Wedding Dress Budget Guide

What Influences the Cost of a Wedding Dress?

Wedding dress pricing isn't simply about the label.

Several factors contribute to the price of a gown, including:

Designer and brand

  • Fabric quality

  • Lace and embellishments

  • Construction and internal corsetry

  • Hand-finished detailing

  • Customisation options

  • Whether the gown is made to order or purchased off the rack

A higher price doesn't necessarily mean a dress is "better"—it simply reflects the level of craftsmanship, design and detail that has gone into creating it.


Up to $1,500

If your wedding dress isn't your highest wedding priority, there are still plenty of beautiful options available.

At this budget, many brides choose:

  • Off-the-rack wedding gowns

  • Bridal sample sale dresses

  • Evening or formal gowns

  • Bridal separates

  • Bridesmaid dresses in white or ivory

  • Second-hand designer gowns

  • Simpler bridal designs

These dresses often feature cleaner silhouettes, lighter construction and fewer customisation options than traditional made-to-order bridal gowns.