When it comes to tying the knot, finding the perfect wedding dress can be a beyond-stressful decision. And if you've seen even one episode of Say Yes To The Dress, you'll know that having to budget for such a special occasion can bring up a ton of emotions. So, how much does a wedding dress cost? Well, the honest answer is, however much you're willing to spend. There's no right or wrong amount to invest in wedding attire because spending habits are extremely relative. That's why, according to Sarah Wexler of Brides, it's important to set a firm and realistic budget from the get-go.
"Yes, it's uncomfortable to talk numbers, but it will save you from heartache later on," wrote Wexler, on Brides. "Before your first appointment, figure out who is paying for the gown (your family, the groom, you?). If someone else is paying, get the hard numbers on your limit, so you can choose to stay within that budget or pay the difference yourself to get the dress you want." Even though you might want to splurge, it's also important to consider which elements of the wedding are most important to you and your partner. If spending less on the dress means you can afford to take your dream honeymoon, then it might be more satisfying in the long run to go with a more affordable dress. Here's how much these 12 brides spent on their wedding dresses, and whether they felt like it was worth it in hindsight.
$3,500. Bought it at a sample sale. It was originally priced at $10,500 so it was definitely a deal. I do not regret it. My second dress was a Marchesa gown which I bought on sale too. Not as much as the first.
$1200, do I really actually regret it? No. Do I think I could have spent a lot less and been just as happy? Yes.
Mine was £1500 in the end. Two points though: 1. It was custom made completely from scratch so most of that price was labour for the seamstress and 2. I didn't want a white dress. My dress had two layers so I removed the more wedding-y overlay and the blue dress underneath can be worn again. It also has a hand embroided belt on the waist that I can remove and use for a few things.
I never thought I would really care about dresses but the one I bought legitimately made me feel super special and like a bride. Paid 3,800 AUD. Much more than I expected but I don't regret it. I want to feel beautiful on the day: it doesn't matter what that costs.
Deciding how much to spend on a wedding dress is a very personal choice, and in the end, what's most important is that you feel like your most beautiful self. No matter how much your dress costs, make sure you feel amazing in it. Ultimately, that's what you'll remember most.