If you’re wearing a dress to your wedding, you’ll spend many hours (or , more likely, days and weeks) agonising over what the right dress for you might be. Do you want a ball gown? Mermaid? A-line? Do you want strapless? A train? When it comes to choosing the right wedding dress, there are so many options available it can sometimes be overwhelming. Where do you even start?
Another question you might ask is how much does a wedding dress cost? You may know the style you want for your wedding, but does it align with the budget you have in mind? For many, choosing the perfect dress is just as important — if not more important than — the venue and catering.
In this post, we’re going to explore everything to do with the cost of a wedding dress, including the average cost, what affects the cost and what you might expect for your budget.
What’s the average cost of a wedding dress?
According to our South African Wedding Budget Breakdown Report, couples typically spend between R10,000 and R70,000 on a wedding dress. That said, it’s entirely possible to spend far less — or far more — depending on your style, preferences, and where you shop.
This estimate doesn’t include accessories like jewellery, shoes, or a veil, which can add a few thousand rand to your total outfit cost. So if you’re aiming for a complete bridal look, it’s worth budgeting a bit extra (unless you’re barefoot on the beach).
Even if you don’t have the average budget to spend on a dress, there are still plenty of beautiful and affordable options — from off-the-rack styles to rentals and second-hand designer gowns. No matter your price point, there’s a way to look and feel amazing on your big day.
What factors affect the cost of a wedding dress?
With wedding dresses coming in all manners of shapes, designs and sizes, no two dresses cost the same. Plenty of factors mean you may end up spending less — or even a lot more — than the average.
- Location: Wedding dresses bought in large cities, like Cape Town or Durban, will cost more than those bought outside.
- Brand: A dress made by a well-known brand will often cost significantly more than a dress made by a less well-known brand.
- Materials: Premium and high-quality fabrics, such as lace and silk, will cost more than other fabrics, such as satin.
- Expertise: A dress from an experienced designer will be more expensive than an up-and-coming designer with little experience.
- Style: The more complex the style and design, the pricier your dress will be.
- Embellishments: Dresses with more embellishments, such as embroidery, beads or sequins, will cost more than dresses without.
- Imported materials: Wedding dresses made from fabrics manufactured in Asia are often significantly more affordable — sometimes less than half the cost of locally sourced or European fabrics.
What type of wedding dress can you expect for your budget?
Even if you’ve nailed down a budget for your dress, figuring out where to start can still be a challenge. Do you go for a designer label? Which ones fit within your price range? And how do you even get a sense of wedding dress prices when so many designers keep them under wraps?
To clear things up, here’s a rough price guide highlighting different stores and designers across various budget ranges:
| Budget | Store/Designer |
|---|---|
| R2,500 – R12,000 | Forever New, Bride&Co, ASOS Bridal, local boutique sales racks |
| R12,000 – R25,000 | Lunardi, White Runway, Casey Jeanne, imported mid-range designers |
| R25,000 – R50,000 | Maggie Sottero, Enzoani, Pronovias, custom gowns from sought-after local designers |
| R50,000+ | Vera Wang, Galia Lahav, Elie Saab, full bespoke couture gowns from South Africa’s top bridal designers like Jacoba Clothing or Diaan Daniels |
How much does a bespoke wedding dress cost?
If you’re dreaming of a bespoke wedding dress, be prepared to budget a little more than the average. Custom wedding dress prices typically start around R35,000. This includes the designer’s time, personalised fittings, high-quality fabrics, and detailed embellishments like lace appliqué, hand embroidery, or beadwork. But it’s more than just a dress — it’s an experience that brings your unique vision to life from start to finish.
What goes into the cost of a bespoke wedding gown?
Designers like Vera Wang, Alexander McQueen, and Givenchy come with premium price tags, so if your budget is on the higher end, you’ll have access to a broader range of internationally renowned names. That said, many big designers also offer more accessible collections — for example, White by Vera Wang — which allow you to wear a well-known label without paying full couture prices. If you’re drawn to a specific brand but working with a tighter budget, it’s worth exploring their ready-to-wear or diffusion lines, or even looking for second-hand or sample sale options locally.
How much does an off-the-peg dress cost?
Choosing an off-the-peg wedding dress is a great way to keep costs down without compromising on style. Many department stores offer stunning gowns at a fraction of the price of custom or designer dresses. Stores like Forever New and ASOS Bridal offer wedding dresses starting from around R4,000 — and sometimes even less if you catch a good sale.
When buying off-the-peg, aim to find a dress that fits as closely as possible to your size, then bring it to a professional tailor for any necessary adjustments. This approach helps you avoid high alteration costs and ensures a perfect fit, all while staying within budget.
How much does a bespoke dress by a tailor cost?
If you’re set on a bespoke gown but have a limited budget, consider reaching out to a skilled local tailor to discuss their rates for creating a custom wedding dress. Like designer gowns, you’ll be covering the cost of the design, materials, and their time — but typically at a more budget-friendly rate. Prices for simpler custom wedding dresses often start around R15,000, especially if you’re working with a local designer or independent dressmaker. These gowns typically feature clean lines, minimal embellishments, and locally sourced fabrics.
More detailed custom designs — with elements like lace overlays, beadwork, or layered skirts — usually start at around R25,000. This allows you to enjoy a unique, made-for-you dress without paying full couture prices. It’s a great middle ground for brides who want something personal and beautiful while keeping costs under control.
How much do wedding dress appointments cost?
If you’re shopping for a wedding dress at a department store in Australia, you can generally browse without an appointment. However, bridal boutiques are often more intimate and typically require a reservation. Appointment fees vary depending on the boutique, with some charging between R300 and R800, especially for evening or weekend slots. Many boutiques will credit this fee toward your dress if you make a purchase. Keep in mind, though, that booking multiple appointments can add up, as you’re unlikely to buy from every store!
How much do wedding dress alterations cost?
Much like the cost of the dress itself, the cost of alterations can vary based on factors such as location, time, the skills required, and the experience of the tailor. It can also be cheaper to have the alterations done at the same boutique you bought your dress at as part of a package.
Wedding dress alteration costs can vary depending on the complexity of the work required. Here’s a rough price guide for common alterations, based on South African tailor rates:
- Altering the hem: R1,000–R1,500. If your dress has multiple layers, each additional layer may cost around R300 – R500, as additional fabric requires more work.
- Taking in the sides: R800–R1,200. Dresses with intricate beadwork or detailing may incur higher costs, as the tailor will likely need to carefully remove and reattach embellishments by hand.
- Adding bustles (to lift the train): R300–R500 per bustle, depending on the train’s length and weight.
- Converting a zipper to a lace-up back: R1,500–R2,000. This is a more involved alteration, as it requires removing the zip, reinforcing the bodice, and adding loops and a ribbon.
Can you buy a wedding dress from a charity shop?
Yes, you can buy a wedding dress from a charity shop! More often than not they’re in great condition because they’ve been carefully looked after, and have usually only been worn once before.
Charity shops are also sometimes sent discontinued dresses which will be cheaper than the original cost, but still fairly pricey — especially if by a well-known brand or designer.
How much does it cost to rent a wedding dress?
Buying a wedding dress can be a significant expense, especially for a gown you’ll only wear once. If you’re looking to save, renting a wedding dress is a great alternative, with rental prices typically starting from around R500 per day. For example, if you’re after a look inspired by South African icons like Basetsana Kumalo’s elegant and timeless style or Minnie Dlamini’s glamorous wedding gown, you might find similar silhouettes to rent for around R1,500 to R3,000 — a fraction of the R20,000 to R40,000 you’d pay to buy a comparable designer dress. Renting offers you access to stunning designer gowns without the full purchase cost, making it a stylish and budget-friendly option.
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