Hot-Off-The-Runway Bridal Looks That Won't Blow Your Budget

On-Trend Wedding Gowns That You Can Actually Afford

They say a wedding dress is the most important piece of clothing a woman will ever buy.

Perhaps that's true, but at the very least, it's likely the most expensive. According to TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com's annual Real Weddings Study, brides spent an average of $1,211 on wedding dresses in 2012. And that number varies throughout the country; Manhattan brides spent $2,877 on average, while Idaho brides spent around $878.

Thankfully, there are gorgeous gowns at every price point, and brides-to-be don't need to sacrifice style for budget. Below, you'll find six hot-off-the-runway looks we saw during Bridal Fashion Week 2013 and lower-priced but equally fashion-forward alternatives that won't break the bank.

2013-10-24-monique4.jpg
On the left: "Heirloom" by Monique Lhuillier, available at Monique Lhuillier boutiques in Calif. and NY (photo by Getty). On the right: Long lace sleeved wedding dress by Graceloveslace, available on Etsy.

2013-10-24-sottero2.jpg
On the left: "Braxton" by Maggie Sottero for the Sottero & Midgley collection. On the right: "Maxine" sequined champagne gown by Sue Wong for BHLDN.

2013-10-24-ines.jpg
On the right: "Airlia" jacket by Ines Di Santo. On the left: Long sleeve lace jacket, available in stores and online at David's Bridal.

2013-10-24-reem2.jpg
On the left: "Bernadette" by Reem Acra (photo by Getty). On the right: "Harlow" silk beaded gown by Ranna Gill for BHLDN.

2013-10-24-newvera.jpg
On the left: Rose strapless silk ball gown by Vera Wang (photo by Getty). On the right: Blush sweetheart strapless tulle wedding dress by Ouma, available on Etsy.

2013-10-24-christos2.jpg
On the left: "Kira" halter neck gown by Christos (photo by Getty). On the right: DB Studio's long chiffon over charmeuse gown, available online at David's Bridal.

Check out all the trends we spotted during Bridal Fashion Week below:

Pink

Top Trends From Fall 2013 Bridal Market

Keep in touch! Check out HuffPost Weddings on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Popular in the Community

Close

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

MORE IN LIFE