Set a realistic wedding dress budget

Wedding Dress Budget: How Much Should You Really Spend?

Let’s talk wedding dress budgets! ✨

It’s easy to get swept up in the magic of lace, tulle, sparkles, and designer labels — but before you step into that dreamy bridal boutique, there’s one thing every bride-to-be should do first: set a realistic budget for your dress.

And here’s the truth: your wedding attire budget isn’t just about the dress itself. There are sneaky extras that add up quickly, including:

• Alterations (almost every dress will need them)

• Undergarments and shapewear

• Shoes

• Veil or headpiece

• Jewelry and accessories

• Dry cleaning and preservation

When you consider the whole look, you’ll avoid last-minute surprises and keep your finances on track.

How Much Should You Spend on a Wedding Dress?

A good rule of thumb is to allocate around 10% of your total wedding budget to your attire. For example, if your wedding budget is $40,000, then around $4,000 could be set aside for your dress, accessories, and alterations.

But every couple has different priorities. If fashion is at the top of your list and you’ve been dreaming of a couture gown since forever, you may want to allow a little extra flexibility here. On the flip side, if your dream day is more about food, music, or florals, you might choose to invest less in your outfit and still look incredible.

The key is knowing your limits before you fall in love with something outside of them. Because let’s be real — bridal bliss shouldn’t come with budget regret.

Pro Tips for a Stress-Free Shopping Experience

✅ Share your budget with your stylist upfront. This saves you from the heartbreak of trying on (and falling in love with) a dress you can’t afford. Stylists work with brides every day — they’ll know how to pull stunning options within your price range.

✅ Don’t forget alterations. Almost every dress needs tailoring to fit you perfectly, and this can range from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000 depending on complexity. Factor this into your total budget early on.

✅ Think about the whole look. Shoes, veil, accessories, and even lingerie will complete your bridal style. Budget for these items so you don’t feel blindsided at the end.

✅ Be open-minded. Sometimes the dress that makes you feel the most magical isn’t the one with the biggest price tag. Trust the process and focus on how you feel in it — confident, beautiful, and authentically you.

Final Thoughts

Your wedding dress is so much more than just an outfit — it’s a piece of your story, a reflection of your personality, and the look you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

By setting a clear budget and planning for all the little extras, you’ll ensure the journey to “the one” is exciting, stress-free, and completely aligned with your vision. Because the best bridal glow comes from confidence, not overspending. 💍

Planning your own dream wedding? 💍✨ The Forster Wedding Collective digital directory has curated a list of the best local vendors to bring your vision to life. From florists to stylists, find trusted experts who can help you create the wedding of your dreams.

Read more expert tips on the website.

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