How Much Should You Plan to Spend on Your Wedding Dress 

This article is part of our Ultimate Wedding Dress Shopping Guide.

Going wedding dress shopping and buying your dream gown is arguably one of the most exciting parts of the wedding planning process ─ often one of the most expensive purchases many brides have made to date in their lives! While your wedding dress budget is a big deciding factor, your personal priorities and overall vision will play a role in how much you actually spend. 

Before you start booking your bridal salon appointments, you want to understand what goes into the overall cost of your wedding dress and how to prepare yourself for what you are willing to spend. Keep reading below as we break down a few helpful tips to keep in mind while thinking about a budget range for your gown. 

First things first, set a wedding dress budget that feels realistic, attainable and comfortable in relation to your overall wedding budget. Are you and your fiancé paying for the dress? Is a parent or loved one footing the bill? Include them in the conversation to ensure everyone is on the same page.  

Certain stores may not have dresses within your price range, so it’s better to know that sooner rather than later. At True Society, we offer a broad selection of bridal dresses at various price points. Your True Crew stylist will work closely with you to ensure you are comfortable with the price range of wedding gowns selected.  

Remember, when budgeting for your bridal look, you will also need to leave room for accessories and alterations, which we will discuss in further detail later!  

Is your venue in the tropics or the mountains? Is it indoors or outdoors? What will the temperature and weather conditions look like on your wedding day? Do you need a modest option for my ceremony? Answering these questions will help you determine what features you may or may not want in a dress and any additional bridal accessories you need to purchase. Other accessories such as jackets, overskirts, detachable sleeves or gloves might require an additional investment that will affect your dress budget.  

No matter your dress style or budget, bring a few loved ones who uplift and support you to your dress appointment. It’s a joyous milestone and brides should share this time with those they love and those who will make them feel happy and beautiful!  

Keep in mind that at True Society, we offer different types of appointments and some of them bring additional perks to your shopping experience. If you decide to enhance your bridal appointment, keep in mind that additional costs might apply.  

No matter what type of shopping experience you are looking for, making an appointment is required. Booking an appointment will ensure comfortable seating for you and your loved ones and guarantee one-on-one time with an expert True Crew stylist who will guide you every step of the way. To schedule a bridal appointment at True Society, please visit our appointment page. 

We can’t emphasize enough how important doing your research is when it comes to buying a wedding dress! Taking the time to look into styles, price ranges and local bridal boutique offerings can save you a lot of time and ensure that your dress shopping experience goes as smoothly as possible. Don’t worry; we compiled a list of a few key factors to consider. 

Are you set on wearing a particular designer or are you willing to look at different options? We always suggest that brides keep an open mind when shopping. A dress can look completely different on the hanger or a model, but you’ll never know until you try it on! Take some time to look at bridal magazines and blogs to learn about different designers’ styles, size ranges and price points to fit your budget and your dream look. Plus, being able to list off a few designers you like will help your bridal stylist get a better idea of your vision.  

At Tue Society, we only carry award-winning wedding dress designers such as Essense of Australia, Stella York, Martina Liana, Martina Liana Luxe, Oxford Street and All Who Wander. As well as Sorella Vita, our showstopping line of bridesmaid dresses. As selections vary by store, please call ahead of time to ensure what collections are available to shop in your area. 

You will likely have to return multiple times for alterations and dress pick-up, so it’s important to pick a convenient location. We recommend shopping on a weekday when stores are less busy. Try limiting yourself to two or three boutiques a day to prevent dress burnout! 

For the bride who is looking to stretch that wedding dress budget, there are ways to find a dream designer dress at a price that WOWS! Visiting a sample sale, where a bridal salon sells the dresses that brides try on in-store for a discount, is a fantastic option. These dresses are often in excellent condition and come in a variety of sizes. 

Another option is attending a trunk show! These are events where the bridal salon hosts a designer’s collection. Brides can receive exclusive discounts and potentially be styled by the designer or their representative! To find out more about trunk show events and sample sales, call your local True Society boutique or check their social media accounts and mark your calendar. 

Get to know a bridal boutique’s style and services by visiting their website or checking out their social media pages. Look for a bridal boutique that portrays an inviting and welcoming atmosphere for you to shop. Most salons also have policies, price ranges, sizing, accessories and other information needed on these pages to help you decide if their boutique is the right fit for you.  

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated with new arrivals, styling inspiration, promotions, sample sales and trunk shows. Each store location has its own social media pages with specific information, events and availability. 

While we wish we could give you an exact number, it will vary based on the factors listed above. In reality, wedding dress prices have a huge range. That said, there are a few additional costs outside of the dress itself to consider when making such a special purchase. 

You want to be able to slip right into your gown on your wedding day and working with a seamstress can make that happen! Many bridal boutiques offer this service in-house. Still, alterations are not included with your purchase, and prices can vary widely depending on how much you are looking to have altered.  

Our True Society locations don’t offer in-house alteration services, but they will provide you with a list of recommended alterations specialists within the city that you can use. Ask for a quote upfront so you can consider this cost when making decisions. If you purchase your dress less than six months from your wedding day, rush fees may be involved to ensure it fits like a glove and arrives on time! 

Some bridal looks don’t feel complete without accessories — check out some of the accessories we offer to help achieve your ideal bridal look! Your veil, jewelry, headpiece, shoes, jacket, shawls and all the other accessories you want to create your bridal vision will come at an additional cost. These do not need to be purchased at the same salon you are buying your dress, but you still want to keep the cost of these items in mind. 

Some True Society stores offer accessories appointments, where our expert stylist can guide you on how to accessorize your dream wedding day look. The appointments have no additional cost (brides only pay for the accessories they purchase) — and they are a hassle-free way to save time by utilizing our True Crew styling experts. 

Ready for the ultimate wedding dress shopping experience that you know you deserve? Find a True Society bridal shop near you to get started! Availability varies per store.