Budget Friendly Wedding Dress (?)

What exactly is your budget? I just ask because different things are "expensive" to different people.

My budget was $500 but I was hoping to keep it well under that... I felt the same you do, it gets worn once, don't spend a fortune! I went to David's Bridal and tried on a bunch of the $99 dresses... honestly, they are not great quality, most were a little see-through and you could see the seams and stuff...

One dress that I LOVED was $1200 but I refused to spend that. The dress I ended up getting was $550 (it was a $1100 dress but on clearance for 50% off) so I broke my budget by $50, but not bad all things considered.

You have to remember even though you only wear it once, it is in your photos FOREVER so just keep that in mind, and focus on that rather than the fact that it'll only get physically worn once.

Right now David's Bridal is having a pretty good sale with some beautiful dress for great prices. Check Azazzie or Cocomelody too.

I bought my dress at JJsHouse.com and I'm in love with it. $200!! There are tons of dresses to choose from. I'm having my alterations done at the end of October.

This one isn’t too straightforward to answer really. I think a good starting point is setting a budget you’re happy with and not looking at dresses outside of that (unless they’re about 10-15% more at most and you’d be able to afford them if they were to go on sale).


I considered buying second hand but after buying my wedding dress (brand new) I wouldn’t buy second hand unless you can try it on. Some dresses were one size down than what I usually am and I fit into the samples because they were stretchy, while others were a size up and I would’ve burst the seams of if I pulled them up past my thighs! Measurements are one thing but fabrics will change how those measurements actually fit on a body.
Have you considered renting a dress instead? I didn’t do this myself (I have big boobs that are not gravity defying (sadly!) so I passed on a rental because I will need a lot of custom alterations to put some corset style bonding into my dress) but it is something that might work for you! And this way you don’t need to worry about dry cleaning the dress later on either.

Sorry the pics didnt take the 1st time 🤦‍♀️😂

Bridesmaid dresses come in white and are a fraction of the price of wedding dresses. Another idea is to look at local dept stores.

You could try to go for evening or prom gowns or any other gown in white. Literally so many things are bridal when they’re in white or ivory. And they would cost a fraction of a wedding gown just because they’re not technically a wedding gown

Agree with PP. My elopement gown was considered bridal, cocktail, prom. David's Bridal had it on sale from 500 to 400. I was offered another 10% off and then they used a 20 dollar coupon since it qualified as cocktail

Cocomelody, Stillwhite, Preownedweddingdress, Asos

I purchased my wedding dress on Azazie.com, they had an affordable selection of wedding dresses you get to try on in the comforts of your own home, and if you fall for that dress you can get it custom sized to fit your exact measurements, and some dresses also come in different colors.

In Chicago where I am I tried sample stores - which are sort of used but I went to 2 different ones. Fell in love with one but I didn’t buy because it was too small. So if you buy, make sure it fits or check return policy.

I got my ceremony and reception dresses from David’s Bridal. You can get some good stuff sometimes.

There are tons of shops selling beautiful dresses at great prices! I’d start looking for those sample stores (the Midwest has Luxe Redux) where they sell sample dresses so you walk out with it that very day and they’re designer dresses at a huge discount. You can still have the full dress shopping experience (if wanted) and come out with a cost-friendly dress. Many of my friends have gotten their dresses there for under $1,000 and they have some even cheaper than that.

Azazie has some beautiful affordable options. They also have a rent before you buy option (last I paid attention this was currently halted due to COVID).


I also highly suggest David’s Bridal and looking at their clearance wall. I had picked out 2 dresses online at Azazie but at the time they didn’t have my size available to rent. I went to DB just to try on a few and see what style I liked better. And then I found THE dress in the $99 section.
I’d also like to point out the more there is to the dress the more it’s naturally going to cost. Dress with lots of layers/poof (ball gown) and beadwork are going to set you back much more than a simpler style (A-line).
Also, trying to find a dress that fits great as-is would be a good goal. I may end up paying more for alterations than I did my dress.

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Great advice!

I haven't made up my mind entirely on what I can spend on a dress. I think my maximum is $1000, and that would be pushing it. Honestly the cheaper, the better in my opinion. So you got your dress at David's Bridal?

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Thank you! Good suggestion!

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In your experience, is it best to size UP, or aim for your exact size with dresses? Especially with purchasing online - I'm concerned about that aspect of wedding dress shopping.

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I had not considered dress rentals! That's a fabulous idea. Everyone has given such good ideas, now I feel like there are a million options!

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The dress looks AMAZING!

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Good advice about the type of dress! Thank goodness that I actually love the look of an A-line!

Plus there's the added benefit that I won't need to worry about having a trimmed down tummy and can eat all of the yummies I want.