LOTC: Top High Street/Mass Market retailers for Chic Wedding gowns in your budget

January 25, 2011

High street stores now have a great selection for brides Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC).  If you’re looking for a silk gown, head to your mass retailer first.  They have really done a great job of creating light colored silk gowns with great draping, flattering cuts, and sometimes even a little additional embroidered or beaded detail.

If you’re looking for more embellishment or specialty material (e.g. I wanted alencon lace which retails for $150/yard), head to sample sales, vintage sites, and trunk sales for wedding gown designers.  You will not find silk glass chiffon, French lace or other materials at these retailers simply because the materials are too costly.  But you will find simple, chic, and fashion forward gowns that may be a great option for you or your friends (p.s. and check out the upcoming Vera Wang for David’s Bridal collection too.)  You will also likely find these dresses for a price lower than the one I’ve posted because all these retailers have sales!

1. The Limited makes cute clothing with just a little feminine edge.  I believe blogger buddy Los Angeles Love tried this gown too.  The cascading silk tendrils are too fun and I can totally see something like this for my original vineyard wedding.

$298 (though I’ve also seen it on sale for $178) here

2. J. Crew has been a creative force that has evolved to include some chic options like this simple white Sophia gown.

On sale for $250 here

3. eDressme has a few inspired gowns that are truly gorgeous.  Beaded straps, dropped waist, and flowing silk come together beautifully in this elegant gown.

$578 here

4. BCBG pairs fanciful feather details and a lovely defined waist in this vintage inspired gown.

$219.20 here

5. Ann Taylor has a few silk gowns with great draping – the v-neck on this looks so flattering!

$295 here

6. White House Black Market also has simple striking styles with silk and tulle details 

$598 here

7. David’s Bridal and Vera Wang seem to be at opposite ends of the bridal spectrum.  Not anymore with the launch of White by Vera Wang for David’s Bridal launching Feb. 2011 (I’ll post pictures when it comes out).  Prices range from $600 – $1400.

Price TBD, source

8. Nordstrom has a diverse selection of white gowns from known designers,  like this Lauren by Ralph Lauren Sheila sequin trim jersey dress.  This is such a cool and mod look for a wedding (seriously how comfortable would it be for dancing at the reception!)

$154 here

9. eBay and Etsy are also worthy mentions because they can either connect you with a seller/reseller with potentially great prices for designer gowns (I found Lazaro and my Monique Lhuillier alencon lace gown there) or with custom designers.  Etsy has a fantastic array of vintage sellers and designers (Amy Jo Tatum at Bridechic is one and her gowns are under $2000 for a CUSTOM gown!)  Read the seller’s ratings carefully and be careful of fakes!
Yolanda $1995 here
What do you think of wedding gowns from high street retailers?
little luxury list

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  • honey my heart January 25, 2011 at 08:47

    the dresses are quite pretty. really like the bcbg and ann taylor ones. very chic!

  • Chocolate Lover January 25, 2011 at 09:00

    You can certainly get some great deals if you spend the time to do your homework! I love the first dress and the Ann Taylor one.

  • CC January 25, 2011 at 11:11

    Love the J. Crew! 🙂
    Xx

  • QueenDesi January 25, 2011 at 11:24

    love this review!! even tho i have not my married plan yet 🙂

    love the first one..it’s really simple but i love the details and of course the amazing from Vera Wang..

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    THE SECRET LIFE OF “D”

    in Love&Light
    Queen D

  • Diana Mieczan January 25, 2011 at 11:55

    I totally think you can get some amazing deals and the J.Crew gown is simply perfect!
    Happy Tuesday, darling

  • LifeasKristina January 25, 2011 at 12:54

    Love that vera wang!

  • Erika January 25, 2011 at 14:18

    Personally, I think it’s fantastic! Allowing people on a budget to still be able to afford true glamour when it comes to wedding gowns is tres fab! 🙂

  • Bicoastal Bride January 25, 2011 at 14:28

    I love that more retailers are offering gowns like this! I especially love the Limited gown above.

  • maritaBliss January 25, 2011 at 14:29

    I love the first one ♥

  • Jessica January 25, 2011 at 14:35

    Swoon. The Limited one is adorable – I’m surprised!

    (And I know I’m totally an enabler! Those earrings look huge, but that’s kinda what I adore about them. I have high hopes. And for $20, it’s worth the risk!)

  • THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE January 25, 2011 at 14:39

    Wow that one from The Limited is really, REALLY cute!

  • Kim January 25, 2011 at 14:45

    All beautiful gowns! I love the first one, and the options from White House/Black Market (one of my favorite stores) are great too. It’s wonderful that there are options for brides on a budget that don’t feel like settling. I can’t wait to see more of the Vera Wang for David’s Bridal collection!

  • BigAppleNosh January 25, 2011 at 14:53

    I love that first one!!

  • Taylor January 25, 2011 at 15:24

    I love this post!! I wore an off the rack white/ivory cocktail dress….no one said you have to pay an arm and a leg for your wedding gown!

  • Krysten @ After 'I Do' January 25, 2011 at 15:25

    Gorgeous, I love the 1st and 6th dress.

  • Melissa January 25, 2011 at 15:37

    these gowns are strikingly beautiful! they’re not too fussy and very elegant!
    x

  • Cheryl: Oh to Be a Muse January 25, 2011 at 18:16

    the Limited dress is gorgeous, and i love the Vera Wang too! i got married last year and really hoped Vera would come out with her David’s Bridal collection earlier.

    Oh to Be a Muse

  • Brunch at Saks January 25, 2011 at 18:46

    Oh my!!! I love every single one! So gorgeous.

    PS. Love your new blog header as well! xoxo

  • Erika @ ~TiptoeButterfly~ January 25, 2011 at 19:06

    i’m in NO way ready to wear a ready dress – but great selections!!!!

  • Debby January 25, 2011 at 20:06

    Oh, these are just perfect! I love them all. xo

  • Claire Kiefer January 25, 2011 at 20:06

    Although I’m nowhere near getting married, I love that top gown and the Grecian-looking Ann Taylor one. Almost as much as I love your new blog header!

  • drollgirl January 25, 2011 at 20:29

    OMG! the price is right on these gowns! now if only i could find the right man to go along with one of them! 🙂

  • Heart Charlie January 25, 2011 at 20:59

    I love these low key wedding dresses, and so affordable! Now all I need to do is find someone to marry….hmmm, might be tricky 😉

  • designchic January 25, 2011 at 21:28

    Gorgeous gowns…love that you can get them for such a deal!!

  • this free bird January 25, 2011 at 21:57

    That first dress is beautiful!! I liked it better than all the others by far. I love a good deal like that!!

    xo,
    c
    ps-your new blog header is fab!

  • tanvii.com January 25, 2011 at 22:19

    I love them all. Just such a delight to see wedding gowns. I would wanna wear them some day though I am not Christian and already married 😛

  • Pop Champagne January 25, 2011 at 22:49

    I really really like the first one, cuz it doesnt look like a wedding gown, my wedding gown is going to look something like that – not a puffy wedding gown lol!

  • Karina January 26, 2011 at 01:41

    All those dresses are so beautiful and oh so dreamy 😉

  • Bella @Bellgetsreal January 26, 2011 at 01:45

    White house and black market dress has my vote. These are gorgeous. Sometimes I find myself watching the wedding dress show (not sure what it is called) but those dresses are crazy expensive and not nearly as elegant.

  • Lisa Griffin January 26, 2011 at 02:42

    there is definitely something about that wedding dress experience, but these are gorgeous!
    http://www.indramaticfashion.com

  • Connie @ SogniESorrisi January 26, 2011 at 02:43

    I love 3, 5 and 6. Great new look around here!

  • bridechic January 26, 2011 at 03:55

    Thanks for featuring Yolanda! Great post

  • little t January 26, 2011 at 09:20

    The first one is beautiful. I love the simple shorter one too.

  • Leia January 26, 2011 at 10:20

    Absolutely beautiful dresses!

    Leia

  • Signe January 26, 2011 at 10:37

    Love all of these gowns <3
    And a lovely Wednesday to you!!

  • very married January 26, 2011 at 13:38

    pretty dresses!

    also, I got your card in the mail yesterday! the iris was SO pretty. I love that flower.

  • thelifealamode January 26, 2011 at 21:55

    I’m actually really surprised by The Limited’s dress – it’s so pretty! And cheap!

  • Kristin January 27, 2011 at 02:48

    That reminds me…I totally need to list the Vera Wang that I didn’t wear on Ebay! And I really like that WHBM number!

  • MizzJ January 27, 2011 at 07:09

    I’m quite surprised by how lovely all these options are! You covered a wide range of styles. I like the edressme one the best as it’s so unique and eye-catching. Go big or go home on your big day I say!

  • Jess January 28, 2011 at 02:29

    I blogged about that Limited gown a while back. I love it!

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