For some people, the the sky is the limit when it comes to shelling out money for the perfect wedding dress. But for most others, the more realistic reality is that the budget for your dream gown isn't unlimited. So finding the piece that makes you look and feel your best (but does't make you go completely bankrupt) can require some serious commitment and creativity.
However, you'll be surprised to find just how many incredible options are available that don't even break the $1,000 mark. Ahead, we compiled 31 picks we can't get enough of that you won't believe fall in a lower price bracket. Click on to see the gowns that deliver in both style and affordability — and prepare to be impressed.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. The product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
A gorgeously simple floor-skimming sheath with a dipped back and barely-there straps for added elegance.
H&M Wedding Dress, $, available at H&MThis simple silhouette is giving us serious princess vibes, thanks to a floaty tulle fabrication and a subtle, celestial print.
Anthropologie Brenda Dress, $, available at AnthropologieFounded by a former Sachin & Babi director, Coyan’s inclusively-sized offerings are some of the most sumptuous-yet-simple formal gowns we’ve seen this year. Made from heavyweight silk and accented with subtle modern details, the line offers four elegant silhouettes in sizes 0 - 24.
Coyan Dua Dress in Ivory, $, available at CoyanA plunging neckline gives this lace-kissed number a little edge — perfect if you’ve got your eye on a sentimental, dainty necklace or shoulder-skimming earrings.
Tadashi Shoji Tulle Lace A-Line Gown, $, available at NordstromVa-va-voom! Give your City Hall wedding look a dose of ’80s flair with this plunging, figure-hugging frock.
Ronny Kobo Astrid Dress, $, available at Free PeopleAre you preparing to go the simple and elegant route with a simple white slipdress? We are for this look, and no one does it better than Nili Lotan.
Nili Lotan Cami Gown in Ivory, $, available at RevolveDoes it surprise you one bit to know that there are enviously cute wedding frocks to be found on Amazon? Reviewers called this top-rated dress “worth every penny and more”, claiming that it looks “sooo expensive” and was “perfect” on their big day. At under $95 and coming in sizes 0 - 26W, this pretty tea-length frock might be the ultimate hidden gem.
Lulus Adley White Lace Three-Quarter Backless Maxi Dress, $, available at LulusThe sleekest, most classic silhouette we can image, with subtle beading at the bodice for added shine.
Sachin + Babi Leighton Dress, $, available at BHLDNThis tea-length Marchesa Notte gown is a legit steal at under $400 — in a sweeter-than-sweet a-line silhouette for the vintage-loving bride.
Marchesa Notte Sleeveless Textured Tulle Tea Length Gown, $, available at ShopbopThis mod, lace-adorned lil’ mini is irresistibly nostalgic while still maintaining modern edge.
Reformation Carraway Dress, $, available at ReformationA luxe-looking open-back maxi dress that boasts stunning voluminous sleeves and a floor-skimming hemline — along with the jaw-dropping price tag of $150.
ASOS EDITION Kimono Plunge Back Maxi Wedding Dress, $, available at ASOSWhy not rent your wedding dress and save every penny of your wedding fund for food, festivities, and (Air) France tickets? This cap-sleeve beauty will look perfect as you walk down the aisle, and clocks in at a fraction of the full retail cost on Rent the Runway.
Nha Khanh Amber Gown, $, available at Nha KhanhNew-on-the-scene wedding brand Floravere wowed us with this floor-length creation, inset with lace panels to give the simple slip silhouette some complexity and edge.
Floravere N. Simone, $, available at FloravereAdd jeweled accessories to this lacy illusion-neckline confection for maximum princess vibes.
Torrid Lace Off Shoulder Fit and Flare Wedding Dress, $, available at TorridThis delicate, lacy confection has enough sweet detail to get totally lost in, and a completely sheer back for the adventurous bride.
Alex Veil Bridal Gloria Lace Wedding Dress, $, available at EtsyA classic ballgown silhouette is far from traditional thanks to a plunging, off-the-shoulder neckline.
David's Bridal Off Shoulder Satin Gown Plus Size Wedding Dress, $, available at David's BridalFrom Self-Portrait’s exclusive bridal collaboration with Net-a-Porter comes a fashion-meets-tradition option for brides looking for something a little different.
Self Portrait Cold-shoulder ruffled pleated chiffon gown, $, available at Net-A-PorterA wide belt detail and voluminous tiered skirt gives this Fame & Partners dress a modern, Scandi-cool vibe.
Fame & Partners Gathered Belted Gown, $, available at Fame & PartnersThis simple, tea-length sheath would stun at a midday garden wedding.
Nina Ricci Lace Sheath Dress, $, available at YooxWe don’t know which “wow” factor is compelling — the immaculate tailoring and tonal floral appliques or the 85% off price tag of this originally $4,000 Roland Mouret gown.
Roland Mouret Gildin off-the-shoulder pleated fil coupé organza gown, $, available at The OutnetThinking about veering slightly off-course with a very off-white look? This blush-colored gown has enough presence to remind everyone that it’s still very much your special day.
Topshop Mink Long Mesh Ruffle Dress Lace & Beads, $, available at TopshopA super-structured, edgy long-sleeved gown boasting cutouts that give way to an open mid-back — strictly for the coolest bride you know.
Saks Fifth Avenue Gabriela High-Neck Cutout Dress, $, available at Saks Fifth AvenueThis plus-size couldn’t be simpler, with a fitted head-to-toe silhouette that will flatter every curve.
NOEL AND JEAN BY KATIE MAY Alpha Off the Shoulder Dress, $, available at NordstromWith a dreamy lace overlay and a timeless, princess-like silhouette, this steal of an Etsy dress is legitimate fairy-tale material.
Baby Doll Shop Three-Quarter Sleeve Boho Wedding Dress, $, available at EtsyAffordable bridal emporium Dessy makes everything but wedding dresses, and is a great resource for reasonably-priced bridesmaids’ dresses. However, we don’t think anyone will be the wiser if you snag this chiffon cap-sleeve Jenny Packham to wear it as you walk down the aisle.
Jenny Packham Sheer Cap Sleeve Wedding Dress, $, available at DessyThis top-rated Jenny by Jenny Yoo gown is exclusive to BHLDN — and with 4.8 stars and 26 thrilled customer reviews, we’re surprised it’s still available.
Jenny By Jenny Yoo Jenny by Jenny Yoo Octavia Gown, $, available at BHLDNThe illusion of a separate crop top gives this lacy plus-size wedding dress major cool points.
ASOS DESIGN Curve lace long sleeve crop top maxi wedding dress, $, available at ASOSA sweetly simple — but still slightly daring — boho number from Lulu’s clocks in at a reasonable $74.
Lulus I'm All Yours Cream Ruffled Maxi Dress, $, available at LulusA dose of ‘70s detail — including a plunging neckline and lacy sheer bishop sleeves — make this peekaboo chiffon number a seriously cool option.
Lala Mira Long Sleeves Deep V Neck With Tulle Wedding Dresses, $, available at LaLa MiraWe were stunned and enchanted by the ultra-low back on this otherwise classic, demure cap-sleeve gown — we bet your groom and guests will be, too.
Cocomelody Cap Sleeve Scoop Back Wedding Dress, $, available at Cocomelody
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