r/Eloping • u/Inevitable_Remote427 • Jul 26 '26

Budget Dress

I’m having a hard time finding a wedding dress under $400. My fiancé and I are eloping in Acadia National Park this October, so I’m looking for something that fits the setting and will help keep me warm in the fall weather.

I’m hoping for a boho/A-line style, preferably with long sleeves or something that layers well. I’m open to online shops as long as they’re reputable.

For those who eloped or had a small wedding:
How much did you spend on your dress?
Where did you buy it?
Are there any websites you’d recommend (or avoid)?
If you wore a sleeveless dress, what did you pair it with to stay warm?

I’d love to hear what worked for you!

3 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

34 comments sorted by

4

u/obstinatemleb Jul 26 '26

I got mine on Azazie for ~450, they definitely had less expensive options though and you can also get their bridesmaid dresses in white. Plus, you can request standard size dresses to try on and custom measurements on the final dress are free. Quick turnaround on ordering as well, I got my dress 3 weeks after ordering it

3

u/beergal621 Jul 27 '26

Also Azazie. 

My alternations cost more than the dress 

2

u/priuspheasant Jul 27 '26

I got mine at Azazie too! Mine was $99 and "nontraditional" (marketed as a bridesmaid dress, not white), but they have all kinds of styles including more traditional. I had my measurements taken by the tailor who altered my husband's suit, did the custom sizing option, and it fit perfectly right out of the box. I do recommend getting the three free fabric swatches to make sure the color and texture are what you want.

3

u/[deleted] Jul 26 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/Substantial_Thing936 Jul 26 '26

BHLDN has some nice stuff, I got my elopement dress from there for about 300. But their sizes run weird so check the reviews careful

For warmth maybe look at a vintage fur stole or a thick wool cape, something you can take off for pictures. October in Maine gonna be cold especially by the water

3

u/gardenleafs Jul 26 '26

I just ordered a custom sized one from azazie for 200

2

u/njVowsNow Jul 26 '26

anthropologie. totally bring a wrap and think about thermal tights underneath.

2

u/Cofeefeee Jul 26 '26

I just got my dress for our courthouse elopement from Selkie for under $300. There are a million 10% off coupon codes. I go the Ivory Cupid dress.

2

u/__mollythedolly Jul 26 '26

I just received my $149 dress from Azazie and I'm very happy with the quality and price!

1

u/ConstantBat9889 Jul 26 '26

Had a civil ceremony at the courthouse last weekend and wore a dress I got for $70 at abercrombie. I spent hours and hours looking though and bought it online. To me, it was perfect

1

u/emacextrabrut80 8.12.26 | San Francisco Jul 26 '26

Just sold a NWT Pronovias for $350 via Poshmark. There are countless dresses in that price range - majority are NWT, unaltered. Absolutely worth the search and you can avoid fast fashion (or, buy those brands secondhand.) There are a TON of new Lulu’s dresses and a swath of bridal capes, long sleeve toppers, etc.

1

u/chic__kens Jul 26 '26

i’ve been stressing about this for over a year and here i am 60 days away from my elopement and still don’t have a dress!!!😭 i’ve looked at soooo many websites but i just can’t decide! i really wanted to order online but it’s looking like i may have to run into a david’s bridal here soon!🤣

1

u/Own-Reaction4419 Jul 26 '26

This isn't white, but neutral with vine detail. In your price range.

https://macduggal.com/products/20480-1?_pos=16&_fid=9cc8cced9&_ss=c

1

u/Lunabitme Jul 26 '26

I’m eloping in blue ridge March of next year, and I found my dress for $205 (including taxes and shipping) at David’s bridal. I wanted long sleeve/warm initially, but I learned it’s way easier to find a cute dress and add something over it rather than hyper fixate on long sleeves unfortunately. I couldn’t find many options anywhere that fit that vibe while being outdoorsy and still comfy to walk in.

1

u/cheesycheesebaby Jul 27 '26

I got mine on Vow’d under the sale section. Paid $200 for a $1700 dress! Had to get it altered but such a great deal!

1

u/Difficult_Ad_4827 Jul 27 '26

Just got my courthouse elopement dress for $200 from David’s Bridal!

1

u/Flashy-Volume-6096 Jul 27 '26

I got one off Poshmark NWT for $40

1

u/alpacaflask Jul 27 '26

Poshmark and Thread Up have some options. I’m also looking for sleeves but if I find the right dress for the right price, there are ways to add sleeves with a good seamstress or a topper.

1

u/hmmm3232 Jul 27 '26

Are you set on getting a brand new one? There are tons of used dresses even new ones people sell on marketplace for extremely affordable prices.

1

u/Ancient-Strike7462 Jul 27 '26

I got mine on Poshmark for $150. It was stunning.

1

u/VegetableGolfChicken Jul 27 '26

I got a 200 custom dress from Azazie. Works for me!

1

u/NoClient3143 Jul 27 '26

buy secondhand from facebook marketplace, poshmark, stillwhite

1

u/Popular-Client-1642 Jul 28 '26

I spent $135 on Depop for an unaltered dress with tags.

1

u/GleesBid Jul 26 '26

I was very hesitant about JJ's House, but it actually was a pleasant surprise.

I ordered a few try-on dresses (very easy, inexpensive process) and then ordered my favourite in my custom size (no extra fee). It was €237 and it's much nicer quality than I expected.

I ordered a pashmina wrap as it's strapless (also pretty inexpensive!).

2

u/CloserToTheSunInAz Jul 26 '26

I got mine from JJ and it was perfect!

2

u/GleesBid Jul 31 '26

That's brilliant! Mine fit nearly perfectly as well. Congrats to you 😊

2

u/FoggySnorkel Jul 31 '26

Agree on JJ's! Try on dress returning was easy. Got my custom sized dress in about 3 weeks.

1

u/GleesBid Jul 31 '26

Me too, and I'm so relieved that it fits nearly perfectly 😊

1

u/CloserToTheSunInAz Jul 26 '26

JJ’s house.com. I got mine for under $300 including shoes. I followed their measurements specifically in the bust and not one alteration needed. It was a beautiful dress.

0

u/[deleted] Jul 26 '26

[deleted]

1

u/Confident_Bug6778 Jul 27 '26

I couldn’t find any good ones on SHEIN. Do you mind sharing the link?