How Much Does a Wedding Dress Cost on Average?

On average, couples in Canada spend nearly $30,000 when tying the knot. And, it’s understandable!

After all, your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. And, ideally, you’ll only get married once, so it’s natural to want to go all out. 

One area that brides tend to allocate a good portion of their wedding budget is in finding the perfect dress. But, how much does a wedding dress cost?

Keep reading this guide to learn about the different factors that impact the price, the average cost of a wedding dress, and how to get the dress of your dreams at a price you can afford. 

What Determines Wedding Dress Prices?

As you know, not all wedding dresses are created equally. Some are extravagant, with crystal details that catch the eye, while others are simpler and more understated. 

As a result, the cost of a wedding dress can vary wildly.  

Fabric

There’s a different style of wedding dress for every different type of bride. Some fabrics are more expensive than others, so you’ll want to keep that in mind when shopping. 

Also, you may have to pay a higher price for a dress that uses more fabric than others. For example, if you choose a style with lace sleeves, that may cost more than a sleeveless option.

Or, if you need a plus size dress, that may cost more than the same style in straight sizing, because it requires more fabric. 

Embellishments

The more details your dress has, the more expensive it may be. If there’s intricate beading or lace added to the dress, that will almost always make it a more expensive option. 

So, if you prefer the look of a simple dress, your wallet may thank you.

Do you want the glam that comes along with the look of an embellished dress, but at a lower price? You can achieve a similar look by choosing glitzy accessories, like earrings and other jewelry.

Timeline

How far out is your wedding? Do you like the idea of a short engagement, or do you want to take your time planning out your dream day? The answer almost certainly affects the final cost of your dress. 

If you’re planning a quick wedding, keep in mind that your dress will probably cost more money. If, after trying on a sample, you have to get the dress shipped in your size, there might be rush fees applied in order to make sure it gets in on time. 

There’s also less time for alterations, so you may pay additional expedite fees if your dress needs to be tailored to fit you perfectly. 

Designer

Just like name brand clothes are more expensive, the designer of your dress can influence the price. 

Many wedding dress designers are iconic for a reason, and it may be important to you to wear one of their creations. If that’s the case, just be prepared to pay the price that comes along with the name. 

If you don’t care much about labels, try to stay away from designer gowns for a more budget-friendly price. 

Alterations

Almost all brides need to get a few alterations to ensure their gown fits perfectly. However, the cost of alterations is not usually included in the final price of your dress. 

Keep that in mind when you’re shopping on a budget. Before making your final choice, talk to the dress shop about the average cost of alterations. 

And remember, you don’t have to get the alterations done at the same place you buy the dress. If you know of an affordable tailor, you can take your dress there instead to help keep costs lower.

So How Much Does a Wedding Dress Cost?

Now that you know about the different factors that can impact the cost of a wedding dress, what should you expect to pay for yours?

On average, Canadian brides can expect to spend about $1,500 on their wedding dress. 

If your wedding budget is near the average of $30,000, a $1,500 dress is not a significant portion of that budget, so that’s probably ok.

However, if you’re planning a wedding on a smaller budget, of say, $8,000, you might need to look for a less expensive dress. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of beautiful, affordable options, so you don’t have to sacrifice style for price. 

Tips to Help You Afford Your Perfect Dress

Now that you’re equipped with plenty of knowledge about wedding dresses and their costs, how can you afford what you want? We’ve got your back. 

Think About Your Priorities

What’s the most important aspect of your wedding to you? Is it the venue? If so, you might need to cut back on other areas of the day, like catering or entertainment. 

Similarly, if your dress is your top priority, make note of that when creating your wedding budget. In order to get the dress of your dreams, you might need to scale back on other parts of your big day. 

Look into Dress Rentals

Do you want an amazing dress, but you aren’t sure about spending so much money on something you’ll only wear once? Wedding dress rentals are becoming more and more popular. 

If you rent a gown instead, you’ll pay a much lower price, but you’ll still get to walk down the aisle in a spectacular dress. 

Consider a Loan

If you don’t want to feel limited by your budget, you might consider applying for a short-term loan.

This can give you access to the funds you need, so you can afford your special day, without having to worry about money. 

Time to Start Dress Shopping

After reading this guide, we hope you have a better understanding of how to answer the question, “How much does a wedding dress cost?” By following the things we’ve outlined above, you can find an affordable dress that you love.

However, if you’d like to help reduce the strain on your wallet as you plan your big day, apply for a loan today. There’s no credit check required and it takes less than 5 minutes.

Your dream dress is waiting; let us help you get it!