I will openly proclaim that one of my favorite parts of wedding planning was shopping for a wedding gown (you can’t deny that many of them are just plain stunning!) Unfortunately, I quickly discovered that many designers have their eyes set on ladies just like me and apply a not so lovely premium to wedding gowns. Once you factor in the cost and time for alterations ($300+ for alternations?!), it is a few thousand you may have wanted to spend elsewhere. While I had very specific tastes and was lucky enough to pay a few hundred each for my Pronovias La Sposa dress and my Monique Lhuillier gown, I wish I had known more about great gowns being produced by a few familiar retailers (the full list is here).One of my best friends is getting married and had wanted some suggestions on where she could find affordable wedding gowns. Ms. Efficient (she gets things done!) quickly found one at David’s Bridal and no longer needs my suggestions, but I am happy to pass these along for any other bride or lady that just wants a rocking white gown (how great are some of these for a summer soiree!)
Maybe you’re like me and are a lover of lace and light, feminine details. If you love bows, delicate cuts and fabrics, then here are a few gowns for you.
1. Silk Dupioni Cascade Ruffle wedding dress, Ann Taylor, $795
2. Addison Lace dress, Saks Fifth Avenue, $288
3. Olivia open back gown, Ann Taylor, $550
Maybe you don’t want to spend a lot and you have an edgier aesthetic. You may be looking for some blatant sexiness, asymmetry, and unique touches. These dresses may be for you!
1. Badgley Mischka gown with beaded shoulder, Zappos, $750
2. Rachel Pally Kimber dress, Shopbop, $233
3. BCBG Max Azria Magdalena gown, Zappo’s, $348
Maybe you’re looking for something not quite floor length, but still fun. If tea lengths are your cup of tea, here are a few options.
1. Tiffany dress, Ruche, $349.99
2. Embroidered tea length dress, Ann Taylor, $695
3. Audrey dress, Ruche, $249.99
there are some beauties there!! perfect alternatives 🙂
both the addison dress and ann taylor one are so gorgeous! i really like the tea length and if i was to renew my vows, i’d probably wear one.
These are so gorgeous and affordable. I ike the Grecian style Rachel Rally dress and the very flirty and cute Ruche one.
I love them all, would be hard to choose really :))) xx
I love the ann taylor and ruche dress! Mine came from Alfred Angelo…
loving #2!
xo
MosaMuse
These are gorgeous! I especially love the 2nd set of dresses
xoxo Sootjeelina <3
Great post! I spent $450 to have my lace wedding gown altered, so it would have been nice to have started with a more affordable option. The gowns you posted do not sacrifice style even though the price point is lower.
I love looking at wedding dresses, vene though I’m never getting married
Loved it! I would definitely go for either Ann Taylor#3 or Rachel Pally #2.
xoxo
These are all so pretty! I thought I was being cost-conscious by buying a David’s gown very early in the process, but I changed my mind and bought another dress from Alfred Angelo later on. I’m definitely glad I made the switch, but I still kick myself for wasting money!
Such a great post- my sister is getting married next year so I’m going to forward her the link. If it was me, I’d definitely consider ballet length- so pretty!
Love all three of the fun ones!
WOW silk wedding gowns for under $1K? That is incredible! I am not sure if I’ll ever get married but if I do I’ll be older…like over the age of 35 so it’ll probably the 2nd or 3rd time around for whoever this guy may be. It’ll be a city hall appearance I believe and I’ll just wear a white suit…lol! As long as I get a big sparkler with a centerstone of 4 carats I’m good…hahaha who am I kidding?
Beautiful dresses to suit everyone – such a great post!
xx
http://girlonbroughtonstreet.blogspot.co.uk/
Love the BCBG Max Azria illusion dress…great price too!
I kinda dig the tea length dresses. It’s nice to see for a change although mine was floor length. Pretty.