weddingdresscost.comBride-reported prices
All sections
Sample salesDiscountsDeposits & contractsTry at homeCharity shopsVintageVeilAccessoriesCleaning & preservationBy designerBy cityWhen to orderCourthouseRentingDamage & repairsBridesmaid dressesSales taxInsuranceDonatingCanadaUKAustralia

$700 to $999 · 491 prices · updated September 2026

Wedding Dresses From $700 to $1,000

491 brides here paid in this range, 11% of every price in the dataset, at a median $800 inside the band. The tailoring on top runs a median $435 across 164 bills.

Below: which routes actually reach this price, which shops turn up, what the fit work added, whether brides at this level regret it, and every account we have.

$800median inside this band (491 prices)
11%of all prices in the dataset
$435median tailoring (164 bills)
70%say they have no regret (98 verdicts)

How brides reached this price

Ranked by how many brides used each route, with the median each one produced inside this band. The commonest route named at this price is sample sale or floor model, with 80 brides. Rows where the bride did not say where she bought sit at the bottom.

RouteBridesShareMedian
Sample sale or floor model8016%$813
Bridal salon, made to order5611%$800
Secondhand online469%$825
Off the rack327%$800
Retail286%$800
Consignment184%$820
Etsy maker173%$800
Online retail153%$700
Made to measure online143%$725
Charity bridal shop92%$800
Outlet82%$800
Custom made61%$775
Non-bridal51%$800
Secondhand shop31%$800
Rented20%$800
Overseas order20%$772
Made it herself20%$700
secondhand10%$700
Trunk show10%$800
Not stated14630%$800

Which shops turn up at this price

Shop or labelPrices
David's Bridal36
StillWhite18
Etsy9
BHLDN9
Maggie Sottero6
Brides for a Cause4
Azazie4
CocoMelody4
Poshmark3
Cocomelody3
Olivia Bottega2
Brides for Haiti2
Mori Lee2
Anthropologie2
Jenny Yoo (StillWhite)2
Jenny Yoo2

What the tailoring added

164 brides in this band reported a tailoring bill as well as a gown price. The median is $435, against $500 across every price level.

The middle half of those bills runs $265 to $700, and the largest was $1,500. Job-by-job prices are on the alterations page.

Do brides at this price regret it

98 brides who paid in this range gave a verdict on the dress. 69 say they have no regret, 22 describe mixed feelings and 7 regret it.

  • Budget for a second dress's worth of tailoring if the gown is lace and needs to be molded to you.
  • If you are petite, expect the gown to be rebuilt rather than adjusted, and price that in before you buy.
  • Notice when you are doing things for other people rather than yourself; you can drop the guest list and still keep the dress.
  • Ordering in your own size does not spare you the bill; an under bustle alone can run over 200.
  • Lace and beading mean hand removal and reattachment; that is what pushes an in-size gown to several hundred.
  • Renting bundles cleaning, alterations, veil and jewellery into one price and removes the storage and resale problem.
  • An Etsy dressmaker will let you pick the fabric and help design the gown; the materials can beat boutique stock.
  • Buy two of an inexpensive dress you love the fabric of and have a seamstress build what you actually want.
  • A seamstress who works on the side can do a bustle, hem and straps for under a hundred.
  • Search the resale sites for your exact designer; a tags-on gown may need only a dry clean.
  • An online bridal house that makes to your measurements can replace both the salon and the alterations bill.
  • A consigned gown often arrives already hemmed and bustled; small tears and missing loops are easy fixes.
  • Plenty of women resell through Facebook groups and resale sites; a good independent seamstress does the rest.
  • A good David's dress is the exception - dig, then pay a seamstress to upgrade the cheap zipper and mesh.
  • Try salon sample dresses - the difference in quality is visible and tangible immediately, and it is the best value for money.
  • A dress you fell in love with instantly is not worth swapping to satisfy someone else's idea of what it should have cost.
  • Say what you love about the dress and name your worry as an observation rather than an accusation.
  • Make the shop clean and repair a flawed sample before you spend anything on alterations, and say something when a consultant comments on your body.
  • Buy the cheapest comfortable dress you do not hate, research the seamstress hard, and put the money into a veil and shoes you can reuse.
  • Stretching your budget is fine; more than doubling it on a 10k wedding is not.
  • Pay by credit card so a chargeback is possible, and keep the dispute open until a promised refund actually posts rather than cancelling it on the seller's word.
  • Try local shops' off-the-rack samples, and do not write off a charity bridal shop because of the label on the dress.
  • Make a day of it across several shops and stop worrying where the dress comes from.
  • If you are near sample size, a shop that sells off old samples is the best value route.

Every account at this price

487 brides in this band described what they bought. All of them are below. Each row is one bride.

GownTailoringYearRouteThe account
$700–2023Etsy makercustom made small Etsy shop
$700–2023Online retailtwo Lulus dresses combined by a seamstress; all-in under 700
$700$3002023Not statedwalked away from a 3000 dress for the honeymoon
$700$3502023secondhandorig 2500; beaded bodice taken in
$700–2023Etsy makerCustom-made to her measurements by a top Etsy bridal shop; about 700 total, no alterations needed
$700–2023Etsy makerA little under 700 from an Etsy shop her sister had also used; praised quality and communication
$700$4002023Not statedAbout 700 plus 400 alterations
$700–2016Not statedAbout 700 dress plus roughly a couple hundred for undergarments and belt, just under 1000 all told in 2016
$700–2023Bridal salon, made to orderA-line with built-in corset; her seamstress swapped in a nicer zipper and replaced the skin-tone mesh. Boutique versions she liked started at twice the price.
$700$7502024Secondhand onlineStillWhite gown for 700 (retail 1500) plus 750 alterations on a boned, beaded dress, so altered total about equals the unaltered retail price.
$700–2024Custom madeDeposit plus shipping covering the corset on a commissioned dress and veil; maker missed the deadline, refused to cancel or ship, and the bride filed a card chargeback
$700–2024Bridal salon, made to orderAround $700 at a bridal shop after deciding against DB
$700–2024Made to measure onlinePaired a bridal top with an evening-gown skirt; the two came to about $700 at full price and both were marked down
$700–2024Secondhand shopLocal secondhand bridal store; ex-sample listed near $2,800 with beading damage she repaired herself
$700–2024Sample sale or floor modelSample in her own size, normally $1,300
$700$1502025Online retailAlterations covered letting the gown out and hemming it
$700–2025Sample sale or floor modelBrand-new boutique sample with tags, retail 3000, bought on StillWhite for 700; alterations still to come
$700$5002015RetailBasic Vera Wang line at DB on sale for 700 about ten years earlier; alterations roughly 500
$700–2025Off the rackOff the rack from BHLDN for 700 for a Milwaukee wedding; ordered boutique gowns cost more
$700–2025Not statedPaid for her gown herself; argues spending thousands on a one-wear dress is a bad financial decision
$700–2013Not statedSale price; more than she planned to spend but she is happy with it
$700–2025Etsy makerSays her 700 Etsy gown was far better finished than the 20k designer dress in the post.
$700–2025Overseas orderBall gown from a Turkish maker found through Instagram, seen in person; she hoped to keep alterations under 200 to stay inside a 1000 total
$700–2025Secondhand onlineA sample gown sold through the resale site
$700–2001Made it herselfHer aunt made the dress in 2001 and the materials alone came to over 700, with less beading and detail than the Etsy listing the bride who asked is asking about
$700–2025Secondhand onlineOffered $700 on an $800 listing of the $1775 Anthropologie gown she had wanted for two years; bought without trying it on because it is out of stock locally
$700–2025Non-bridalPink and grey gown with floral embroidery picked up at Nordstrom; the same label is also carried by Dillard's and Macy's
$700–2025Charity bridal shopGown still had its tags on.
$700–2025Made to measure onlineHome try-on and free custom sizing; an earlier online order from a different maker had disappointed her.
$700–2025Off the rackClearance-rack gown, the first dress tried at the first of two shops; bought off the rack the next day and expects no major alterations.
$700$9002025Sample sale or floor modelSample sale gown originally about 3000; seamstress quoted 900.
$700$2502025Online retailAzazie gown that fit well; only needed a bustle. Notes their range is 200-1000 with free try-on.
$700$4002025Not statedGown plus alterations.
$700–2026Online retailBought online for 700
$700–2026Online retailOrdered online, arriving in a couple of weeks
$700–2026Sample sale or floor modelFloor sample tried on a few times; 3000 from the designer
$700–2026Not statedWent far outside the city to find lower prices
$700–2026Secondhand onlineSecondhand dress via Poshmark for about 700
$700$822026Made to measure onlineTeuta Matoshi made to measurement at 700; only 82 in alterations
$700–2026Bridal salon, made to orderDavid's Bridal dress at 700; only strap shortening, done free by a sister-in-law
$700–2026Off the rackOff the rack at 700 after tax on a 1300 budget; hoping alterations stay under 600
$700–2026Bridal salon, made to orderPatricia by Rebecca Ingram, a boho fit-and-flare similar to the asking bride's gown, bought for 700 at a local bridal boutique.
$700–2026Secondhand onlineFriend's purchase: found her exact dress secondhand (StillWhite, Poshmark or FB Marketplace) for 700 instead of 1500 new.
$700$3502026Etsy maker700 from an Etsy seller plus 350 alterations.
$700$9002024Secondhand onlineOctober 2024; unworn, unaltered dress on Poshmark, about 2000 in store; alterations 900 stung but happy
$700–2026Not statedBudget was 1000.
$700$7002026Sample sale or floor modelJenny Yoo sample sale, regularly 3600 pre-tax; about 700 in alterations at Tailored by Ornela
$700$3002026Non-bridalShop that mainly sells quinceanera gowns was relaxed and cheap; puffy sleeves and a sparkly train drive the alteration cost.
$700–2016Online retailCanyon Moon Mesh gown roughly at her 700 budget after a DB consultant snuck on a 1750 dress; veil 63, flower crown 40, epaulettes 65
$700–2017Sample sale or floor modelSample version of a 1900 gown for 700
$700–2017RetailBHLDN Lyra on sale from 1k to 700, later dropped to 400; future mother-in-law is a seamstress doing alterations free
$700–2017Bridal salon, made to orderStated as under 700; shop held the gown two extra months and did not push the veil or sash.
$700–2017Secondhand onlineBought a sample gown listed on the resale site.
$700–2018Sample sale or floor modelSample sale at half price; cleaning, pressing and alterations added about 700 combined; intended to spend 1000
$700–1994Not statedthe asking bride's mother paid for her own gown herself in 1994; another bride reckoned that is roughly $1,200 in 2019 money
$700–2019Made to measure onlineOrdered online because boutiques did not carry the style; $700 after a discount code, with a $60 Etsy veil planned and about $1,000 expected all in
$700–2019Sample sale or floor modelFits sample size, so a shop sample came in at 65% off; $800 under her budget and she expects only taking in and a bustle
$700–2019Off the rackSale gown fitted off the rack with no alterations; she wore very high heels so the hem would not drag
$700–2019Secondhand onlineUsed-dress site find on a gown listed at 2000 new; she calls it her best decision
$700–2020Made it herselfMaterials only across 165 hours of sewing; 790 spent in total but some lace and trim went unused, and a discontinued silk was partly refunded
$700–2020Not statedDress 700; around 1350 with veil, headpiece, belt and alterations
$700–2020Online retailLace gown with a long train marked down from 1600 on the site's sale section after two years of watching it; wore it with a plain long veil
$700–2021Bridal salon, made to orderBought during a 75 percent off bridal store sale; warns brides never to try on anything above budget
$700–2022Not statedDress 700
$700–2022Not statedSister-in-law's dress; alterations nearly matched the dress price (no figure)
$700–2022Retail500 budget stretched to 700 for a dress she loved
$700–2022Bridal salon, made to orderSmall shop had plenty at 500 but she chose a 700 dress
$700$4302022Made to measure onlineCocomelody with custom color, sizing and minor design changes; 700 after upcharges and discounts; 430 for bust and a 4-point bustle
$700–2022Secondhand onlineBudget was 900 plus 250 alterations; bought the cheaper Stella York after the Essence gown she loved blew the budget, and plans a home-made tulle overskirt.
$700–2022Not statedSecondhand, 700 after tax; cleaning and alterations still ahead
$700$4302022Made to measure onlineCustomized Cocomelody order; alterations were taking in plus bustle
$700–2022Not statedPlanned ~1500; liked the 700 dress as much as pricier ones
$700–2022Not stated600-800 before alterations, midpoint used
$700–2022OutletLocal boutique selling samples and overstock
$700–2022RetailBudget 500-800
$700$2002022Not statedTwo made-to-measure dresses at 700 each; 200 alterations were minor plus bustles
$700–2022Bridal salon, made to orderFell for a David's Bridal dress despite not wanting to shop there; quality fine for one day
$700$1,2002022Not statedLace dress in a high-cost city: alterations 1200 for thigh taken in, bodice shortened with sleeves removed, complex bustle and lace hem
$700$4302022Made to measure onlineCustomized Cocomelody dress 700 plus 430 alterations
$700–2022Not statedBudget up to 2000 but fell in love with a 700 dress
$700–2022Not statedIvory satin off-the-shoulder ball gown 700, excluding alterations and accessories
$700$1,2002022Not statedCheap dress but lace hem, nine-point bustle, bodice shortened and thighs taken in cost 1200 in a HCOL area
$700–2022Consignment700 from a bridal consignment shop; capped herself at 1000 to put money toward the honeymoon.
$700–2022Not stated700 dress; alterations free in a trade for family recipes. Stayed within her means.
$715–2013Not statedMarked down from 2000 dollars, tax included, against a 2000 to 3000 budget; alterations still to come
$720$3152017Retail998 DB gown became 720 via a 20% December sale plus an abandoned-cart 10% code; 315 alterations
$725$1002023Bridal salon, made to ordertook it home same day; friend's mom alters; veil 30% off Black Friday
$729–2024Not stated40 for steaming.
$740–2024Sample sale or floor modelStore sample marked down from $1,200 at a sample sale; other gowns there were $500
$749–2024Not statedBudget 1500; loved the dress before seeing the tag
$750–2023ConsignmentStill new with tags on it at a local bridal consignment shop.
$750–2023ConsignmentA $2k gown bought for $750; she warns lace and heavy trains push alteration bills up and to ask about difficulty before buying.
$750–2023ConsignmentConsignment at more than half off original; reminds to budget alterations
$750–2023Custom madeMade by a friend's mother who sews renaissance-faire costumes
$750–2023Bridal salon, made to orderPaid cost price of 750 because her cousin owns the salon; retail was around 2500
$750–2025Bridal salon, made to orderDaughter's gown listed at $1200 and discounted to $750; the shop asked permission before showing anything above the stated budget
$750–2025Off the rackCloseout-sale dress 750 plus some alterations (unstated); Amazon hairpiece instead of a veil
$750–2025Not statedBought many years ago and found online then driven to in person; under $1,000 including alterations and she loved it.
$750–2013Off the rackBought off the rack with a 25 percent discount applied
$750–2025Sample sale or floor modelNearly bought a 4200 Alexandra Grecco, then found her dream gown at a sample store.
$750–2025Not stated$750 dress and $75 veil at a 130-guest city wedding; splurged $600 on rewearable shoes.
$750$1002026Bridal salon, made to orderMother-daughter local boutique dupe of a 1600-plus dream dress for 750; alterations estimated under 100 via a personal connection; 20 Ross shoes
$750–2026Sample sale or floor modelRomona Keveza sample sale 750 against a 6400 retail; zipper needs replacing
$750–2026Bridal salon, made to order2000 dress on the shop's big sale day
$750$6002026Charity bridal shopNew-with-tags gown from a donated-dress shop funding DV shelters; alterations 600
$750–2026Not stated750 before alterations for a one-of-a-kind vintage dress; savings going toward dream shoes.
$750–2026Charity bridal shop750 at Brides for a Cause for a gown that retails 1800
$750–2026Sample sale or floor modelDiscontinued style: floor sample in her size sold at 50% off the 1500 retail
$750–2026Bridal salon, made to order750 covered dress and veil at a local boutique; shoes, jewelry and shapewear brought the outfit to about 1000
$750–2026Retail750 at David's Bridal with plenty of affordable options
$750–1991Not statedSimple gown with minimal beading and lace bought about 35 years before the 2026 discussion; says the ornate looks the bride who asked wants cost far more
$750–2026Secondhand onlineSame gown was 1200 new at Davids Bridal; already altered and fit perfectly so no alterations, then 100 to dry clean before relisting
$750–2026Custom madeLocal seamstress making it from scratch as a two-piece so the top can be reworn; she is 6ft3 so secondhand was never realistic
$750–2026Not statedPlanned to thrift a long-sleeved vintage shape and ended up with a strapless satin gown; the guilt is real but she decided feeling like herself was worth it
$750–2016Made to measure onlineCustom made by an online dressmaker; delivery ran later than promised but quality and communication were good; budget was 1000
$750$902019Not stated750 dress plus 90 alterations, aim was to stay under 1000 total; very happy.
$750–2022Not statedBudget 1500, spent 750
$750–2022Made to measure onlineLilac CocoMelody gown with free custom sizing (usually 200); plus a 100 Nordstrom Rack after-party dress and a 30 Macy's reception dress
$750–2022Not statedAbout 750 across two dresses, one BHLDN and one David's Bridal
$750–2022Not stated750 plus alterations
$750–2022Made to measure onlineWaited for a 10% sale; free custom sizing removed the alteration cost
$750–2022Sample sale or floor modelSample of a newly discontinued style scored in-store for 750 after planning to hunt on StillWhite
$750–2022RentedRental with minor alterations included; the new gown she passed on was quoted 1410 after tax before alterations, over twice the all-in cost
$757$6502025Sample sale or floor modelOnline sample sale, unworn; alterations nearly matched the gown.
$769–2024Not statedIncludes tax; fits already, needs only hem and bustle.
$770–2019Sample sale or floor modelSample sale gown at $770 with tax plus $100 for two headpieces and a veil; expects about $600 more in alterations and may add a reception dress
$775$5002023Not statedMom paid up to 1k; clearance dress 750-800 (midpoint); about 280 out of pocket after the gift
$775–2023Not statedJust bought
$775–2019Not statedA seamstress friend is doing the alterations free and she is making her own veil from about $20 of fabric, comb and pearls; barefoot beach ceremony
$780–2023Secondhand onlineReception dress 780 on StillWhite versus 4500 new; ceremony gown expected to be about 4500
$780–2025Made to measure onlineCustom seller reproducing a gown that was far over her budget; commissioned rather than bought off a rack.
$782–2024Not statedAlterations scheduled for summer.
$785–2023OutletBridal outlet find, about 70 percent off
$799–2023Not statedGown only, no other detail
$799–2023Not statedDaughter's gown at roughly the same 799 as the parent comment; approximate
$799$1502023Not statedRoughly 799 gown plus 150 alterations; knew an equally nice cheaper dress existed but splurged within budget
$799–2024Sample sale or floor modelLocal boutique's sample event; top of her budget but a genuine bridal gown
$799–2025Sample sale or floor modelLocal boutique sample sale.
$799–2025Sample sale or floor modelSample sale at a local dress shop; the shop claimed the gown normally sells for three times that, which she doubts
$799$6002026Sample sale or floor modelSample gown retailing 1500+ bought for 799; preowned cathedral veil with blusher 65 from consignment; alterations a bit over 600
$799$4002022Sample sale or floor model75%-off sale gown (about 4000 originally) for 799; 400 alterations paid directly to the store's seamstress at her home
$800–2023Etsy makerpicked fabric and co-designed; seamstress praised quality
$800$6002023Outletoff the rack; taken in 12 sizes
$800$1002023Not stated8 years ago; no longer married; glad she spent little
$800$1,0002023Not statedmom bought the dress
$800–2025Made to measure online2019 purchase; dress and cape incl. international shipping
$800$1,0002025Charity bridal shop2025; alterations 1000 at David's Bridal in a time crunch
$800–2023Bridal salon, made to orderSale gown at a bridal shop marked down from 1200
$800$8002023Off the rackClearance-event gown at a bridal chain for just under $800, then roughly the same again to make it fit properly.
$800$9002023Bridal salon, made to order800 David's Bridal gown, 900 alterations: 4'10'' bride so the whole dress is rebuilt, with lace added to fill deep front and back V-necks.
$800–2023Not statedWanted a town hall ceremony but her MOH pushed the plans bigger, so she bought a gown she never meant to buy; she loves it but calls the spend her own fault
$800$5252023Sample sale or floor modelDiscount designer shop selling only samples; 525 to take in and hem a gown one size too big, which also removed the grubby hem
$800–2023RetailBudget 1500-2000; David's Bridal store closing, 1300 dress for 800; 35 detachable tulle sleeves from Etsy
$800$5002023RetailWanted under 1000 and ideally used; sale dress at David's Bridal
$800$5002023Secondhand online2000 dress unworn on StillWhite for 800 plus 200 overseas shipping; expects 500 alterations; 5ft11 so extra length; mom's veil on a 2 comb with 10 pearls
$800–2023Not statedBudget 1200
$800–2023Not statedMicro covid wedding; wanted under 1000; alterations a few hundred; would have paid more for this dress
$800$1202023Not stated800 dress plus 120 alterations
$800$3502023Not statedBudget 2k for the dress alone; a little under 800; Etsy cape 110
$800–2023Not statedMarked down from 1800 to 800 on sale
$800–2023Sample sale or floor modelTara Keely sample for 800; advises checking multiple shops and resale sites
$800–2023Secondhand onlineOlder 2021 style the local stores could only custom-order for just over 2k; found it on StillWhite for 800, minor alterations needed
$800–2023ConsignmentMaggie Sottero from a consignment shop
$800–2023Not statedAbout 800
$800–2009Not stated800 before tax in 2009
$800$2002023Not stated800 dress, 200 alterations, 30 veil; guests assumed it cost far more
$800–2016Not stated800 in 2016 at the top of budget; nothing like she imagined but loved it
$800$2502024Sample sale or floor model2600 dress bought as an in-size sample for 800; 150 cleaning and loose-bead fix; hem still expected at 200-300; she estimates 1200-1300 total
$800–2024Not statedGown only.
$800–2024Non-bridalLoveShackFancy dress; mom made the veil.
$800$5002024Sample sale or floor modelOddly cut sample rebuilt by her tailor: keyhole back, new beading, boning, full refit. Panic-bought a second dance-friendly sample for 900 plus 45.
$800–2024Etsy makerOne-of-a-kind dress from scrap fabrics and lace by a Netherlands artist on Etsy (Rawrags); more than she wanted to spend.
$800–2024Outletthe asking bride's parents paid; she spotted it at an outlet while shopping for bridesmaid dresses and bought on the spot. Veil and tiara took it to 1100, alterations still to come, no retur
$800–2024Sample sale or floor modelWanted under 500; sample sale gown that originally retailed 2.5k. Says she would not have more than doubled her budget.
$800$1502024Non-bridalWhite formal gown from an online shop with a good return policy; 150 alterations from a 20-year home-based seamstress; searched 'formal' not 'bridal'
$800$5752024Not statedHeavily boned bodice taken in, hemmed, tulle ball-gown train cut off to avoid a bustle; did not price-shop
$800$1,4002024Not statedthe bride who asked: 500 quote (hem, hips, bust) became 1400 after 6 months: 500 corset back for pregnancy, 900 six-layer hem, 50 per cup; 150 extra for a tie
$800–2024Not statedDaughter's gown bought on sale
$800–2024Bridal salon, made to orderFit without alterations which she credits to her height
$800–2024Secondhand onlineTried the gown on in the brand's store, bought it resale, then cleaned it and resold for the same $800
$800–2024ConsignmentConsignment bridal store; other gowns on the rack were around $300
$800–2025Charity bridal shopCharity bridal shop; hers was one of the pricier gowns there and still under everything she saw at DMV sample sales
$800$8002025Not statedSleeves fully replaced, lace inlays redone, big chest and waist changes; discount offered for cash or check
$800–2025RetailDaughter's Love Shack Fancy cotton-lace dress 800, no alterations needed; tiara, custom Ukrainian shoes and fur bolero made it 1200; Scotland winter wedding
$800–2025Not statedbride's wife had no budget limit and could have spent 50000, chose an 800 dress; wedding year not given
$800$7052025Not stated800 dress; 705 (highest of three quotes) for bodice take-in, three-layer hem and seven-point bustle; had expected only hem and bustle
$800–2025Secondhand onlineRetail $5,700 and already tailored to her height and size, so no alterations; she gave salons a sky-high budget knowing she would buy resale.
$800–2025Bridal salon, made to orderShe had assumed gowns started at $5,000 and found this at the first boutique near her.
$800–2025Etsy makerMade to her measurements with a basque waist plus train and bustle included in the price.
$800–2025Secondhand onlineA $2,000 gown new; she cannot remember which resale site she used.
$800–2025Online retailTry-on session covering both Azazie and Avery Austin; her seamstress was surprised at the online price.
$800–2025OutletDiscounted designer shop stocking samples and past seasons; she could not believe the tag.
$800–2025Bridal salon, made to orderLanded here after a Jenny Yoo sample sale and browsing Anthropologie and Azazie; full skirt with pockets
$800–2025Custom madeFully custom in her chosen fabrics, materials included, no alterations needed; mentions brides traveling to South America or Vietnam for custom.
$800–2025Etsy makerEtsy-made gown.
$800–2025Not statedGown only.
$800–2025Sample sale or floor modelOff-the-rack sample tagged $2,600; better made than the $900 and $1,200 new gowns she liked elsewhere. Tall, so only straps, darts and a bustle needed
$800–2019Bridal salon, made to orderBought the same David's Bridal gown new for about 800 roughly six years earlier and still keeps it
$800$5642026Secondhand shopVintage all-lace, size 10 to 4, home seamstress; hem 200, seams 100, 5-pt bustle 150, cups 40, shoulders 50, princess seams 60, sleeves 40; 564 stated incl tax
$800–2026Consignmentbride's daughter found her dream dress for 800 at a store mixing discontinued, consignment and vintage gowns
$800–2026RetailCame in well under her $2,000 budget for an industrial-venue Lord of the Rings themed wedding; bought untailored and unpressed, and she is now asking whether it reads as cheap
$800–2026Bridal salon, made to orderLong-sleeve floral lace gown found at $800 against a $2000 budget for an industrial-venue Lord of the Rings wedding; not yet tailored
$800–2026Secondhand onlineTried a Jenny Yoo in a shop, then bought it used on StillWhite for 800
$800–2026Off the rackJenny Yoo off the rack for 800 because it fit; alterations scheduled for May
$800–2026Online retailPark & Fifth dress 800
$800$5002026Off the rackNox Anabel off the rack 800; 500 for a two-layer tulle hem, wrist strap and bustle with steaming included; about 1300 with tax
$800–2026RetailDaughter-in-law's gown bought on sale
$800$4002026Not statedAlterations came as a shock
$800–2026Online retailAllow more lead time for delivery
$800$2002026Sample sale or floor modelSample from a samples-and-consignment store; retail about 1600
$800–2026Sample sale or floor modelSample sale
$800–2026Not statedExactly what she pictured
$800–2026Bridal salon, made to orderBridal shop about two hours away
$800–2021Bridal salon, made to orderFull ballgown with detailed bodice; had expected 5000 minimum from TV
$800–2026Secondhand onlineBoutique sample; retail 3200
$800–2026Bridal salon, made to orderMother-in-law reporting daughter-in-law's David's Bridal gown at 800
$800–2026Etsy makerEtsy shop BellaLunaGowns dress at 800; fit perfectly
$800–2026Charity bridal shopDesigner gown that retailed 2000 bought for 800 at a secondhand/donation-based shop
$800–2026Off the rackStella York listed at 1000, 20 percent Black Friday special at Brilliant Bridal (take-home stock)
$800–2026ConsignmentPassed on a 3000 gown and bought a used dress at a consignment shop for 800; only straps needed shortening. Glad to have saved 2200.
$800–2026Off the rackOne-of-a-kind gown that fit off the rack with no sizing wait; mom paid; bride fears she picked it for the price over a pricier lace gown
$800–2026Sample sale or floor modelTwo dresses for 800 at the January sample sale against a 1,000 plan; the 200 is a quote for a custom embroidered floral cape from her seamstress.
$800–2026Not statedMarried in a park-like setting and the gown picked up grass stains, which she cites as a reason not to spend more.
$800–2026Off the rackLocal off-the-rack shop; the first gown she tried there was the one. She had also tried Azazie at-home samples.
$800$4002025Bridal salon, made to orderSummer 2025 wedding; local bridal store
$800$5002025Sample sale or floor modelMay 2025 CA bride; years-old surplus sample from a designer gone since about 2009; 500 at David's Bridal for sleeves, train lining, bustle and bead repair
$800$3752026Not stated800 gown plus 375 alterations
$800$8002026Off the rackApril 2026 bride; 800 off the rack and expects about 800 more in alterations
$800–2025Sample sale or floor modelAug 2025 bride bought 2.5 weeks out; shop owner sold a couple-seasons-old floor gown for 800 instead of 2k+
$800–2026Outlet800 at a store selling old retail-store stock; designer gown originally 2000, minor alterations expected
$800–2025Retail800 at David's Bridal in March 2025 before alterations
$800$4002025Off the rackBrilliant Bridal off-the-rack 800 (orig 2300) Nov 2025 plus 400 alterations; earlier 1050 sample (orig 5000) ruined by Altered Bride, its 900 fee refunded
$800$1,5002026Sample sale or floor modelSample sale gown whose alterations cost nearly twice the dress; warns brides to get an alterations quote before buying
$800–2026Sample sale or floor modelSample sale buy in perfect condition; she believes it is a designer gown that normally sells around $3,000.
$800$6002026Bridal salon, made to orderAlterations were done at a small independent seamstress rather than the shop.
$800–2026Not statedFound what she calls her perfect dress there for $800.
$800–2026Off the rackHer daughter's dress: a discontinued style, new with tags, from a shop carrying vintage, consignment and discontinued stock.
$800–2009Bridal salon, made to orderPlus-size bride found a clearance gown about 800 at a local boutique 17 years earlier after rude treatment elsewhere
$800–2026Sample sale or floor model800 sample from the sales rack of an independent local shop; 2400 new
$800–2010Bridal salon, made to orderOwned the same high-collar gown, retail around 800 at David's Bridal in 2010; loved the collar and later resold it on eBay for 350.
$800–2010Not statedSold it two weeks after the wedding for $600, which cancelled most of the cost and most of the guilt.
$800–2026Online retailCotton gown from a Selkie rival; built-in bustle and corset back left almost nothing to alter.
$800–2016Bridal salon, made to orderPlanned 150 self-funded; mom unexpectedly paid; kept the price low; shop pushed veils and belts they declined
$800$3502016Bridal salon, made to orderAlterations pending at 200-500 (midpoint); first shop put her in a dress double her budget without saying
$800–2017Not stated800 non-white evening-gown style dress paid by mom; hopes to rewear it
$800–2017Non-bridalEvening gown from a special-occasion shop; needs full take-in from the bust down and a foot-long hem, quote pending; MIL quoted 260+tax there for straps and V
$800–2018Retail800 on sale at BHLDN, bought that day; 30-day free returns
$800$8002018Secondhand online800 plus shipping secondhand (about 2700 new); 800 alterations for hem, bustle, fitting and repairing damaged beading
$800$1202018RetailBHLDN dress paid by mom; only needed shortening; bride paid alterations and deliberately avoided a high-alteration dress
$800–2019Not statedBudget was 500; plans overtime shifts to cover the 800 gown before a June wedding
$800–2020Not stated800 dress and 100 veil within a 1500 look budget; 175 shoes not counted since they will be reworn; 23k wedding for 150.
$800–2021Sample sale or floor modelbought the shop's sample and took it home the same day; warns dry cleaning may be an extra cost so check for dirt and damage first
$800–2022Secondhand onlineNew with tags, about 500 under retail; seller's covid date change; buyer had regretted two earlier dresses
$800–2022Sample sale or floor modelShop sample of a dress normally about 3000; street size 6/8 helped; samples there ran 500-800
$800–2022Not statedMinimal crepe fit-and-flare listed at 900, 100 off for buying same day; mom paid 500 so own outlay under 400
$800–2022Sample sale or floor modelBoutique sample sale for the top-choice dress after nearly buying a used runner-up for 500
$800$4202022Bridal salon, made to orderHCOL area; boutique's cheaper house-brand line at 800; alterations quoted 420
$800–2022ConsignmentHCOL area; consignment gown 800, 300 for dry cleaning and minor repairs, alterations still to be quoted at 300-500
$800$4202022Not statedBudgeted 1500 plus 500 alterations; came in well under on a ~50k wedding
$800–2022Not statedChanged her mind and bought a second 800 dress; 1600 across both
$800$4942022Not statedLost a 300 deposit on a first dress she came to hate; alterations 379 plus a predicted 115 bustle; her 1594 total includes the lost deposit
$800–2022Secondhand onlineUsed StillWhite dress (orig 2500) already hemmed by a same-height seller; 300 cleaning; did tiny waist/strap tweaks herself
$800$3002022Off the rack1400 dress bought off the rack in her size for 800
$800–2022Not statedShoes cost about the same
$800–2022Secondhand onlineBought and later resold on StillWhite; 3300 retail
$800–2022Secondhand onlineNWT from another bride, 800 vs 1100 retail; BHLDN shoes 85 NWT, Etsy embroidered veil 40, plus a 200 corset she may not wear
$800$2502022Not statedFinal-sale price incl tax on a dress normally ~1500; hem and bustle 250; thinks alteration prices vary by area more than dress prices
$800$5002022Not statedBudget was 1500 all-in; alterations about 500
$800$6002022Not statedAlterations 600 on an 800 dress
$800–2022Sample sale or floor modelSample gown; 1400 covers alterations at two shops, shoes and veil; told the shop a 1500 budget
$800$4252022Not statedAlterations 400-450: taken in, solid and lace sleeves added, extra lace for length; no hem
$800$4202022Not statedBudgeted 1500 plus 500; dress 800, alterations 420 for two-layer hem, bodice, bustle, wrist loop and cup swap
$800$4002022Sample sale or floor modelSample dress at 800 with roughly 400 of alterations
$800$5002022Not stated800 dress, 500 alterations
$800$9002022Not stated800 bundle covered dress, veil and belt together; alterations 900 exceeded that
$800$3002022Not statedStates 800 dress, 300 alterations and 1200 total (own arithmetic; parts sum to 1100)
$800$1002022Not statedDiscontinued style, sticker 1999, paid 800; only chest darts and a bustle needed, 100
$800–2022RetailNo alterations needed; same dress later dropped to 600 on sale
$800$7002022Off the rackOff-the-rack bridal store; alterations high because a V-neck was rebuilt into off-the-shoulder with added boning; passed on a 250 vintage option
$800$5002022Not stated800 dress plus 500 alterations
$800$6002022Not statedAlterations ran three quarters of the dress price
$800–2022Not statedSimple, well-made 800 dress chosen over a 2000 favorite after weighing the money against a trip to Ireland; had an emergency fund.
$800–2022Sample sale or floor model800 at a sample sale for a gown originally 3000; budget had been 300 to 500 and she would not have gone over 1000.
$800–2022Trunk showTrunk show gown $800 with tax, originally $2,300; $40 early entry refunded on purchase; racks ran $400-1,300.
$802–2023Made to measure onlinemade to exact size; stylists via zoom
$810–2022Bridal salon, made to orderTicket price 900 with 10 percent off. Stylist pulled it first try after she described what she wanted; she shopped fancier salons and came back for it. Warns against buying veil or tailoring
$816$1002026Etsy makerEtsy gown 816 plus 100 to add a modesty panel; second Etsy dress 400 from oliviaoceana; made to measurements so no real tailoring
$826–2017Sample sale or floor model1400 gown found as a sample in her size in another state; about 826 with shipping, alterations still to come
$829$4552018Not statedAlterations covered a complicated hem, bustle and sewing in the 28 cups
$833–2025Etsy makerEtsy bridal shop.
$837$4502024Sample sale or floor modelSample gown marked down from $1,600 with underarm stains and a small hole; $450 alterations quoted plus a $150 corset back; kept it once the stains came out
$840$8752022ConsignmentBridal consignment shop gave her the salon experience within a 1200 dress plus 600 alterations plan; the belt was included in the 840 and alterations overran because she is short and small b
$845–2026Overseas orderCustom dress to her design from a China-based TikTok vendor; 845 includes detachable skirt, bolero, sleeves and veil; 1300 backup ordered from Romen Brides
$846$352026Not statedJune 2026 bride; alterations only 35
$849$6002024Not statedOn sale from 1299; belt, veil and tiara took it to about 1200 with tax; alterations over 600; 600 more to clean and preserve. Relative had offered 3000.
$850–2023Rentedrental included cleaning alterations veil and jewelry
$850–2023Consignmentalready hemmed and bustled; a few rips in tulle
$850$1502023ConsignmentWanted about 500; consigned boutique dress already hemmed and bustled, a thousand under David's price; corset back estimated 150; whole wedding under 10k
$850–1994Not stated850 new in 1994 plus a 15 matching veil from a consignment shop; still boxed in her closet
$850–2024ConsignmentConsigned gown already hemmed and bustled for a short bride; about 1000 below new; weight loss removed the need for a corset back.
$850$1,5002024Not statedDress marked down from 4000 to 850; the bridal shop's recommended seamstress quoted more than 1500
$850–2024Bridal salon, made to orderRecent purchase; praises the range of styles
$850$6602025Bridal salon, made to orderthe bride who asked: 850 spaghetti-strap ball gown; in-house quote 660 to shorten the train, hem the skirt and fit the bodice; another shop said its in-house work averages about 150
$850$7002025Bridal salon, made to order850 gown from a bridal store, described as the affordable end there; alterations another 700
$850–2025Bridal salon, made to orderHer mother's wedding gown, a lace-overlay mermaid; would use an outside tailor since the store's tailoring costs more
$850$1502013Not statedVeil came free with the gown
$850–2025Secondhand onlinePrivate seller on Facebook Marketplace asking $850 for a gown she says retailed near $7,000; the bride who asked has not bought it yet and plans a local try-on.
$850–2025Secondhand onlineBoutique sticker prices of 1600-2400 pushed her to StillWhite.
$850$992026Secondhand onlineEssense of Australia D3965, altered but never worn, from StillWhite for 850 plus 99 minor alterations
$850–2026Bridal salon, made to orderHalf-price sale dress at Birdie Bridal for 850 after worrying about ordering Teuta Matoshi sight unseen
$850$1002026Secondhand onlineNever-worn designer dress on StillWhite already altered and bustled, 850; 100 more to shorten straps
$850–2026Secondhand onlineSalon listed it at 1300 plus tax with alterations equal to the dress; same dress in her size on StillWhite for 850; outside expert altered it at about half the salon rate
$850$2002024Sample sale or floor model2024 bride; 850 gown from a shop reselling other boutiques' samples, 200 veil, 200 alterations
$850–2026Consignment850 at a bridal consignment shop for a gown originally 2500
$850–2026Etsy makerCustom Etsy ceremony dress about 850 in a changed color; more complex custom reception dress about 1900 still in production
$850$402017Sample sale or floor modelSample dress in the 800-900 range; only 40 in alterations because the sample already fit
$850–2017Sample sale or floor modelBrand-new Maggie Sottero sample for 850
$850–2017Sample sale or floor modelAlfred Angelo Disney Collection sample, 850 vs 1800 list; only the shoulders need altering
$850$4002017Not stated850 gown, 165 belt, 400 alterations and bustle; mom paid so it would be a bridal gown not a bridesmaid dress
$850–2019Secondhand onlineSecond-hand new-with-tags gown at $850, only 20% off retail; calls it adequate and expects $600-800 in alterations out of a $2,200 total budget
$850–2021Custom madeQuote from a local seamstress she trusts for a made-to-measure gown; equals two months of her rent, against an $85 Lulus dress she already tried on
$850–2022RetailLocal boutiques started at 1000; alterations extra
$850–2022Not stated850 with tax against a 3k budget; setting aside 800-1000 for alterations though little is needed
$850–2022Secondhand onlineSecondhand gown 850 including shipping; adding sleeves should push the total near 1300
$850–2022Secondhand online~2k dress bought on StillWhite with alterations already done, haggled to 850; only needs a bustle; expects to resell for more
$850$7502022Not stated1200 dress bought at 850 in a Black Friday sale; alterations high because top and back are being customized and lace hem is intricate
$850–2022Not statedExpects a few hundred more in alterations
$850$7002022Not stated850 covered dress, veil and belt together; alterations 700
$850–2022Not statedDress 850, alterations not yet done
$850$1,1002022Not statedAlterations came to more than the dress and were an unwelcome surprise
$850$7002022Sample sale or floor model850 at a sample store's Black Friday sale plus 700 alterations; took nearly a year to accept the cost.
$855$902023RetailSeparates: 400 sale skirt from BHLDN plus 420 top direct, 35 shipping; skirt hem and waist 90; Bella Belle shoes 325; undergarments about 70
$858–2019Sample sale or floor modelTried Azazie online first but bought a boutique sample for $858 with tax; it needs almost no alterations and came with a belt attached
$860–2026Off the rack860 off the rack
$875–2026Secondhand shop875 at a resale shop after disliking everything on a 4k budget
$875–2026Not statedSaw a similar gown at 12k and is glad she stayed under 1,000.
$888–2023Bridal salon, made to orderPaying in full the same day cut a near-$1,400 gown to $888 and a $500 veil to $250 at a shop that publishes its price range.
$890–2023Not statedBudget 2000 then 2500 after picking a cheaper venue
$890$9502026Secondhand onlineAlterations cost more than the dress
$895–2024ConsignmentBought through a consignment shop
$895–2023ConsignmentOctober 2023 bride; Aisle and Veil in Georgia sells consignment and custom dresses at fixed prices but does no alterations
$895$4602017Not stated895 sale gown; 460 alterations covered hem, custom sleeves and top, two bustles
$899$1002026Not statedBrand-new ball gown 899 with 100 alterations; offers Georgia shop recommendations
$899–2026Sample sale or floor modelFloor sample
$899–2016OutletLocal bridal outlet sale dress vs a 3000 dream; veil 130, hair piece 170, shoes 60; fit perfectly on arrival
$899$4502017Not statedParents paid 1835 for gown 899, alterations 450, veil and headpiece 397, shoes 89 and a headband
$900–2023Secondhand onlinenew with tags; 300 dry cleaning for odor; returned a 2400 salon dress
$900–2023Secondhand onlineThree vintage 70s dresses from Etsy for about 900 combined, wore two; vintage bridesmaid dresses for six cost about 500
$900–2023Secondhand onlineUnworn, unaltered 2200 dress for 900; hoping alterations stay under 600 to keep the total under 1500
$900$7502023RetailHoped under 1500; two David's dresses at 900 and 350; 750 covered hemming both and one bustle
$900–2023Etsy makerBudget 2k; about 900 on Etsy
$900–2023Etsy makerTwo custom Etsy dresses for about 900 total; one taken in at the chest; pockets added free
$900$2502023Not statedWanted under 1000; a local woman sells dresses from home for 600 or less as a cheaper route
$900–2023Sample sale or floor modelAsked whether the shop would sell its floor sample: a 3600 gown for 900, then arranged her own tailoring and cleaning separately
$900–2023Secondhand onlinePreloved gown already altered to her size against a $3000 new price; advises searching resale sites for the exact dress before ordering new.
$900–2002Sample sale or floor modelDiscount event gown that retailed at 7500, bought for 900 a little over 20 years ago (year approximated)
$900–2023Not statedJust under 900 in the Midwest
$900–2023Sample sale or floor modelDesigner sample bought at a bridal salon after a disappointing David's appointment; she says samples give the most for the money.
$900$2752024Not stated900 dress plus 275 alterations; worth every penny
$900$5502024Sample sale or floor modelSample Maggie Sottero on sale plus tax; friend's free alterations fell through so paid 550 rush alterations; matching cape from Poshmark 200.
$900$3002024Not statedVeil from SHEIN for 20.
$900–2024RetailOff-the-rack white gown on sale at Neiman Marcus.
$900$802024Etsy makerPlus-size non-traditional bride; Etsy maker adapted a design to her measurements after custom quotes of 2500-3000; 50 cape instead of a veil.
$900–2024Off the rackNew and never worn, bought off the rack from a gown with a 3500 retail tag; her fiance was pleased at the lower price
$900–2024Sample sale or floor modelBought three off-the-rack sample dresses at $900, $499 and $200; the $900 was the most she spent on any one of them.
$900––Bridal salon, made to orderPaid over $900 there decades ago and was not disappointed; exact year not stated.
$900–2024Bridal salon, made to orderOver-50 bride; DB staff lost interest once they learned she was the bride and not her daughter
$900–2024ConsignmentFriend found her dress on the first visit to a sample and consignment store
$900–2014Sample sale or floor modelOld sample from a boutique; the retail ticket had been $3000
$900–2025Bridal salon, made to orderBoutique gown; she expects alterations to bring the all-in to about $1500
$900–2011Not statedMori Lee dress 900; she sold dresses in NYC about 14 years earlier (year approximate) when shop gowns ran 800-2200
$900$7502025Not stated900 dress; 750 for a simple bustle, hem and waist take-in; regretting it now
$900–2025Online retailSale-section gown marked down from $2,400 retail; ordered online from her own measurements and nothing she tried at salons afterwards beat it.
$900–2025ConsignmentConsignment store find with cheaper gowns on the same rails; she warns alterations can add a lot.
$900–2025Off the rackOff-the-rack store.
$900–2025Not statedGown only.
$900$8002025Sample sale or floor modelSample two sizes too big with eight layers to hem including fussy horsehair; the seller warned upfront that alterations would cost about as much as the dress
$900$5502025Sample sale or floor modelLong-sleeved gown from a sample store; alterations estimated at $500-600, veil ordered separately from Amazon
$900–2026Sample sale or floor modelStated as under 900 for an unworn sample bought off the rack; she says consignment could go lower.
$900–2026Sample sale or floor modelMorilee Josefina in Bellini for about 900, half price as the sample
$900$2752026Secondhand onlineJenny Yoo Viviana (1500 new) unworn on Poshmark for 900; 275 at a small tailor for taking in the top, hem and button bustle
$900$8002026Off the rackOff-the-rack Maggie Sottero 900; 800 alterations for hem, waist and raised shoulders on all-lace; 40 Etsy veil
$900–2026Bridal salon, made to orderOleg Cassini lace-and-bead ballgown on clearance from 2k to 900 at David's Bridal; back lace damaged, repair pending; saleswoman ignored her 1500 budget
$900–2012Not statedFirst wedding in 2012: secondhand Maggie Sottero 900, no alterations, cheap Etsy veil about 30
$900–2026Secondhand onlineJenny Yoo from StillWhite for 900; expects a few hundred in alterations
$900$9002026Off the rackBrand new off the rack; alterations equal to the dress price
$900–2026Charity bridal shopCharity shop stocked with dresses donated by brides and bridal shops
$900–2026Charity bridal shop4000 dress from a charity bridal shop
$900$1002026Bridal salon, made to orderDiscontinued style marked down at a small boutique; local seamstress did alterations
$900–2026Bridal salon, made to orderDavid's Bridal gown at 900
$900–2026Off the rackOff-the-rack store where every dress tried was under 2k; paid 900
$900–2026Not statedHoped for 600 or less given how few hours it gets worn.
$900–2026Not stated900 including a tip; photo wrote, no further detail
$900$9002025Off the rackMarried 2025; discontinued style off the rack, just under 900 versus almost 3000 originally; taken in everywhere for 900; veil about 150 from the tailor
$900$1,2002025Not stated2025 bride; 900 dress but 1200 in alterations done at a local David's Bridal, which she praised
$900–2026Sample sale or floor modelJenny Yoo sample sale: gown marked 3400 to 900, matching cape 1250 to 150
$900$1,2002026Off the rackOleg Cassini listed at 2900, bought on clearance; alterations (cups, fit, multi-layer hem, bustle) cost more than the gown.
$900$1,4002026Sample sale or floor modelHer daughter's 2500 gown bought for 900 at a sample sale, then alterations cost more than the dress itself
$900–2020Bridal salon, made to order900 strapless sweetheart ball gown just before COVID, the cheapest she saw in any bridal shop; never worn, still tagged in the closet
$900$6002026Not statedPaid 900 for a 3500 ceremony dress and 1000 for a 1200 reception dress; alterations 600
$900–2026Not stated900, no details
$900$4002026Online retailTwo dresses in a Black Friday sale; a quinceanera dress shop did waist, bust, hips, length, bustle and boning on both, plus new straps
$900–2015Not statedSpent 900 and wishes it had been less, but still loves the gown
$900–2016Bridal salon, made to orderPlanned ~500 online but feared fit issues; fell for a 900 shop dress; alterations not yet budgeted
$900–2016Not statedLukewarm on everything under her 500 budget; went to ~900 for one she loved
$900–2017Bridal salon, made to orderAbout 900; mom insisted on a shopping trip and paid; would have settled for an ivory bridesmaid dress
$900–2018Sample sale or floor model2400 gown for 900 at a sample sale; only a few buttons missing
$900–2018Off the rack1800 gown for about 900 off the rack
$900$5002018Sample sale or floor modelSample sale 900 (from 1600) plus 500 alterations; still under full price
$900$4002018Not stated900 dress; 400 for bustle, hem, waist and shorter straps
$900$5502018Sample sale or floor model1600 dress bought at a sample sale for 900; 550 alterations
$900–2019Secondhand onlineGown retailed at 2500; nothing comparable in local boutiques so she gambled on resale
$900–2020Sample sale or floor modelDavid's Bridal buy-as-is web section (floor models), originally about 1300, arrived perfect; 3% of a 30k budget, 1500 (5%) with alterations and accessories.
$900–2020Sample sale or floor modelStore sample bought for 900 versus 1800 new; advises noting designer details in store, buying pre-owned or sample, and reserving money for alterations.
$900–2020Made to measure onlineCocoMelody dress 900; tax, alterations and a customization fee for added sleeves brought it to 1200 against a 1000 budget.
$900–2021Sample sale or floor modelMint-condition sample from a store-wide sample markdown; retailed 3000; still needs altering (h7050vi)
$900–2021Secondhand onlineSnagged a Berta gown she says lists around 10k for 900 on Poshmark
$900–2022Secondhand onlineTwo preowned dresses together about 900 including shipping, excluding tailoring; combined retail over 10000
$900$6002022Not stated1500 gown bought for 900, 600 alterations; leftover went to shoes and accessories
$900–2020Sample sale or floor modelSample sale 900 for a 1500 gown bought two years early; no alterations, just a dry clean before the wedding
$900–2022Charity bridal shopGown that retailed at 4750 new
$900$802022RetailMinimal tailoring
$900–2022Not stated900 with tax covers dress, veil and belt; hopes alterations under 500
$900–2022Sample sale or floor modelFit the sample despite being a US 14 street / 20 bridal size
$900$2002022Custom madeCustom dress just under 900; 180 shoes; her just-under-1500 total includes shoes
$900–2022Off the rackClearance gown for 900 now two sizes too big; shopping again with a 5000 cap but 3000 comfort level; wedding budget crept from 15k to 60k
$900–2022Not stated900 sticker; about 1600 after tax and alterations combined
$900–2022Off the rackClearance dress for 900, no alterations needed
$900$4402022Not statedDress 900 plus 440 alterations
$900$3002022Bridal salon, made to orderBought that day at David's Bridal, 900 incl tax; shop said to expect about 300 in alterations
$900$2002022Sample sale or floor modelSample designer gown 900; alterations about 200 so far
$900–2021RetailGalina Signature rose-gold sparkle gown, listed 1400 and marked down to 900 the day after Christmas; walked in without an appointment.
$909$2502022Not stated2200 dress bought for 909 on Black Friday; 250 alterations for length, straps, bustle and side take-in.
$919–2025Off the rack2025
$920–2026Not stated920
$920–2022Bridal salon, made to orderDiscounted older-collection dress, originally 2200
$923–2023Sample sale or floor modelSample sale, 923 all together against a 1500 original; wanted under 1k though mom would have paid 1500
$925$8002026Not statedRebecca Ingram on sale 925 (retail 1100); alterations 800 for hem, bust reshaping, extra boning and side seams; made her own veil for about 25
$930$3002026Sample sale or floor modelMay 2026 bride; local shop sample sale, originally 2200, in her exact size; hem-only alterations quoted at 300
$930–2026Secondhand onlineDecember 2026 bride; never-worn Grace Loves Lace on Poshmark at about a third of the 3350 new price; alterations pending
$930$4102018Not stated930 after tax in a high-tax area; 410 was the lowest quote for a lace-applique hem, bustle and cups
$930$1552022Etsy makerBespoke Etsy dress 930 with tax plus 155 alterations; the cheapest shop dress she liked was 1200 before tax and needed at least 500 of alterations
$950$5852023Sample sale or floor modelPlus size; budget rose 750 to 1000; salon sample tagged 1300 negotiated to 950, just over 1000 with tax; great seamstress
$950–2023RetailWanted about 700; Etsy sleeves 60 and veil 60
$950$8002024Secondhand onlineSecondhand gown retailing 1700; dry cleaning 175; alterations over 3-4 fittings incl. waist, bust, bustle, zipper, buttons; high-cost area.
$950–2024Secondhand onlineStillWhite instead of 1400 plus tax new; alterations should be minimal.
$950$8902024Secondhand onlineSecondhand gown that retailed 2-3k, parents chipped in 500. Charged 60 per skirt layer to hem, and the badly altered top cut into her back and armpits all day.
$950–2025Not statedWhole dress cost 950, so a 950 veil seems too much to her
$950$3002025Bridal salon, made to orderGave a 1200 budget and the shop only pulled under it; married in May. Daughter's custom-store gown was 4000, mom covered 2000.
$950$5852026OutletEssense of Australia sample at a local off-the-rack outlet listed 1300, negotiated to 950 for bodice pilling; 585 for alterations and steaming
$950–2026Off the rackLocal off-the-rack store; about 1750 with tax and alterations
$950––Not statedPaid 950 for a gown that retailed at 3000; resold on eBay for only 300 after 1.5 years of trying. Purchase year not stated.
$950$3002026Sample sale or floor modelEva Lendel sample sale; a neighbor did the alterations for 300
$950–2016RetailMix-and-match BHLDN pieces; tried up to 4k but wouldn't let mom pay what she wouldn't; money prioritized for kids' sports
$950–2017Bridal salon, made to orderBoutique gown she rated as better made than anything she tried at BHLDN.
$950–2019Bridal salon, made to orderMarked down to under half her dress budget; she wanted sleeves, an open back and non-traditional geometric lace and bought at the first shop she visited
$950–2022Not statedPlus 40 shoes; alterations pending
$950$4502022Bridal salon, made to orderFinal-sale gown at a local boutique; the dress was the biggest line item of an elopement
$950–2022Not stated950 before alterations; 1500 all said and done
$950$9002022Not statedAlterations 900 included a 200 rush fee for a six-week turnaround; feels she overpaid
$951$1202019Not statedAlterations came to only $120, leaving her just past a $1,000 target
$960$8502026Sample sale or floor modelSample-sale lace gown; alterations nearly matched the dress price because of the lace, but she says friends paid more and the fit worry vanished once it was pinned
$963$2252024Not stated963 with tax; alterations 200-250 (midpoint used) despite major weight loss
$965–2026Online retailAnya gown ordered online; thin polyester hand, bumpy zipper, needs cups added and shoulder work, so she is leaning toward returning it
$971–2025Off the rack1200 gown with 10 percent off the rack plus another 10 percent because her sister bought the same day.
$975–2018Retail975 BHLDN gown ordered through the store after an appointment; tried 150-300 bridesmaid styles there first; looking good was the budget priority
$975$2502018RetailBHLDN gown; alterations about 250 (paid as 220 EUR); comfortable and happy
$975$2252018Not statedStraps shortened, buttons snugged, hem through two lining layers and fine tulle
$980$6002023Not statedBudget 2k; 300 for custom embroidery included in the 1880
$980–2026Sample sale or floor model980 sample-sale gown; alterations quote pending
$980$3502022Not statedPre-tax; alterations took it down two sizes plus hem and bustle; Utah market skews young, low-income and low COL
$980$4402022RetailBHLDN dress 980 incl tax, 440 alterations, 18 applique sewn at the waist; unsure a 300 or 3000 dress would have been any different
$981–2022RetailBudget had been 1500
$990–2022Secondhand online2300 dress bought once-worn for 990 on StillWhite
$999$4502023Bridal salon, made to orderBudget 2000, max 2500; custom-ordered skirt layer change and extra fabric; alterations built new sleeves and a silk hem
$999–2023Sample sale or floor modelSample sale dress taken home the same day; recommends StillWhite and Poshmark for used
$999–2025Sample sale or floor modelSample sale price against a $2400 list price
$999$8002025Sample sale or floor modelSample size of a 2500 gown.
$999–2026Sample sale or floor model2026 bride; 999 sample dress
$999–2026Off the rackOff-the-rack gown at this price that does not look cheap; she later went back to the same shop and got a second gown for about $500
$999$4252026Not statedOnly local bridal seamstress quoted 1200 for hem, bustle and sides on a plain gown; a home-based seamstress who sews for a bridal shop charged 425
$999$4002016Bridal salon, made to orderDad paid the dress; 100 salon credit bought a hair piece; ~400 alterations expected, paid by her
$999$2652018Bridal salon, made to orderKnew the shop owner/designer: dress 2200 discounted to 999, belt 250 discounted to 125; 265 alterations
$999–2021RetailFirst dress 999 from David's; second dress about 104 from Azazie; thinks anything over 1800 is a waste for a few hours of wear
$999$3502022Not statedFirst dress 999 plus tax with 350 alterations (appliques added, bustle, hem); second dress 1500 with 300 alterations for a big bodice take-in
$999–2022Not statedUsed dress, source unstated, fits; simple hem expected under 200
$999$1452022Not statedDress 999 plus 145 alterations

Questions about this price range

Can you get a good wedding dress for $700 to $999?

491 brides in this dataset did, which is 11% of all the prices here. The route matters more than the number: the commonest route brides named at this price is sample sale or floor model, and the median inside the band is $800. Of the brides at this price who gave a verdict, 70% say they have no regret.

What do alterations cost on a $700 to $999 dress?

In this band the tailoring runs a median $435 across 164 bills, against $500 across every price level. Across the ten bands the tailoring median climbs with the gown, because dearer dresses carry more layers, more boning and more beading, and each of those is hours of hand work. What does not climb is the proportion: at the cheap end the fitting can approach the price of the dress it is fitting.

Where do brides find dresses at $700 to $999?

The channel table above is the honest answer, and it is ranked by how many brides used each route rather than by what shops advertise. Routes that dominate one band barely appear in the next one.

Is it normal to regret your wedding dress right after buying it?

Several brides report the same thing unprompted: one felt it within a couple of days of ordering and went back to the boutique, one still regrets her choice five years later, and regulars say regret posts appear multiple times a day in this sub. It is very common here: several said they panicked after ordering and then fell back in love with the gown, while two rebought, including one who replaced a $2,700 dress with a $400 one.

Should I try on wedding dresses above my budget?

Repeatedly called the cardinal rule of dress shopping: do not. The brides only put this one on to look at the back and ended up in tears in the mirror, which some brides read as the shop steering her toward a bigger sale. No. Brides repeatedly warn that stylists pull above-budget gowns and you fall for them; state a hard limit up front. One bride who gave a 1,200 budget was shown only gowns under it and paid 950.

does wedding dress regret go away

For the brides answering here it did. One had major regret a week out and now loves her photos; another wound up with something quite different from her vision and reports zero regret. the bride who asked later confirmed she was happy at pickup. For this bride it did completely. She wrote in a panic months before the wedding, wore the same dress, and came back afterwards saying she felt like a princess in it and was glad she had been talked off the ledge.

can you negotiate the price of a wedding dress at a bridal shop

brides say to ask the shop to meet you halfway or to sell it at your stated budget, and to ring other shops that carry the same gown to compare. The worst outcome is a no. Some brides did: one always asks for 10% off by citing another shop, one haggled a consignment gown to 500, and a shop honored a written misquote so a 10,000-plus gown sold for 6,000; a discontinued floor sample went for 50% off.

should I buy a second wedding dress if I regret the first

Everyone here who did says it was worth it, and the one bride who stuck with her regret dress still feels bummed looking at her photos. The caveat brides add is to pay for it outside the wedding fund rather than eating into other vendors. This bride did: she bought a $300 replacement, compared the two side by side and went with the new one for her barn wedding.

Do brides regret spending a lot on a wedding dress?

The 6,000 bride is torn (worth it on the day, second thoughts when the credit card bills came), the 4,500 bride thinks she could have found cheaper, while those at 1,200-2,500 and the 20-600 bargain hunters report no regret at all. One bride who paid 2,500 before extensive alterations loves the gown but calls the price excessive in hindsight; a relative who paid 1,500 for a niece's gown and a 2005 bride at 650 said it was worth it.

Related on this site

Sources

Price reports on this page come from 122 public discussions where brides answered in their own words. Each comment that stated an amount became one row; notes are paraphrased, never quoted.

Discussions used on this page (122)