Where to Buy Affordable Wedding Dresses

Your wedding day is one of the few opportunities in your life to go full princess without anyone batting an eyelash. (In fact, your friends and family are far more likely to shed a few tears cooing over how amazing you look.)

But let’s be honest: The big day can add up, and you’re probably only going to wear the dress once. No matter how much you love fashion, there are plenty of reasons to avoid spending an arm and a leg when shopping for your special day-gown.

Luckily it's a great time to be a bride on a budget. A number of chic options can be had for under $1,000 — with many ringing in well under $500 — thanks to young designer labels, cool-girl brands adding special occasion dresses, and super affordable mainstream retailers like ASOS and Modcloth launching bridal collections. It's now possible to find your perfect dress (or jumpsuit, tux, or bridal separates set) with the dream price tag to match.

Check out our favorite places to shop for affordable wedding looks below, with prices starting as low as $60.

Lace & Liberty

San Francisco-based bridal separates collection Lace & Liberty is one of the most affordable sources for a completely custom gown. With over 20 individual pieces to choose from, starting at $150 for a gorgeous lace bridal topper and capping off at $975 for a ruffled organza skirt, you can easily create your perfect look (and even pull off a two-in-one wedding day costume change) for less than $1,000.

Fame & Partners

If you’ve always dreamed of having full control over exactly what your wedding dress looks like but don’t have that bespoke budget, this is the place to go. Fame & Partners wedding shop offers totally customizable designs made with the modern bride in mind, with dresses starting as low as $500. Basically, you pick your base style — options range from a simple lace overlay slip dress to a two-piece gown — and then customize the neckline, backline, length, train, sleeves, and tons of other details right on the site.

For Love & Lemons

The trendy LA-based line you’ve probably seen all over Revolve just launched a bridal collection, and every dress — aside from this gown beautifully detailed with 3D floral embroidery — checks in under $350. Expect plunging necklines, mini dresses, and off-the-shoulder looks with tons of lace, florals, and ruffles.

Modcloth

The online retailer beloved for vintage-inspired dresses launched bridal last year, and it’s a great budget-friendly option with some great extended sizing, too. The collection (which includes several cute tea-length options and classic gowns, as well as funkier looks) ranges in price from $60 to $600 and from XXS to 4X, depending on the style. The site is also a great stop for bridesmaid dresses (which start at $70) and accessories.

ASOS Bridal

Yes, ASOS has a bridal section, and yes, the same easy, free returns policy also applies here. Styles range from minimalist to romantic and include a few ASOS Curve options. With prices starting at $194 and topping out at $405, you might as well order a few to try on and see how you feel.

Topshop

The options you’ll find in the UK retailer’s new bridal collection are definitely for the trendier, more modern bride, with highlights including a pink embroidered maxi dress ($750) and a gray and green lace dress with cut-out shoulders ($850). The shop has you covered on all of the extras, too — you can shop bridal lingerie for as low as $22, and accessories like hair barrettes with floral adornments starting at $48.

Dreamers & Lovers

The tagline at this California-based shop is "for the laid-back bride," so here you'll find, fittingly, a collection of slinky boho styles. Several beautiful gowns cost upwards of $2,000, but there are also over a dozen in the $500 to $1,000 range, including lace maxi dresses, ruffled gowns, shorter 1970s styles, and a small collection of bridal separates. If you want to try before buying but don't live in California, the boutique will ship you a sample size closest to your measurements.

BHLDN

Born as the bridal extension of Anthropologie, BHLDN has quickly become a go-to place to shop everything from big-day gowns to decor. You’ll find affordable gowns starting well under $300, and the bulk of good stuff coming in right under $900 — like this chic ivory cape gown by Badgley Mischka for $850.

Reformation

Eco-conscious, made-in-LA super-brand Reformation uses materials like surplus silk for a collection that includes a handful of wedding day looks for less than $600. Expect options like a floor-length, open-back dress for $388 and a slim-fitting, full-length lace dress with an off-the-shoulder neckline for $488.

Missguided

The inexpensive cool-girl brand launched a bridal collection last spring, and it's stocked with several affordable and on-trend dresses for brides, bridesmaids, and wedding guests. Gowns range from dramatic open back options, long-sleeved maxi dresses, and totally over the top, embellished pieces starting at just $63.

Stone Cold Fox

Stone Cold Fox has a sexy, Western tilt to its bridal selection. Strapless and off-the-shoulder are two super-common themes in the gowns from this made-in-LA brand, which also has a number of pretty bridesmaid options. You'll find dresses starting around $200, with most coming in at a budget-friendly $550.

Self Portrait

The London-based label launched bridal last spring and has been churning out romantic, whimsical, and affordable wedding-dress options since. You’ll see a lot of intense detailing throughout the selection — frill, scalloped edging, teared layers, and of course, Self Portrait’s signature textured lace — and lengths varying from midi to floor-sweeping, all starting at just $340.

Kite & Butterfly

While most of the options from this Hollywood-based line hit just at $1,000, there are plenty of ethereal dresses starting at $595. Designed by a pair of Australian twins, Kite & Butterfly is a must-look for anyone with a soft spot for crochet and/or flower crowns.

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