How Much Does Wedding Dress Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Wedding Dress Include?
Wedding dress costs include the gown, alterations, veil, and accessories. Prices range from budget-friendly options to high-end designer gowns.
The national average cost for wedding dress is $1,800 per dress. Most homeowners pay between $500 and $4,000, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Source
Online/budget: $200-$800. Bridal shop: $1,000-$3,000. Designer: $3,000-$10,000+
Extras
Alterations: $200-$500. Veil: $50-$300. Accessories: $50-$200. Preservation: $150-$400
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Designer vs off-the-rack
- ✓Fabric quality
- ✓Alterations needed
- ✓Veil and accessories
- ✓Rush ordering
- ✓Preservation
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Sample sales offer designer dresses at 50-70% off
- 2.Off-the-rack dresses avoid 3-6 month ordering wait and rush fees
- 3.Budget $200-$500 for alterations on top of dress price
- 4.Sell your dress after the wedding to recoup 20-40%
📈 Wedding Dress Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.8% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $1,528 | — |
| 2021 | $1,592 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $1,696 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $1,744 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $1,800 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Wedding Dress Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $410 | $1,476 | $3,280 |
| Alaska | $640 | $2,304 | $5,120 |
| Arizona | $475 | $1,710 | $3,800 |
| Arkansas | $400 | $1,440 | $3,200 |
| California | $675 | $2,430 | $5,400 |
| Colorado | $540 | $1,944 | $4,320 |
| Connecticut | $610 | $2,196 | $4,880 |
| Delaware | $525 | $1,890 | $4,200 |
| Florida | $490 | $1,764 | $3,920 |
| Georgia | $450 | $1,620 | $3,600 |
| Hawaii | $710 | $2,556 | $5,680 |
| Idaho | $460 | $1,656 | $3,680 |
| Illinois | $525 | $1,890 | $4,200 |
| Indiana | $440 | $1,584 | $3,520 |
| Iowa | $430 | $1,548 | $3,440 |
| Kansas | $425 | $1,530 | $3,400 |
| Kentucky | $420 | $1,512 | $3,360 |
| Louisiana | $435 | $1,566 | $3,480 |
| Maine | $510 | $1,836 | $4,080 |
| Maryland | $575 | $2,070 | $4,600 |
| Massachusetts | $650 | $2,340 | $5,200 |
| Michigan | $460 | $1,656 | $3,680 |
| Minnesota | $510 | $1,836 | $4,080 |
| Mississippi | $390 | $1,404 | $3,120 |
| Missouri | $435 | $1,566 | $3,480 |
| Montana | $475 | $1,710 | $3,800 |
| Nebraska | $440 | $1,584 | $3,520 |
| Nevada | $510 | $1,836 | $4,080 |
| New Hampshire | $560 | $2,016 | $4,480 |
| New Jersey | $625 | $2,250 | $5,000 |
| New Mexico | $450 | $1,620 | $3,600 |
| New York | $660 | $2,376 | $5,280 |
| North Carolina | $450 | $1,620 | $3,600 |
| North Dakota | $450 | $1,620 | $3,600 |
| Ohio | $450 | $1,620 | $3,600 |
| Oklahoma | $415 | $1,494 | $3,320 |
| Oregon | $550 | $1,980 | $4,400 |
| Pennsylvania | $510 | $1,836 | $4,080 |
| Rhode Island | $575 | $2,070 | $4,600 |
| South Carolina | $435 | $1,566 | $3,480 |
| South Dakota | $425 | $1,530 | $3,400 |
| Tennessee | $430 | $1,548 | $3,440 |
| Texas | $465 | $1,674 | $3,720 |
| Utah | $475 | $1,710 | $3,800 |
| Vermont | $540 | $1,944 | $4,320 |
| Virginia | $525 | $1,890 | $4,200 |
| Washington | $575 | $2,070 | $4,600 |
| West Virginia | $400 | $1,440 | $3,200 |
| Wisconsin | $470 | $1,692 | $3,760 |
| Wyoming | $460 | $1,656 | $3,680 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start shopping for a wedding dress?
9-12 months before the wedding for custom orders. 3-6 months for off-the-rack. Allow 2-3 months for alterations.
🏙️ Wedding Dress Cost by City
Compare wedding dress costs in the most popular US cities:
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