8 bridalwear options that cost under $500

If you're getting married soon, you probably already know that weddings can be very expensive to plan. According to a recent poll, Canadians spend an average of $1,500 on their wedding dress alone — a number that can climb even higher if you opt for a style with lots of beading and embroidery, or hundreds of yards of tulle and lace.

However, if you are on a budget and don't harbour dreams of a custom-made, designer creation, it is possible to find great dresses at much lower price points. Gowns in like-new condition are often available from consignment and designer second-hand boutiques, and, if you're in a bigger city, many designers and retailers will offer bridal sample sales with a variety of sizes available.

Plus, in recent years, many mid-priced and fast-fashion retailers have started offering well-priced wedding dresses and other bridalwear in-store and online in a wide variety of styles and aesthetics. Whether you're looking for a jumpsuit fit for a city hall ceremony or a minimalist slip for your beach wedding, there are plenty of options under $500. And even if an off-the-rack design doesn't fit perfectly, a talented tailor can do wonders, and the total cost would still be very reasonable.

Le Chateau

Montreal-based retailer Le Chateau launched its dedicated Wedding Boutique in 2015, with the majority of designs priced under $500 and made in Canada. There's a large selection of styles available online, and a smaller selection in store.  

Aya Lace Halter Gown, $325, Le Chateau

Marceline Crepe Slim Leg Jumpsuit, $198, Le Chateau

BHLDN

BHLDN, Anthropologie's wedding brand, is based in the United States and offers elegant bridalwear at a wide range of prices. There are dresses and jumpsuits that are under $500, and a number of styles are available in sizes 0-26.

Jones Dress, about $267 CAD, BHLDN

ASOS

ASOS has a full wedding hub on its website that also includes accessories and footwear, and most bridal gowns are under $400. International returns can be tricky, but the retailer does offer Canadians 15% off to help with the duties and taxes that you'll have to pay.

ASOS Edition Curve Deco Embellished Wedding Dress, $378.72, ASOS

Ever New

This Australian label currently has six stores in Canada, in Ontario and British Columbia. The wedding dress section on Ever New's Canadian site features mostly minimalist, unembellished styles — and the most expensive gown is priced at just $239.99.

Carmel Square Neck Gown, $199.99, Ever New

Reformation

This US retailer, known for its chic, bohemian-modern designs and commitment to sustainability, offers a fair selection of bridal dresses at the below-$500 price point.

Verbena Dress, about $443 CAD, Reformation

Shopbop

Some of the designer bridal options on this US-based site can get pretty pricey, but there are also much more affordable styles like this stylish crepe jumpsuit on Shopbop's online Wedding Boutique.

Cupcakes and Cashmere Topeka Jumpsuit, $172.22, Shopbop.com.

H&M

Although they're a bit hard to find on the H&M site, the Swedish fast-fashion retailer does offer a small selection of wedding-specific gowns online in materials such as satin, lace and tulle. This particular style is available in sizes 0-26.

H&M+ Long Lace Dress, $249, H&M

Lace Wedding Dress, $249, H&M

Truc Nguyen is a Toronto-based writer, editor and stylist. Follow her at @trucnguyen.