When it comes to their wedding day, brides are often willing to spend thousands of dollars on their dream gown.
And while it may make them happy on the big day, the impact on their bank account can be felt for months or even years afterwards.
But according to Love Find Co. founder and Australian stylist, Sophie Wesley, the perfect look can be created for much less than the average $2,535 women are spending.
And with Bride To Be Magazine revealing the average cost of a wedding in Australia is now a staggering $65,482, this is likely to be welcome news for brides to be across the nation.
According to Love Find Co. founder and Australian stylist, Sophie Wesley (pictured), the perfect look can be created for much less than the average $2,535 women are spending
‘Gone is the notion that you are bound by strict traditions, instead a more flexible and individual style of wedding is emerging, powered, of course, by social media,’ Sophie said
‘Gone is the notion that you are bound by strict traditions, instead a more flexible and individual style of wedding is emerging, powered, of course, by social media,’ Sophie said.
‘The traditional ball gown, fishtails and A-line style wedding dresses now sit alongside boho kaftans, figure hugging lace dresses and embellished bridal dress options.
‘The scope of price is also varied with high street and online based fashion labels creating off the rack wedding dress options at a fraction of the price of custom made dresses.’
Here, Sophie shares her top tips for finding the perfect budget-friendly dress and her favourite designers with FEMAIL.
‘The traditional ball gown, fishtails and A-line style wedding dresses now sit alongside boho kaftans, figure hugging lace dresses and embellished bridal dress options,’ she said
FAME AND PARTNERS
‘Australian fashion brand Fame and Partners is an e-commerce made-to-measure occasionwear brand wants to bridge the gap between luxury and fast fashion,’ Sophie said.
‘Founder Nyree Corby believed the modern bride still wants to look great on her big day, but would rather spend money on a longer honeymoon or a deposit on a house.
‘The Fame and Partners bridal dresses starts at just $379 and go up to $1,629, while their bridesmaid dresses start at $269.
‘Each dress has customisable options to suit individual styles.’
The Victoria dress on the left costs $629 while the Josephine gown on the right costs $1,069
This glam Bessette gown costs $1,249
BHLDN
‘If you are getting married, then you would of heard of BHLDN – a treasure trove of wedding related fashion and decor for every aspect of your wedding,’ Sophie said.
‘Wedding dresses start at $320 from designers including Christos Costarellos, Watters and Anais Anette,
‘There are also Bridesmaid dresses from $180 as well as Mother of the Bride dresses, bridal jewellery, flower girl and tie options to ensure your entire bridal party is covered.’
The Andora gown costs $650 – as does the the Peridot gown (right)
This chic Elle gown costs $900
LOVE FOUND TRUE
‘Australian label Love Found True is for the feminine and daring bride after a non-traditional bride look,’ Sophie said.
They offer dresses as well as skirt and top options and these looks are perfect for any type of wedding.
Dresses range in price from $550 – $3,187.
The Blossom dress (left) costs $880 and the Willow dress (right) costs $695
The Penelope dress (left) costs $1,110 and the Alerah Midi dress (right) costs $1,155
FOR LOVE & LEMONS
‘This American label by Laura Hall & Gillian Rose Kern launched its Bridal Capsule Collection in June 2017 following the success of their capsule bridal lingerie collection a few years ago,’ Sophie said.
‘The collection features a range of feminine pieces perfect for the non-traditional bride and ranges in price from $319.25 – $855.12.’
They explain: ‘Around this time of year, we get a lot of feedback from our customers saying they’d like to see more bridal options from us.
‘They asked for dresses for the ceremony, rehearsal dinners, honeymoons, receptions, etc. So this year we knew we wanted to create a really special capsule for the For Love & Lemons bride that can take her through her whole weekend of festivities feeling simply gorgeous.’
This Isabella Halter Maxi dress costs just $319.25
The Viviana Lace Midi dress (left) costs $319.25 and the Marguerite bridal gown (right) costs $855.12
REFORMATION
‘Another American fashion label moving into the wedding market is cult online shop Reformation,’ Sophie said.
‘Shipping directly to Australia, brides can choose dresses from approximately $356 – $648 and $356 – $568 for bridesmaid dresses.’
The Thistle dress (left) costs $388 and the Freesia dress (right) costs $488
ASOS
‘Online retailer ASOS have both the bride and groom covered,’ Sophie said.
‘With wedding dresses from $155 – $498, you aren’t limited by budget to be a fashionista.
‘They also have your bridesmaids covered with dresses ranging from $69 – $257, as well as offering shoes and jewellery to match.’
The Oversized Sleeved Wrap Front Maxi Dress (left) costs $237.18 and the Tulle Maxi Prom Dress (right) costs $296.48
This Lace Bow Front Maxi Prom Dress costs just $237.18