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.
Modcloth
Asos Bridal
Yes, Asos has a bridal section (who knew?) and yes, the same easy free returns policy also applies to the brand's wedding collection. Styles range from minimalist to romantic and include a few Asos Curve options. Our favorite features a metallic lace overlay with a low cut, button-up back. 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.
BHLDN
Born as the bridal extension of Anthropologie, BHLDN has steadily expanded to encompass everything wedding from dress to décor. Big day gowns and reception dresses are joined by a build-your-own-look shop featuring wedding separates. As a bonus, the romantic brand is currently running its biggest sale of the year, with already affordable gowns now starting at $350 and more casual options starting at $100.
Bona Drag
This excellent online boutique has a dedicated "Ceremonial Collection" with a number of options perfect for a bride with vintage-leaning taste. Dresses range from fairly traditional (a bias-cut lace gown by With Hearts in My Eyes, $450) to fully free-spirit (a ruffled, marble-print Zimmerman gown decked out with gold chain detailing for $780 marked down from $2,600).
Dreamers & Lovers
The tagline at this California-based shop is "for the laid-back bride" and you'll find, fittingly, a collection of slinky boho styles. Several beautiful gowns cost upwards of a grand, but there are also over a dozen in the $500 to $1000 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 CA, the boutique will ship you a sample size closest to your measurements.
FP Ever After
FP Ever After
Much to the delight of bohemian brides everywhere, Free People launched wedding dresses last year. The bridal collection has all the vintage-inspired lace, loose-fitting boho gowns, and alternative options like jumpsuits you'd expect from the label (with several new pieces released just a few weeks ago), but the prices hit a surprising range — starting at $375 for a tiered maxi dress.
J.Crew
J.Crew's bridal line does a nice job straddling the line between modern and traditional. Most dresses, which come in familiar shapes like column and trumpet, can be had for under $1,000, starting at $550 for a 1940s-inspired Grecian gown. There's also an impressive selection of non-dress bridal options, too, like a crepe jumpsuit and a range of mix-and-match bridal separates, including a silver polka dot tulle skirt.
Kite & Butterfly
There are plenty of ethereal options starting at $500 from this Hollywood-based line. 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.
Lace & Liberty
San Francisco-based bridal separates collection Lace & Liberty is probably the most affordable source for a completely custom gown. With over 20 individual pieces to choose from starting at $150 for a gorgeous lace bridal topper and capping 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.
Missbrided
Mara Hoffman
While some items in this modern boho designer's bridal line pass the $1,000 mark, there are always a few pieces at three digits. The current selection includes two pretty looks with unexpected fringe detailing for $750 each, plus five slightly more relaxed options for under $400 (including a few styles on sale).
Missbrided
Inexpensive cool-girl brand Missguided just launched a bridal collection cheekily named "Missbrided," and it's stocked with several affordable and on-trend dresses for brides, bridesmaids, and wedding guests. Gowns range from an open back, long-sleeved maxi dress for $60 to a geometric, embellished number with a plunging neckline for $255.
Modcloth
The online retailer beloved for great vintage-inspired dresses launched a bridal attire this past March. The 30-piece collection (which includes several cute tea-length options, classic gowns, as well as funkier looks) is wonderfully affordable, with prices ranging from $175 to $450. The site is also a great stop for bridesmaid dresses (which start at $70) and accessories.
Needle & Thread for Net-a-Porter
Net-a-Porter has launched its very first bridal collaboration with British brand Needle & Thread and, surprisingly, most of the collection is well under $1,000. The collection starts at $210 for a tulle skirt, and there are three dress options under $800.
Reformation
Eco-conscious, made-in-LA super-brand Reformation uses materials like surplus silk (that would otherwise gone to the landfill) for a collection that includes a handful of wedding day options for less than $600. Styles include a floor-length georgette maxi with a ruffle-edged bodice and criss-crossed spaghetti straps in back for $388 and a lace wrap dress with a deep v-neck for $488.
Self Portrait
Saja Wedding
Based in New York, designer Yoo Lee does softly romantic styles in traditional silhouettes, with a selection of dresses priced around $950. Each has elegantly modern design details, like a racerback on a chiffon dress with a plunging front.
Shareen
Shareen is known for vintage, but the boutique has its own line, too, including bridal. Silhouettes are on the classic side here, with a bias-cut slip style and a flattering wrap front with a halter top among the timeless picks.
Self Portrait
London-based label Self Portrait launched bridal for spring/ summer 2016, and though the collection features several fresh, feminine dresses for a under $1000, that's not where the options end. The brand's ready-to-wear line also includes a number of wedding day–worthy dresses, from short, lacy styles to off-the-shoulder maxi dresses. Shop the online boutique or look for the brand at online retailers like Net-A-Porter.
Stone Cold Fox
Stone Cold Fox (not to be confused with Stone Fox Bride, below) has sexy, Western tilt to its bridal selection. Off-the-shoulder is a common theme in the gowns from this made-in-LA brand, which also has a number of pretty bridesmaids options. You'll find dresses starting around $300, with most coming in at a budget-friendly $550.
Stone Fox Bride Vintage
After ogling the multi-thousand dollar gowns at this cool and modern bridal shop, take a peek at the vintage selection for a small but well-curated handful of more affordable options. Among the finds are an ivory silk gown dating back to the late 1930s and an Edwardian tea-length style for $400.
Love weddings? Follow our Pinterest board:
Follow Racked's board All About Weddings on Pinterest.