Throwing a wedding is one of the more expensive undertakings you’ll tackle in your life, and in 2024, most prospective brides anticipating “putting a ring on it” are trying to figure out how to plan a fairytale wedding, affordably.
One place to save is your wedding dress, an item that can carry an eye-watering price tag if you don’t know where to look (we all know about the bridal tax). More expensive doesn’t always mean better, though, and brides are increasingly shopping for chic affordable wedding dress brands that they can look and feel their best in, without cutting plus ones from the guest list.
And, while the cost-of-living crisis certainly makes it hard to justify splashing thousands on a dress, the phenomenon is also partly attributable to the rise in popularity of more low-key, non-traditional weddings, which leave room for more relaxed and affordable wedding gowns.
When it comes finding an affordable wedding dress, paying less doesn’t mean sacrificing style.
Luckily, there are plenty of cool-girl fashion brands making wedding dresses that don’t blow the budget.
Below, find our favourite affordable wedding dress brands for 2024.
2024’s Top Affordable Wedding Dress Brands
- Retrofête,
- Bronx and Banco, Revolve
- House of CB, David Jones
The Best Affordable Wedding Dress Brands Of 2024
Retrofête
from $465.00 at Retrofête
Best for: vintage glamour
An affordable wedding dress brand that’s become a firm favourite amongst the It-girl set; New York-based brand Retrofête have dressed celebrities from Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez to Gigi Hadid. They create sexy, edgy and elegant pieces that take inspiration from the past, for party dresses and wedding gowns with perennial appeal. The brand’s bridal collection is full of slinky silk numbers like the pictured Wendi Pearl Dress ($1,150.00), along with on-trend minis and relaxed halters. Added bonus? Their slinky, sparkly maxis and minis are perfect for after-parties.
Size range: XXS-XXL | Priceing: $600-$2,800
Available at:
Bronx and Banco
at Revolve
Best for: feminine
Known for their structured, feminine tailoring, Australian label Bronx and Banco appear on red carpets worldwide and have been worn by everyone from Selena Gomez to Alexandria Ambrosio. Their bridal pieces are delicate and feminine; featuring boned corsets, ruffles, tiers and layers of lace. Prices start at $500 and rarely extend beyond $2,000.
Size range: XS-XL | Pricing: $500-$2,000
Available at:
House of CB
at David Jones
Best for: affordable corsetry
Corsets are back in vogue, and House Of CB specialises in affordable wedding dresses with artful corsetry that is perfect for the bridal season. The pictured Persephone Dress ($487.00) is as close as you can get to the iconic Vivienne Westwood design while paying a fraction of the price.
Sizes range: XXS-XL | Pricing: $200-$700.00
Available at:
Best for: minimalist elegance
L’idée specialises in pleating, and the brand has become well-loved for its Grecian-style wedding dresses. Pieces in their bridal collection are designed with the modern bride in mind, and made to order.
Size range: 6-16 | Pricing: $299-$599.00
Available at:
Rebecca Valance
at Rebecca Valance
Best for: Hepburne-esque silhouettes
Australian designer clothing brand Rebecca Valance is known for clean lines and modernist silhouettes, and its bridal collection is no different. From oversized bows on simple strapless gowns to long sleeves trimmed with feathers, this label is all about classic bridal wear with a playful, Holly Golightly twist.
Size range: 4-16 | Pricing: $699-$1600
Chancery
at The Iconic
Best for: romantic silhouettes
Chancery focuses on traditional silhouettes, such as puff sleeves, nipped bodies, and sweeping skirts, all at a super affordable price point. Most of their dresses are in the $400.00 range, making them a go-to for the budget-conscious bride.
Sizes range: 6-18 | Pricing: $150-$490.00
Shona Joy
at Revolve
Best for: silky silhouettes
Shona Joy is known for beautiful bias-cut gowns and silky, sexy silhouettes; all these design features are present in its bridal pieces. You’ll feel regal in these affordable wedding dresses with an emphasis on column-style cuts.
Size range: 4-18 | Pricing: $400-1100.00
How much should a wedding dress cost?
In Australia “off the rack” or more affordable wedding dress brands at bridal boutiques typically cost anywhere between $1,350-$3000, depending on where you’re shopping. However, the list of affordable wedding dress brands has grown larger thanks to labels releasing bridal collections that sit alongside their ready-to-wear collections. As we’ve shown here, there are also plenty of brands that make bridal-style gowns at lower price points – so if you shop smart, you don’t necessarily need to spend four figures. The sky is typically the limit if you are looking for a made-to-measure gown. Prices generally start at around $4,500 but can go into the tens of thousands. Factors that influence wedding dress prices include the designer’s reputation, the quality and type of fabric the dress is made of and the complexity of the design.
How many months before a wedding should you buy your wedding dress?
The best time to buy your wedding dress will depend on whether you are shopping off the rack or looking at a custom gown. Most experts on the subject matter (and those with hard-won lived experience) recommend not purchasing your wedding dress too far in advance.
Yes, it’s great to feel organised, but in the space of 18 months, your taste, body and plans for the wedding itself can change, leaving you with a wedding dress you’re not happy with. Most made-to-order wedding gowns take six to nine months to create, so starting shopping around the 10-month mark should make you feel comfortable. The first fitting for your dress occurs at six to eight weeks, with your final fitting two weeks out from the date; this allows for any fluctuations in weight (a common occurrence during the stressful wedding planning period).
If you’re shopping for affordable wedding dresses off the rack, experts suggest trying to decide on a gown around six months before your wedding. This will leave you with enough time to make a considered decision, but not so much time that your taste will have entirely changed when the wedding date rolls around and leave time for alterations if your weight fluctuates (another tip is to opt for dresses with a corset-style back, or a fit that can be easily altered).
Looking to save money on wedding dresses? Check out our coupon codes for The Iconic, David Jones and more.
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
