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Here Comes the Bargain

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

ShopBop

ShopBop

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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ShopBop

ShopBop: What We'd Buy

Black Halo Jackie O Belted Dress
$375
Shop Now


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.

Azazie

Azazie

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

Azazie: What We'd Buy

Azazie Lafayette BG
$399
Shop Now


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.

BHLDN

BHLDN

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.

BHLDN

BHLDN: What We'd Buy

Payal Jain Porter Dress
$495
Shop Now


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

David's Bridal

David's Bridal

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.

David's Bridal

David's Bridal: What We'd Buy

Chiffon Wedding Dress With Strapless Ruched Bodice
$150
Shop Now


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.

ASOS

ASOS

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:
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ASOS

ASOS: What We'd Buy

Joni Sequin Cami Wedding Dress
$256
Shop Now


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.

PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com

PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com

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

PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com

PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com: What We'd Buy

Justin Alexander 8702
$299
Shop Now


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.  

Bloomingdale's

Bloomingdale's

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.

Bloomingdales

Bloomingdale's: What We'd Buy

Rebecca Taylor Agnes Lace Midi Dress
$350
Shop Now


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.

ModCloth

ModCloth

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.

ModCloth

ModCloth: What We'd Buy

Chi Chi London Gilded Grace Lace Dress
$179
Shop Now


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.

Once Wed

Once Wed

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.

Once Wed

OnceWed: What We'd Buy

Marchesa Notte Georgette Cape Gown
$500
Shop Now


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.

Kiyonna

Kiyonna

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.

Kiyonna
Macy's

Macy's

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.

Macy's

Macy's: What We'd Buy

Adrianna Papell Floral Embroidered Sheath Dress

$189
Shop Now


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

Dillard's

Dillard's

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.

Dillard's

Dillard's: What We'd Buy

Lauren Ralph Lauren Satin Ruched Side-Slit Jersey Gown
$190
Shop Now


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.

Stillwhite

Stillwhite

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:
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Stillwhite

Stillwhite: What We'd Buy

Theia Couture Taylor Sample Dress
$450
Shop Now


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.

Etsy

Etsy

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.

Etsy

Etsy: What We'd Buy

BlushFashion Bohemian Bat Sleeves Wedding Dress
Starting at $358
Shop Now


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

Dessy

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.

Dessy

Dessy: What We'd Buy

Alfred Sung D748
$223
Shop Now


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.

White Runway

White Runway

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.

White Runway

White Runway: What We'd Buy

Tina Holly Capricorn Gown
$440
Shop Now


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

Lulus

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.

Lulus
Torrid

Torrid

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.

Torrid

Torrid: What We'd Buy

Ivory Mesh Faux Pearl Tea-Length Wedding Dress
$80
Shop Now


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.

Reformation

Reformation

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.

Reformation

Reformation: What We'd Buy

The Rosita Dress
$428
Shop Now


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

Tradesy

Tradesy

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

Tradesy

Tradesy: What We'd Buy

Oleg Cassini Ivory/Champagne Lace Modern Wedding Dress
$450
Shop Now


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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