Friends, I’m not engaged, but you’d think I’m deep in the trenches of planning my wedding with how often I scour Pinterest and Instagram for wedding dress inspo. What can I say? It’s one of my favourite hobbies. One thing I’ve noticed on my internet deep dives is that holy shit, these dresses are expensive. And as much as I can’t wait for the day I get to frolic around in a white gown and marry the love of my life, I’m reallyyy hoping some more affordable wedding dress brands come out of the ether and help out those of us who don’t have a $100K budget.
Thankfully, there are already a solid handful of Australian and international brands making bridal wear more accessible to the ordinary person. Affordable labels including Meshki and Showpo have come out with bridal collections that can be worn down the aisle or at your reception, and high street brands like Aje have pieces that can easily pass as a wedding dress.
Whether you’re sticking to the one dress for the whole event or are looking for a cheaper option for your reception (perhaps a mini dress that’ll let you tear up the dance floor), I’ve put my borderline-obsession to good use to hunt you down the best affordable wedding dress brands.
For a brand to qualify, they had to meet the following criteria: 1. Be good quality (no Shein wedding dresses here), 2. Be under $1,000, 3. It needs to look bridal, it can’t just be any regular white dress.
If you’re wedding dress shopping on a budget, allow me to introduce you to these eight brands that are making saying ‘yes to the dress’ more accessible.
8 Affordable Wedding Dress Brands Under $1,000
Meshki
Meshki’s introduction of ‘The Bridal Suite‘ in February 2024 is one of the best moves the brand has done, in my humble opinion. The range has a dress fit for a bride for every stage right up until the wedding — and the after party.
Our ceremony dress top pick: Elizabeth Strapless Corset Maxi Dress, $999
Our reception dress top pick: Nala Strapless Sequin Mini Dress, $349
Image: Meshki.
Showpo
I bet you had no idea that Showpo has a bridal range. The range of mini and maxis are tailored a littleee more towards a engagement party/wedding reception vibe, but there are a couple ceremony-worthy dresses in there!
Our ceremony dress top pick: Jeannie Maxi Dress, $269.95
Our reception dress top pick: Alana Maxi Dress, $219.95
Image: Showpo.
Chancery
Affordable wedding dress brand Chancery has dresses in droves: wedding, wedding guest, bridesmaids, you name it. The brand has a mix of simple but beautiful gowns and minis, depending on what you’re after.
Our ceremony dress top pick: Honey Gown, $315 (usually $450)
Our reception dress top pick: Lily Lace Dress, $154 (usually $220)
Image: Chancery.
Aje
High street brand Aje is whimsical, floaty and fun — and its white dresses would make beautiful wedding outfits. With their signature fitted bodice, drop waist and bubble hem skirts, if you’re after a super feminine wedding dress, this is the brand for you.
Our ceremony dress top pick: Thea Gown, $695 (usually $999)
Our reception dress top pick: Selestia Mini Dress, $449
Image: Aje.
Club L London
Club L London is all about delivering luxe formalwear at an affordable price point, and that includes its wedding dress range. Like Meshki, the brand has a range of dresses that’ll serve you from the engagement party right up until the reception.
Our ceremony dress top pick: Maelia Cream Satin Cowl-Neck Maxi Dress With Diamante Straps, $315
Our reception dress top pick: Rosalinda White Sequin Square-Neck Mini Dress With Feather Trim, $350
Image: Club L London.
Bec + Bridge
Bec + Bridge’s bridal edit is for the brides who love going against the grain and wearing something a little less traditional. From laid-back lace maxis that would be perfect for a beach wedding to slinky sheer numbers that will make a statement, these guys know how to do affordable bridal well.
Our ceremony dress top pick: Henrietta High Neck Maxi Dress, $360
Our reception dress top pick: Leia Drape Gown, $540
Image: Bec + Bridge
Rebecca Vallance
Rebecca Vallance toes the line of affordable wedding dress brands under $1,000. While its wedding gowns are over the price limit I set when researching for this piece (although compared to other brands, it still fares as more affordable), there are a bunch of bridal minis that fit the brief — and some gowns heavily reduced on final sale.
Our ceremony dress top pick: Atlas Mini Dress, $749
Our reception dress top pick: Vanilla Dreams Mini Dress, $799
Image: Rebecca Vallance.
Shona Joy
Silky, simple, and completely stunning, Shona Joy’s bridal range is perfect for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic.
Our ceremony dress top pick: La Lune Plunged Cross Back Maxi Dress, $360
Our reception dress top pick: Otis Bubble Hem Mini Dress, $360
Image: Shona Joy.
Have fun dress shopping!
Imade credit: Chancery / Meshki / Bec + Bridge
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