If you’re wearing a dress to your wedding, you’ll spend many hours (or , more likely, days and weeks) agonising over what the right dress for you might be. Do you want a ball gown? Mermaid? A-line? Do you want strapless? A train? When it comes to choosing the right wedding dress, there are so many options available it can sometimes be overwhelming. Where do you even start?
Another question you might ask is how much does a wedding dress cost? You may know the style you want for your wedding, but does it align with the budget you have in mind? For many, choosing the perfect dress is just as important – if not more important than – the venue and catering.
In this post, we’re going to explore everything to do with the cost of a wedding dress, including the average cost, what affects the cost and what you might expect for your budget.
What’s the average cost of a wedding dress?
According to our Australian Wedding Report, the average amount couples spend on a wedding dress is between $2,000 and $3,000. However, there are plenty of reasons why you may spend far less than this, and in other cases, why you might spend way more.
It’s important to note that this amount doesn’t include any jewellery or accessories you might wear, nor your shoes. So, expect to pay a little more for those (unless you’re getting married on the beach!) to complete your overall wedding attire. Check out our ultimate wedding budget breakdown for an understanding of how much your wedding might cost.
Even if you don’t have the average amount to spend on a dress, there are still plenty of options available to ensure a stunning dress is within easy reach.
What factors affect the cost of a wedding dress?
With wedding dresses coming in all manners of shapes, designs and sizes, no two dresses cost the same. Plenty of factors mean you may end up spending less – or even a lot more – than the average.
- Location: Wedding dresses bought in large cities, like Sydney or Perth, will cost more than those bought outside.
- Brand: A dress made by a well-known brand will often cost significantly more than a dress made by a less well-known brand.
- Materials: Premium and high-quality fabrics, such as lace and silk, will cost more than other fabrics, such as satin.
- Expertise: A dress from an experienced designer will be more expensive than an up-and-coming designer with little experience.
- Style: The more complex the style and design, the pricier your dress will be.
- Embellishments: Dresses with more embellishments, such as embroidery, beads or sequins, will cost more than dresses without.
- Imported materials: Materials manufactured in Asia are likely to be less than half the cost of Australian fabrics.
What type of wedding dress can you expect for your budget?
Even if you’ve nailed down a budget for your dress, figuring out where to start can still be a challenge. Do you go for a designer label? Which ones fit within your price range? And how do you even get a sense of wedding dress prices when so many designers keep them under wraps?
To clear things up, here’s a rough price guide highlighting different stores and designers across various budget ranges:
| Budget | Store/Designer |
|---|---|
| $150 – $700 | Forever New, Grace Loves Lace, ASOS Bridal |
| $700 – $1,300 | Luv Bridal, White Runway, Grace Loves Lace |
| $1,300 – $2,600 | Maggie Sottero, Karen Willis Holmes, Pronovias |
| $2,600+ | Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Jenny Packham, Steven Khalil, Mariana Hardwick |
How much does a bespoke wedding dress cost?
If you’re dreaming of a bespoke wedding dress, be prepared to budget a little more than the average. Custom dress prices start around $3,200, which includes the designer’s time, personalised design, high-quality materials, and any added details like intricate beadwork. But it’s more than just a dress—it’s an experience that brings your unique vision to life from start to finish.
What goes into the cost of a bespoke wedding gown?
Designers like Vera Wang, McQueen and Givenchy will charge premium rates, so, if your budget is more generous, then you’ll have a greater selection of well-known designers to choose from. That said, most designers will also have a more affordable collection, like White by Vera Wang, if you’re keen on a big-name brand but not necessarily a big-name budget.
How much does an off-the-peg dress cost?
Choosing an off-the-peg wedding dress is a great way to keep costs down without compromising on style. Many department stores offer stunning gowns at a fraction of the price of custom or designer dresses. Stores like Forever New and ASOS Bridal have dresses starting as low as $300 — and sometimes even less during a sale!
When buying off-the-peg, aim to find a dress that fits as closely as possible to your size, then bring it to a professional tailor for any necessary adjustments. This approach helps you avoid high alteration costs and ensures a perfect fit, all while staying within budget.
How much does a bespoke dress by a tailor cost?
If you’re set on a bespoke gown but have a limited budget, consider reaching out to a skilled local tailor to discuss their rates for creating a custom wedding dress. Like designer gowns, you’ll be covering the cost of the design, materials, and their time — but typically at a more budget-friendly rate. Prices for simpler custom dresses often start around $700, while more detailed designs can begin at approximately $2,000, offering a stunning custom option without the full designer price tag.
How much do wedding dress appointments cost?
If you’re shopping for a wedding dress at a department store in Australia, you can generally browse without an appointment. However, bridal boutiques are often more intimate and typically require a reservation. Appointment fees vary by boutique, especially during peak times like evenings and weekends, ranging from around $50 to $100. Many boutiques will credit this fee toward your dress if you make a purchase. Keep in mind, though, that booking multiple appointments can add up, as you’re unlikely to buy from every store!
How much do wedding dress alterations cost?
Much like the cost of the dress itself, the cost of alterations can vary based on factors such as location, time, the skills required, and the experience of the tailor. It can also be cheaper to have the alterations done at the same boutique you bought your dress at as part of a package.
Wedding dress alteration costs can vary depending on the complexity of the work required, typically ranging from $200 to $1,000. Here’s a rough price guide for common alterations, based on Australian tailor rates:
- Altering the hem: $150 – $200. If your dress has multiple layers, each additional layer may cost around $50, as additional fabric requires more work.
- Taking in the sides: $100 – $150. Dresses with intricate beadwork or detailing may incur higher costs, as the tailor will likely need to carefully remove and reattach embellishments by hand.
- Adding bustles (to lift the train): $40 – $60 per bustle, depending on the train’s length and weight.
- Converting a zipper to a lace-up back: $150 – $200.
Can you buy a wedding dress from a charity shop?
Yes, you can buy a wedding dress from a charity shop! More often than not they’re in great condition because they’ve been carefully looked after, and have usually only been worn once before.
Charity shops are also sometimes sent discontinued dresses which will be cheaper than the original cost, but still fairly pricey – especially if by a well-known brand or designer.
How much does it cost to rent a wedding dress?
Buying a wedding dress can be a significant expense, especially for a gown you’ll only wear once. If you’re looking to save, renting a wedding dress is a fantastic alternative, with rental prices starting at around $30 per day. For example, renting a gown in the style of Nicole Kidman’s iconic dress might only set you back about $120 — a fraction of the typical $2,000 to $4,000 price tag for similar designer styles in-store. Renting offers you access to stunning designer gowns without the full purchase cost, making it a stylish and budget-friendly option.
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And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding dress and everything else, we’ve got a load of hacks to help you slash your budget and still look fabulous on your big day.
You Might Also Like…
- The Ultimate Australian Wedding Budget Breakdown
- How Much Does a Wedding Cake Cost in Australia?
- How Much Does a Wedding Venue Cost in Australia?
- How Much Does a Wedding Catering Cost in Australia?
- How Much Does Wedding Photography Cost in Australia?
- How Much Do Wedding Flowers Cost in Australia?
Happy Planning!
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