The wedding dress is often one of the most important aspects of a bride’s big day.
Whether you’re looking for something classic, modern, or entirely unique, understanding the average cost of a wedding dress can help guide your decisions.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various factors influencing wedding dress prices, including the typical costs in Australia and how to stay within your budget while still finding the perfect gown.
Let’s get straight to the point
The average cost of a wedding dress in Australia typically ranges from AUD 1,500 to AUD 4,000, with high-end designer gowns exceeding AUD 6,000.
Key factors influencing the price include the designer’s reputation, fabric, embellishments, and customisations.
Brides should also budget for additional expenses such as alterations, which can add AUD 300 to AUD 1,000, as well as accessories and post-wedding cleaning.
To save money, consider shopping early, exploring second-hand or rental options, and choosing simpler designs.
Factors Influencing Wedding Dress Costs
When shopping for a wedding dress, it’s essential to know that several factors contribute to its cost. Understanding these elements will help you make informed decisions and manage your budget efficiently.
Designer and Brand
The reputation of a designer significantly impacts the price of a wedding dress.
Dresses from high-end, internationally renowned designers often come with a hefty price tag, while gowns from lesser-known or local designers may be more affordable.
Designer wedding dresses are crafted with premium materials and feature intricate details, often justifying their higher cost.
Fabric and Embellishments
Fabrics used in wedding dresses range from luxurious silk, lace, and satin to more affordable materials like polyester or chiffon. Dresses made from finer fabrics tend to cost more.
Additionally, gowns with intricate embellishments such as beading, crystals, or embroidery also come at a higher price due to the labour involved in creating these details.
Customisation and Alterations
A custom-made wedding dress that fits your exact measurements will naturally be more expensive than an off-the-rack gown. Additionally, most brides will need some form of alterations to ensure a perfect fit.
Alteration costs vary based on the complexity of the adjustments, adding anywhere from AUD 300 to AUD 1,000 to the overall expense.
Average Wedding Dress Prices
The cost of wedding dresses varies across the world, and Australia is no exception.
Below is a breakdown of the average cost of a wedding dress in the Australian market, considering different price ranges to suit every budget.
Low-End Wedding Dresses
In Australia, you can find affordable wedding dresses starting from around AUD 1,000. These dresses typically come from high-street retailers or smaller local boutiques.
They may feature simpler designs and less expensive fabrics but can still look elegant and beautiful.
Mid-Range Wedding Dresses
Most brides in Australia spend between AUD 1,500 and AUD 4,000 on their wedding dress.
Dresses in this range offer a good balance of quality and affordability, featuring more premium fabrics and stylish designs without breaking the bank.
Brides in this price range often find dresses from reputable but not necessarily high-end designers.
High-End Designer Wedding Dresses
For those willing to splurge, high-end designer wedding dresses can exceed AUD 6,000. These gowns are often custom-made, using the finest materials and crafted by top designers.
Many brides dream of wearing a one-of-a-kind designer dress, but it’s important to factor in whether such an investment fits within the overall wedding budget.
Additional Costs to Consider
When planning your wedding dress budget, it’s easy to focus solely on the gown’s price. However, there are other related costs you should consider to avoid any surprises later on.
Alterations
Almost every bride needs alterations, and this can add a considerable amount to your total expense.
Depending on the complexity of the adjustments, alterations can cost anywhere from AUD 300 to AUD 1,000. These alterations may involve hemming, taking in the bodice, or adjusting the length of the dress’s train.
Accessories
Don’t forget to budget for your bridal accessories, such as a veil, shoes, jewellery, and a clutch.
A veil alone can cost between AUD 100 and AUD 1,000 depending on the fabric and design. Other accessories, such as shoes or belts, can also add up quickly.
Cleaning and Preservation
Once the big day is over, many brides choose to have their dresses professionally cleaned and preserved as a keepsake.
The cost for this service typically ranges between AUD 200 and AUD 500, depending on the type of fabric and the extent of the cleaning required.
How to Save Money on Your Wedding Dress
Wedding dresses can be expensive, but there are ways to save money without compromising on style. By following these tips, you can manage your dress budget more effectively.
Shop Early
One of the best ways to save on your wedding dress is to start shopping early. This gives you the chance to take advantage of seasonal sales or trunk shows where boutiques offer discounts on designer dresses. Additionally, early shopping helps avoid rush fees for last-minute alterations.
Consider Second-Hand Dresses
Many brides are now opting for second-hand wedding dresses or rentals. This can significantly reduce costs, with some pre-loved dresses available at up to 50% off their original price.
Websites like Stillwhite and Preloved Bridal are excellent platforms for finding second-hand gowns in great condition.
Opt for Simpler Designs
If you’re looking to keep costs down, consider choosing a simpler gown without too many embellishments or customisations. A classic, minimalist wedding dress can still make a statement and allows you to focus your budget on other aspects of the wedding.
Custom-Made Wedding Dresses in Australia
For brides who want something completely unique, a custom-made wedding dress is the ideal option. However, this choice can be significantly more expensive compared to off-the-rack options.
Cost of Custom-Made Dresses
In Australia, the cost of a custom-made wedding dress typically ranges between AUD 2,500 and AUD 10,000, depending on the design, fabric, and level of detail involved.
While more expensive, custom-made dresses offer a higher level of personalisation, ensuring that the gown fits your body perfectly and matches your exact style.
Pros and Cons of Custom-Made Dresses
Pros:
- Completely unique and personalised design.
- Tailored to fit your exact measurements.
- Ability to choose every detail, from fabric to embellishments.
Cons:
- Higher cost compared to off-the-rack gowns.
- Longer lead times, often requiring months to complete.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect wedding dress is a deeply personal decision that requires careful planning and budgeting.
The average cost of a wedding dress in Australia ranges from AUD 1,500 to AUD 4,000, with higher-end designer dresses exceeding AUD 6,000.
While the cost of a wedding dress is often a significant part of a bride’s overall wedding budget, there are ways to save money, such as shopping early, exploring second-hand options, or opting for simpler designs.
By understanding the factors that influence the cost and planning for additional expenses such as alterations and accessories, brides can make informed decisions and find their dream wedding dress without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1500 a good wedding dress budget?
83% of budget-savvy brides plan on spending no more than $1500 and that’s actually a fabulous price point. You can get a truly amazing dress, made with care and quality.
What is the average cost of a wedding in 2021?
The average cost of a wedding was $28,000 in 2019, according to data from The Knot. The venue is the single most expensive part, at an average of $10,000 alone. Rings, photographers, and videographers are the next largest expenses.
Why do people pay so much for wedding dresses?
Wedding is one of the most important part of the women’s life so they intend to spend some thousands on the dress that they are going to use. It is also a sign that they wanted to look at their best for their groom during the ceremonies and after.
Who pays for the bride’s dress?
Bride and family pay for bride’s dress, veil, accessories and trousseau (read: lingerie and honeymoon clothes). Groom and family pay for groom’s outfit. All attendants pay for their own clothing, including shoes.
Which type of gown is best for wedding?
A lightweight A-line gown looks great on most brides, but we think they look especially dreamy on a pear-shaped figure! If you want to accentuate your best assets, flaunt your hips and booty with a fit-and-flare wedding gown in a chic and comfy fabrication.
