What Is The Average Price Of A Wedding Dress In The UK?

21/04/2023

Gather your closest friends, your sisters and your mum. It’s time to start trying on wedding dresses. There is just one thing you need to know – what is the average price of a wedding dress in the UK?  

Budgeting for your wedding is hard when you don’t have any idea what to expect. You’ve probably heard that a wedding dress can be in the thousands – and it can. But that isn’t the only option. So, while we talk about the average price of a wedding dress, remember that your dress can be as little or as much as you are willing to spend.

How to budget for your dream wedding dress 

This is your big day, and understandably you want to look and feel absolutely gorgeous. But while it is possible to spend £10,000 on a dress, realistically very few of us want to spend that much on something that will, let’s be honest, only be worn that one time.

According to the Hitched National Wedding Survey 2022, the average cost of a wedding dress was £1,350 – which means that while there were a lot of more expensive dresses out there, there were a lot that cost less too. 

Don’t forget that you need to include any alterations in your budget. Prices on alterations will vary depending on how complex your dress is, but could be anywhere from £75 to £350+.

Where to find your wedding dress

The chances are that you’ll start looking for your wedding dress in a boutique bridal shop nearby. The first thing to do is call and book your appointment – and at the same time ask them for their price points. The bridal shop should be happy to tell you which designers they stock and their price ranges to set your expectations for the visit. 

Generally, bridal shops stock a few sizes of each dress for you to try on. Once you’ve chosen your dream dress it will be made to order, so you’ll need to allow anywhere from 6 months or more before it’s ready. On average, prices for made-to-order dresses in a bridal shop can start from £700. 

However, there is a way to get your dream dress on a budget – if you have the time and patience. As new designs come out each season, bridal shops will want to sell on the old sample dresses – which means if you don’t mind having a dress that has been tried on before, you can get your favourite dress at a reduced price ‘off-the-rack’.

High street shopping for your wedding dress

Not every bride dreams of wearing a designer dress to their wedding. You’ll find plenty of options available on the high street. John Lewis have a Wedding Boutique department with wedding dresses ranging from £75 to £600 and Coast offer dresses under £200.

There is also a very good market for pre-loved wedding dresses. If you are dedicated to sustainable fashion, you might prefer to find a second-hand wedding dress from your local charity shops or auction sites such as eBay. Oxfam online has a big range of dresses at any time, ranging from £20 to £700 plus.

Go vintage for the perfect wedding dress

There are always the vintage clothes shops. Wearing vintage clothes is very much on trend, so if you want to look both stylish and unique, head to your nearest vintage clothing shop to find some designer wedding dresses from the 90s. You never know what you might fall in love with.

And, while you are considering vintage, have you asked your family members if they have kept their own wedding dress? Wearing a family dress can be a beautiful way to add a special touch to your wedding. 

Finally, it is possible to rent a wedding dress, just as you will likely hire the grooms suit. Renting a wedding dress is a fantastic way to get your dream designer gown on a budget. 

Once you have picked your perfect gown, you can look forward to your wedding morning and dressing for your big day. We have the perfect place for you, with your private salon and wedding suite in The Stables and all the space you and your bridal party need to prepare. Just get in touch to arrange a viewing.

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