No bride should ever have to settle for less than she wants or deserves simply because she’s on a budget. The good news is, there are a lot of amazing wedding dresses out there for thrifty brides.
While you’re not going to find a brand new designer gown for less than $1000, there are still a lot of great options available to you. Saving money on your wedding dress may mean sacrificing expensive fabrics but the good news is this: there are a ton of cheaper wedding dress options that are just as gorgeous as their designer peers.
So, whether you want to look like a princess or prefer a sleeker, more modern silhouette there are dresses that fill the bill in your price range. Read on for the best wedding dresses under $1000 — you may just find your dream dress.
In This Article
37 Remarkable Wedding Dresses in Every Style
Whether you’re a fan of ball gowns, mermaid silhouettes or tea-length dresses, this comprehensive guide truly does have something for every bride.
So dive in! You may find yourself saying ‘yes’ to one of the dreamy dresses on our list.
Mermaid Wedding Dresses Under $1000
Designed with the fashion-forward bride in mind, mermaid dresses are all about making a statement. Known for its slim torso and skirt that flares at mid-thigh or knee, the mermaid dress is perfect for almost any style of wedding. Here are four amazing, budget-friendly mermaid gowns to jump-start your search.
Best Mermaid: David’s Bridal Organza Dress With Ruffled Skirt
Dramatic yet romantic, this mermaid gown offers a contrast of texture with its pleated torso and ruffled skirt while the lace-up back offers a customizable fit. Curvier brides can find a similar style in sizes 16-24 here.
Best Back View: CoCo Melody Trumpet Mermaid Gown
The show stopper of this gorgeous gown is its back with an embellished illusion material from shoulders to waist and a lace-enhanced chapel train. Sheer long sleeves, a sweetheart neckline and a beaded bodice make the front of this dress a stunner.
Best Budget Dress: June Bridals Sweetheart Mermaid Dress
Beaded spaghetti straps and a sweetheart neckline top a ruched bodice and a flounced mermaid skirt. The straps cross to form a glittery x-shape, highlighting the mostly open back for a sultry look.
Ball Gown Wedding Dresses Under $1000
There’s a lot to love about ball gown wedding dresses. Literally. With their full skirts, these gorgeous gowns have the most fabric of all the wedding dress styles and are perfect for more formal weddings. If you’re looking for a dress fit for royalty on a modest budget, these dresses under $1000 could be just what you’re looking for.
Best Ball Gown: Mary’s Bridal Embroidered Gown
This beautiful ball gown boasts a deep v-neckline, sheer straps and a v-shaped back with matching lace applique. Embellished with sequin embroidery, the gown comes with a detachable front modesty piece and a matching bolero jacket. Dress available for purchase here.
Best Train: WoWoWo Bridal Ball Gown
As beautiful as the lace-up, off-the-shoulder bodice of this ball gown is, it’s the full-length lace-embellished tulle cathedral train that draws the eye. Elegant boning gives the corset bodice its shape while illusion lace panels make this elegant ball gown as sexy as it is elegant.
Best Vintage-Style Dress: WoWoWo Bridal Ball Gown
A high illusion neck, flutter sleeves and an embellished sweetheart bodice top a gorgeous full tulle skirt with a unique golden lattice pattern. The lace-up back flows into a cathedral train, providing an almost royal presence.
A-Line Wedding Dresses Under $1000
The most flattering of all the dress styles, a-line bridal gowns are a great choice for any bride. Whether you’re slim, curvy, athletic or plus size, an a-line gown will flatter your figure making this style universally popular with brides. Here are four great dresses for less than $1000 to get you started.
Best A-Line: Sherri Hill V-Neck Dress
The deep v bodice combined with a beaded belt and soft, flowing skirt make this a flattering silhouette for any bride. Lace appliques decorate the bodice and upper part of the skirt before cascading gently down the lovely chapel train. Dress is available here.
Best Empire Waist Dress: Victoria’s Queen Beaded Lace Gown
Simplicity and sweetness pair with the flattering high waist of this lovely lace-up gown. The bodice and wide straps made of lace give way to a keyhole back and a high beaded waistline.
Best Semi-Formal Wedding: JVN Embroidered Bodice Gown
This a-line dress is both simple and sophisticated with spaghetti straps, a beaded sweetheart bodice and a low back. The full skirt is unembellished, offering a beautiful contrast between top and bottom.
Best Boho Dress: Enchanting By Mon Cheri Gown
Sheer long sleeves and a lace bodice, made daring by a plunging neckline, give this a-line gown a lot of personality as does the laced-up open back. The lattice lace waistband flows into a soft chiffon skirt and a chapel train. Dress can be purchased here.
Sheath Wedding Dresses Under $1000
With its slim silhouette, the sheath wedding dresses are ideal for minimalist, modern and casual brides alike. Add a touch of lace or an off-the-shoulder neckline and it’s also a perfect style for brides wanting a romantic look without a lot of volume. These four very different sheath dresses are all under $1000 to help you stay within budget.
Best Sheath: Rebecca Ingram Carmen Sheath
With its sexy v-back, low cut neckline and spaghetti straps, this lacy gown will show off your neck, shoulders, arm, back and decolletage. The illusion bodice sparkles with ivory seed beads and lace motifs while the slim cut skirt is made special by a detachable tulle train that is sold separately. Dress is available here.
Best Slip Dress: The Serenity Wear Silk Gown
Spaghetti straps and a scoop neck bare the arms, shoulders and upper back of this silky, bias-cut slip gown that skims the body before falling gently to the floor. It’s available in three different types of silk for a custom finish and weight.
Best Winter Wedding Dress: Azazie Yokie Lace Sheath
This whimsical, lace mermaid gown boasts a fitted bodice, deep illusion v neckline and long sheer sleeves. A beaded belt enhances the waist and matching the beads and sequins are scattered all over the dress for that perfect hint of sparkle.
Best Modern Dress: Terani Couture Gown
An asymmetrical off-the-shoulder neckline gives this body-conscious sheath just the right amount of drama. An organza over-skirt can be secured to the gown’s intricately beaded waistline for a little added softness.
Short Wedding Dresses Under $1000
Not every bride wants a formal gown. Whether you’re having a casual wedding, are hosting beach nuptials, are you simply want to show some leg, these short dresses will all keep you under budget.
Best Short Dress: Needle & Thread Annie Mini
Ethereal and unique, this long-sleeved dress is covered in shimmering sequins and gauzy ruffles while the above-the-knee length shows off the legs. A mix of boho chic and vintage charm, this dress is ideal for a beach wedding.
Best Tea-Length Dress: Jesus Bridal Online Ball Gown
A v-neck and back combined with a lacy bodice and trim waist make this dress a flattering option for any bride who wants a shorter hemline. Pearl buttons offer a lovely, retro touch to the back of the dress which flows down into a soft, below-the-knee tulle skirt.
Best Midi Dress: Mac Duggal Beaded Sheath
The subtle floral design of this v-neck dress is enhanced by the dramatic rosette shoulder and mesh overlay embellished with sequins, beads and crystals. A hand-beaded belt brings attention to the waist while a back slit adds a touch of sexiness while also making it easier to dance the night away.
Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dresses Under $1000
Whether paired with a ball gown or a slim skirt, an off-the-shoulder neckline will add a touch of class to your bridal look. These four fantastic styles under $1000 offer everything from classic leading lady glam to modern charm to a dress fit for a princess, so dive in!
Best Off-the-Shoulder Dress: Rebecca Ingram Cindy Gown
Maggie Sottero designer Rebecca Ingram was inspired by old Hollywood leading lady Rita Hayworth when she designed this classic off-the-shoulder mermaid gown. The low cut neckline, deep v back and high waist line combined with curved seaming create the perfect hourglass figure for your wedding day. Available for purchase here.
Best Classic Dress: Valencia Lace Gown
This off-the-shoulder ball gown boasts a beautiful corset back, a lacy bodice and long sleeves that are sure to thrill any traditional bride. Beads are scattered throughout the full tulle skirt adding just the right amount of bling.
Best Plunging Neckline: Adrianna Papell Sheath
The stars of the show on this lovely gown are the plunging illusion V-neck bodice with decorative beading and sheer beaded off-the-shoulder straps. The slim skirt flares ever so gently at the knee to form a becoming train. Dress can be purchased here.
Best Princess-Style Dress: Tiffany Quinceanera Gown
Nothing says princess quite like this glitter-embellished off-the-shoulder ball gown. With its sweetheart neckline, trim bodice, lace-up back and full skirt, all eyes will be on you.
Strapless Wedding Dresses Under $1000
Perfect for the warm weather, strapless gowns are a popular choice among modern brides. This neckline runs the gamut from modest to sexy and works well for brides who want to show off their arms and shoulders. Here are four beautiful options under $1000.
Best Strapless Dress: Bride Lily Mermaid Gown
Classy yet sexy, this lacy mermaid gown is slim to mid-thigh before bursting into cascading layers of tulle and a voluminous train. Beading adds just the right amount of sparkle to the gown while the sweetheart neckline shows off your arms, shoulders and décolletage.
Best Beaded Bodice Dress: Mori Lee Blu Collection Gown
Sparkling crystal beading makes the trim bodice and sweetheart neckline the stars of this beautiful ball gown. Available in white/silver and ivory/silver, the dramatic tulle skirt flows out into a soft chapel-length train. Available for purchase here.
Best Summer Wedding Dress: Alyce Paris Strapless Gown
A shoulder-baring sweetheart neckline and low back with a lace-up closure make the lacy bodice of this a-line gown special. The soft tulle skirt flares out gracefully from the v-shaped waistline for a figure-flattering silhouette. Dress can be found for purchase here.
Best Embellished Dress: Camille La Vie Embroidered Lace Mermaid
Your shoulders, back and arms are put on full display in this lace mermaid gown. With its bead embroidered sweetheart neckline, lacy bodice and embellished hemline, this gown is perfect for almost any style of wedding.
Long Sleeve Wedding Dresses Under $1000
Whether you want to stay warm in the winter or you simply like the look of a wedding dress with sleeves, there are a variety of styles open to you. From long-sleeved mermaid gowns to a-line wedding dresses, our list offers four great options to choose from.
Best Long-Sleeved Dress: Azazie Empiria Gown
An off-the-shoulder neckline, long sleeves and delicate hand-placed lace motifs make this mermaid gown a great choice for any bride who wants to show off her curves. The cathedral length train is embellished with beading for the perfect amount of sparkle.
Best Flutter-Sleeve Gown Wedding: Allure Bridal A-Line Dress
Fluttering chiffon sleeves combine with a demure and unadorned v-neck bodice that buttons up the back. The skirt falls softly from the gown’s natural waist to form a lovely chapel train.
Best Ankle Length Dress: ASOS Edition Aurora
This simple long-cut, a-line gown is made special by floral embroidery and sheer lacy sleeves. An illusion neckline offers coverage to the sweetheart bodice and flows down the back to the waist.
Best Modest Dress: Allure Modest Collection Dress
Illusion lace sleeves and a lace-topped, high-necked bodice offer charm and full coverage all in one. The a-line gown boasts a button-back closure and a soft a-line skirt flowing into a short train. The dress can be found for purchase here.
Lace Wedding Dresses Under $1000
Lace and wedding dresses go together hand-in-hand, making it a wonderful choice for any bride. Particularly flattering for romantic, boho and country weddings, it really can work at virtually any style of celebration. Here are four lovely, budget-friendly gowns to choose from.
Best Lace Dress: Jovani Ball Gown
A high illusion neckline and sweetheart bodice make this lacy a-line dress a lovely choice for any bride seeking more coverage. Boning and padded bra cups ensure a slender yet shapely torso while the full skirt floats aways from the body for an hourglass silhouette. Dress is available for purchase here.
Most Romantic Dress: JJ’s House Lace Gown
Cap sleeves and a classic sweetheart neckline flow into a lace bodice with a trim, fitted waist. The skirt gradually widens toward the lace-edged hem and train for a dress fit for a queen.
Best Whimsical Dress: Renz Couture Gown
This soft a-line dress is sleeveless with a low cut illusion neckline and champagne lace over white tulle. The illusion back is adorned with shoulder to waist buttons and more lace and flows into a filmy skirt and lace-edged cathedral train.
Best Trumpet Dress: LaLa Mira Lace Gown
This lacy dream of a dress offers a trim fit while the sweetheart bodice, long sleeves and illusion neckline and back offer sex appeal and modesty all-in-one. The gently flaring skirt flows out into a chapel train enhanced by beading and sequins.
Plus-Size Wedding Dresses Under $1000
If you’re a full-figured bride searching for her perfect dress, then our list can help. While many of the dresses on this list are available in size 18 and above, these four gowns are our favorite plus-size styles.
Best Illusion Neckline: Azazie Sedona Gown
This classic a-line silhouette boasts an illusion neckline above a plunging sweetheart bodice for the perfect mix of coverage and sexiness. Lace appliques decorate both bodice and skirt while sequin accents are scattered about the base of the hem and chapel train.
Best Country Wedding Dress: BHLDN Ludlow Gown
Lovely lace and a sweeping train make this bridal sheath the perfect choice for any country bride. The cap sleeves and illusion neckline may be modest, but the figure-hugging silhouette is anything but.
Best Halter Dress: Jenny by Jenny Yoo Shipley Gown
If you’re seeking understated elegance, this sleek, fitted halter gown with flattering curved seams could be just what you’ve been looking for. The back of the dress is made special by a bow that can be tied in a variety of ways for a custom look.
Best Side Slit: Galina Signature Lace Dress
A low-cut neckline paired with an illusion panel and lace embellished long sleeves and bodice make this figure-flattering a-line gown a natural choice for curvier brides. The chiffon-like skirt boasts a front side slit to mid-thigh for ease of movement and a touch of sexiness while a short train adds drama to the back of this lovely gown.
