Do You Have to Say Yes to the Dress?
In a culture in which even bridesmaids are going into debt for friends’ weddings and there are whole Reddit threads devoted to avoiding the “wedding tax” — the higher costs some vendors charge for goods and services they know will be used for a wedding — it’s clear that the simple act of getting married is no longer so simple. Do we truly have no choice but to spend extra thousands of dollars, especially on a wedding dress?
But who says your wedding dress needs to be a wedding dress?
To be clear, there are some very valid reasons that wedding dresses cost so much — they’re often made with a lot more fabrics as well as a much higher level of craftsmanship. And for many brides, an elaborate wedding dress is a chance to feel like a princess. If and when that time comes for me, you won’t find me at David’s Bridal. Instead, I’ll be looking into options like the dresses and sets below — investment pieces that can be tailored for a perfect fit and worn again and again and, while not the most affordable, come nowhere near the cost of a typical wedding dress.
Who needs a tiered cake? Have a tiered dress.
Knit Maxi Dress
This slinky showstopper is comfortable, flattering, and stylish.
Embody a doily without spending thousands
White Cotton Eyelet Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
The cotton eyelet lace will keep you comfortable even through a long ceremony, and the puffy sleeves offer a bit of the princess energy you might be looking for.
For the chillest of chill brides
’90s Slip Dress
This super-simple dress is also super comfortable, perfect for dancing all night at the reception and ripe for accessorizing. Its unique stitching gives it a little extra oomph.
Make your imminent dive into the ocean stress-free
Stretch Jersey Bikini
Having a beach wedding? Instead of ruining an insanely expensive dress when you inevitably run into the ocean with your beloved, wear an extremely fancy swimsuit that you’ll treasure forever under a relatively inexpensive dress.
Cow milking at 8 a.m., wedding at 2 p.m.
Camilla Dress
All you cottagecore milkmaids, this frilly number with a powerful asymmetric skirt is for you.
A set you can dance in
Why wear a dress when you can wear a matching two-piece set? This asymmetrical top bares just the right amount of skin, and the skirt’s layered construction swishes delightfully across a dance floor.
Kimchi Top
Edamame Skirt
A breezy dress for a breezy bride
Yoko Halter Maxi Dress
This elegant maxi dress will keep you comfortable all night.
For the artistic bride
Nasser Midi bicolor Dress
This dress is unique and beautiful, perfect for the artsy bride who sells hand-sculpted pottery on the side.
For the maximalist bride
All Hearts Multi Tier Dress
We’re already being nontraditional, why not throw in some color?
This dress will make your wedding feel like a Studio Ghibli film
Opa Dress
A wedding dress you can wear mary janes with is a slay in my book.
This artisan-crafted dress will make you feel like art
Nol Collective Aisha Maxi Dress
Featuring beautiful Palestinian tatreez embroidery and a universally flattering maxi cut that could easily be tailored to your best fit, this dress belongs on an altar.
For the bride who likes to keep it light
Dena Dress
This lightweight drop-waist style is perfect for a summer wedding.
A dress a Greek statue would wear
Caravaggio Dress
This is a cool-girl wedding dress, right down to the off-white color.
A dress that’s silky and voluminous
Rhiannon Pure White Silk Dress
You can’t go wrong with a glamorous silk dress, and this one has a flow-y skirt that’s perfect for walking down the aisle.
This dress looks like how love feels
Globo Dress
Like you’re floating on air. The unique skirt adds a twist to an otherwise classic design.
A dress with range for a bride with range
Metis Dress
This one even has an adjustable skirt, transforming into a flouncy minidress that’s perfect for dancing.
A wedding is a great opportunity to show off your legs
Eliana Dress
And who says your wedding dress can’t be a minidress? There are no rules here!
For the bride who wears ribbons regularly
Damson Madder Penelope Apron Dress
And this one has bows!
You won’t need a disco ball in this dress
3-D Sequins Maxi Dress
If you love attention, this is the wedding dress for you.
If you say it’s a dress, it’s a dress
Silk Jacquard Shirt and Bra Set
Who says your wedding dress has to be a dress? Pair this investment piece with fun tights or matching pants.
If you love the 1920s but also have a beige couch
Voluminous Sleeveless Midi Dress
The dropped waist and white cotton of this dress give it a minimalistic flapper vibe.