Last Updated on May 31, 2025 by Joy Editors
The average wedding dress cost in 2025 might catch many brides-to-be off guard. The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study asked nearly 17,000 US couples about their wedding expenses. Their findings show brides spend about $2,000 on their wedding gowns. This amount takes up roughly 6% of most couples’ total wedding budget.
Regional differences play a big role in wedding dress prices across the country. Brides in the Mid-Atlantic region shell out more than $2,200 for their dresses. The Midwest tells a different story, where brides typically pay around $1,900. Most brides pick off-the-rack or made-to-order styles. Custom-made gowns are rare, with only 10% of brides choosing this option.
Let’s talk about what really shapes wedding dress prices, from the quality of fabric to the designer’s reputation. Your final cost includes more than just the dress price tag. Alterations can add 10-20% to your total. Cleaning and preservation services run between $250 and $750. We’ve put together all the facts you need to make the right choice for your big day, whether you want to go all out or stick to a budget.
What is the average cost of a wedding dress in 2025?
“According to a real weddings study, the average price of a wedding dress in 2025 is $1,500 to $2,500.” — Zola Editorial Team, Leading wedding planning platform and expert resource
Shopping for a bridal gown means you need to know the actual costs. The average wedding dress cost depends on national trends, where you live, and the big difference between ready-made and custom options. Here’s what you might pay for your dream dress in 2025.
National average price range
The average cost of a wedding dress in 2025 ranges between $1,500 and $2,500. Most American brides spend this much on their gowns before adding alterations and accessories. The Knot Real Weddings Study from 2023 showed brides spent about $2,000. These prices haven’t changed much, even though other wedding costs have gone up.
Wedding dress prices vary based on where you shop:
- Budget-friendly options: Under $1,000, especially during sample sales or at large retailers
- Mid-range options: $1,500-$2,500, where most brides find their gowns
- High-end boutiques: Starting at $2,500 and climbing quickly
- Luxury designer gowns: $5,000-$10,000 or more for premium labels
Big national retailers make wedding dresses more available at lower prices. David’s Bridal offers dresses starting around $500, which makes them a top choice for budget-conscious brides. Boutique dresses start around $200 but prices can jump based on design complexity.
Couples usually set aside about 7% of their total wedding budget for both partners’ attire. Money experts suggest saving about 10% of your wedding budget just for your dress, including changes and accessories.
How location affects pricing
Your location plays a big role in dress prices. Coastal cities and middle America show clear price differences.
Midwest and Southern states tend to have better prices. Bridal shops in Cincinnati sell dresses at around $2,200-$2,400. The same dresses cost hundreds more in New York City or Los Angeles.
Recent trade policies have pushed prices higher. New tariffs on imported wedding dresses have caused a 20% price increase for designer gowns from overseas. A dress that used to cost $2,000 now sells for about $2,400 because of import taxes.
Where dresses are made affects their price too. Gowns made in countries with higher wages, like the United States or Israel, cost more. Cheaper options often come from places with lower labor costs, though this raises some ethical questions.
Off-the-rack vs. custom-made
Choosing between a ready-made dress or a custom creation can change your budget quite a bit.
Off-the-rack wedding dresses have clear benefits beyond just being convenient. These gowns cost between $100 and $2,500. You can try different styles right away and take your dress home the same day or within weeks. They need less money upfront, and you’ll know exactly what you’re getting.
Custom wedding dresses start around $3,000 to $4,000. Prices can reach $10,000 depending on the design, fabric, and designer’s reputation. These dresses give you a perfect fit, unique details, and the chance to add your personal touch to every part of the gown.
Both options might cost about the same in the end. One industry expert says, “Ultimately—though there are a lot of variables—going custom or off-the-rack net out to a very similar wedding dress expense (and timeline), with custom potentially being the more affordable option and the average cost being about $3,000”.
Custom gowns take longer to make and need more fittings. You pay not just for materials but also for skilled craftsmanship and design expertise.
Your wedding dress budget should match your financial situation and what matters most to you. These national averages, regional differences, and the choice between custom versus ready-made can help you pick a dress that fits both your dreams and your wallet.
What factors influence the price of a wedding dress?
The price of your wedding dress depends on several key elements. You can make better choices about your dream gown by knowing what goes into the final cost. Let’s get into what shapes the average wedding dress cost in today’s bridal market.
Fabric and material quality
The materials in your wedding dress affect its price by a lot. Natural fabrics cost more than synthetic options:
- Polyester satin: As low as $3 per meter
- Silk satin: Approximately $45 per meter
- Synthetic blends: Lower end of the price spectrum
- Premium silks, Mikado, and Chantilly lace: Highest pricing tier
This big price gap exists because natural materials give you better quality. To name just one example, silk satin helps you breathe better and keeps you from sweating, unlike polyester. On top of that, materials like hand-embroidered lace are custom-made for specific dress designs, so manufacturers must order them straight from specialized fabric makers.
Most wedding dresses use different materials together. Designers often save luxury fabrics for the parts everyone sees and use less expensive materials for linings and structure.
Design complexity and embellishments
Your dress design’s complexity associates directly with its price. Yes, it is true that a simple silk satin slip dress costs less than a similar gown with draping, beading, and boning. These extra touches just need more skilled work and expertise.
Details added by hand make prices jump. Adding embellishments through hand-stitching takes many hours – sometimes weeks or months based on the pattern’s complexity. So gowns with detailed beading, 3D floral appliqués, and hand-sewn embroidery need skilled artists who spend lots of time perfecting each design.
Small details like buttons change the price too. Buttons wrapped in fabric and sewn by hand cost more than machine-sewn ones made in bulk. Complex construction like built-in corsets, boning, or multi-layered skirts needs careful craftsmanship, which takes more time and costs more.
Brand and designer reputation
The designer’s name on your dress without doubt affects its price tag. Top designers like Vera Wang or Monique Lhuillier start their prices at $5,000, going up to $20,000 for their best collections. But you can find beautiful dresses from other designers between $100 and $1,500.
This price difference makes sense because with well-known brands, you pay for more than just materials and craftsmanship. The brand’s reputation, prestige, and reliability matter too. A bridal industry expert puts it this way: “One of the biggest cost drivers is brand markup. A designer’s positioning and reputation heavily influence pricing, with luxury brands often commanding increasing markups regardless of production methods”.
Production location and labor costs
The place where your dress gets made plays a big part in its final price. Dresses made in countries with higher wages cost more. Gowns handcrafted in London usually cost more than those made in the Far East.
Dresses made in the United States or Israel cost more because of higher labor costs. Recent tariffs on goods from China, Vietnam, and India (the main producers of bridal gowns and materials) have pushed prices up by 10-30%.
These tariffs don’t just affect complete dresses – they impact fabrics, lace, beads, and other decorations too. A dress that used to cost $1,800 might now sell for $2,100 or more just because of import taxes.
These four main factors help explain why the average cost of a wedding dress varies so much. Now you can make smarter choices about your bridal budget.
Hidden costs brides often overlook
The price tag on your wedding dress is just the beginning of the story. Many brides look at the average wedding dress cost without realizing there are extra expenses that pop up later. These hidden costs can add hundreds or maybe even thousands of dollars if you don’t plan ahead.
Alterations and tailoring
You’ll need alterations for your wedding dress even with a brand-new designer gown. Professional wedding dress alterations cost between $150 to $700, and most brides spend about $450. The final price depends on several factors:
- Standard alterations (hem, bustle, minor adjustments): $700-$1000
- Hemming alone: $125-$450
- Taking in sides: $100-$200
- Adding a bustle: $50-$180
- Adding bra cups: $40-$50
Your gown’s design affects the alteration costs directly. Dresses with detailed beading, lace, or multiple layers need more time and expertise. Bridal specialists who handle these alterations have years of experience, which explains their higher rates compared to regular clothing alterations.
Cleaning and preservation
Your dress needs professional cleaning and preservation services after the big day to keep it in perfect condition. This often-forgotten expense runs between $250 to $700, based on your dress style and location.
Basic cleaning starts at $200-$300, and extra treatments for tough stains or special fabrics can drive up the cost. High-end preservation packages come with museum-quality acid-free materials and anti-yellowing treatments that might cost $400 or more.
Preservation becomes worth the investment if you want to keep your dress as a family heirloom or sell it later.
Accessories and undergarments
The right undergarments and accessories make your wedding dress look perfect. These extra items can add up quickly:
The ideal silhouette needs proper undergarments. Bridal-specific items like corsets, bustiers, or shapewear cost between $40 to $120, with premium options priced higher.
Veils ($50-$400), hairpieces, jewelry, and shoes complete your bridal look. Some brides spend $150-$300 just on accessories, while others invest in custom jewelry that costs even more.
Shipping and rush fees
Rush fees can bump up your average cost of a wedding dress if you’re short on time. These charges kick in for dress orders less than 5-6 months before the wedding date.
Designers and boutiques set different rush fees based on how fast you need the dress. These fees might add hundreds to your purchase. Some designers ask for 15-30% of the dress price to speed up production and shipping.
Experts suggest ordering your dress 9-12 months before your wedding to avoid these costs. You could also buy a sample gown or shop at sample sales to take the dress home right away, though you might need more alterations.
Brides often pay rush fees because they didn’t plan enough time for alterations. Plan for 2-3 fittings over 2-3 months to get perfect alterations without emergency charges.
How to set a realistic wedding dress budget
Setting a wedding dress budget starts with knowing what makes sense to spend. The sticker price isn’t everything. Smart brides know they need to plan ahead to create a budget that works.
Percentage of total wedding budget
Your dress budget should be a reasonable part of your total wedding spending. Money experts say you should put about 10% of your total wedding budget toward your dress, alterations, and accessories. Some couples put around 6% of their wedding money into attire and beauty.
Here’s a real-life example: A $50,000 wedding budget gives you $5,000 to work with for attire. This covers both the bride and groom’s outfits, though the bride’s dress usually takes the bigger share.
In spite of that, these numbers are just a starting point. Your dress might mean more to you than other things. You could spend less on centerpieces or scale back the desserts to get the dress you love.
Planning for extras and contingencies
The price tag on your gown isn’t the whole story. You need to think about other costs too. Alterations should be part of your budget from day one. Basic changes cost $100 to $300, but complex ones are a big deal as it means that you’ll pay more.
Before you lock in your budget, think about these costs that people often miss:
- Accessories and underpinnings: Veils, jewelry, shoes, and special undergarments can add hundreds more
- Cleaning and preservation: These services usually cost $200 or more after the wedding
- Rush fees: Ordering your dress less than 6-9 months ahead might lead to extra charges
A smart move is to add 10-20% to your dress budget for surprise expenses. This buffer will give a safety net if you find must-have accessories or need extra alterations.
Communicating your budget with consultants
Your bridal consultant needs to know your real budget. Tell them exactly what you can spend at the start of your appointment. This helps them show you dresses you can afford and keeps you from falling for a dress that’s out of reach.
Most bridal shops don’t put price tags on their gowns. Your consultant picks dresses based on what you say you can spend. If you say $4,000 when you can only spend $3,000, you might end up loving a dress you can’t have.
Note that timing affects your choices and costs. The pros say to order your dress 9-12 months before your wedding to avoid rush fees and leave time for alterations. This also lets you shop sample sales or trunk shows, which could save you 10-15% on designer dresses.
Your wedding dress budget should match your bank account and your priorities. Being upfront about what you can spend—with yourself and your consultant—makes shopping fun and prevents buyer’s remorse later.
Smart ways to save on your wedding dress
“These trunk shows often feature exclusive sales, like the Essense Trunk Show or the Love and Liberty Trunk Show, where you might find your dream dress at a more affordable price.” — Heart to Heart Bride Editorial Team, Wedding dress and bridal expertise platform
You can find your dream wedding gown without emptying your bank account. Smart shopping strategies can help you cut down your average wedding dress cost while getting the style and quality you want. Here are some clever ways to save money on your wedding attire.
Shop sample sales and trunk shows
Sample sales give budget-conscious brides amazing deals. Stores sell their floor sample dresses that brides try on at discounts of 30-70% off regular prices. The dress condition and design season determine these markdowns.
Most bridal stores keep sample dresses ready to sell throughout the year. Just ask your consultant to show you sample gowns in your size range.
Trunk shows let you browse a designer’s complete collection over a weekend. While not every show offers deals, designers often give special discounts of 10-15%. The best part? You’ll discover styles you won’t normally find in the store.
Buy off-season or from past collections
The best deals pop up in January and February. These quiet months bring better selection and cheaper alteration costs since seamstresses aren’t as busy.
Last season’s dresses come with big discounts as stores clear space for new styles. These gowns stay fashionable even though they’re from previous collections.
Choose simpler designs and add accessories
Minimalist wedding dresses are hot right now, and they’re easier on your wallet. Simple gowns without fancy beading or lace work can be “extremely modest in price”.
A simple dress works like a blank canvas. You can make it your own with eye-catching accessories like veils, belts, or jewelry. Quality fabrics such as satin, mikado, or crepe create an elegant look without the huge price tag.
Consider renting or borrowing
Wedding dress rental has become more popular lately. Rental costs range from $50-$600 instead of buying. Designer gowns that normally cost thousands can be yours for just hundreds when rented.
Renting saves you money on dress preservation and storage. You can browse options from home through online platforms like Rent the Runway and special bridal rental boutiques.
A family heirloom adds special meaning to your big day and costs nothing. This option brings both savings and sentimental value to your wedding.
Is buying secondhand worth it?
Pre-owned wedding gowns make a great choice for brides who want to save money and help the environment. These days, more brides choose pre-loved dresses as ethical fashion becomes popular.
Pros and cons of pre-owned dresses
Pros: The money you’ll save stands out as the best reason to think about a secondhand dress. You can find pre-owned wedding dresses at half their original price. This leaves more money for other wedding must-haves.
The environment benefits when you pick a pre-loved gown. Your choice lets another bride wear the dress and reduces the need for new dress production. A new wedding dress needs about 2,300 gallons of water to make.
Cons: Secondhand dresses do have their drawbacks. Finding the right size can be tricky since previous owners often altered their dresses. Extra alterations might add unexpected costs.
The dress’s condition matters too. While many sellers take good care of their dresses, some gowns might have unfixable stains or damage. Older dresses might also be harder to alter.
Where to find quality secondhand gowns
Brides can find pre-loved dresses on these popular platforms:
- StillWhite: The biggest wedding dress resale site charges $25-$35 to list
- Nearly Newlywed: The go-to place for pre-owned designer dresses
- The RealReal: Known for premium consignment service
- Vestiaire Collective: Direct seller communication available
Local consignment shops that focus on fashion often stock wedding gowns too.
How much you can save
The savings can be huge. Nearly Newlywed’s data shows two-year-old dresses in great shape usually sell for half their original price. Designer names like Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang might fetch 60% of retail.
Most new wedding dresses cost around $2,000. Buying resale could save you 50-75% off that price.
Tips for reselling your dress after the wedding
Quick listing helps you get the best price. List your dress two weeks before your wedding or right after to maximize sales potential. Trendy styles sell faster.
Professional cleaning doubles your chances of a quick sale. Include exact measurements instead of just size numbers since alterations might change the original fit.
January brings the most buyers as newly engaged brides start looking after holiday proposals.
Conclusion
Finding Your Perfect Dress Within Your Budget
The perfect wedding dress needs a balance between dreams and what you can actually afford. This piece shows why the average wedding dress cost sits at $2,000 and what makes that price go up or down by a lot.
Where you live makes a big difference in what you’ll pay. Mid-Atlantic brides spend over $300 more than those in the Midwest. The final price also depends on fabric quality, how complex the design is, who designed it, and where it’s made.
Many brides miss some big extra costs. Alterations add about $450 to your bill. Cleaning and preservation can cost anywhere from $250 to $700. Your budget needs to cover accessories, special undergarments, and possible rush fees too.
A good way to start is to set aside 10% of your total wedding budget for your dress and everything that goes with it. Be upfront with dress consultants about your budget. This helps you avoid falling in love with a dress you can’t afford.
You have plenty of ways to save money on your dress. Sample sales can save you 30-70%, and trunk shows offer 10-15% off designer dresses. You can cut your costs in half if you pick simpler designs, shop when it’s not wedding season, or look at pre-owned dresses.
Note that your dream dress exists at almost any price point. Whatever you spend – $500 or $5,000 – what really counts is how amazing you feel as you walk down the aisle. The way you feel on your wedding day will last way longer than any thoughts about what you paid. Set a budget that works for you, check out all your options, and pick the dress that makes you feel like the bride you’ve always wanted to be.
