Bride on a budget

If you are not opposed to pre-owned I strongly recommend StillWhite and other consignment and resale sites (like PreownedWeddingDresses.com, OnceWed, Poshmark, Mercari, eBay, etc). You will find dresses on there for a fraction of what they would cost new. There tend to be a number of brand new, unworn dresses as well, sometimes with the tags still on (sometimes a bride changes her mind, switches the venue, or calls off the wedding and cannot return the dress).

For new dresses, Lulu's and ASOS have some super affordable options (typically under $400), and BHLDN has a variety of absolutely gorgeous dresses under $1000. Do make sure you set aside some money for alterations too, as they can add on to the cost of your dress significant (alterations typically run $100-$800 depending on what is needed).

My wedding dress, reception dress, and alterations combined will come in at about $600. New the dresses alone cost closer to $3000. I purchased my wedding dress off of StillWhite, and it is a designer dress that had already been altered to fit someone with very similar measurements and had a bustle added so it ended up needing no additional alterations for me (I did end up removing some things, like the push-up cups, some shoulder seams that had been shortened, and a belt that had been added, but that was about 45 minutes of careful seam ripping that I was able to do on my own). I got my reception dress brand new with tags still on from Poshmark. It had some minor flaws and was a full size too big on me, but a pretty simple design (silk bias cut slip dress) so I just took it to a tailor and am getting alterations (side seams taken in to fit and hemming) done for under $100.

I’m also in search of a nice dress that is not over $1000. I figured after tax and alterations it will probably end up being closer to $1200. I was surprised to find lots of awesome options on Etsy, but you take a chance since obviously you don’t have the option to try it on before the big day. I made an appt at a bridal store and will try on different styles, if I don’t find something in my price range that I absolutely love I may go the Etsy route. I also reside in Chicago and am going to Laurel Bridal for my first stop. They are on the Northwest side of the city. I also browsed Jade Bridal online and they have some dresses on clearance listed on their website, unfortunately none in my size. I will probably also check out BHLDN. Best of luck!

View Quoted Comment I have seen so many beautiful dresses on Etsy, but I’m worried about ordering one through there. Thanks for the Chicago area tips. Best of luck to you too!!