If you’re wearing a dress to your wedding, you’ll spend many hours (or , more likely, days and weeks) agonizing 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 Canadian Wedding Report, the average amount couples spend on a wedding dress is between $1,500 and $2,500. 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 Vancouver, or Toronto, 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 American fabrics, while the small number of fabrics still milled in Canada are some of the most expensive fabrics available.
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 | David’s Bridal, Azazie, BHLDN, Le Chateau Bridal |
| $700 – $1,300 | Park & Fifth, Kleinfeld Canada, Lulus Bridal |
| $1,300 – $2,600 | Maggie Sottero, Jenny Yoo, Pronovias, Sash & Bustle |
| $2,600+ | Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Jenny Packham, Ines Di Santo, Caroline Castigliano |
How much does a bespoke wedding dress cost?
If you’re dreaming of a bespoke wedding dress, expect to budget a bit beyond the typical spend. Custom dress prices start around $3,200, covering the designer’s time, unique design work, high-quality materials, and any added details, like intricate beadwork. But it’s not just about the dress; it’s an experience that brings your 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-rack dress cost?
Opting for an off-the-rack wedding dress is a smart way to cut down on costs without sacrificing style. Many department stores offer beautiful gowns at a fraction of the price you’d pay for a custom or designer piece. For instance, stores like Hudson’s Bay and David’s Bridal have wedding dresses starting as low as $300 — and even less if you catch a sale!
For off-the-rack dresses, try to find one that fits as close as possible to your size before purchasing. Then, take it to a professional tailor for any adjustments. This way, you avoid unexpected alteration costs and ensure a perfect fit without stretching your budget.
How much does a bespoke dress by a tailor cost?
If you’re set on a bespoke gown but working with a limited budget, consider reaching out to a skilled local tailor to discuss their rates for creating a custom wedding dress. Similar to designer gowns, you’ll cover the cost of the design, materials, and their time — but usually at a much more budget-friendly rate.Prices for simpler custom dresses typically start around $700, while more detailed designs can begin at approximately $2,000, making it a beautiful option without the designer price tag.
How much do wedding dress appointments cost?
If you’re shopping at a department store in Canada, you can usually drop in without an appointment. However, bridal boutiques are often smaller and typically require a reservation. Appointment fees vary by boutique — especially during peak times like evenings and weekends. These fees can range from $35 to $85, and many boutiques will credit this amount toward your dress if you decide to buy. Just keep in mind that if you’re booking appointments at several boutiques, these fees 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 vary depending on the complexity of the work required, typically ranging between $175 and $850. Here’s a rough price breakdown for common alterations, based on Canadian tailor rates:
- Altering the hem: $125 – $175. If your dress has multiple layers, each additional layer may cost an extra $40, as more fabric means more work.
- Taking in the sides: $85 – $125. For dresses with intricate beadwork or detailing, expect higher costs since the tailor may need to carefully remove and reattach the embellishments by hand.
- Adding bustles (to lift the train): $35 – $50 per bustle, depending on the length and weight of the train.
- Switching a zipper to a lace-up back: $125 – $175.
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 big expense, especially for something you’ll wear just once. If you’re looking to save, renting a wedding dress is an affordable alternative, with rental prices starting at around $20 per day. For perspective, high-profile rentals, like Meghan Markle’s wedding dress style, cost only about $100 —significantly less than the original $1,500 to $3,000 price tag for a similar design in a store. Renting gives you access to beautiful designer gowns without the full purchase price, making it a stylish yet 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 Canadian Wedding Budget Breakdown
- How Much Does a Wedding Cake Cost in Canada?
- How Much Does a Wedding Venue Cost in Canada?
- How Much Does a Wedding Catering Cost in Canada?
- How Much Do Wedding Flowers Cost in Canada?
Happy Planning!
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