Wedding dress shopping is typically one of the first things that brides think about when they get engaged. It’s one of the most important parts of the wedding day, after all! But a lot of brides wonder: how much does a wedding dress cost? This is probably not something you’ve ever thought about before getting engaged!
It can be tricky to figure out how much to budget for your wedding dress. We would never dream of telling you how much to spend on your dress — it’s a personal decision! But, there are some things that we can tell you to help you understand why wedding dresses cost the amount that they do.
How Much Does a Wedding Dress Cost?
There is no magical number that we can give you as to how much your wedding dress is going to cost. It varies based on the designer, aspects of the dress, and the bride. But there are some average prices and various factors that can go into the cost!
Average wedding dress cost
Here at K&B Bridals, our gowns range from about $1,600 to $6,000. According to The Knot Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding dress in the U.S. is currently $2,000. Several factors go into the price of a wedding dress, and we will dive into some of these factors in this article!
Understanding the Average Cost of a Wedding Dress
When planning a wedding, one of the most significant expenses brides consider is the cost of the wedding dress. The average cost of a wedding dress can vary widely depending on various factors, including the designer, the materials used, and the complexity of the design. According to recent data, the average cost of a wedding dress in the United States typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,500. However, it’s important to note that this figure can fluctuate based on regional differences and the specific type of dress you’re looking for.
What Influences the Cost of an Average Wedding Dress?
Several elements contribute to the cost of an average wedding dress. Designer labels and custom-made gowns usually come with a higher price tag, often starting at around $2,000 and going up from there. Additionally, the choice of fabric, intricate beadwork, lace, and other embellishments can significantly increase the cost. On the other hand, simpler designs or dresses purchased off-the-rack tend to be more affordable, with prices typically starting at around $500.
Factors that affect a wedding dress price
There are a lot of different factors that will affect the price of a wedding dress.
- First: fabric. Some fabrics, such as tulle, lace detail, silk, and charmeuse, will be more expensive than others.
- The structure of a dress will also affect the price. A well-made gown with high-quality structure and lining (think corseting and boning) will cost a little bit extra.
- An obvious factor affecting a dress’s price is embellishments and detail. A ballgown with heavy detail will cost more than a sheath gown with no detail. This is especially true for a dress with beading or appliques that are hand-placed, as there is a lot more labor put into making the dress.
- Finally, the designer of your dress can affect the price. A more well-known, high-end designer is going to be priced higher than more local or lesser-known ones.
Yes, all of these things make the price of the dress higher… but it also means the overall fit, comfort, and look of the dress will be better! Some of these things are worth spending the extra money on.
Budgeting for the Average Wedding Dress Cost
When setting your wedding budget, it’s essential to consider how much you’re willing to spend on your dress. The cost of an average wedding dress often represents a significant portion of a bride’s overall wedding budget. Many brides allocate around 10% of their total wedding budget to their dresses. However, this percentage can vary depending on personal priorities and preferences. Understanding the average cost of a wedding dress and how it fits into your overall budget will help you make an informed decision as you shop for the perfect gown.
How to save money on your wedding dress
If you love the way that high-end dresses feel, but you just can’t work it into your budget, look for a polyester fabric. If you love intricate beading and lace but can’t justify the cost, purchase a simple bridal gown and have your seamstress add some embellishments! Or, add the embellishment yourself with some statement jewelry and accessories.
Another idea for saving money on your dress is to shop in the bridesmaid or formalwear sections. Most of these dresses can be ordered in colors such as champagne or ivory!
Budget for extra expenses for your wedding dress
Lastly, when you are trying to figure out your dress budget, keep in mind that there are other factors that you need to consider! This could include shoes and accessories, such as a veil, jewelry, etc.
Another thing that you will need to budget for is alterations. Pretty much every wedding dress will need alterations, whether you order it based on your measurements or purchase a gown off the rack. Unless you buy a custom wedding dress that is made to fit you perfectly, then there is a slim chance that you won’t need any alterations, even if it’s just ahem! Alterations really vary in price based on what you need and your location, so it’s best to shop around and get a price quote.
Finally, you will need to budget for cleaning and preservation after the wedding. You may choose to keep your gown in your closet, re-sell it, donate it, or wear it again… regardless of your choice, you’ll likely want to have some form of cleaning or preservation! To hear about our cleaning/preservation options, give us a call at the shop.