For more of the Cut’s favorite fashion, beauty, and home finds, sign up for the weekly Cut Shop Newsletter.
People are asking where can they find the best affordable wedding dresses — $2,000 is a lot to spend on a dress you’ll only wear once. And since the chances of getting invited to the Met Gala and rewearing the dress are quite slim, just think of what that money could go toward instead.
No matter what your wedding looks like, you still need a dress or, at the very least, something fancy and fun to commemorate the occasion.
What should you keep in mind when purchasing an affordable wedding dress?
Besides the price? How nice the dress actually is and if it fits your personal style and overall wedding plans. Lundyn Carter, co-founder of wedding-dress rental boutique Laine London, explains that both where you’re getting married and what your plans are for the big day are key.
If you want to spend the night dancing, Carter recommends breathable fabrics that let you move around. A mermaid dress might look great on the ’gram, but it’s no use if you can only move two inches. However, if you’re really committed to that mermaid gown, Carter recommends the option of a second dress, which is getting more popular, as destination weddings make their big return.
To help you look like a million bucks without spending it, we’ve rounded up the best places to shop for wedding dresses at every price point.
Best Wedding Dresses Under $200
It’s possible. Even the stars have wed in affordable ensembles — see Emily Ratajkowski’s yellow wedding suit from Zara. A woman on TikTok even went viral for her $30 Shein gown. You can try your hand on the Zara sales floor, or you can consider perusing the brands with under-$200 options below.
Lulu’s
You won’t find anything over $500 here; even its “Luxe Bridal” collection with more intricate silhouettes and designs falls in the $200 to $300 range. There are reviews on most dresses if you’re still iffy about buying a very affordable wedding dress online. This minimal maxi dress already has thousands of five-star reviews and customer photos that assure us that the dress is the perfect fit in the right places and comfy enough to wear and dance in all day.
Available in sizes XXS to 3X.
David’s Bridal
David’s Bridal runs the gamut, so you’ll find prices as low as $70 on sale and as high as $1,500, but there are tons of options under the $200 mark. You’ll find a variety of styles, from super-simple to ruffled, lacy, and beaded.
Available in sizes XS to 5X.
ASOS
Yes, ASOS offers more than jeans and trendy summer dresses. It has quite a few bridal options too. Nothing is over $600, with lots of under-$200 options, including tall, petite, and plus. It’s very likely you can stock up on all your wedding gear here and even throw in a few outfits for the honeymoon.
Available in sizes 12 to 26.
Rent the Runway
Or you can rent a dress, which is far cheaper than actually buying it. Save yourself the money and closet space by renting for a fraction of the sales price. The options for super-fancy white gowns are limited, but there are plenty of white and off-white dresses, jumpsuits, and separates. Just be sure to secure your rental ahead of time to avoid any mishaps.
Available in sizes 0 to 22.
Best Wedding Dresses Under $500
This is kind of a sweet spot when it comes to shopping for dresses online. Even the aforementioned sites have tons of options in this price range. If you’re willing to pay a little more, here’s where to look.
Reformation
Reformation, the brand known for its “slutty wallpaper” wedding-guest dresses, makes pretty dresses for all of your bridal occasions — even a city-hall wedding. Go to it for the simple silhouettes and sustainability. Most of its white dresses are available in other colors and patterns. Sizes are available in up to 3X, but there aren’t as many options as sizes go up.
Available in sizes 0 to 3X.
Watters
Watters is a bridal staple offering very pretty and fun options that are mostly under $1,000, but you can still find something good for under $500. There are lots of short dresses for less formal city-hall weddings or any other pre- or post-wedding occasion where you might need a white dress.
Available in sizes 00 to 14.
Revolve
A quick search of the site will bring up plenty of bridal-worthy gowns on the sexier side — think slits, low cuts, and spaghetti straps. Under $500, there’s a decent selection of white and off-white gowns and dresses, so you’re likely to find a favorite without breaking your budget.
Available in sizes XXS to XXL.
Amsale
No list is complete without Amsale thanks to its timeless and understated bridal options. One of its dresses will usually set you back a few thousand dollars, but fortunately, the brand’s ready-to-ship little white dresses will only set you back a few hundred, and they’re just as stunning.
Available in sizes 00 to 28.
Cocomelody
This online favorite has a good range of dresses under $500 with more intricate silhouettes and patterns. In short, it’s not for the minimalist. It even has shades of white, black, and pretty pink. This is another site with a handful of reviews for those of you who need a second opinion. Dresses go up to size 28, and there are custom sizes available. However, from size 14 on, it adds on fees of up to $200.
Available in sizes 0 to 28.
Best Wedding Dresses Under $1,000
You have money and you’re not afraid to spend it. There are more than enough dresses for you to shop in this range.
BHLDN
BHLDN is a sister site to Anthropologie, offering both its own brand and a handful of other bridal favorites, like Tadashi Shoji, Watters, and Willowby. Some of these options are going to be a little over the $1,000 mark, but they’re worth the splurge.
Available in sizes 0 to 16.
Sachin & Babi
You can shop Sachin & Babi at a few of the retailers on this list or directly from the source. Here you’ll find classic, very pretty silhouettes and dresses with the tiniest jeweled details, bows, and appliqués.
Available in sizes 0 to 18.
Neiman Marcus
Department stores are an obvious place to look, and while some might not have a dedicated area for wedding dresses, a quick search of “bridal” will bring up everything you need to look for. Neiman Marcus in particular carries white dresses from brands like Badgley Mischka, Bronx and Banco, and Halston. So with a little browsing, you’ll find a few gowns and dresses that are less traditional.
Sizing varies with select styles available in sizes 0 to 3X.
Saks Fifth Avenue
Prices and styles will vary a lot here, but you’ll still be able to find something within your budget. And by vary a lot, we mean you can get a tea-length tulle dress or find a layered chiffon gown a few pages over. With bridal favorites like ML Monique Lhuillier, Tadashi Shoji, Amsale, and THEIA, you’ve got options!
Available in sizes S to XL.
The Outnet
We love a good designer deal, and the Outnet has plenty. Here you’ll find discounted brands like Jenny Packham, Halston, Ellery, and more. Dresses here are a little less traditional, but you’re bound to find something within budget and fun.
Available in sizes 0 to 16.
Jenny Yoo
Another bridal staple. You’ve probably worn one of Jenny Yoo’s dresses already as a bridesmaid, and the brand’s bridal is just as good. Some of these modern dresses will set you back a bit more than $1000 (sorry), but the gowns are totally worth it. Again, you can still find some simple and chic options under budget, but if you want to go all out with appliqués and lace, prepare to pay another few hundred dollars.
Available in sizes 0 to 18.
Molly Goddard
For offbeat silhouettes, London-based Molly Goddard is worth checking out. Some of the dresses will bring you over the $1,000 mark, but they’re perfect for the very nontraditional bride. Dresses are made in England and crafted from Italian taffeta. The brand offers a handful of voluminous veils in your standard ivory and a few colors for the bold bride, including coral and blue. Feeling even bolder? Opt for the tulle bolero too.
Available in U.K. sizes 6 to 20.
Laine London
If you want to rent with way more options, look no further than Laine London. The dresses will set you back a bit, but compared to buying a new gown, you’ll save a lot. The boutique offers plenty of options and pictures of real brides in almost all of its dresses. One of the perks of its services is tailoring, so even though you’re just borrowing the dress, you can still have the perfect fit on your big day.
Available in sizes 2 to 32.
Mara Hoffman
It’s no surprise that the brand responsible for your favorite wedding-guest dress has some cute bridal looks. Mara Hoffman’s dresses are definitely less than traditional, but if you want artsy and fun, this is where to look. You won’t find any tulle and gowns here. There are lots of midi-length dresses and sets with fun appliques and florals. Sizes vary with some styles available in up to 20 or 3X.
Available in sizes 00 to 12.
