These days, you don't have to spend a lot of money to look amazing on your wedding day. Sure, some brides-to-be have dreamt of their wedding gowns for their entire lives, and if it's really important to you to shell out thousands on a designer piece for your special day, all the power to you.
But hear us out: Even as fashion-lovers, we can think of a million reasons not to wipe out your life's savings on a dress for your big day, the first and most obvious one being that you'll likely only wear the damn thing once.
So there are plenty of reasons to start your search near the bottom of the pricing ladder, not least of which should be because there are a ton of great-looking picks out there that live up to your dreams, but also can be worn again. With the average wedding dress in America costing $900 to $1,500, according to The Wedding Report, Inc., we're using that as our benchmark and presenting dresses that all cost less. And the best part is, with the expensive-looking picks ahead, none of your wedding guests will even be the wiser — your down-the-aisle stunner can be your own little secret.
Oversized sequins take this slip dress to the nuptial-ready level.
& Other Stories Sequin Maxi Dress, $195, available at & Other Stories.
Draw the eyes upward with sparkling collar and sleeve detail.
ASOS Curve Lattice Embellished Flutter Sleeve Dress, $153.66 $92.20, available at ASOS.
It doesn't get more effortlessly chic than a wrap dress.
Christy Dawn The Autumn Dress, $212, available at Christy Dawn.
We've got major heart-eyes for this 3-D-floral situation.
ASOS Bridal Scattered 3-D Floral Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress, $291.15, available at ASOS.
You haven't seen ruffles quite like this.
Jonathan Simkhai Side Tie Ruffle Shirt Dress, $365, available at Jonathan Simkhai.
You'll glow from a mile away in this metallic mini-slip.
Kaelen Metallic Lame Cowl Slip, $700, available at Kaelen.
It's impossible not to feel special in a dress like this.
Nicopanda Prima Dress, $895, available at Opening Ceremony.
Low-key beach wedding, here you come.
H&M Chiffon Maxi Dress, $59.99, available at H&M.
Put a bow on it.
Kalita Camille Halterneck Cotton Maxi Dress, $477, available at MATCHESFASHION.COM.
Don't be a square — try this circle dress.
Opening Ceremony Otis Twill Open Back Circle Dress, $615, available at Opening Ceremony.
Achieve the mod vibe with this simplistic shift.
COS Jacquard Flower Dress, $225, available at COS.
A simple spaghetti strap dress that brings major drama.
Mango Cut Out Silk Dress, $249.99, available at Mango.
Not your typical bridal embroidery.
Toga Archives Embroidered Flower Dress, $760, available at Opening Ceremony.
Why should polka dots be off-limits on your wedding day?
Marianna Senchina Polka Dot Dress, $466.69, available at Not Just A Label.
Bring the cold-shoulder trend down the aisle.
Topshop Circle Lace Cold Shoulder Dress, $130, available at Topshop.
Pair a bell-sleeve dress with some fun platforms for a fashion-girl-approved wedding look.
Rodebjer Mila Dress, $895, available at Rodebjer.
You can't go wrong with classic white lace.
New Revival Chloe White Lace Bell Sleeve Dress, $125, available at Pixie Market.
Take the plunge.
Reformation Francesca Dress, $488, available at Reformation.
A splash of red never hurt anyone.
Trademark Tassel Belt Dress, $488.60, available at Trademark.
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