Finding "The One" Without Breaking the Bank: Affordable Wedding Dresses in New York
Planning a wedding in New York City can be a dream come true—but it often comes with a hefty price tag. Thankfully, saying "yes to the dress" doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to your savings. NYC is full of hidden gems and savvy shopping spots where you can find a stunning wedding dress without the luxury price tag. Whether you're looking for a sample sale score, a secondhand treasure, or a chic, off-the-rack surprise, this guide will help you navigate the city’s best spots for affordable bridal fashion at $2,000 and under.
Located in the Upper East Side and the Financial District
Free appointment
Anthropologie Weddings, formerly BHDLN, carries gowns that are as free-spirited as their casual clothing line. Book an appointment and you can try on dresses designed by Watters and Helsi. They also have a great offering of bridal event wear and bridesmaid dresses.
Watters Rickey Strapless Basque-Waist A-Line Midi Dress with Scarf | $595
Located in Midtown
Free appointment
Designer Loft offers gowns designed by Pronovias, Yumi Katsura, and Calle Blanche. You’ll have a consultant, but at this salon, you can also search through the racks. They also have a wide range of sizes and host trunk shows throughout the year.
Located in Midtown
Free appointment
Jenny Yoo has been designing wedding dresses for over two decades. She knows a thing or two about creating the perfect bridal look. Her dresses are known for clean lines and modern cuts. Stop by this salon to find elegant dresses for you and your wedding party.
Charlotte | $1,895
Located in Park Slope
Free appointment
New York City Bride exclusively works with small European designers. You won’t find the gowns at this salon anywhere else. This shop is perfect for a bride looking for a jaw-dropping, jewel-encrusted ball gown or a romantic trumpet dress with a lace overlay skirt.
Elena Morar Isabel Dress | $1,200
Located in Midtown, Sheepshead Bay, and Long Island
Free appointment
Lotus Bridal is a family-owned and operated salon. They carry dresses designed by Wona, Essense of Australia, and Enzoani. They have multiple locations throughout New York, I suggest visiting their Midtown location to see a wide variety of gowns.
Stella York 7640 | $1,099
Located in Flatiron
Free appointment
The Sample Room is the place to be if you’re looking to buy off the rack. This salon carries new, pre-owned, and vintage dresses at discounted prices. They also have a great collection of vintage accessories. Keep in mind that sample dresses may require a bit more altering.
Located in Engelwood, New Jersey
Free appointment
Jaehee Bridal is just a train or bus across the river. Their designers include Randy Fenoli, Maggie Sottero, and Mila Nova. Also, they have most of their selection online, so you know what to expect before going into the store. The best part - there’s no sales tax in Jersey!
Essense of Australia D3404 | $1,000
Located in Hammonton, New Jersey
Free appointment
Hand Me Gowns Bridal is a woman-owned boutique in South Jersey. If you have a car, I recommend stopping by this salon. They specialize in gently worn and never-worn secondhand dresses. This spot is perfect for you if you’re a sustainability queen. And guess what? There’s no sales tax.
Located in Soho
Schedule an appointment for $25
The White Gown is an intimate salon whose dress collection includes Amsale, Vera Wang, and Watters. They also offer in-house alterations, cleaning, and preserving services.
Amsale LW166 | $350
Located in Greenpoint
Schedule an appointment for $85
Cha Cha Linda is for the vintage bride. If you’re looking for a standout outfit like a 1970s two-piece set or a retro 1950s gown, head to this small business. Note, you have to schedule a fitting appointment months in advance, and the slots sell out in minutes. They also offer a limited selection of pieces to shop online.
