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    28 Stunning Wedding Dresses That Cost Less Than $500

    Some are even *chefs kiss* for bridal showers, bachelorette parties, intimate ceremonies, and more.

    1. A cap-sleeve dress embellished with intricate beading that positively screams, "I spent several thousand dollars on this stunning gown." The actual cost is just a smidge more affordable. Hallelujah.

    model wearing the cap sleeve V-neck dress

    2. A floral embroidered maxi cleverly designed with a lace-up back, which reviewers s-w-e-a-r gives the feel and illusion of a custom fit — without the additional cost of an expensive alteration.

    3. A twist front V-neck dubbed the Gatsby dress, aka giddy up because you're well on your way to achieving your Daisy Buchanan style goals. Throw in that high slit and we've got so 👏 much 👏 yes 👏.

    model wearing the white dress with sleeves and a slit

    4. A swing cocktail dress with a name that pays homage to the hands-down best part of any wedding, ever: cocktail hour. Calamari is my love language.

    5. A strapless gown if you prefer a simple, classic style that won't make you cringe when you flip through your wedding photo album in ::checks calendar:: 20 years time.

    model wearing the white dress

    6. A nude underlay mermaid dress with a stunning cathedral train that actually made me gasp. And despite the excess fabric, one reviewer mentioned that this number *still* manages to be lightweight — perfect for dancing in!

    7. A lace V-neck dress for anyone who has had a Pinterest board titled "Boho Wedding" for the past decade. This is stunning, lightweight, and screams mason jar drinking glasses.

    reviewer wearing the lace V-neck dress

    8. A crepe ballgown complete with pockets which, let's be honest here, is the only thing that matters when it comes to dress hunting.

    9. An ivory off-shoulder gown so stunning that the headache that's come along with invitations, caterers, arranging tables in a tactful way in which feuding cousins aren't sitting together, etc. — it will have all been worth it just for the opportunity to wear this beauty.

    model wearing ivory off-shoulder satin dress

    10. A For Love & Lemons cutout dress perfect for the whole bridal to-do list: bridal showers, engagement photo shoots, bachelorette parties, small wedding ceremonies, *and* the beach honeymoon, to boot.

    11. A beaded plunge neck dress that looks like it was plucked from the racks of an exclusive (and expensive) vintage boutique. This is ideal for the bride who prefers old time-y pieces that are totally unique from anything else on the market.

    model wearing the white open back dress

    12. An elegant evening dress with a gorgeous curve-hugging silhouette that brings the expression "fits like a glove" to mind. ::wears it to my wedding:: ::buys it in red to wear to future weddings as a guest::

    13. A tulle dress if your shins demand to be SEEN. This gorgeous number is made from a ribbed knit that delivers on top-notch comfort, plus the flared bottom will move ever so beautifully when you're twirling during your first dance.

    model wearing the sleeved high neck dress

    14. A Tadashi gown that is the more elegant fashion equivalent of a mullet: business in the front, a sweeping open back designed to look like a bow. It's even lined with a soft jersey material to keep you feeling oh-so comfy.

    15. An off-shoulder maxi serving major ~beach wedding~ vibes. This look is best accessorized barefoot, with a sunset and suntan, perhaps even a good straw hat.

    model wearing the lace off-shoulder dress

    16. A strapless lace dress embellished with a detachable beaded sash, a subtle train, and a stunning corset back that can be loosened (or tightened) for a custom fit. TL;DR: it's perfect in every way.

    17. A matte satin, draped bodice gown made from scratch specifically to your liking — it's customized to your exact measurements, plus you have the option to add arm ties, close up the slit, and adjust the backline. It's available in a champagne shade *plus* 19 other hues, which even makes this a bridal party option.

    model wearing the champagne dress with a thigh slit

    18. An off-shoulder dress that won't put a damper on your wedding budget — and if you've just recently realized how expensive things like, gee, venues and flowers (FLOWERS!) are, then you know how lovely it feels to find a dream gown that won't empty your pockets. ::contemplates the cost of a wedding cake:: ::actually faints::

    reviewer wearing the off-shoulder white dress

    19. A Bardot corset-inspired number perfect for bachelorette parties, bridal showers, intimate wedding ceremonies, *or* for anyone who prefers more casual 'fits on the day in which they say ~I guess I do~.

    model wearing white sweetheart neckline dress with spaghetti straps

    20. A crepe maxi dress guaranteed to make you say "I do" as soon as you try it on. Between the glove-like fit and the just-a-touch trendy neckline, your wedding day excitement will have more to do with getting to wear THIS as opposed to — you know — marrying your significant other.

    21. A cap-sleeve chiffon gown best described as ~romantic~. Add in a flower crown and enchanted forest and et voila! You've got your dream fairytale wedding (talking animals not included because, unfortunately, they don't exist.)

    model wearing the V-neck dress

    22. An adjustable strap slip dress made from a delicious 100% silk fabric that feels like butter. If you're having a low-key celebration until ::looks around:: the times allow for your big party, this casual style is stunning *and* can be re-worn for that eventual beach bachelorette.

    model wearing the white strappy silk dress

    23. A sleeved mermaid dress that is sure to make you feel like royalty (cc: Ariel) on le big day. Not only does it look gorgeous, but it's also super comfortable — no excessive shimmying up and down will be required to use the restroom, no constant itching due to scratchy fabric.

    model wearing the sleeved lace dress

    24. A budget-friendly chiffon maxi for anyone who's had to reschedule their big wedding party (#COVID) and is opting for a smaller ceremony in the meantime — presenting this lovely option that reviewers swears ~checks of all the boxes~.

    model wearing the off-shoulder dress with slit

    25. A Calvin Klein A-line gown featuring a high-low hem for any bride torn between rocking the traditional maxi silhouette *or* a trendier mini style. Why not have the best of both worlds?

    model wearing the V-neck high-low gown

    26. A lace mermaid dress best described by this following review excerpt: "Honeeeeeeyyyyyy, it was bomb." Need we say more?

    27. A shoulder pad midi number that will have you saying that's a ~wrap~ as soon as you lay eyes on it, because hooray! You've just found the perfect dress for your intimate ceremony. No more scouring through thousands of pages of white clothes.

    model wearing the white wrap dress

    28. A strapless mini dress with a feather trim most eloquently described by the following emoji: 😍. And if you're sitting there thinking it feels too risqué to be worn in front of your Great-Aunt twice removed (I get it), then no worries! Presenting your perfect bachelorette party dress.

    model wearing the white dress with feather trim

    Looking for the perfect gift for any occasion? Check out all of BuzzFeed’s gift guides!

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