Gone are the days of traditional (read: expensive) wedding traditions. These days, couples are doing things their own way — and helping out their savings accounts at the same time! With the rise of funky elopements, inexpensive backyard ceremonies, and smaller guest lists, we’re also seeing more stylish and affordable wedding dresses that don’t break the bank. Because your dream dress doesn’t have to cost a small fortune!
Here at GWS, some of our all-time favorite wedding dresses are actually super inexpensive. Even if you’re looking for an affordable wedding dress, that doesn’t mean you want something that looks or feels cheap. It’s totally possible to find high-quality wedding dresses that fit your budget, and we’ve found the best of the best!
From designer gowns under $1, 500 to romantic styles for less than $150, this list includes affordable wedding dresses for every style, budget, and season. We’re also highlighting a few tips and tricks to help you get the most bang for your buck. You won’t find any gatekeeping here…so let’s get into it!
Where To Buy Affordable Wedding Dresses
Green Wedding Shoe’s product selections are curated and/or tested by the editorial team and GWS community. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. Please consider shopping through our links if you would like to support GWS!
What is considered an affordable wedding dress for one soonly-wed may not be considered affordable for another….so instead of assuming that we know what affordable means to you, we reached out to real engaged couples to get their thoughts!
According to the science (aka, our poll of the GWS audience), the majority of couples — 52% to be exact — consider affordable wedding dresses to be under $1, 000. The next largest group (34%) considers any wedding dress that costs less than $2, 000 to be budget-friendly. 11% said that $1, 500 and under is affordable, and the remaining 3% said under $500.
Affordable Wedding Dresses Under 1000 Don't Look Cheap
Based on this data, we’ve included a majority of wedding dresses that cost under $1, 000 for this round-up. But, to accommodate all budgets, we also wanted to highlight our favorite inexpensive dresses from the other price ranges — including designer dresses around $2, 000, as well as stunning gowns under $200!
, and we’re all for staying within your budget without sacrificing your dream celebration! So if you’re not sure whether to save or splurge on your wedding dress for the big day, here’s our pros and cons list to make it a little easier.
GWS Pro Tip: It’s also important to keep your alterations in mind when budgeting for your wedding dress. Alterations can cost anywhere from $150 to $600 — another reason to opt for affordable wedding dresses!
Top Seven Affordable Wedding Dress Styles For 2023
There are no right or wrong answers when it comes to choosing an affordable wedding dress. At the end of the day, it all comes down to your personal must-haves and wedding budget!
The cheapest time of the year to buy wedding dresses is January. The beginning of the year is typically the time when designers and retailers release new collections and discount their previous collections.
Discount) since stores are trying to clear out last season’s inventory to make room for new styles. So mark this month on your calendar ASAP!
Sweetqt Diamond Lace Wedding Dress O Neck Pearls Prom Dress Simple Cheap Wedding Dresses Princess Vintage Wedding Dresses Evening Dress
One word: YES! We found tons of show-stopping affordable wedding dresses for under $500 — proof that a great gown can also be super wallet-friendly.
If you’re looking to spend $500 or less on your dream dress, we suggest shopping at popular online retailers like Lulus and even David’s Bridal. Designer and custom dresses are more expensive, so ready-to-wear options are going to be your best bet. But this doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice sustainability — places like Reformation also have stunning eco-friendly + affordable wedding dresses!
As we mentioned above, minimalist wedding dresses will also be more budget-friendly than gowns with tons of embellishments. The same goes for styles that use materials like satin vs. silk and sequins vs. beading. Design elements like a train or a capelet can also drive up the cost, so when in doubt keep it minimal!
Affordable Wedding Dresses For A Simple Country Wedding
Finding affordable wedding dresses is all about knowing where to look. To help kickstart your shopping journey, here are the best retailers that stock swoon-worthy inexpensive gowns!
Starting from high to low (including a few for under $200!!), here are the best affordable wedding dresses for every budget! Ready to find
If your dream dress is all about whimsical botanical details, fashion-forward silhouettes, and main character energy, then we’ve found your perfect match!
Sale Wedding Dresses
According to 34% of our audience, wedding dresses under $2, 000 are an affordable choice for the big day. And compared to some more inexpensive options, these wedding dresses don’t sacrifice on show-stopping style. Perfect if you’re looking to make a fashion-forward entrance on the big day!
Who said affordable wedding dresses can’t make a statement?! This intricate botanical gown may clock in at under $2000, but those whimsical details are priceless!
You’ll look like a walking bouquet with all-over flower appliqués, complete with the prettiest off-the-shoulder look. And a bonus? The sleeves are actually detachable!
Best Cheap Wedding Dresses That Look Expensive
Wear them for a dreamy ceremony look, then take them off for the dance floor. That’s two looks for one affordable price tag!
And speaking of two looks in one, this affordable wedding dress also works overtime to give you the dramatic outfit change you’ve been dreaming of! Easily remove the floor-sweeping skirt to reveal a fun + flirty mini dress, perfect for the modern babes.
Truly the best of both worlds, this convertible gown gives you the drama of a traditional wedding dress, and the chance to show off your personality (and your legs) for the after-party.
High Street Wedding Dresses 2023
No wedding dress is complete without a stand-out pair of heels to complement the look. Get your Cinderella moment with our ultimate guide to wedding shoes (including a few of our fave pairs)!
Can we just take a moment?! This affordable wedding dress waltzed right out of our wildest dreams and into our bridal fashion hearts. With layers upon layers of frothy tulle and a whimsical metallic floral belt, it’s giving modern fairytale vibes and we couldn’t be more obsessed.
Just picture this floaty beauty for a dreamy mountaintop ceremony or romantic garden venue. Swoon! Plus, this gown is completely handmade, and you can even work with the designer to customize it into your dream dress. That’s called bang for your buck!
Stunning Affordable Wedding Dresses For Every 2023 Bride
Another whimsical winner! This affordable wedding dress oozes dreamy vibes with the dainty floral overlay and sheer flutter sleeves (which, believe it or not, can also be removed!).
The unique, intricate pattern of this affordable wedding dress is seriously TO DIE FOR. We love the look of the detailed overlay on top of the nude fabric…Art Deco vibes, anyone?!
It’s been expertly designed to contour your curves and highlight your figure in allllll the right places — this definitely isn’t your grandmother’s lacy detailing!
Buy Ball Gown Long Sleeve Backless Ivory Wedding Dresses Long Cheap Bridal Dresses Rs655 Online
If you want to look effortlessly sexy on the big day, this is the affordable gown for you. And just wait until you see the open back!!
Did someone say happily ever after?! This fairytale-esque gown is like a storybook love story come to life. I mean, just look at the crystal-encrusted corset bodice and shimmery + sparkly skirt! There’s no doubt you’re the main character with this stunner.
Bonus: this glittering gown is super size-inclusive, with both petite and plus-sizing, and it can be customized with extra length or a mesh bodysuit for additional coverage. There’s a reason David’s Bridal is one of our budget-friendly faves!
Budget Friendly & Affordable Wedding Dresses
Screenshot! Bookmark! Save for later! Yes, this is the gown of your Pinterest dreams, and you’re definitely going to want to remember it.
Featuring hopelessly romantic details, from the botanical appliqués to the sheer sleeves to the floaty tulle skirt, it’s a perfect fit for the most romantic day of your life.
And don’t even get us started on that deep v-neck and sultry back cut-out! Just add some dreamy pearlcore earrings for a look you’ll never forget.
The 13 Best Places To Buy Cheap Wedding Dresses
With 11% of our respondents saying that an affordable wedding dress is one that’s under $1, 500, we wanted to highlight a few of our faves in this price range.
And take our word for it — there are SO many stunning gowns that cost between $1, 000 to $1, 500, including trendy styles, dazzling embellishments, and even some designer picks.
So if you’re looking for affordable wedding dresses and don’t want to be limited by options, this is the best budget for you! Scroll on to see a few of our faves.
Simple, Modern & Minimalist Wedding Dresses
This affordable wedding dress is the definition of pretty in the front, party in the back! It dazzles with head-to-toe beading that reflects the light in every direction — but the true show-stopper is that strappy open back. With so many eye-catching details, that budget friendly price tag seems almost too good to be true!
Prepare to hear all the oohs and ahhs as you make your way down the aisle in this sparkly stunner. You’re definitely going to want to wear your hair up with this one!
Sophistication meets drama with this affordable wedding dress! It feels modern and
