Buying wedding dresses can be a stressful process, and it's almost always expensive. What if you could find your dream wedding dress online without the hassle of shopping in person — and even better, at affordable prices?
As a leading reviews site, we’re working together with Jessica Bishop, founder of The Budget Savvy Bride, to provide a how-to guide with tips for shopping the best affordable wedding dresses online.
“Finding your dream wedding dress can be one of the most exciting parts of planning your big day, but it can also be overwhelming!” Jessica says. “From calculating your wedding dress budget, to narrowing down to the styles you love most, to choosing whether to shop in-store or online, there are many decisions that you’ll need to make along the way.”
Jessica explains that the best way to find an affordable wedding dress is to first know how much you’re willing and able to spend. Then you can narrow your search down to wedding dress boutiques, designers, or shops that offer options within your budget to avoid being tempted to overspend.
Ready to define your budget and get started? Check out Jessica’s list of the top affordable wedding dress sites to prepare for your big day. (For more information on each website, you can go to reviews on any of the sites.)
Before you jump in, there are a few key areas where you’ll need to keep an eye out so you don’t get scammed.
If you notice a website that boasts glamorous photos, but each of the bridal dresses has a dirt-cheap price tag, this might signal a scam. You may also receive a product that doesn’t match the description.
Check what fabric the dress is made of, too. Common high-quality fabrics for wedding dresses include satin, charmeuse, chiffon, organza, tulle, and lace.
Top wedding dress designers often have shipping times around six months, especially if a dress is custom-made or requires alterations. If you’re buying a ready-to-wear dress, shipping times will be much faster. You’ll still need to start thinking about your dress early in the planning process and order as far ahead of time as possible. This will provide a safety net so you can find another option if the dress doesn’t work out, or make any necessary alterations.
Make sure a wedding dress site has a positive online reputation by checking reviews and reading what other brides have to say. According to Jessica Bishop and reviewers on Sitejabber, the following brands are trusted online wedding dress sites, selling everything from casual wedding dresses to lace wedding dresses or formal bridal gowns.
“These retailers offer affordable wedding dress options in a variety of styles and vibes,” Jessica says. “I hope this helps you find your dream dress for less!”
“ASOS has great dresses, period, and their wedding selections don't disappoint,” Jessica says. “Great prices on fashion-forward styles for a hip and modern bride.”
Price range: ASOS wedding dresses range from $213 to $619, making this website a great place for wedding dresses under $500.
Styles: ASOS sells bridal gowns that are plunge designs, open backs, boho, jumpsuits, and much more.
Sizing: Sizes run from US 2 to US 26.
Shipping: Standard shipping is free in the US for orders above $50. Smaller orders cost $4.99. Delivery takes 3-6 business days.
Returns policy: ASOS customers can return any item within 45 days of receiving the order.
Described by Jessica as “the old faithful” for bridal on a budget, David’s offers designer collaborations and plenty of inexpensive wedding gowns to choose from. If you keep an eye out for their sales, you might score an extra savvy deal.
Price range: David’s Bridal sells wedding dresses under $500.
Styles: Wedding dress styles sold by David’s Bridal include mermaid/trumpet, A-line, ball gown, lace, long sleeve, and sheath.
Sizing: David’s Bridal sizing runs from US size 0 to 26, including petite and plus size options.
Shipping: For standard shipping, purchases are processed within three business days and delivered 1-7 business days after processing. The shipping cost depends on the size of the order.
Returns policy: US and Canada purchases can be returned up to seven days after the date of purchase.
Short on time? Amazon is your best bet for budget wedding dresses. The site has a wide variety of wedding dresses from different brands and sellers — and with Amazon Prime’s free two-day shipping, you can get a dress in a pinch, Jessica says.
Price range: Wedding dresses on Amazon Prime range from under $50 to over $200, making Amazon Prime a great place for cheap wedding dresses.
Styles: Dress styles sold by Amazon Prime include fit and flare, fitted, gown, maxi, and straight.
Sizing: Sizing runs from US 00 to 18, with petite and plus size options also available.
Shipping: Amazon Prime members can get free two-day shipping on many items.
Returns policy: Most items sold by Amazon can be returned for free within 30 days of delivery.
Jessica describes Lulus as a great option for a laidback or boho bride: “Perfect options for easy-breezy beach and backyard weddings.”
Price range: Lulus regularly runs sales on discount wedding dresses, creating a price range of $25 to $100+.
Styles: Lulus sells beach wedding dresses, black wedding dresses, luxe bridal dresses, and casual wedding dresses.
Sizing: Sizing runs from XXS to 3X (sizes 0 to 8).
Shipping: Orders over $50 qualify for free ground shipping within the US. It will take 48-72 hours for your order to process and ship.
Returns policy: Return your Lulus purchase within 10 days from delivery for free, or up to 30 days from your delivery date with a $7 return fee.
Rent the Runway is known for its unique business model where customers rent the dress they’d like to wear and then send it back when the event or wedding is over. “Rent the Runway is a good fit for a bride who isn’t worried about keeping her dress forever,” Jessica says.
Price range: Rent the Runway dresses cost $0 with a membership. The cheapest membership costs $89 per month for up to four items a month.
Styles: Rent the Runway has cheap wedding gowns for all body types, with various options for necklines, sleeves, length, and more.
Sizing: Sizes run from 0 to 22.
Shipping: Orders typically arrive two business days after shipping.
Returns policy: All items are returned to Rent the Runway after being worn. Your membership includes free two-day shipping for returns.
Show Me Your Mumu offers “styles under $300 for the effortlessly stylish and unfussy bride,” Jessica says.
Price range: Price categories range from under $100 to over $250. Show Me Your Mumu is a great option for discount wedding dresses.
Styles: Bridal dresses can be sorted by color and sleeve style. You’ll find mini dresses, wrap dresses, and more.
Sizing: Show Me Your Mumu sizes run from XXS to 3X.
Shipping: Orders are processed within 48 hours and shipping takes 2-7 business days.
Returns policy: Unworn items can be returned within 30 days of the delivery date.
Searching for a certain look for less? Azazie has options that fit all the major bridal trends. Even better, the site offers a wide variety of styles under $500.
Price range: Wedding dress prices on Azazie range from $139 for a cheap wedding dress to $779.
Styles: Featured Azazie wedding dress styles include vintage bride, beach/destination bride, boho bride, and modern bride.
Sizing: You can purchase a wedding dress from size 0 to 30 or create a custom size based on your measurements.
Shipping: Azazie charges a flat shipping rate based on your order size, and shipping takes 1-7 business days after processing.
Returns policy: Dresses can be returned within 30 days of delivery.
“Reformation is known for their chic, feminine, but modern designs as well as eco-friendly materials,” Jessica says. Reformation’s wedding collection is perfect for the eco-conscious and style-savvy bride.
Price range: Prices run from $150 to $250+.
Styles: Reformation sells wedding dresses and jumpsuits including more casual, elopement-style dresses.
Sizing: Reformation sells bridal gowns that are XS to XL; petite; and 1X to 3X.
Shipping: Standard shipping is free and takes 5-10 business days in the continental U.S.
Returns policy: You can return an item within 30 days of receiving your order.
“Kennedy Blue offers high-quality designer style at an affordable price point for the bride on a budget,” Jessica says. The website allows you to try on dresses at home for $25 per dress.
Price range: Most Kennedy Blue dresses are above $140.
Styles: Sort Kennedy Blue gowns according to features (buttons, keyhole, spaghetti strap) and material (chiffon, crepe, lace, and more).
Sizing: Sizes go from 0 to 24.
Shipping: Shipping takes 3-5 business days.
Returns policy: Kennedy Blue offers an 80% refund on in-stock and made-to-order wedding dresses. Initiate the return within 14 days of receiving your order.
Kiyonna is an affordable and stylish go-to for plus size brides, featuring fun and flirty wedding dresses that hug a woman’s curves beautifully.
Price range: Most Kiyonna wedding dresses are over $150.
Styles: You’ll find short, trendy wedding dresses as well as more traditional bridal gown styles at Kiyonna.
Sizing: Kiyonna sells wedding dresses sizes 10-32.
Shipping: Orders over $25 are free and take 4-7 business days for delivery.
Returns policy: Bridal shop items can be returned within 15 days of purchase.
BHLDN is an American women’s clothing retailer specializing in everything wedding. The website has a stylish selection of well-known designer styles at reasonable prices.
Price range: Prices run from under $500 to under $2,000, putting BHLDN on the pricier side. If you’re looking for a $1,000 wedding dress, BHLDN is the site for you.
Styles: BHLDN sells bohemian, modern, romantic, beach and destination, classic, and city hall wedding dresses.
Sizing: BHLDN sizing runs from 00 to 16, with plus sizes 16W to 26W.
Shipping: Standard shipping takes 5-8 business days and costs $4.95-$10.95.
Returns policy: Merchandise can be returned within 30 days of delivery.
Nearly Newlywed is North America’s exclusive white-glove concierge service for brides-to-be. It’s a great option if you’ve got your eye on a designer gown, but can’t imagine paying full price — you might find your dream dress for less among their pre-owned gowns.
Price range: Dresses on Nearly Newlywed cost anywhere from under $500 to over $5,000.
Styles: On Nearly Newlywed you can find a lace wedding dress, bohemian wedding dress, classic wedding dress, and more. You can also choose from different silhouettes and designers.
Sizing: Find sizes from 0 to 24.
Shipping: Any dress over $500 ships free. Shipping takes about 7-10 days.
Returns policy: After receiving a dress, you have five days to return it for a $50 return fee.
If you’re looking for a unique and personalized dress for a great value, Etsy is the place for you. It may take some time to comb through sellers and listings to find the perfect dress — but if you find a diamond in the rough, it will all be worth it.
Price range: Wedding dresses on Etsy cost anywhere from under $100 to over $1,000.
Styles: Popular themes on Etsy are beach and tropical, bling and glam, boho and hippie, classic, country and barn, fairytale and princess, fantasy and sci fi, gothic, historical period, minimalist, nautical, and rustic.
Sizing: Sizes run from XXS to 5X.
Shipping: Etsy shipping time varies based on the processing time.
Returns policy: Some Etsy sellers accept returns. Others do not.
Cocomelody is another online e-tailer where you can find a bargain wedding dress. The brand also has a retail storefront in Los Angeles if you’d like to try things on in person.
Price range: Cocomelody pricing starts at $0-$100 for cheap wedding dresses and goes up to $1,900-$2,000.
Styles: Cocomelody sells black wedding dresses; modest wedding dresses; simple wedding dresses; a variety of different silhouettes and trends; and has several designer collections.
Sizing: Sizes in stock are US 4 and 6.
Shipping: Making your dress takes 3-5 weeks. Shipping takes 3-10 business days.
Returns policy: Items can be returned within seven days of receiving the dress.
“Nicole Miller's bridal line features the same high-quality construction and detail as her ready-to-wear collections, at incredibly savvy prices for a wedding dress,” Jessica explains.
Price range: Your Nicole Miller wedding dress might cost anywhere from $475 to $1,900.
Styles: Choose from a variety of neckline and sleeve options as you pick your elegant, simple gown.
Sizing: Nicole Miller sizing goes from 0 to 14 (P to XL).
Shipping: Domestic orders over $200 ship free. Shipping time varies.
Returns policy: Merchandise can be returned within 30 days of delivery.
“Willowby by Watters is one of the more affordable collections from the namesake brand,” Jessica says. “The styles are great for brides who want that boho vibe with a romantic flair.”
Price range: There’s something for every budget at Willowby by Watters, whether you want a $300 dress or one that’s $2,000.
Styles: Wedding gown styles include formal, beach, boho, city hall, romantic, clean and simple, backyard, and elopement.
Sizing: Sizes run from 0 to 16W.
Shipping: Shipping times vary based on the product.
Returns policy: Unworn dresses can be returned within 14 days of the delivery date. The restocking fee is $14.95 for ready-to-ship items and $45 for made-to-order items.
Wtoo by Watters has a variety of stunning gowns to help complete your special day. Jessica says: “Wtoo by Watters boasts luxe yet accessible styles that truly make a statement.”
Price range: Wtoo gowns start at $200 for inexpensive wedding dresses and run as high as $2,500.
Styles: Wedding gown styles include formal, beach, boho, city hall, romantic, clean and simple, backyard, and elopement.
Sizing: Most dresses are available in sizes 00 to 32W.
Shipping: Shipping times vary based on the product.
Returns policy: Unworn dresses can be returned within 14 days of the delivery date. The restocking fee is $14.95 for ready-to-ship items and $45 for made-to-order items.
As the largest online global marketplace for preowned, used, and second hand wedding gowns, Stillwhite is the best fit for a bride who wants a designer gown for half the price. With over 55,000 wedding dresses for sale, there are plenty of options to find the dress that works for you.
Price range: Stillwhite bridal dresses run from $100 to $5,000, with the average wedding dress price coming in at $1,265.
Styles: You’ll find a variety of styles on Stillwhite on any given day, from elegant lace to a classic A-line.
Sizing: Sizes go from 0 to 30+.
Shipping: Shipping costs and times vary based on the seller.
Returns policy: Sellers on Stillwhite typically don’t allow refunds, but you’re welcome to resell the dress you bought if it doesn’t fit or isn’t your style.
Vow’d is a new Bridal brand that launched in 2020 and is the sister brand of Altar’d State. “70% of their styles are under $1k, and you can even order samples to try on in the comfort of home to help you find the perfect dress,” Jessica says.
Price range: Pricing starts at $129 and goes to $1,800.
Styles: Vow’d sells wedding dresses that are rustic and romantic, clean and minimal, and geared for beach and elopement.
Sizing: Most dresses are available in sizes 0-24W.
Shipping: Standard shipping takes 5-9 business days and costs between $4.95 and $12.95.
Returns policy: Returns are accepted and must be postmarked within 15 days after you received the order.
Pia Gladys Perey’s collection of glamorous dresses are often a favorite for bridesmaids, but you can order most of the styles in white for an extra savvy (but still stunning!) bridal look.
Price range: Pia Gladys Perey cost anywhere from $265 to $1,505.
Styles: Black wedding gowns, elegant ball gowns, and simple minimalist options are all available.
Sizing: Sizing runs from 0 to 26.
Shipping: Dresses are shipped 4-6 weeks after the order is confirmed.
Returns policy: Items can be returned within seven days for a $100 restocking fee.
Want something uniquely yours? We have a special section for Anomalie – the best for the bride who wants a custom-made dress for a very savvy price. The dresses sold on this website are expertly crafted and one-of-a-kind.
Price range: Dresses start at $1,399.
Styles: Anomalie helps you discover your unique bridal style as you design your own dress feature by feature.
Sizing: Anomalie dresses are sized using custom measurements from thousands of brides as well as your own measurements.
Shipping: Shipping time is 1-5 days for customers located in the U.S.
Returns policy: Fully Custom Designs cannot be returned. Semi-Custom Designs can be returned within 14 days of delivery for a $250 restocking fee.