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Tips from a wedding planner on where to shop online for wedding dresses without breaking your budget. Discover gorgeous dresses that are cheap to buy but a treasure to find.
As a general rule, a simple but elegant wedding dress under $200 does exist. Shop dresses that will fit both your body type and budget. How to find the cheapest dresses online that are gems to wear.
Once you determine the theme of your wedding (beach, winter, backyard, traditional, etc.), you can narrow down your search. This will help you decide the style of dress you desire. Next, you can finalize the budget you can spend on a dress.
What Makes a Wedding Dress Cheaper?
Silk is the most expensive fabric. Satin is a more affordable alternative to silk. Satin is the most common and durable fabric and is good for most body types. Since satin is a thicker fabric, it’s more suitable for winter weddings.
Lace can be a bit on the pricier side. Lace dresses are hand-sewn, so it is very labor involved. Lace is usually used as an overlay, and it does snag easily.
Chiffon fabric is very lightweight and sheer. Usually, chiffon is used as an overlay with dresses because it’s an airy fabric. The downside is chiffon is delicate and can snag and damage easily. Great for spring & summer weddings.
Bonus Tip:
Repurpose extra fabric from a dress toward gloves, a veil, shawl, wrap, or a small bridal purse. For outdoor venues, add a pop of color and wear a sweater. Red or burnt orange looks fabulous in photos with a white wedding dress.
How and When to Shop for Cheap Wedding Dresses
Start shopping for dresses 6-9 months prior to your wedding. Be creative and bypass the wedding gowns section, and checkout cocktail-style dresses instead.
Have fun with the process, and envision your wedding day and what you imagine you will be wearing. What is the theme of your wedding? Beach, backyard, ranch/farmhouse, winter fairytale, or a traditional ballroom setting.
Now think about the style of dress to match the theme of your wedding. For example, one of the venues I worked at was on a ranch. Many brides wore cowboy boots, which were a fun look and great for dancing.
When Finding the Cheapest Dress, Know what you Want
Quiz:
Pick bridal style
- Vintage
- Sexy
- Traditional
- Rustic
- Simple
- Modern
- Beach
- Casual
What size type are you?
- Size 0-14
- Size 16-30
- Full Figure
- Petite
- Tall
- Maternity
Pick a style of dress
- A-line
- Ballgown
- Mermaid
- Sheath
- Separates
- Jumpsuit
- Short
Sleeves or no sleeves?
- Short Sleeves
- Spaghetti Straps
- ¾ Sleeves
- Strapless
- One Shoulder
- Off-Shoulder
- Halter Style
- W/ a Jacket or Shawl
Bonus Tip:
Most online bridal dress retailers have a sizing chart to review before ordering. However, work with a local seamstress in your area to make alterations for the perfect fit. As long as there is a free exchange/return policy, order the same style dress in a few different sizes. And be familiar with the exchange/return policy timeframe requirements.
Have a fitting 10-12 weeks prior to your wedding and a final fitting 10-14 days prior to the wedding day.
Once you determine the wedding dress style you love, it’s time to shop.
Wedding Dresses Under $200
David’s Bridal has been in business since 1950 and has many styles and sizes to choose from for all body types. You can find a great collection of dresses under $200. And while you are shopping for a dress, you can also check out suits and tuxedos for the groom. Shop online or visit one of their many locations.
Lulus – has an array of styles to choose from. This brand also carries its own label of wedding dresses. It’s your one-stop shopping for bridesmaid dresses, honeymoon attire, and bridal accessories.
Shopbop has a great selection of casual dresses for a backyard, courthouse, Vegas wedding. Styles range from slip-style, fun-flirty, mini dresses, and long and flowy. Also, great options are available if you want a second dress for the reception. Enjoy!
Azazie has a fabulous selection of quality-made dresses ranging between $200-$300. You can also shop for bridal party dresses on Azazie. Have fun and explore.
Bonus Tip:
If your dress has a train, make sure you have at least two trusted people who will be able to bustle the dress in less than 5 minutes on the wedding day. I have coordinated weddings where the train was extremely complex, and it took 3-5 people to figure out how to bustle the dress, in a dimly lit venue, for several minutes. This actually delayed the “grand entrance” and wedding reception. Reminded me of the sophisticated puzzle game, the Rubik’s Cube.
Story Time:
Bride Quote: “My wedding dress was made of silk and lace and absolutely stunning, but also very expensive. I knew there would be some hiccups during the day and that was what my day of coordinator was there to combat. I never realized the biggest obstacle of the day would be bustling my dress. My mom, sister, and three bridesmaids worked on bustling my dress while my coordinator held her cell phone flashlight. This took 25 minutes to find the teeny-tiny loops and extra teeny-tiny buttons to fasten and bustle my train. I never thought bustling a train was so complicated and needed instructions. We finally figured it out, and all I could think of was, I’m missing 25 minutes of one of the best days of my life.”
~ Tanya 2018 Bride~
Conclusion:
Pick the theme of your wedding first, then jot down what the most important factors are in deciding the perfect dress for your body type. Next, work on your budget, and determine if it’s under $200, $175, $100, or maybe you can spend between $200-$300. This will make the shopping experience so much more enjoyable when you know exactly what you are looking for and how much you can spend from the get-go. Check out my article: Are Veils Outdated
If you are strictly shopping online for a wedding dress, you can still have fun and soak up the moment with your wedding party and family virtually. Have a virtual shopping party from anywhere. Pop a bottle of champagne and take it on. Giggle and have fun with your favorite humans who live in different parts of the world. Embrace this time together on your wedding day steps.
~ Happy planning and enjoy your wedding day steps ~