Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Retailers
In a culture in which even bridesmaids are going into debt for friends’ weddings and there are whole Reddit threads devoted to avoiding the “wedding tax” — the higher costs some vendors charge for goods and services they know will be used for a wedding — it’s clear that the simple act of getting married is no longer so simple. Do we truly have no choice but to spend extra thousands of dollars, especially on a wedding dress?
But who says your wedding dress needs to be a wedding dress?
To be clear, there are some very valid reasons that wedding dresses cost so much — they’re often made with a lot more fabrics as well as a much higher level of craftsmanship. And for many brides, an elaborate wedding dress is a chance to feel like a princess. If and when that time comes for me, you won’t find me at David’s Bridal. Instead, I’ll be looking into options like the dresses and sets below — investment pieces that can be tailored for a perfect fit and worn again and again and, while not the most affordable, come nowhere near the cost of a typical wedding dress.
Who needs a tiered cake? Have a tiered dress.
$301
$301
This slinky showstopper is comfortable, flattering, and stylish.
Embody a doily without spending thousands
The cotton eyelet lace will keep you comfortable even through a long ceremony, and the puffy sleeves offer a bit of the princess energy you might be looking for.
For the chillest of chill brides
$295
$295
This super-simple dress is also super comfortable, perfect for dancing all night at the reception and ripe for accessorizing. Its unique stitching gives it a little extra oomph.
Make your imminent dive into the ocean stress-free
$720
Having a beach wedding? Instead of ruining an insanely expensive dress when you inevitably run into the ocean with your beloved, wear an extremely fancy swimsuit that you’ll treasure forever under a relatively inexpensive dress.
Cow milking at 8 a.m., wedding at 2 p.m.
$150
$150
All you cottagecore milkmaids, this frilly number with a powerful asymmetric skirt is for you.
A set you can dance in
Why wear a dress when you can wear a matching two-piece set? This asymmetrical top bares just the right amount of skin, and the skirt’s layered construction swishes delightfully across a dance floor.
$182
$182
A breezy dress for a breezy bride
$310
This elegant maxi dress will keep you comfortable all night.
For the artistic bride
$246
This dress is unique and beautiful, perfect for the artsy bride who sells hand-sculpted pottery on the side.
For the maximalist bride
$550
We’re already being nontraditional, why not throw in some color?
This dress will make your wedding feel like a Studio Ghibli film
$495
$495
A wedding dress you can wear mary janes with is a slay in my book.
This artisan-crafted dress will make you feel like art
$288
Featuring beautiful Palestinian tatreez embroidery and a universally flattering maxi cut that could easily be tailored to your best fit, this dress belongs on an altar.
For the bride who likes to keep it light
$375
$375
This lightweight drop-waist style is perfect for a summer wedding.
A dress a Greek statue would wear
$595
$595
This is a cool-girl wedding dress, right down to the off-white color.
A dress that’s silky and voluminous
$179
You can’t go wrong with a glamorous silk dress, and this one has a flow-y skirt that’s perfect for walking down the aisle.
This dress looks like how love feels
$433
$433
Like you’re floating on air. The unique skirt adds a twist to an otherwise classic design.
A dress with range for a bride with range
$525
$525
This one even has an adjustable skirt, transforming into a flouncy minidress that’s perfect for dancing.
A wedding is a great opportunity to show off your legs
$288
$288
And who says your wedding dress can’t be a minidress? There are no rules here!
For the bride who wears ribbons regularly
You won’t need a disco ball in this dress
$508
If you love attention, this is the wedding dress for you.
If you say it’s a dress, it’s a dress
$1,850
Who says your wedding dress has to be a dress? Pair this investment piece with fun tights or matching pants.
If you love the 1920s but also have a beige couch
$135
The dropped waist and white cotton of this dress give it a minimalistic flapper vibe.
