15 Wedding Dresses Under $1000 that Should Cost Way More (Updated 2021)
Planning every little wedding detail is stressful enough. Then comes the realization of spending thousands of dollars for a wedding gown at a bridal boutique. With every part of your wedding budget stretched thin, you may want to reconsider splashing out on an expensive wedding dress and opt for a more affordable one — like the affordable wedding dress under $1000 variety.
That doesn’t mean the dress won’t be special. Many brands offer wedding dresses under $1000 or less, which are still as spectacular and eye-catching as those that are over the $1000 mark.
We know that you will be a beautiful bride no matter what the price tag!
My Wedding Dress Story
I’ll let you in on a little secret: I actually went the ultra-affordable dress route and took a chance on buying a custom-made dress online through eBay. Yup, it is possible to buy a decent wedding gown off eBay!
Long story short: I entered my measurements to a seller based in Hong Kong. The designer created my dress from scratch, and then shipped it over to North America. It worked out in the end, as I did get a similar designer wedding dress style to the one I had been eyeing, for a fraction of the cost.
How much?
Well, let’s just say that it was in the lower three figures. 😉
This option isn’t for every bride. The risk is that you won’t get either the quality, material, or look that you want. However, if you are internet savvy and willing to take a chance, you may opt for the eBay route.
Your Wedding Dress
Limiting your budget does not mean limiting dress choices. Wedding dresses in every style, shade, and fit are available for under $1,000. Plus, you can find amazing quality if you know where to look. Luxurious-feeling fabrics and feminine shades are still donned by brands such as Needle & Thread or Ted Baker, so you don’t feel like you are missing out.
We highly recommend BHLDN, David’s Bridal, CocoMelody, and Azazie for wedding dresses. But there are others.
Check out this article to discover online dress shops that offer up amazing dress discounts! Or, our article on cheap wedding dresses that run for $300 or less.
Note: We try our best to keep on top of prices and present accurate information. All dresses below were checked as of October 2020. Please see the merchant’s website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Wedding Dresses for Under $1000
You may feel pressured to spend a lot on your bridal gown. The truth is that no matter how much or how little you spent, all that counts is that you feel special. With so many affordable options, why spend more than you have to on a dress? You can find something just as beautiful for a fraction of the price.
1. Mermaid Wedding Dress Under $1000
by CocoMelody
A Mermaid dress is ideal for any bride as it suits most figures. For a slimmer lady, a mermaid style dress will emphasize your shape and create an hourglass figure (even on the most boyish of figures). While those with a few curves will like this dress as it may make you feel like Jessica Rabbit. Didn’t we all want to feel like Jessica at one time?
This best seller dress from CocoMelody is perfect with its fishtail-esque hem and sweetheart style neckline. It is stunning looking and flattering. Such a neckline allows you to throw in plenty of accessories too – whether a family heirloom or a necklace your future husband got you a while back – now is the time to show it off!
The cream embroidery is absolutely beautiful, delicate yet subtle. I imagine you will feel like a goddess!
This dress is regularly priced at $499.
2. Lace Wedding Dress Under $1000
Lace dresses are perfect for the bride who wants something more practical, yet still stylish to stand out on the big day.
The sweet heart, corset style bodice layered underneath the lace, off-the-shoulder sleeves, gives it a bit of a vintage feel, and the long lace sleeves make it conservative without it being matronly. The empire waist cinches you in for an incredible figure at any size and its light weight fabric makes it incredibly comfortable!
A member of the L&L team wore this on her wedding day and absolutely adored it! She felt like a princess but didn’t feel restricted or weighed down by massive amounts of material! She also only paid $199, which was perhaps her favorite feature. 😉
3. Boho Wedding Dress Under $1000
by RenzRags
For the bride that wants something laid-back and fabulous, a boho-style gown is the dress for her! This halter-neck wedding dress has a gorgeous keyhole back detailing, and its floral patterns are divine.
You’ll also be sure to get the perfect fit, as all RenzRags dresses are made to order, taking your measurements before you even check out!
To seal the deal: what if we told you that this dress is yours for $300!
4. Long Sleeve Affordable Wedding Dress
This fashion-forward wedding dress has delicate, long, mesh sleeves and a high neckline that is classic and timeless. This look is refined, elegant, and totally modern! Team it with statement earrings for a dazzling finish.
Priced at an amazing $350.
5. Romantic Wedding Dress Under $1000
This romantic wedding dress from David’s Bridal with its daring thigh split will steal the show. Fresh, fun, and romantic with a bandeau neckline and beaded sequined lace.
The bodice is figure-flattering and the tulle material skirt means it is lightweight. We can see this as the perfect gown for a beach wedding, paired with chic strappy ivory sandals.
6. Affordable Vintage-inspired Dress
by BHLDN
This gorgeous dress draws inspiration from the 1950s flattering A-line silhouette and touches of feminine ruffles. I love the simplicity of this dress, and love that you could pair it with a bright lip or bold necklace without looking too busy or over the top. The tea-length skirt and bare arms make this dress a perfect choice for summer outdoor weddings.
Worth every penny at $600.
7. Cinderella Wedding Dress Under $1000
by David’s Bridal
Remember that dream you had as a little girl to wear a ball gown like Cinderella? I bet you didn’t think it would come true on your wedding day. This breathtaking dress feels magical with its lace bodice and tulle underskirt. And don’t fret – your carriage won’t turn into a pumpkin when the clock strikes midnight in this dress.
Luxury meets affordability at $299.
8. Simply Chic Wedding Dress Under $1000
by CocoMelody
You really cannot go wrong when choosing a dress that is simple, timeless, and affordable. This stunning sheath dress is one to remember with its plunging v-neckline. An empire waist and sheath-column with an open back create a flattering silhouette. If you are having a beach or garden wedding, this might just be a perfect choice.
Hard to believe, but this dress under $250.
9. Soft Feminine Wedding Dress Under $1000
by Revolve
This dress just flows in all the right ways. Soft ruffles cascading across the hip give a real flirty touch to this otherwise simple dress. It’s hard not to love the playful, feminine look of this exquisite dress, especially when you notice the daring slit, which gives it just the right amount of edge. Pair it with some chandelier earrings and you will look like you just stepped off of a red carpet.
You can’t beat a dress like this regularly-priced at $300.
10. Glam Wedding Dress Under $1000
by David’s Bridal
Both glamorous and luxurious, this dress will take you down the aisle in style. Everything about this dress feels expensive, while it costs about a quarter of the price you might expect. The mermaid skirt and lace detailing are really the pièce de résistance for this dress. This is a wonderful choice for those brides who want to go the traditional and timeless route.
Regularly priced at $750 this dress is yours for $600.
11. Princess Wedding Dress
by Azazie
This dream wedding dress looks like it is out of a fairy tale! A fitted embroidered bodice with boning provides a flattering shape for your upper body while the cathedral tulle skirt cascades to the floor. The illusion back makes this dress special from every angle. Dance the night away in a breathtaking ball gown that didn’t break the bank.
Purchase this dress for $199.
12. Convertible Wedding Dress Under $1000
What’s better than a wedding dress that costs less than $1000? A wedding dress that converts into (get this) 16 different looks. This sensational dress from BHLDN is made from tulle for a bohemian-chic, beach feeling. Twist and tie to your heart’s desire and create everything from a halter-top to criss-cross thick straps. You’ll have a different look for every moment of your big day, whether it is a photo op, the ceremony, or during the reception.
Your money goes a long way with this dress priced at $100!
13. Ballerina Chic Wedding Dress
by Azazie
Graceful and delicate, this dress is reminiscent of an elegant ballet performance. An illusion neckline adorned with lace details runs across to the shoulders for a striking look. The cathedral train tulle falls softly over stretch lining so your dress will move with you comfortably all day long. Available in three color combinations, my favorite is the diamond white/nude contrast as it makes the lace detail really stand out.
Dance to your heart’s desire in this beautiful dress for $249.
14. A-line Wedding Dress Under $1000
by CocoMelody
Start your “happily ever after” in a dress that feels romantic and soft like this one from CocoMelody. A classic A-line, this dress has whimsical lace detail across the chest and transitions down to an elegant tulle skirt. An open back adds a majestic little unexpected detail. This dress has a timeless style that will flatter many body shapes.
Purchase this stunning gown for only $349.
15. Beach Wedding Dress Under $1000
by reformation
Turn heads walking down the sandy aisle in this gorgeous gown. The slim fitting bodice and flared skirt, make this a perfect choice for a casual beach wedding. Pair with statement bangles and an elegant headband for a look everyone will remember.
Make this stylish dress yours for only $218.
If the above gowns on our list of favorite wedding dresses under $1000 haven’t quite matched up to your dream dress, don’t worry. A lot of top online shops offer amazing wedding gowns at various price points. Be sure to check out our article to discover online dress shops that offer up some amazing dress discounts!
