For the last couple of years, as well as unveiling the latest collections from the likes of Claire Pettibone, Jenny Packham, Pronovias (designers I LOVE), I have also each year searched out some of the most breathtaking budget-friendly wedding dresses (take a peek if you missed those I found in 2014 and 2015) Because I know what it’s like to be a bride planning a wedding on a shoe string – I was one. And no matter how much I love them, or how lovely it is to wear one, I don’t believe a designer wedding dress is a pre-requisite for an unforgettable wedding or a happy marriage – which after all is what a wedding is really all about!

The great news is though that nowadays finding a gorgeous gown for you big day does not have to break the bank! And I am not talking nasty knock offs (no matter how tempting ladies, please don’t), shopping the dreaded sales, or even samples. Nope, it is perfectly possible to get the dress of your dreams whatever your budget, and I am here to prove it with 20 of the most fabulous and fancy looking bridal frocks all for UNDER (yep, less than) $1000 – in fact some of them are less than $500!

Vintage Lace Fishtail Maxi Dress – ASOS

Ivory & Grey Dress ‘Ivy’ – Carousel Fashion

‘Ingrid’ Velvet Gown – BHLDN

‘Teona’ Wedding Dress – Alex Veil Bridal

Isabel Gown – J.Crew

Embellished High Neck Gown – Terani Couture at Nordstrom

Bride & Joy Dress – Modcloth

Boho Dress – Grace Loves Lace

Lace Bandeau Dress with Crop Jacket – ASOS

Sparkling Celebration Dress – Chi Chi London at Modcloth

‘Jasmine’ Wedding Dress – Carousel Fashion

Athena Dress – Lace & Liberty Bridal

‘Naomi’ Wedding Dress – BHLDN

Lace Sweetheart Tea Length Dress – ASOS

‘Agnia’ long Sleeve Dress – Milamira Bridal

Of course we all know as soon as you put the word wedding in front of anything you can add an etxra ‘0’ or two when it comes to $s. So why not up the style stakes and save yourself a few pennies by choosing a dress with a hint of colour – with the right accessories they will look no less bridal, but with the added bonus of being wearable after the big day! How about these gorgeous gowns…..

‘Adona’ Wedding Dress – BHLDN

Champagne Wedding Dress – Carousel Fashion

Sequin Cowl Back Gown – Badgley Mischka on ShopBop

Or even this floral fancy – after all floral wedding dresses are spot on in terms of trends this year!

Floral Print Dress – Cathy Telle

And last but by no means least, you could go vintage! Because vintage wedding dresses are not only affordable alternatives, they’re also timelessly elegant, beautiful and virtually bespoke – I mean how many of these works of art have survived 50, 60 or 70 years? Not many! So there’s little to no chance of going to a wedding only to find the bride is wearing the dress you bought!

Vintage Tea Length Dress – The Vintage Mistress

Aren’t they all just gorgeous?? You see, it is possible to look a million dollars without it costing a million dollars! And these 20 are just a few favourites of the many affordable wedding dresses I found – there are LOTS more out there. So many in fact, I have a Pinterest board full of beautiful bridal gowns that won’t break the bank so do pop across and take a peek.

Or if budget isn’t a question and you love long sleeves, you might want to have a look at these 30 lovelies! Or if you like the idea of something a little unconventional, do take a peek at these 20 floral wedding dresses perfect for creating a little wow! Or for something more vintage, these 1950s inspired bridal gowns or these Art Deco inspired wedding dresses might be for you.

Amy

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