Ruben B. Hughes 
Photo-Illustration: The Cup. Pictures: Retailers
After a wave of canceled weddings, petty engagements and runaways in 2020, people are asking where to find the best affordable wedding dresses – $2,000 is a lot to spend on a dress you’ll only wear once. And since the odds of being invited to the Met Gala and wearing the dress again are pretty slim, think about what that money could be used for 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. To help you look like a million bucks without spending it, we’ve rounded up the best places to shop for wedding dresses at all price points.
It’s possible. Even the stars got married in affordable ensembles – see Emily Ratajkowski’s yellow wedding suit from Zara. One woman on TikTok even went viral for her $30 Shein dress. You can try your hand on the Zara sale floor, or you can consider browsing the brands with options under $200 below.
You won’t find anything over $500 here; even her “Luxe Bridal” collection with more intricate silhouettes and designs is between $200 and $300. There are also reviews of most dresses if you are still hesitant about buying a very affordable wedding dress online. This cowl back maxi dress doesn’t have any reviews yet, but the sub-$100 polyester blend is currently a top seller.
Available in sizes XXS to 3X.
David’s Bridal runs the gamut, so you’ll find prices as low as $70 on sale and up to $1,500, but there are tons of options under the $200 mark.
You’ll also find a variety of styles, from simple and ruffled to lace and beading.
Available in sizes XS to 5X.
Yes, ASOS offers more than jeans and trendy summer dresses. It also has quite a few wedding options. Nothing tops $600, with plenty of options under $200, including big, small, and curvy. Chances are you can stock up on all your wedding gear here and even add a few honeymoon outfits.
Available in sizes 0 to 26.
Or you can rent a dress, which is much cheaper than buying it. Save money and storage space by renting for a fraction of the sale price. Options for super fancy white dresses are limited, but there are plenty of white and off-white dresses, jumpsuits, and separates. Just be sure to book your rental in advance to avoid any mishaps.
Available in sizes 0 to 22.
It is kind of a great place to buy 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, the brand known for its “bitch wallpaper” wedding guest dresses, also makes a very pretty wedding dress. Go for the simple silhouettes and durability. Most of her white dresses are also available in other colors and patterns. Sizes are available up to 3X, but there aren’t as many options as the sizes increase.
Available in sizes 0 to 3X.
Watters is a bridal staple offering some very pretty and fun options that usually cost under $1,000, but you can still find something great for under $500. There are plenty of short dresses for less formal town hall weddings or any other pre- or post-wedding occasion where you might need a white dress.
Available in sizes 00 to 14.
A quick search of the site will bring up plenty of bridal-worthy dresses on the sexier side — think slits, low cuts and spaghetti straps. Under $500, there’s a decent selection of white and off-white dresses and dresses, so you’re likely to find a favorite without breaking your budget.
Available in sizes XXS to XXL.
No list is complete without Amsale thanks to its timeless and understated bridal options. One of her dresses will usually set you back a few thousand dollars, but luckily for you, the brand’s ready-to-ship dresses will only cost you a few hundred, and they’re just as gorgeous.
Available in sizes 00 to 28.
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 custom sizes are available. However, from size 14 onwards, it adds an extra charge up to $200.
Available in sizes 0 to 28.
You have money and you are not afraid to spend it. There are more than enough dresses for you to shop in this range.
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 a thousand dollars, but they are worth it.
Available in sizes 0 to 26W.
You can buy Sachin & Babi from a few of the retailers on this list or directly from the source. Here you will find very pretty classic silhouettes and dresses with the smallest details of jewels, bows and appliqués.
Available in sizes 0 to 18.
Department stores are an obvious place to look, and while some don’t have a dedicated area for wedding dresses, a quick search for “bride” will bring up everything you need to search for. Neiman Marcus notably offers white dresses from brands such as Badgley Mischka, Bronx and Banco and Halston. So, with a little digging, you’ll find a few less traditional gowns and dresses. But honestly, when can you wear a feather dress?
Sizing varies with selected styles available in sizes 0-3X.
Prices and styles vary a lot here, but you can always 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 dress a few pages down. With bridal favorites like ML Monique Lhuillier, Tadashi Shoji, Amsale and THEIA, the choice is yours!
Available in sizes S to XL.
We love designer bargains, and Outnet has plenty of them. Here you will find discount brands such as Jenny Packham, Halston, Ellery, etc. The dresses here are a little less traditional, but you’re bound to find something budget-friendly and fun.
Available in sizes 0 to 16.
Another bridal must-have. You’ve probably worn one of Jenny Yoo’s dresses as a bridesmaid before, and the brand’s bride is just as good. Some of these modern dresses will set you back a little over $1000 (sorry), but the dresses are definitely worth it. Again, you can always find simple and chic options within the budget, but if you want to go all out with appliqués and lace, be prepared to pay a few hundred extra bucks.
Available in sizes 0 to 18.
For offbeat silhouettes, London-based Molly Goddard is worth a look. Some of the dresses will set you back over $1,000, but they’re perfect for the very non-traditional bride. The dresses are made in England and made from Italian taffeta. They also offer a handful of voluminous veils in your standard ivory and a few colors for the bold bride, including coral and blue. Do you feel even bolder? Opt for the tulle boleroalso.
Available in UK sizes 6-20.
