Finding an affordable wedding dress can feel overwhelming when you start browsing bridal shops and see the average price of a dress is over $1,500. But there are plenty of places to shop for budget wedding dresses under $500 or even $200. You just need to know where to look.
Shop Sample Sales
Bridal salons regularly host sample sales to sell off discontinued dresses or dresses they use for try-ons. These dresses are brand new but are deeply discounted, usually up to 75% off retail prices. Call bridal shops in your area and ask when their next sample sale will be held. You can score designer wedding dresses for $500 or less at many sample sales.
Check the Clearance Racks
Department stores like David’s Bridal, BHLDN, and Nordstrom have clearance or sale wedding dress sections. You’ll find past season dresses marked down 30-60% off. Popular places to browse clearance wedding dresses include:
- David’s Bridal
- BHLDN
- Nordstrom/Nordstrom Rack
- J.Crew
- Asos
Keep an eye out right after the new year when stores start clearing out last season’s inventory to make room for new styles.
Shop Online Stores & Rental Sites
Skip the bridal salon and browse affordable wedding dresses online. Many sites offer deep discounts on new and preowned dresses. Consider shopping at these online destinations for budget-friendly wedding dresses:
Etsy
Etsy sellers offer handmade, custom, and vintage wedding dresses often priced under $500. You can find beautiful boho gowns, lace dresses, and other unique styles. Make sure to check reviews and shop sellers with a history of positive feedback.
Amazon
Amazon has a surprisingly good selection of wedding dresses under $200. Brands like Calvin Klein, Tadashi Shoji, and Adrianna Papell sell dresses on Amazon. You can also find highly rated lace gowns from Amazon’s in-house fashion brands.
Preowned Sites
Buy secondhand wedding dresses at a fraction of the original price. Popular preowned wedding dress sites include StillWhite, Nearly Newlywed, PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, and Tradesy. You can find designer gowns gently used for under $500.
Rent The Runway
Rent designer wedding dresses for as low as $30 for 4 days. Rent the Runway has options from Badgley Mischka, Marchesa, Nicole Miller and more. Rental is also better for sustainable brides.
Other Places to Find Cheap Wedding Dresses
If you have more time than money, consider some other wallet-friendly places to shop for your dream dress on a budget:
Vintage & Consignment Shops
Look for previously worn vintage wedding gowns at secondhand and consignment stores. You can often find dresses from decades past in great condition for under $200.
Trunk Shows
Some bridal designers host traveling trunk shows where you can try on discounted sample sizes. Call your local bridal shops to ask if any trunk shows are scheduled and when.
eBay
eBay has new and preowned wedding dresses at huge discounts. Just be sure to check the seller’s reviews before purchasing. Some brides have lucked out finding never worn dresses here.
China Wholesalers
Order custom-made wedding dresses wholesale direct from Chinese designers and manufacturers. Dresses can cost as little as $100-200. But beware of potential fit and quality issues.
Tips for Finding Cheap Wedding Dresses
Keep these extra tips in mind when shopping for an affordable wedding gown:
- Look at bridesmaid dresses which are typically less expensive
- Avoid peak wedding season from April-October when dress prices are higher
- Ask about payment plans to spread out costs over time
- Be open to different styles and silhouettes
- Consider a short wedding dress rather than a costly cathedral length train
Don’t feel like you have to overspend to get your dream dress. Focus on finding a gown that makes you feel beautiful without breaking the bank. With so many places to buy budget wedding dresses today, you’re sure to find something perfect within your price range.
