The moment something gets the label ‘bridal,’ the cost seems to triple in price.
And sometimes without the quality or intended experience to back it up! We love a good wedding hack, and this time we’re talking about dresses.
You don’t have to schedule an appointment and try on a ton of dresses in one sitting, all in front of lighting and a mirror you’re not familiar with. You’ll often be able to see what’s the most flattering in the room you try on all your clothes in (at home!)
If you’re not into the typical dress buying experience or the price that comes with it, there’s an alternative.
Evening gowns are your answer.
Search for evening gowns on sites like Nordstrom, Saks, Dillards, Neiman Marcus, or Revolve for quality, but cheaper than bridal, dresses.
Generally, evening gowns:
- Cost less than wedding dresses or anything labeled ‘bridal’
- Fit more comfortably since they’re made to be worn more than once
- Adapt to trends quicker than bridal, as they don’t need to adhere to seasonal collections
Search tips
Filters are your friend to find exactly what you’re looking for quickly
- Filter by color, I chose white
- Filter by length, I selected floor length
- Filter by price, I checked under $700
Here are 10 ‘non-bridal’ dresses that most definitely feel so bridal, it’s hard to imagine where else you’d wear them!
1. Norma Kamali, Walter Fishtail Gown in Snow White | Revolve, $525
2. BCBGMAXAZRIA, Tulle Corset Evening Gown | Bloomingdales, currently on sale for $304.20
3. MAC DUGGAL, Crystal Detail Long Sleeve Column Gown | Nordstrom, $398.00
4. Cinq à Sept, Emmie Crystal-Strap Gown | Saks, currently on sale for $477
5. LA FEMME, Strappy Back Satin Ballgown | $408, Nordstrom
6. Zhivago, Betsy Gown in White | $672, Revolve
7. BETSY & ADAM, Long Sleeve Glitter Sheath Gown | Saks off 5th, currently on sale for $179.99
8. Norma Kamali, Diana Fringed Fishtail Gown | Saks off 5th, $295
9. ML Monique Lhuillier, Plunging High-Low Lace Gown | Saks, $595
10. Rotate Birger Christensen, Miley Sequined V-Neck Open-Back Gown | $710, Neiman Marcus. We know this isn't under $700, but it's so close and too pretty not to list.
I did this same thing for my own wedding five years ago.
The dress was under $300 from Bloomingdales and the most comfortable dress I’ve ever worn. Here’s how it turned out. 
Photo source: Grace T Photography
I absolutely loved it and still think it looks great. I’d likely pick something a bit different if I were buying one now, which makes me even happier I didn’t spend $2,000 on it.
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