedding to Gregg Leakes, NeNe chose two high-drama wedding dresses. The first dress was a gold-embroidered fit-to-flare strapless dress by Baracci, which is estimated to be worth $58,000. The second dress, by Pnina Tornai, a well-known Israeli wedding dress designer, normally costs $16,000. However, NeNe added extra blinged-out appliques, increasing the value of the dress to $20,000.
The cost of alterations for a wedding dress typically ranges from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the factors mentioned earlier. Simple alterations, such as hemming a dress or taking in a waist, are usually more affordable, while more complex alterations, such as changing the neckline or adding embellishments, can significantly increase the cost.
Additionally, the type of materials used in the wedding dress can impact the cost of alterations. For example, altering a dress made of delicate lace or silk may require a more experienced seamstress or tailor, which can increase the cost. Similarly, if the dress has intricate beading or embroidery, the alterations must be done carefully to avoid damaging these details, which can also raise the price.
In some cases, the location of the alterations can also affect the cost. Alterations done by a boutique or designer in a major city may be more expensive than those done by a local seamstress or tailor in a smaller town. It's important for brides to factor in the cost of alterations when budgeting for their wedding dress and to compare prices from multiple seamstresses or tailors to find the best value.
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Average wedding dress cost
The average cost of a wedding dress in the US is $1,000, with most people spending between $280 and $1,650. However, wedding dress prices vary depending on factors such as the vendor's experience and level of expertise, the materials used, the complexity of the design, and whether the dress is bespoke, made-to-order, off-the-rack, or a rush order.
For example, a couture gown can cost upwards of $4,500, while a custom-made dress featuring intricate details such as beading, embroidery, or 3D floral appliqués can cost tens of thousands of dollars. On the other hand, it is possible to find a wedding dress for less than $280, and some people choose to accessorize a simple gown with a beaded sash or a brooch instead of opting for an elaborate design.
Reality TV star NeNe Leakes, known for her appearance on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, wore two wedding dresses for her second wedding to Gregg Leakes in 2013. The first dress, a gold-embroidered fit-to-flare strapless gown by Baracci, was estimated to be worth $58,000. Her second dress, a silk chiffon sheath with Swarovski crystal and jeweled floral appliques by Pnina Tornai, normally costs $16,000, but Leakes added extra blinged-out appliques, bringing the total cost to $20,000.
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Luxury designer costs
For her second wedding to Gregg Leakes in 2013, Real Housewives of Atlanta star NeNe Leakes wore two luxurious wedding dresses. The first was a gold-embroidered fit-to-flare strapless dress by Baracci, estimated to be worth $58,000. The second, a Pnina Tornai creation, was a $16,000 silk chiffon sheath with a bejewelled bodice and floral appliques. Nene's customisations took the dress's value up to $20,000.
Pnina Tornai is an Israeli fashion and wedding dress designer, whose ultra-feminine gowns are hand-sewn using fabrics imported from Europe. Her signature style includes body-hugging corsets embellished with Swarovski crystals and precious stones. Her passion for intricate detail and beauty was inspired by her Moroccan and Egyptian heritage.
The cost of a wedding dress can vary depending on a number of factors. For example, the method of production, the level of detailing and craftsmanship, the fabrics used, and whether the dress is bespoke or off-the-rack. Custom designs can be especially costly.
Some of the most expensive wedding dresses in the world have been worn by celebrities. Victoria Swarovski, the heiress of the Swarovski dynasty, wore a custom Michael Cinco gown covered in 500,000 Swarovski crystals. The dress weighed 100 pounds and was valued at one million dollars. Another million-dollar dress was worn by a bride who married a journalist; the custom Christian Dior ball gown was covered in 100 roses made from Chantilly lace. Kate Middleton's iconic Alexander McQueen wedding dress, designed by Sarah Burton, is estimated to have cost $434,000.
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Saving money on wedding dresses
The cost of a wedding dress can vary depending on the designer and other factors such as the amount of detailing, the fabrics used, and whether it is bespoke or off-the-rack. The average wedding dress costs around $2,000 to $2,439, but some designer dresses can cost upwards of $16,000. For example, reality TV star Nene Leakes' wedding dress, which was designed by Pnina Tornai, cost $20,000 including modifications.
If you're looking to save money on a wedding dress, here are some tips:
- Start early: It's recommended that you purchase your dress at least nine months before your wedding to give yourself more options and avoid rush fees associated with getting the dress and alterations.
- Choose simplicity: Opting for a simpler style with fewer embellishments, a less complex silhouette, and less fabric can help reduce costs.
- Off-the-rack: Buying a pre-made dress from a bridal salon's inventory can be more affordable than a made-to-order dress, as you avoid the costs of customization and rush fees.
- Sample sales: Buying a sample dress, which is the actual dress used for try-ons, can be a more budget-friendly option. While it may need additional tailoring or repairs, you can find a designer gown at a discounted price.
- Renting: Renting a wedding dress is a cost-effective option, especially if you plan to wear it only once. Websites like The Dress Outlet, Rent the Runway, and Borrowing Magnolia offer designer looks for less.
- Second-hand: Consider buying a second-hand dress from websites like Stillwhite or Sell My Wedding Dress, or even borrowing a dress from a family member and making adjustments to suit your style.
- Trunk shows: Attending trunk shows can provide an opportunity to purchase a designer dress at a discount. During these events, you can often find deals or promotions that can help you save money.
- Set a budget: Before you start shopping, set a budget for your dress and alterations. This will help you stay within your financial limits and make more informed decisions about any modifications or customizations.
- Sell after the wedding: If you buy a full-price designer dress, you can recoup some of the costs by selling the gown after your wedding. Websites like Stillwhite, Sell My Wedding Dress, and Facebook Marketplace provide platforms to sell your dress and offer another bride a budget-friendly option.
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Frequently asked questions
NeNe Leakes wore two wedding dresses for her second wedding to Gregg Leakes. The first dress, a gold-embroidered fit-to-flare strapless dress by Baracci, was estimated to be worth $58,000. The second dress, by Pnina Tornai, normally costs $16,000, but was worth $20,000 because NeNe added extra blinged-out appliques.
NeNe's first wedding dress was designed by Baracci, and the second by Pnina Tornai.
The first dress was a gold-embroidered fit-to-flare strapless dress.
The second dress was a silk chiffon sheath with an illusion bodice covered in Swarovski crystal-jeweled floral appliques.











































