Picture this: you’re newly engaged, and plans and preparations have started for your big day. Your mind has gone into overdrive with ideas for your wedding. But the one thing at the top of the bride-to-be’s mind: THAT dress.
You may have dreamt about your wedding day and the perfect dress since you were little, admired the beautiful gowns in a magazine or even tried something on before you were engaged (you’re not the only one!) Whatever the case, we want to help you pick the perfect wedding dress for YOU. Now not only does it come down to what you have in mind, but also what your budget will allow.
So, what can Australian brides expect to pay for a wedding dress in 2025? And how does your budget compare?
The cost of a wedding dress is…
Drum roll please… the average cost of a wedding dress in Australia is $2,502. It’s really no surprise to us that brides spend a little bit extra when it comes to their perfect wedding gown. After all, it will be forever captured in wedding photos and your memories. This number factors in those who buy off the rack, as well as brides who have their dress custom made.
Brides to be from Melbourne or Sydney are likely to spend a bit more over the average national budget on their dresses. Those further north, south or west will save a few hundred dollars on their dresses.
Per state, the average cost of a wedding dress is:
New South Wales – $2,919
Victoria – $2,650
Queensland – $2,204
South Australia – $2,091
Western Australia – $2,586
Tasmania – $2,320
Australian Capital Territory – $1,948
After looking at the numbers, we discovered that the typical bride would spend around 7% of their wedding budget on the dress. If you need help working out how much you should spend on your dress, login to our budget calculator and input your entire wedding costs to see what you could spend.
75% of brides purchase brand-new dresses and a further 17% opting for a custom design. However, if you’re concerned with your budget but still want that designer dress, preloved dresses are a great alternative, with 7% of brides doing just this. There are some gorgeous designer gowns that you can get for a discounted price.
When should you buy your dress?
Now that you have more of an understanding about what you should spend on your dress, it’s time to start thinking about when you should buy it.
We recommend thinking about your wedding dress between 12 to 18 months from the big day. At 18 months out, you can think about the styles you like and try a few on to get the ideas flowing. Once you get to 12 months out, it’s time to think about the purchase. This means if circumstances happen to change, you haven’t purchased too early or are leaving any needed alterations too late.
Typically, the wedding dress is the fifth big decision you’ll make for your big day. So, after booking your venue, celebrant, photographer, and a planner if you’re having one, it’s time to get your dress inspiration out and get ready to look like a princess.
What should you consider while dress shopping?
10% of brides told us that the dress is the most important part of their wedding, so we want to make sure you pick the perfect one for you! Last year, we surveyed more than 4000 couples to gain an understanding of what experiences they had while wedding dress shopping. We present this information to better prepare you for your walk down the dress aisle.
Another consideration to make is how you plan to accessorise; your attendant should be able to help you. The number of brides opting to purchase a special set of lingerie to wear under their dress is sitting at 59% while 85% of brides complete their look with a veil.
When it comes to alteration, it’s smart to wear the shoes you plan to wear on your day, so if there are any issues with length, they can be resolved then and there. 57% of brides choose heels, while 14% bring a pair of flats to change into.
The main thing you want from a bridal supplier is someone who can give you advice when it comes to the time of year you’re getting married. Reviews are also a great way to suss out a supplier before purchasing, particularly to make sure they’re paying proper attention to detail when it comes to finishing the dress, as well as continuing to communicate properly after you’ve paid the deposit.
Search for wedding dress retailers in your state below:
- Adelaide Wedding Dresses
- Sydney Wedding Dresses
- Melbourne Wedding Dresses
- Brisbane Wedding Dresses
- Perth Wedding Dresses
Factors that can influence your wedding dress cost
- Fabric and style cost considerations. The fabric and style of a wedding dress play a major role in determining its price. Brides may not realise that intricate details like lace, beading, or choosing luxury fabrics such as silk can significantly raise costs. Heavily embellished gowns require more labour and materials, which adds to the final price. Simpler styles in less expensive fabrics like chiffon or tulle tend to be more budget-friendly but still offer beautiful options for brides.
- Custom vs. ready-to-wear. One of the biggest factors in wedding dress cost is whether it’s custom-made or ready-to-wear. Custom gowns are tailored to a bride’s exact measurements and vision, making them more expensive than ready-made options. However, even ready-to-wear dresses often need alterations, which can add to the final cost. Understanding this price difference helps brides weigh the value of a perfectly tailored, one-of-a-kind dress versus a quicker, off-the-rack option.
- Sustainable dress options. With sustainability on the rise, more brides are considering eco-friendly options. Renting a dress or choosing a designer who uses sustainable materials can be both a cost-effective and environmentally conscious choice. For brides looking to reduce waste, these sustainable alternatives offer beautiful options without compromising style.
- Preloved Dresses. For budget-conscious brides, preloved wedding dresses offer a great way to save. Preloved gowns are often in excellent condition and can be found at a fraction of the original price. Some brides may even find designer dresses at a much lower cost, giving them access to quality gowns while staying within budget.
What should I do with my dress?
After all the build-up of finding your dress and then wearing it on the day… what’s next for the dress? There are a few options out there, but the most common and most popular choice is to store it. In fact, 69% of brides will store and save their wedding dress. If this is the decision you make, ensure that you invest in a specialty service (like a dress box or garment bag) to store your dress to avoid discolouration or damage.
There is also the option is selling your wedding dress. 39% of brides say they will say goodbye to their dress after the wedding. And, of course, there’s the trash the dress photoshoot option!
