20 Best Online Shops for Buying an Affordable Wedding Dress

At first blush, it's tough out there for budget-conscious brides. Affordable favorites including J. Crew, Ann Taylor, and Alfred Angelo have ditched the bridal market or folded altogether in the past few years. But there are still plenty of dresses online for those who want to skip the bridal shop in their quest for wedding savings. Whether you want a traditional gown, a simpler dress, or something in between, here are 20 sites to check out for wedding dresses under $500.

Prices and availability are subject to change.

Related: 12 Things You Likely Won't See at the Next Wedding You Attend

This Amazon-owned retailer offers casual wedding dresses with an edgy, youthful feel, starting around $100. Feeling impatient? Dresses are even eligible for Amazon Prime shipping.

Can you return it?
 Yes, dresses in their original condition with tags still attached can be returned within 30 days. If received within 15 days, shipping is free; after that, there is a $10 fee that will be deducted from your return.

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Black Halo Jackie O Belted Dress
$375
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Look perfectly polished for a casual wedding in this sleek sheath that definitely channels the spirit of its iconic namesake. Made of stretch suiting material, it could easily be reworn at the office, a cocktail party, or any number of other occasions.

A relatively new player in the wedding world, Azazie carries more than 250 dresses under $500 in sizes 0 to 30. Styles range from casual to more traditional, full-skirt dresses with ornate beading. An at-home try-on program allows you to order up to three dresses for a week for $15 each, helping alleviate worries about quality or fit.

Can you return it?
If it's a custom order, no. For standard-size dresses, yes, but they must be returned within 30 days in their original condition with tags still attached. The customer is responsible for return shipping fees.

Azazie Lafayette BG
$399
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Delicate and modern, this A-line dress with a strappy fitted bodice and floral appliques looks far more expensive than its price tag would suggest. It comes in three colors and is made to order in just a few weeks.

The bridal arm of quirky cult favorite Anthropologie, BHLDN has a surprisingly robust collection of gowns under $500. Of course you'll find flowy boho looks, but also classic sheaths and even some mix-and-match wedding separates that let you customize your look for less.

Can you return it?
Yes, dresses in their original condition with tags still attached can be returned within 30 days. Prepaid return labels are included.

Payal Jain Porter Dress
$495
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Intricate beading in a sub-$500 dress? Yes, indeed. The elegant top is balanced by an open back and maxi length.

You can't talk about inexpensive wedding dresses without mentioning David's Bridal. The website shows hundreds of styles under $500 in all silhouettes: A-line, sheath, ball gown, and trumpet. Even better, all sizes are available, from petite to plus, and many dresses are available at locations nationwide for in-store try-ons.

Can you return it?
Dresses in their original condition with tags still attached can be returned within a week to either a David's Bridal store or by using a prepaid shipping label, for which a $12.50 fee will be deducted from your refund.

Chiffon Wedding Dress With Strapless Ruched Bodice
$150
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Simple, sweet, and oh-so-budget friendly, this strapless chiffon gown with a sweetheart neckline has a classic look that will keep those wedding photos from looking dated even years down the road.

London-based ASOS currently stocks more than 50 wedding dresses, including a few dozen styles under $300. The choices lean toward youthful, casual, and funky.

Can you return it?
Yes, dresses in their original condition with tags still attached can be returned within 28 days. Prepaid return labels can be printed online. 

Related: The Most Unique Wedding Venue in Every State

Joni Sequin Cami Wedding Dress
$256
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Here's the ultimate show-stopper for the sparkle-loving bride without a ton to spend. A plunging neckline and sleek silhouette keep the bling from being too overwhelming.

As its name suggests, PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com gives brides a chance to score a gown worn just once for much less than it would cost new. When we looked, the site had more than 6,000 dresses for less than $500 in a range of styles and sizes from designers including Maggie Sottero, Pronovias, Watters, and Casablanca.

Can you return it?
It depends. The policy is up to the individual seller, so be sure to check before you buy.

Related: Buy These 24 Things Secondhand to Save Big

Justin Alexander 8702
$299
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Brides with ballgown dreams don't necessarily have to spend a ton. This previously owned dress retailed for $1,900 and features include beaded-lace appliques, a V-tank neckline, and a chapel-length train.  

Although Bloomingdale's marks its bridal selection as being for "the bride to be" attending a pre-wedding event such as a bridal shower, any woman looking for a short or casual wedding dress would do well to take a look. Most selections are under $250, and they run the gamut from flouncy and fun to sleek and modern.

Can you return it?
Yes, within 90 days for a full refund. However, dresses need to be in their original condition with tags still attached. Bloomingdale's accepts in-store returns, but if there's no store nearby, you can print out a prepaid shipping label online.

Rebecca Taylor Agnes Lace Midi Dress
$350
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Who says your wedding dress has to be frilly and flowing dress? This dress features a high square neck, spaghetti straps, and laser-cut lace panels, simple but elegant.

Budget-minded brides who love throwback fashion should make a point of checking out ModCloth. Highlights include swingy short dresses with a '50s feel, as well as some longer, more bohemian styles. Most dresses are under $300, and several come in sizes up to 26.

Can you return it?
Yes, you can return a dress in its original, unworn condition for up to 30 days if you want a full refund. Shipping is free with a prepaid return label.

Chi Chi London Gilded Grace Lace Dress
$179
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Got a soft spot for vintage? This lacy champagne number with a full tulle skirt definitely feels like a throwback in the best possible way, and just begs for a birdcage veil to go with it.

The selection of budget-friendly used wedding dresses at Once Wed isn't as impressive as the offerings on some other secondhand sites, but we still found more than 200 dresses in a variety of styles under $500.

Can you return it?
It depends. It's up to each dress seller to set a return policy, so be sure to check before you buy.

Marchesa Notte Georgette Cape Gown
$500
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Turn heads with this dramatic, never-worn ivory A-line with an attached cape. It retailed for $895 and has a plunging neckline, flattering ruching, and an empire waist.

Plus-size brides will want to check out Kiyonna, which offers about two dozen dresses in sizes 0X to 5X, or roughly 10-32. There are short and long options, including plenty for lace lovers. Better yet, only a couple of gowns are more than $300.

Can you return it?
Yes, dresses in their original condition with tags still attached can be returned within 30 days. Return shipping is free on all orders over $100. 

Sweet Serenity Wedding Gown
$248
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Lacy, romantic, and utterly classic, this A-line dress has a flattering empire waist and a very special bonus: pockets. The fabric has plenty of stretch, too.

Related: 30 Places to Find Cheap Plus-Size Clothing Online

Macy's carries more than two dozen bridal gowns, many of them from Adrianna Papell, with most ranging from around $100 to $500. Although most are best suited for casual or second-time brides, a handful have slightly fuller silhouettes or a more formal vibe.

Can you return it?
Yes, dresses in their original condition with tags still attached can be returned within 60 days. You can return a dress to a local Macy's store or print out a prepaid label for free return shipping.

Adrianna Papell Floral Embroidered Sheath Dress

$189
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The ideal little white dress for an intimate courthouse affair, backyard bash, or second wedding, this embroidered knee-length sheath is an instant classic.

Some of the gowns in the Dillard's bridal section seem more appropriate for the mother of the bride, but there are a handful of gems that could work for a less formal ceremony. Gowns range from around $100 to $700, but many are under $300.

Can you return it?
Yes, dresses in their original condition with tags still attached can be returned within 30 days to any Dillard's store. They can also be mailed back, but you have to pay $9.95 for a return shipping label.

Lauren Ralph Lauren Satin Ruched Side-Slit Jersey Gown
$190
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This one is for the bride who's determined to look commanding on her special day. With clean strong lines, this sleeveless jersey gown has side ruching and a surplice portrait collar neckline.

Second-hand dress site Stillwhite trumpets that it's the "world's largest wedding dress marketplace." Whether or not that's true, there were more than 13,000 options under $500 when we looked, including some brand-new sample dresses. Check the seller's location — we ran across some listings from sellers in Australia and the United Kingdom, which could make shipping more of a hassle.

Can you return it?
Nope (although, as the site notes, you can turn around and sell the dress yourself if it doesn't work out). Buyers who use PayPal do get buyer protection for up to $20,000 if the dress is defective, different than described, or lost in the mail.

Related: 13 Reasons Why Destination Weddings Are a Bad Idea

Theia Couture Taylor Sample Dress
$450
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If this delicate crepe gown looks like it should cost a lot more, that's probably because it retailed for $2,000. A store sample, it has a fit and flare skirt and a dramatic lace back that just begs for a classic updo.

You can have just about everything made through Etsy, and wedding dresses are no exception. While prices run the gamut, they're typically lower than you'd find at a bridal boutique. Of course, prospective brides should scour the reviews of prospective designers before committing.

Can you return it?
It depends, but it's rare for custom orders to be returnable. Each Etsy shop sets its own policy, so be sure to check before you buy.

BlushFashion Bohemian Bat Sleeves Wedding Dress
Starting at $358
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This delicate dress just begs for a bride who wants to get married in a garden with flowers in her hair. It comes in sizes up to 4XL and has a high empire waist that would also make it a great maternity pick.

Dessy is typically a go-to source for bridesmaids' dresses rather than bridal gowns. But hundreds of the dresses come in white and ivory, and it's hard to imagine that anyone would be able to tell the difference. Even better: The most expensive gowns are only around $300, and they come in sizes up to 30W.

Can you return it?
In-stock dresses can be returned in their original condition with tags still attached within 30 days. For special orders, no returns are allowed.

Alfred Sung D748
$223
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This streamlined satin twill gown is a perfect pick for a budget-conscious bride who loves all things chic and simple. It has a sweetheart neckline and, best of all, pockets.

Australia-based White Runway has more than 60 dresses under $500 that range from sleek and edgy to romantic and traditional. Most dresses can be made to order, while a small number are in stock and ready to ship right away.

Can you return it?
Dresses in their original condition with tags still attached can be returned within 30 days. Made-to-order dresses are eligible only for store credit, while made-to-order dresses with any customizations cannot be returned.

Tina Holly Capricorn Gown
$440
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Feel like Audrey Hepburn in this classic strapless gown with all-important pockets. It has a pleated full A-line skirt and a mesh insert that adds interest to the bodice.

Lulus has tons of very budget-friendly white dresses, from floor-length gowns to short dresses. The styles definitely skew younger, but it's hard to beat the prices, with plenty of options under $100.

Can you return it?
Yes, dresses in their original condition with tags still attached can be returned within 30 days, but if you don't want to pay for return shipping, you have only 10 days.

Awaken My Love Long-Sleeve Maxi Dress
$88
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Get Kate Middleton's long-sleeve look for under $100 (what?!). The crocheted lace sleeves on this maxi dress give it a timeless look, but the open back keeps it contemporary.

Related: Footie PJs and 19 Other Kitschy Items Being Made for Harry and Meghan's Wedding

You may have seen this plus-size retailer in the mall, but you probably didn't know it sells wedding dresses online. The small but well-curated collection covers all major styles, including contemporary and romantic gowns. Dresses are offered in sizes 10 to 30.

Can you return it?
Yes, dresses in their original condition with tags still attached can be returned within 60 days. A $6 shipping fee will be deducted for returns by mail. Dresses can also be returned to Torrid stores.

Ivory Mesh Faux Pearl Tea-Length Wedding Dress
$80
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This swingy tea-length gown with its pearl-dotted bodice is gloriously retro. It's fully lined, with mesh illusion straps and a sweetheart neckline.

There are a few dozen wedding dresses to choose from at this sustainability-focused retailer based in L.A., most of which skew youthful and casual. A few more-formal options creep over the $500 mark, but many are $200 to $300.

Can you return it?
Yes, dresses in their original condition with tags still attached can be returned within 30 days. Return shipping is free with prepaid labels.

The Rosita Dress
$428
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With its asymmetrical ruffles, the crepe Rosita dress has a little bit of a romantic flamenco feel, and the floor length keeps it formal.

This resale website focusing on designer fashion has nearly 25,000 new and used wedding dresses, and about half of them are under $500. Big names include Mori Lee, Allure, Maggie Sottero, and even Vera Wang.

Can you return it?
Typically not, unless the dress is misrepresented. If a dress isn't marked final sale, it may be eligible for a return in the form of Tradesy credit.

Related: The Cost of a Wedding in Every State

Oleg Cassini Ivory/Champagne Lace Modern Wedding Dress
$450
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This gown from famed designer Oleg Cassini is for the bride who wants to be classic and modern at the same time. It retailed for more than $1,400 and was worn once for a photo shoot.

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