How Much Does A Wedding Dress Really Cost in 2023

Ouijoliebride • September 13, 2023

You’ve got the ring now it’s time to look for the long awaited dream dress. Many girls have dreamed of this moment their entire life. Your wedding dress is the one thing you will remember for a lifetime and you want it to be special. Most know, of course, a beautiful wedding dress does come with a price tag. In todays post we’ll go over the different budgets and what to expect when buying the dress of your dreams.

At Oui Jolie Bride , we know first hand how much dresses cost. Not only how much they cost, but the quality you want to look for when it comes to spending money on such an important dress. This is your big day, you want to make sure you have a dress that is nothing short of stunning. And of course, who doesn’t want to wow their groom when walking down the aisle with an elegant wedding gown.  No pressure!

When talking about wedding dresses, you want to think about designers, dress style, and budget. Are there certain designers you LOVE and hope to buy a dress from? Maybe there’s a certain style dress you love. Do you have a lower budget or higher budget? Thankfully there are so many amazing options no matter what budget or style you lean towards. 

What’s The Average Cost of Wedding Dresses in America?

The national average cost of a wedding dress in the United States is $1,800-$2,500. With that average cost there is some wiggle room for dresses to be a little lower than $1,800 and some more than $2,500. This is not including additional costs such as rush fees, accessories, shoes, or wedding dress alterations. This should give you a general baseline before starting to look for wedding gowns. Some bridal shops will carry designer dresses, like Oui Jolie Bride, with higher prices. While others will have private label designers such as A-Net’s Bridal , with slightly smaller price tags. Bridal shops that carry designer dresses can range anywhere from $1,800-$12,000. While average bridal shops will range from $1,300-$2,000. As you can see both are very different with how much money you would spend. A quick search in weddingwire can help point you in the right direction when looking for a bridal shop with your budget. 

The price also will depends on where in the US you plan to go dress shopping. Of course dresses in New York City will be on the higher end of the price spectrum. Whereas places like Mississippi or Alabama have lower costs according to a quick google search. Ultimately though, it all depends on the bridal shop. Every area will have bridal shops who carry more expensive dresses and also shops who have off the rack dresses for a cheaper price. 

What’s The Average Cost of Wedding Dresses in Other Countries?

The cost of wedding dresses will also vary depending on the area of the world you are buying from. The average wedding dress cost in Canada is $1,500. The average wedding dress prices in United Kingdom is 2,083 euros translating to $2,955 US dollars. In Australia, the average cost is $2,385, that’s $1,520 US dollars. 

What’s The Average Cost Of A Designer Wedding Dress?

Many brides are interested in finding a designer gown for many reasons. The quality, the stunning appearance of them, the high-quality materials used are luxurious, and simply because they fit so perfectly. Designers like House of Savin, Kim Kasas, Pronovias Atelier, Lea-Ann Belter, Elysee, Paloma Blanca, and Calla Blanche are all very well known for their incredible wedding gowns. At Oui Jolie , we carry all of these designers and can agree that their quality is far and beyond anything we’ve ever seen before. Breathtaking lace, bling, embellishment, and fabrics engulf these beautiful dresses. Truly nothing you can find at department stores. Designer bridal gowns such as these have average price ranges anywhere from $2,500-$12,000. The cost of the dress will depend on the designer, dress style, and quality of the material. 

What Other Expenses Come With Buying A Wedding Dress?

Rush Fees

After you find your dress, you need to be aware of the other expenses that come with it. Most of the time when a bride finds her dress, the bridal shop will order your dress from the designer or company who curates that particular dress. If you are in need of a dress soon, you may have to pay for a rush fee to get your dress in on time. Keep in mind, most wedding dresses take anywhere from 4-6 months to arrive at the bridal shop you ordered from.  So it’s best to start dress shopping ASAP! 

Alteration Fees

In some cases, brides can find a dress and get measured for their size without needing alterations. While that can happen, it is extremely rare since everyone woman’s body type and build vary. Even though you get your dress ordered in your size, you may still need to take in a few areas. Wedding dress alterations can vary from $150-$700. Unfortunately, it’s not a flat fee.  It definitely can add up quickly especially if you plan to have things added on to your dress. 

Special add ons

In some cases, brides may want to add on specific things to their wedding dress. Brides typically add on things like belts, sleeves, more jewels, pearls, or more fabric. You’ll need to factor in the cost of the add on plus the additional cost the seamstress will charge to add it on. Some wedding dress designers can add on sleeves to your dress before shipping it to you as well. 

Veils and Accessories 

Veils and accessories can add up fairly quickly especially if you like the bling. The average cost for a wedding veil is around $200-$400. If you’re looking for a lower price in this area, a more simple veil like a pretty tulle veil with no details will do the trick. It’s a great option because it’s simple, classy and affordable. 

Accessories such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, shawls, belts, or hair pieces are an additional touch most brides want. These all vary in price ranges depending on what style you prefer. 

Wedding Shoes

This particular cost will depend on the person. If you want designer wedding shoes , you’re looking at anywhere from $150-$1,000. It all depends on your preference and style. There are some very affordable & comfortable wedding shoes on Etsy such as these. They’re handmade so you can personalize them to make it your style. Some brides go for a very unique style and wear converse which is a more affordable option of course. It all depends on your style and the theme of your wedding day. Go for what makes you feel most beautiful and shows your personality! 

When it comes to finding your perfect dress, knowing the cost going in is so important. It’s important to know so that you can plan ahead and know exactly what to expect when buying your dream dress. At Oui Jolie Bride we cater to brides all around the country and would love to help you say Ja’i dit oui (she said yes) to the dress of your dreams. Whether your budget is $3,000 or $12,000 we have just what you’re looking for and we can’t wait to meet you. Come enjoy an experience like none other, in a small quaint french town located in South Louisiana!

White magnolia flower with text
September 2, 2025
Welcome to Oui Jolie Bride! We are located in a small but quaint French town known as Broussard, Louisiana. At Oui Jolie Bride (yes, pretty bride) we are dedicated to sharing our French charm and southern hospitality during your stay. It is our goal that you come and feel at home while saying Jai dit oui (I said yes) to your dream dress. Broussard is a tiny town but don’t let that fool you. We can promise there are many beautiful places to visit and see during your time here with us! If you know anything about Louisiana, it’s that we have phenomenal food, character, and good times. We hold nothing back when it comes to cajun cooking with our gumbo, jambalaya, boiled crawfish, étouffée, and so much more. During your stay here you can expect to go home full, maybe a little too full but totally worth it! There are so many interesting places, historic homes, local artists, and family fun tours in southern Louisiana. We promise you will have the best time exploring the natural beauty of the boot state. Depending on the time of the year that you come, there is always something to do here. During Feb or beginning of March we have Mardi Gras parades, which is what we are most known for. Usually in April we have festival international where people travel from around the world/country to come experience our culture and many others at the same time. In December Acadiana Village has a beautiful light display with old acadian style home, rides, live music, and food. Thankfully, if you come any other times of the year, there’s always beautiful sites to see and wonderful places to visit. Places to Visit in Louisiana near Broussard Louisiana Since we are in the small town of Broussard, some of the places listed below may be a bit of a drive. We recommend scheduling your reservation with us and planning out your days according to which sites you would like to visit the most! This can either be a great day trip or you can turn it into a weekend getaway. Downtown Lafayette Located 20 minutes away from Oui Jolie bride in the city of Lafayette. The downtown area offers many unique restraints and coffee shops. Our favorite coffee shop downtown is Reve, it’s locally owned and they harvest/roast their own coffee. Acadian Village Located 30-45 minutes away from our boutique, a little hidden gem awaits. During your time at Acadian Village you will get to experience what it was like in the 19th century cajun village. There is also a Native American museum for your viewing. Truly a great place to learn about cajun culture. Vermillion Ville 30 minutes away. Very similar to Acadian village but will a little more to see and do. You can enjoy true cajun cooking and experience beautiful vintage 18th century acadian homes just like they were back then. The staff dresses for the experience as well and demonstrates how people lived during the 18th century in South Louisiana. It’s the perfect place to experience Louisiana’s culture and food. Cajun Food Tours 30 minutes away. Explore some of the best restaurants Lafayette has to offer by taking a food tour ! This will ensure a great time and a full belly. Lafayette Farmers market Available every Saturday with local farmers and businesses who share their talents and handmade goods. A community and time like no other, you will also want to visit the brand new city park. Moncus park is located on the same grounds as our farmer’s market and is absolutely beautiful. This makes for one of the best day trips. Hillard Museum Located on University of Lafayette Louisiana’s campus. This beautiful home is an art museum that houses unique art from locals and all around the country. New Orleans 2-3 hours away- New Orleans AKA big easy is a big trip since it is a little further away. We do think you will enjoy the scenic ride there exploring swamp land. This is usually the most favorite day trips people from far look forward to. There’s a lot to see and do in New Orleans. It’s a place like no other with beignets at Cafe’ Du Monde, cajun cooking, and trolly rides to tour the city. The French quarter is one of the most popular places in New Orleans with historical sites and gift shops. New Orleans also has a fantastic national World War II museum if history is your thing and it’s great for the whole family. Honey Island Swamp Tour Located in Slidell, La near New Orleans. Take a ride on gator territory in a flat bottom boat. You’ll hear all about the swamp and learn about its natural inhabitants from expert captains and tour guides. You’ll get to see many of the wildlife reptiles and birds South Louisiana has to offer. Alligators, great blue heron, cranes, brown pelicans and so much more. They offer VIP tours, daily tours, and kayak swap tours. One of the most popular sites for New Orleans day trips. Whitney Plantation If history is your thing, this is the museum to visit. Located in Edgar, La and full of historical information about slavery in southeast Louisiana from 1752-1975. This historic plantation is housed on beautiful historic grounds where you get to take a self guided tour with and audio tour. This museum has historic structures that take you back in time and are truly breathtaking. Bogue Chitto State Park Located in Franklinton, La- If you are a nature lover and enjoy visiting state parks, this one is for you. Bogue Chitto is a beautiful state park located in South Louisiana with small streams, rolling landscapes, and upland forests. This beautiful state park has a beautiful nature trail and offers horse riding, mountain biking, camping, fishing, and hiking. There’s also the option to go tubing, kayaking, and canoeing in the river. Louisiana Cajun Mansion Bed Located in Youngsville 15 minutes away- Located in the middle of Cajun Country this bed and breakfast is the perfect getaway spot. If you’re not a hotel person, this is the place to stay. You’ll experience Louisiana and southern hospitality like it should be. The property is gated so you can feel secure during your stay at cajun mansion bed. These are few of the many wonderful places and attractions you can visit during your time here. If you have any questions or may be looking to do something specific, please reach out to us 337-330-2424. We are glad to help you plan your stay with us. Oui Jolie Bride’s team cannot wait to you and your family as you can find the dress of your dreams and enjoy an experience like no other.
Woman in strapless, embellished gown with tiara, posing in a grand, light-filled hall.
September 2, 2025
Every bride has a style when it comes to their wedding dress. When referring to a boho bride we like to think of them as care-free, easy going, with a unique personality, and truly a natural beauty. If this sounds like you, stick around because we have some gorgeous boho gowns you will love! One of the best parts about owning a bridal boutique is meeting all of our amazing brides. We’ve been in the bridal industry for over 25 years and each bride is so unique and lovely in their own way. We have fostered some beautiful friendships through helping brides find their perfect dress. During the process of helping our brides, we get to know the style of the bride. Boho has been an increasingly popular style over the last 5 years and it’s neat to see how this style has evolved. What Makes A Wedding Dress Boho? Many boho brides love the bohemian romance and the unique style of these dresses. Most will have very unique & bold lace, illusion necklines, bell sleeves, floral details, puff sleeves, and most importantly a comfortable fit. This effortless gown style is usually perfect for a beach wedding, romantic elopements, and any outdoor wedding really. Of course, this dress style can be worn for inside ceremonies as well. Most brides wear their boho style dress barefoot, with cowboy boots, or with strappy sandals. To top off the look brides will usually add either flower crowns, dramatic sleeves, or intricate embroidery. There are many variations to a boho style wedding gown and we will go over the differences below. It’s usually fairly easy to tell the difference between a traditional wedding gown vs. a boho style dress. Who Are Boho Wedding Dresses For? If you are a bride who tends to go barefoot any chance you get, pretty easy going, love adventure, love being outside, or tend to do your own thing rather than following tradition. It sounds like boho may be your style. Not always of course, we understand it’s difficult to put one person into one category since every personality is so unique. We have just seen a more adventurous bride gravitate towards a bohemian style dress. It’s usually the perfect match to go with their personal style for the special day. If that personality doesn’t match you and you love the bohemian look, that’s ok too! We are here for any and all types of bridal styles. Whatever makes you feel most confident and beautiful on your wedding day is what we go for when helping our brides. Boho Wedding Dress Styles Boho Wedding Dress Sleeve Styles In terms on sleeves on a boho styled wedding dress, there are several options. Some will have delicate flutter sleeves while others will have dramatic sleeves. This all depends on the unique style of the bride. Some other options would be: sheer long sleeves, bell sleeves, and puff sleeves. While most have sleeves there are boho style dresses that don’t have sleeves. So if a strapless dress is your style, boho is not out of the picture for you yet. The neat thing with boho styled dresses is that they vary and there are so many variations. Boho Wedding Dress Neckline Styles When talking about the neckline it really can vary. Most will have illusion necklines, subtle v neck, deep v, and even sweetheart. Most necklines will have unique scalloped edging or delicate lace details along the edges. Some bohemian style dresses will be completely free of lace and tend to be more minimalistic. That tends to be for a modern bride who loves the bohemian look without the floral lace. Boho Wedding Dress Fit Typically most boho style dresses will have flowy silhouettes, frothy skirts, flowing skirts or an A-line silhouette. Some may even lean more towards a dramatic mermaid fit. This is all dependent on what the bride likes and what her body type is. The perfect way to find your right fit is by trying on the many different style boho dresses that are out there. When talking about the dress style, bohemian wedding gowns usually have low cut open backs, soft fabrics, a comfortable cut, and simple silhouettes Designer Wedding Dresses That Are Boho Style The designer’s and dresses listed below can all be found in our bridal boutique, Oui Jolie Bride . Where we cater to brides who have a budget from $2,500-$12,000 and desire to have a unique designer wedding dress. We have carefully selected our designers based off of the quality and uniqueness of their gowns. We are proud to share our collection with you and would love to help you choose your dream dress for your special day. Pronovias Privée – Lucrezia This beautiful strapless wedding gown offers a unique boho style with so many gorgeous details by designer Pronovias. A semi-cathedral train, rich embellishment, and a floral embroidery design to compliment any boho bride. This dress is one of a kind and will compliment your dream day. Adi Shlomo – Gia We love how customizable Adi’s handmade wedding dresses are. This gown is from Adi Shlomo’s floral collection and can have a flare skirt (shown in the picture) or a more fitted skirt if that’s your style. Sleeves for this dress can either be worn or taken off easily. Depending on which boho look you are going for on your wedding day. Truly a unique and beautiful gown as the sleeves are removable too. Calla Blanche- This Calla Blanche gown is on the fitted boho side of the spectrum and is absolutely breathtaking. We love the fine details and how it will hug your curves in all of the right places. With a deep “v” neckline and corset bodice, you will wow your husband. The puffed, removable sleeves add a special touch to this gorgeous gown as well. Do you have a favorite designer? We’d love to hear which designer you love the most!