Your Wedding Dress Doesn't Need to Break the Bank (2024)

Getting ready for your big day is stressful enough, so we've done all the research on where to buy cheap wedding dresses that don't sacrifice style so you don't have to shell out a whole paycheck (or more) on the gown you'll probably only wear once. According to a survey conducted across 12,000 couples who got married in 2022 by The Knot, the average amount spent on a wedding gown is around $1,900. Whew. So, it's unsurprising more and more brides are searching for affordable wedding dresses for their walk down the aisle. What you spend is completely up to you, of course —it's your day, after all —but if you are looking to save a little money, you're in luck. More retailers and labels than ever are offering affordable options that make you look like a million bucks.

We've rounded up some of our favorite places to shop for wedding dresses online with myriad options priced below $2,000 (the benchmark we're using for this roundup) to make finding your dream gown a breeze. There's more to choose from than you might think, including brands that prioritize inclusive size ranges (as they should) and propose special deals through online sample sales and rental choices.

Even if you're on the tightest of budgets, you deserve to say "yes" to the dress for your dream wedding. Read on for some of the very best places to snag the dress of your dreams and have plenty of money left over to put towards your honeymoon, down payment, kid's college tuition fund, or whatever else life throws at you.

[Editor's note: The size ranges listed below are the widest ranges available sitewide and may not represent the sizes available of the dresses in this article.]

ASOS

Why We Love It: While you may know ASOS as your favorite online retailer for easy-to-wear tees and tried-and-true jeans, the British e-tailer also has an in-house bridal line — not to mention plenty of wedding dress options from other brands. Most of the gowns (whether they're deep-plunge maxis, halter midis, or sequined shift dresses) fall in the under-$300 range, with many priced even more nicely under $200. Can you feel the lace — err, love — tonight? The trendy shop also offers accessories and lingerie to pair with your perfect dress.

Bridal Aesthetics: Garden weddings, city hall brides, traditional ceremonies

Sizes: 0 to 24

Price range: Starts at $58

Lulus

Why We Love It: You might've already ordered basics from fast-fashion site Lulus, but did you know that the brand has its own label of wedding dresses? They start at as low as $40 for a sweetheart neckline gown with a general slit, and never reach more than $530. The Captured Your Heart dress ($99), with its halter neckline and fit and flare silhouette, is easily one of our favorite double-digit picks. The site offers all types of clothing so you can even order bridesmaid dresses and honeymoon clothes in one fell swoop.

Bridal Aesthetic: Glam, intimate venues, traditional ceremonies, plunging necklines

Sizes: XXS to 3X

Price range: Starts at $40

Revolve

Why We Love It: You may know Revolve as a source for obsession-worthy skin care or covetable fashion, but did you know the beloved retailer has a bridal section as well? Nothing about it is explicitly bridal, but that's all the better for your budget. We've spotted a slew of options that would be perfect for a non-traditional ceremony or a rehearsal dinner; the aptly-named Did It My Way Dress from BB Dakota is just $119, and we can't stop picturing it at a sweet, rustic-themed wedding.

Bridal Aesthetics: Whimsical brides, city hall brides, garden weddings

Sizes: XXS to XXL

Price range: Starts at $85

Nordstrom

Why We Love It: Wedding dress shopping is so deeply personal. Some want a "traditional" wedding gown with a huge train (we'll never forget Priyanka Chopra's epic one) but others aren't necessarily looking for a bunch of frills. If you're willing to dip into the formal/co*cktail dress sections of department stores, you could end up saving a lot of money you can use elsewhere in the pricey venture that is wedding planning.

That's where Nordstrom, for example, steps in. Truthfully they don't have a lot of wedding dresses per se, but the formidable retailer has a wide array of formal white dresses that are perfect for a low-key ceremony or reception. The Mac Duggal Rosette Chiffon Cutout Gown adds the right amount of feminine, formal-feeling flair with its gauzy fabric and silhouette — and it can be yours for under $600.

Bridal Aesthetics: City hall brides, intimate venues, simple ceremonies

Sizes: 00 to 4X

Price range: Starts at $80

Shopbop

Why We Love It: Shopbop is chockfull of designer goodies (clothing, shoes, accessories — you name it), but little might you know that the e-tailer has a small wedding boutique filled with minimalist yet chic gowns like the Black Halo Kacie two-piece maxi set ($415). Perfect for a beach wedding, the trendy boned bodice, waist cutouts, and puff sleeve details will make you feel like a goddess on your special day.

Bridal Aesthetics: City hall brides, short wedding dresses, intimate ceremonies

Sizes: 00 to 3XL

Price range: Starts at $32

Rent the Runway

Why We Love It: Rent the Runway earned success as the best place to get a gown as a wedding guest, but the company now has a slew of dresses designated specifically for the bride to find the perfect dress to rent for the big day. You can find floor-length gowns, mini dresses, and everything in between that are suitable for a rehearsal, ceremony, or reception.

Bridal Aesthetics: Garden weddings, whimsical brides, traditional ceremonies, city hall brides, beach and destination weddings

Sizes: 0 to 22

Price range: Starts at $30 for one-time rentals or starts at $69/month for multi-item memberships

Macy's

Why We Love It: Remember shopping for your prom dresses at Macy's? Well, the department store has range, so you might want to consider browsing their wedding dress selection. Calvin Klein's High-Low A-Line Gown ($299) is the epitome of classic style and the high-low hem makes busting it out on the dance floor that much easier and more comfortable. After all, if you only wear one dress for the ceremony and reception, that's big bucks saved.

Bridal Aesthetics: Classic brides, minimalist brides, destination weddings, intimate ceremonies

Sizes: 0 to 5X

Price range: Starts at $139

Saks Fifth Avenue

Why We Love It: On the more luxe scale of the list is Saks Fifth Avenue's array of oh-so-chic, high-quality bridal gowns for your wedding day (or your bridal shower). Choose from vintage-inspired minidresses that'll wow the crowd at city hall, or sleeveless, draped wrap gowns for your beach ceremony. From lace overlays to bow appliques, there's something here for everyone—and most of it is well under $2,000.

Bridal Aesthetics: Minimalist brides, modern brides, traditional ceremonies, romantic brides

Sizes: 00 to 18

Price Range: Starting from $63

Show Me Your Mumu

Why We Love It: If you err on the bohemian-inspired side of Pinterest/Instagram, then meet Show Me Your Mumu. Specializing in all things boho, the site has tons of flowy maxi dresses that you can totally imagine yourself walking down the aisle in. Best of all, most prices fall in the low triple digits, like the pictured Rome Twist Gown ($198). Who can go wrong with flutter sleeves, a dramatic v-neck, and an empire fixed waist? Certainly not you.

Bridal Aesthetics: Minimalist brides, destination weddings, romantic brides

Sizes: XXS to 3X

Price range: Starts at $98

Torrid

Why We Love It: Torrid has made a name for itself in the realm of trendy but affordable clothing for plus-size people. Its wedding shop, like the rest of the brand's offerings, is tailored towards brides between sizes 10 to 30. The Ivory Lace Short Sleeve Fit & Flare Wedding Dress ($198) has us swooning in particular thanks to a scoop back and gentle train that looks beautiful coming and going.

Bridal Aesthetics: Traditional ceremonies, romantic brides, garden weddings

Sizes: 10 to 30

Price range: Starts at $198

Azazie

Why We Love It: Azazie's most expensive wedding dress costs $1,059 out of nearly 300 dresses (at the time of writing) that span dramatic ball gowns, sexy slips, and so much more — is that not impressive? Well, they also offer a handy at-home try-on system that will only run you $10 (for bridesmaids and mother-of-the-bride dresses) or $15 (wedding gowns) with free shipping and returns. From there, you can have your very own "yes to the dress" moment in the comfort of your own home and let the tears flow freely. If you fall in love with one of the try-ons, you can purchase it immediately. Otherwise, simply ship any no-gos back with the pre-paid label.

We can't possibly choose a favorite, but we can confidently say that the Saskia dress ranks very high on our list. One look at the off-the-shoulder crystal straps, cathedral train tulle and lace all throughout, and semi-sheer slit — and you'll understand why no one could have cold feet about this vision.

Bridal Aesthetics: Romantic brides, minimalist brides, traditional ceremonies, beach weddings

Sizes: 0 to 30 (you can also enter your measurements for custom sizes)

Price range: Starts at $199

Reformation

Why We Love It: Reformation is known for making clothes (particularly dresses) with a cool-girl edge with materials and production processes that are easyish on the environment (like deadstock fabric and lower carbon footprints). The climate-neutral brand also has an array of wedding and celebratory dresses for the boho-inspired, eco-conscious bride who isn't necessarily seeking drama. Instead, you'll find classic cap-sleeved lace dresses and modern two-pieces crafted of silk charmeuse. Take, for example, the Adwen Silk Dress ($898), a modest silk dress that's classic and sexy at the same time.

Bridal Aesthetics: Garden weddings, intimate venues, short dresses, city hall brides

Sizes: 0 to 12

Price range: Starts at $248

Anthropologie

Why We Love It: If you're looking for a wedding dress that has a lot of purposeful detail, Anthropologie's bridal line BHLDN has great options. The site boasts everything from Art Deco maxi dresses priced under $300 to off-the-shoulder boho gowns under $2,000. The label also sells shoes, veils, jewelry, and clothing to outfit all of your bridesmaids, guests, and even moms — it's truly a one-stop wedding shop. For example, the Clemence Beaded Overlay Mesh Wedding Gown gives off such Great Gatsby vibes and will make you feel like you're at a posh party (a.k.a. your wedding) in East Egg. As F. Scott Fitzgerald once said, "Love isn't like it is in the books," but this frock gets pretty darn close.

Bridal Aesthetics: Classic brides, art deco weddings, minimalist brides, destination weddings, romantic brides

Sizes: 0 to 16; 16W to 30W

Price range: Starts at $298

Nearly Newlywed

Why We Love It: If the idea of spending a few paychecks on a dress you'll wear once is making you nervous, check out Nearly Newlywed. The site empowers recent brides to resell their dresses and offers soon-to-be brides a chance to snag a designer gown at a major markdown. "The site is essentially a collection of new and pre-owned items that are guaranteed authentic and ship to your door within two weeks, wherever you may be in the world," says Lo.

Bridal Aesthetics: Traditional ceremonies, custom gowns, beach weddings

Sizes: 00 to 24

Price range: Starts at $375

Etsy

Why We Love It: Etsy is home to some of the web's most talented creators, and the distinction extends into the bridal department. (While you're there, you can also browse invitations, bouquets, signs, cake toppers, and so much more.) Savvy shoppers know to browse the site for dresses with prices ranging from the low hundreds to custom couture for $1,300. Just make sure to read the reviews before clicking "add to cart." The best part is that you can chat with the designer of your dress if you have special requests or last-minute customization.

Bridal Aesthetics: Whimsical brides, garden weddings, nontraditional brides

Sizes: Varies (totally customizable for the above dresses)

Price range: Varies

Kite and Butterfly

Why We Love It: Based in Hollywood, Kite and Butterfly takes inspiration from Parisian style mixed with a bohemian aesthetic. The Australian sisters behind the label use materials like French lace to craft beautiful, timeless gowns. Most of them verge on the traditional bridal look, so if you’re looking for something classic, this is a great option. Pricewise, most of Kite and Butterfly's dresses retail from $1,000 to $2,000, but there are a bunch of affordable gems in the mix — like this French cotton lace Odette dress ($755).

Bridal Aesthetics: Boho brides, whimsical dresses, unique dresses, garden weddings

Sizes: 0 to 18

Price range: Starts at $750

Read more on weddings:

• The Best Wedding Day Makeup Tips From Makeup Artists
• 53 Bridal Hairstyles For Every Texture, Length, and Aesthetic
• 29 Stunning Wedding Nail Ideas for Any Type of Bride
• Here's Every Product Sofia Richie Wore on Her Wedding Day

Now, watch 100 years of bridal makeup in action:

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