Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding dresses can be expensive, but there are many ways to find your dream dress on a budget. From sample sales to secondhand gowns, you can find a stunning wedding dress without breaking the bank. You can also consider custom-made dresses from independent designers on Etsy, which can be cheaper than big-brand gowns. Websites like Stillwhite, Poshmark, and Facebook Marketplace offer second-hand wedding dresses at discounted prices. Department stores like Nordstrom, Macy's, and Dillard's also offer elegant white evening gowns at affordable prices. Setting a budget, following brands on social media for sales alerts, and trying on dresses before buying are also helpful tips for finding a budget-friendly wedding dress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Online marketplaces | Stillwhite, Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, Etsy |
| Department stores | Nordstrom, Macy's, Dillard's |
| Bridal shops | David's Bridal, BHLDN |
| Outlets | Woodbury Commons Outlet, Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx |
| Consignment shops | Rent the Runway, Borrowing Magnolia |
| Sample sales | ideeli |
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What You'll Learn
Second-hand dresses
Second-hand wedding dresses are a great option for brides on a budget. Buying pre-owned is a sustainable way to source your wedding gown, and there are many online platforms that offer a wide range of styles, colours, and silhouettes at a fraction of the cost of a new dress.
Stillwhite, for example, is the largest global marketplace for pre-owned wedding dresses, with over 97,000 gowns for sale. You can find designer gowns or custom-made dresses and pay safely through PayPal. Borrowing Magnolia is another online platform that offers pre-owned wedding dresses, as well as bridesmaid dresses and accessories. They pride themselves on being environmentally conscious and offering curated dresses that still have a lot of life left in them.
You can also find second-hand wedding dresses at physical stores. Loehmann's, for instance, has been known to offer great discounts and sales on bridal gowns, reception dresses, and shoes. Similarly, the Woodbury Commons Outlet offers a range of bridal and bridesmaid dresses, as well as bridal shoes, at discounted prices.
When buying second-hand, it's important to be mindful of potential issues and take steps to protect yourself. Platforms like Stillwhite and Borrowing Magnolia offer secure payment methods and messaging platforms to communicate with sellers. It's also a good idea to inspect the dress carefully and ask any questions before making a purchase.
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$59.99
Sample sales
Sample gowns are dresses used for try-ons in stores and are usually sold at discounted prices. They are available in select sizes and are often sold as they are, with no option for returns or exchanges. Sample gowns are perfect for brides with a dress size 4-8 and can be purchased in-store or online.
Some stores that offer sample sales include The Bridal Room, The White Flower, and Bridal Closet. The Bridal Room offers a range of designer bridal gowns at discounted prices, with options to filter by price from low to high. The White Flower, based in San Diego, offers off-the-rack and ready-to-ship sample wedding dresses that are discontinued but perfect for brides with smaller dress sizes. Bridal Closet also offers sample wedding dresses and encourages customers to subscribe to their mailing list for insider news and product launches.
It is worth noting that sample gowns may need minor repairs or cleaning, and the discount offered compensates for any necessary alteration, repair, or cleaning.
In addition to sample sales, there are other options for finding cheap wedding dresses. These include outlets like Woodbury Commons, which has a BCBG store with bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses, and Loehmann's, which offers great discounts and sales on bridal gowns and reception dresses. Online platforms like Etsy also provide an opportunity to find custom-made wedding dresses at a lower cost than traditional bridal shops.
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Custom-made dresses
Custom-made wedding dresses are a great option for those who want a unique dress that reflects their personal style. There are several ways to obtain a custom-made wedding dress, and the process can vary in terms of cost and level of customisation.
One option is to work with a custom dress designer who can create a dress from scratch based on your specific ideas and requirements. This option provides a high level of customisation, as you can choose every detail of the dress, from the silhouette to the fabric and design elements. A.Cherie Couture and Bride & Tailor are examples of companies that offer this type of service, providing fully bespoke custom dresses. The process typically involves close collaboration with the designer and design team, including in-person fittings and custom design sketches, to ensure that the final product meets your expectations.
Another option is to start with a pre-existing dress design and make modifications to it. This approach can be more cost-effective and less time-consuming than a fully bespoke dress. A.Cherie Couture, for instance, offers a semi-custom design process where you can choose from their existing designs and make certain customisations to create a dress that still feels unique to you. Similarly, companies like Grace Loves Lace offer made-to-order wedding dresses that can be customised to meet your sizing and detail requirements.
If you're open to purchasing a pre-owned dress, you can also find custom-made gowns on resale websites like Stillwhite, the largest global marketplace for preowned wedding dresses. This option allows you to find a unique dress at a fraction of the cost of a new gown.
Additionally, some companies, like Olivia Bottega, offer custom sizing and design options for their ready-to-ship gowns, providing a balance between customisation and convenience.
When considering a custom-made dress, it's important to keep in mind that the process can take several months, so it's advisable to start the process early to avoid any last-minute stress.
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Department stores
Nordstrom, for example, offers a wide array of formal white dresses perfect for a low-key ceremony or reception. The Mac Duggal Rosette Chiffon Cutout Gown is available for under $600 and adds a formal and feminine flair with its gauzy fabric and silhouette.
Macy's is another department store with a range of wedding dresses, including the Calvin Klein High-Low A-Line Gown for $299. This dress is a classic style with a high-low hem, making it both comfortable and easy to move in for the ceremony and reception.
For those looking for something more luxurious, Saks Fifth Avenue offers an array of high-quality, chic bridal gowns, including vintage-inspired minidresses and draped wrap gowns perfect for a beach ceremony.
Other department stores with wedding dress options include Neiman Marcus, which carries Badgley Mischka shoes, and Loehmann's, which offers great discounts and sales on bridal gowns and reception dresses.
In addition to department stores, there are other options for finding cheap wedding dresses, such as online retailers like ASOS, BHLDN, and Torrid, which offer gowns under $1,000. Etsy is also a great option for custom-made dresses at a fraction of the cost of traditional bridal boutiques.
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Online marketplaces
Lulus
Lulus is a popular online store that offers trendy yet affordable wedding dresses. Their bridal designs include graphic lace, dreamy organza, and body-skimming stretch knit, all priced at $100 or less. The website is user-friendly, with dresses organised by dress code, fabric, and style, making it easy to find what you're looking for. Lulus also offers a range of shoes and reception dresses, so you can find everything you need in one place.
ASOS
ASOS is a well-known online retailer that offers a range of wedding dresses from its in-house bridal line and other brands. They have trendy yet affordable options, with filters for different dress styles, necklines, and lengths, including sleeve length. ASOS also offers a decent selection of maternity, petite, and plus-size wedding dresses. One standout feature is the inclusion of videos of models wearing the dresses, giving you a better idea of how the dress looks and moves.
Azazie
Azazie offers a diverse collection of wedding dresses, with styles ranging from modern to classic and elegant to bohemian. Their dresses start at $69 and include made-to-order options, ensuring a perfect fit for your unique body shape. Azazie also offers a "try at home" option, where you can test out up to three dresses for a small fee, making it convenient to find your dream gown.
TheDressWarehouse
TheDressWarehouse offers a full spectrum of wedding dress styles, from contemporary to traditional, including A-line gowns, fitted sheath, and mermaid silhouettes. They carry designer dresses at discounted prices, so you can find a glamorous look without breaking the bank. TheDressWarehouse has something for every budget and body type, making it easy to find a dress that complements your unique style.
Stillwhite
Stillwhite is the largest global marketplace for pre-owned, used, and second-hand wedding dresses. With over 97,000 wedding gowns available, you can find designer or custom gowns at a fraction of the retail cost. The platform allows you to connect directly with sellers, ensuring a safe and secure transaction. After your big day, you can also sell your dress on Stillwhite to recoup some of your costs.
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Frequently asked questions
Websites like Stillwhite, Poshmark, and Facebook Marketplace offer second-hand wedding dresses at discounted prices. Etsy and independent designers also provide custom wedding dresses that are often cheaper than big-brand gowns.
Loehmann's offers great discounts and sales on wedding gowns and reception dresses. Department stores like Nordstrom, Macy's, and Dillard's sell elegant white evening gowns for as low as $100-$300. Outlets like BCBG at Woodbury Commons also offer budget-friendly options.
Set a budget before shopping and follow brands on social media to stay updated with sales and discounts. Sample sales and second-hand gowns are also great options for finding your dream dress without breaking the bank.
Yes, renting a designer gown from companies like Rent the Runway and Borrowing Magnolia can be a fraction of the cost of purchasing. Bridesmaid dresses are often cheaper than wedding gowns, and many come in white or ivory. You can also consider making your own dress or hiring a local seamstress.
