Affordable Wedding Dress Alternatives

The hunt for your wedding dress is probably one of the first things you started after you got the ring. Because, unless you get to go to the Oscars every year, your wedding gown will be the most elegant dress you’ll ever get to wear! So, it’s exciting to find the perfect one! But you’ve probably found that these elegant dresses come at an elegant cost too…

Then it starts to set in that you’re only going to wear this dress once in your life … and you also have to pay for alterations … so, is it really worth to drop a few thousand dollars on one?

That’s okay. You’re definitely not the only one who’s considered purchasing some sort of alternative that won’t cost a fortune. That’s why we’ve discovered a selection of dresses and resources for you that might be a life saver:

BHLDN

If you like Anthropologie, you’ll be obsessed with their bridal line BHLDN. Ranging from $240 to $4,000, you’re sure to find a dress from their wide selection no matter what your style and budget might be – from traditional, to vintage, boho, and beyond. While you’re at it, you can also browse their adorable bridal accessories, wedding décor, bridesmaid gifts, and more!

Rent a Dress

Remember how we mentioned that you’re only going to wear your wedding dress once in your life? That’s why it’s amazingly convenient that Borrowing Magnolia will let you rent out a designer dress at a much lower price than purchasing - although, you have the option to purchase too! Fill out a short questionnaire about your size and fit, and the site will match you with a collection of dresses that should be a good fit for your body type. Then, select a dress, try it on at home, and say “yes” to the most relaxed way to wedding dress shop ever.

Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses

Rather than letting their wedding dresses sit in the back corner of a closet for decades, thousands of women around the world are choosing to sell their wedding dresses online and make a little post-wedding cash. If you're okay with wearing a dress that’s been worn before, you can browse through sites like Still White, Once Wed, or Nearly Newlywed to find designer wedding dresses at a fraction of their retail value!

Keep in mind that these dresses have most likely been altered to fit the former bride’s body, so you might have to put the dress through more alternations than usual to make sure it's a great fit on you.

Lulu’s

First of all, Lulu’s is a great site for getting an affordable price on any trendy clothing! So we’re in love with the fact that they have a selection of long, white dresses too. What’s even better is that most of these dresses are under $100!

Etsy

If only you had a friend who was an awesome seamstress and could whip up a wedding dress for you… You do. In the world of Etsy, anything is possible! There are a number of vendors on Etsy selling wedding dresses – almost all of which are under $1,000. Just remember that they might not be the best quality, considering they aren’t coming from actual designers. Use the ‘Ask a question’ feature to communicate with a seller if you have any doubts! 

Azazie

We love Azazie for being one of the best online sellers for bridesmaid dresses. That’s why we’re thrilled they’ve launched a couple of wedding dress collections too – all under $800. And if you’re worrying about getting your dress from an online retailer, don’t. This site makes it super simple by allowing you to order swatches and even allowing you to select three dresses to try on at home (that they’ll ship for free both ways) for only $15.

Separates

Pairing a wedding skirt with a bridal crop-top or leotard is a fashion-forward way to save money on your wedding day attire. Even designer separates usually only cost a couple hundred dollars for each piece! Plus, you get the added bonus of getting to mix and match a special pairing that’s unique to YOU!

There are so many factors that make wedding planning stressful, but the level of awesome you’re going to look on your wedding day shouldn’t be one of them! Don’t let overpriced designer dresses get you down. You can totally rock some unconventional attire and still be the most radiant one in the room!