When should I buy my wedding dress?

Every wedding planning process is different, but Sabatino shares a few guidelines to help you figure out your timeline . “The general rule of thumb is that you should start shopping for your wedding dress about one year in advance, make a decision by the ten-month mark, and then purchase your dress about nine months before the wedding,” she says. “Though this isn't a strict rule, it allows time for the dress to be made, and then gives you plenty of time for any alterations.”

How much should I spend on a wedding dress?

How much you should spend on a wedding dress is down to your budget and your feelings about how important the dress is to you. “The number that is usually tossed around when this topic is discussed is about 10 percent of the overall wedding budget,” Sabatino says. “Some people are comfortable spending much less than 10 percent, and others are willing to spend a bigger chunk than that. I think you just have to consider how important the dress is to you.” The expert shares that she sees a lot of variation on this among her clients. “I talk to brides who just want to pick a dress that they feel good in, and the exact dress was not that big of a deal,” she says. “Conversely, other clients are incredibly focused on the dress and want to pay attention to every last option and detail.” Your attitude to it should hopefully help you determine how much to spend. Even at Lulus, there’s a range of prices. Some wedding dresses are under $100, like Destined for Romance Beige and White Sequin Maxi Dress , while others go up to $400, like Now and Always White Beaded Embroidered Strapless Gown .

Does my dress have to be white?

While we’re used to seeing white dresses in weddings these days, there’s no law that says you can’t wear something different. “I definitely do not believe that your dress has to be white,” Sabatino says. “In fact, we’re seeing lots of color in wedding dresses right now; not only solid colors but also prints and patterns. If you want to go with something colorful, I think you absolutely should, and that you should wear whatever you love!” While Madalyn Lace Maxi Dress comes in white, you can also select the dusty lavender shade for fresh and unexpected look.

The 20 Best Wedding Dresses from Lulus Under $500

Brides / Marcus Millan

For many brides, their wedding dress is the most important purchase they’ll make throughout the entire wedding planning process. Whether you know the exact style you want or are open to a variety of designs, the e-commerce platform Lulus has an incredible range of bridal outfits—from the simplest to the most statement-making. And of course, many of these dresses are more affordable than what you may find in mainstream bridal stores, so if you’re looking for ways to spend spend less on your dress, Lulus might well be your ideal shopping destination.

We’ve perused the brand’s extensive selection and curated our top favorites—and there’s truly something for everyone. You can choose to go traditional in a lace and tulle gown, modern in a satin slip, or edgy with an asymmetrical mini, among a slew of other equally beautiful choices.

As we selected our top picks, we looked for styles that offer inclusive size ranges, high quality materials, and adjustable features that help guarantee the ideal fit. And if you love just about all of our choices (sorry!), you can always order a few styles and return them, to make sure you get the dress that's perfect for you and your wedding style.

Our Top Picks

Best Lace:

Lulus Duchess Ivory Lace Bell Sleeve Maxi Dress at Lulus ($182)

Jump to Review

Best Boho:

Lulus Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress at Lulus ($100)

Jump to Review

Best Mermaid:

Lulus White Sequin Backless Mermaid Maxi Dress at Lulus ($150)

Jump to Review

Best Ball Gown:

Lulus White Beaded Embroidered Strapless Gown at Lulus ($529)

Jump to Review

Best Halter:

Lulus Lace Mermaid Maxi Dress at Lulus ($129)

Jump to Review

Best Satin:

ELLIATT Aisle White Satin Cowl Neck Maxi Dress at Lulus ($249)

Jump to Review

Best Tulle:

Lulus Romantic Dreamer Ivory Embroidered Tulle Maxi Dress at Lulus ($149)

Jump to Review

Best Long-Sleeve:

Lulus Long Sleeve Mermaid Maxi Dress at Lulus ($125)

Jump to Review

Best Cap-Sleeve:

Lulus White Lace Cap Sleeve Mermaid Maxi Dress at Lulus ($116)

Jump to Review

Best Off-the-Shoulder:

Lulus Romance Dreamer Lace Maxi Dress at Lulus ($136)

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Brides

Lulus

View On Lulus $182

Lace is timeless for a wedding dress—just ask Kate Middleton. For the bride who’s not afraid to make a splash, this gown is a stunning option, with its low V, bell sleeves, cinched waistline, side slit, and circle train. The zipper and clasp in the back are discreet, so attention isn't drawn to the closure, but you can still slip in and out of the dress easily. We love that it comes in up to a size 3X as well.

Size Range: XXS-3X | Material: Polyester Lace and Lining | Colors: Ivory

Lulus

View On Lulus $100

For a beach or country wedding—or simply for a bride who has a soft spot for romance and adventure—this bohemian style ticks many boxes. The lace, off-the-shoulder style, tiered look and floaty sleeves infuse it with breeziness and whimsy, while the mermaid silhouette and long train bring the formal feel of a special day. This is another style that goes up to a size 3X, and we’re always here for inclusivity.

Size Range: XS-3X | Material: Polyester, Nylon | Colors: White

Lulus

View On Lulus $150

The simple, yet intricate silhouette of this dress is elevated by a sequined criss-cross pattern. This slip-style gown features thin spaghetti straps and a mermaid skirt that opens out into a small train at the back. We love the V front and back, along with the way this gown exudes elegance—but also has a flirty edge to show your fun side. With this one, you’re guaranteed to feel like a movie star on your big day.

Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester | Colors: White

Lulus

View On Lulus $529

Coming in at just shy of $400, this dress is on the premium side as far as Lulus pieces go, but is still relatively affordable compared to many wedding dresses on the market. This jaw-dropping ball gown comes with a strapless bodice, beautifully hand-beaded and embroidered with intricate floral designs, and a full skirt with a long train and a dramatic leg slit. This one is for you if you’re looking to truly sport a once-in-a-lifetime look on your wedding day—we say go for it!

Size Range: 2-10 | Material: Polyester | Colors: White

Lulus

View On Lulus $129

This dress is absolutely stunning from both front and back. The high neckline turns into an open back, which is only made sweeter by the delicate lace trim. The all over lace cascades down your body and flows into a dramatic train. And with a slit opening in the front, you can easily saunter down the aisle.

Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester, Nylon, Cotton | Colors: White

ELLIATT Aisle White Satin Cowl Neck Maxi Dress

Lulus

View On Lulus $249

For brides who love the effortlessly elegant look and feel of satin, we love this cowl neck, open-back number from Lulus. This is a streamlined, elegant piece that will look stunning as you make your entrance and it features a few welcome details to make it even more special. It opens up into a floaty skirt at knee-level, and has a row of buttons on the back for a graceful touch.

Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester, Spandex | Colors: White

Lulus

View On Lulus $149

A dreamy tulle and lace, A-line full skirt is as bridal as it gets for a wedding dress. This one is wonderful if you like a traditional look, but don’t want to go for a bigger ball gown style. Designed in a delicate shade of ivory, this dress features frill-free spaghetti straps that cross in the open back, and a plunging sweetheart neckline to reveal a little extra skin. It’s incredibly easy to wear, and simple enough that you can pair it with some colorful shoes or accessories if you wish.

Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester | Colors: Ivory

Lulus

View On Lulus $125

Not all brides are looking for a tulle, satin, or lace moment. This gorgeous crepe option offers a sleek alternative, while still being a very special piece. It features a V-style neckline that’s not too low for those who prefer a little more coverage. If you’ve had Meghan Markle’s wedding dress on your inspiration board for longer than you care to admit, the long sleeves and a mermaid skirt complete the look. The back shows off a little extra skin, and also features a charming row of buttons as an added detail.

Size Range: XS-3X | Material: Polyester, Spandex | Colors: White

Lulus

View On Lulus $116

If delicate French lingerie were a wedding dress, this is what we imagine it would look like. We’ve fallen hard for this crepe number that has a little stretch to it, which will allow you to move gracefully throughout your wedding day. It’s designed with dainty cap sleeves in floral lace, the same fabric that peeks out of the cowl neckline and the V-shaped back. Aside from the lacy nod, the dress itself is as understated as they get, with a simple mermaid silhouette that ends in just a hint of a train. Simply lovely.

Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester, Spandex | Colors: White

Lulus

View On Lulus $136

All-over lace can make a big impact on your wedding day. An off-the-shoulder style with long sleeves like this one is ideal if you want to show a hint of skin, but are still looking for a good amount of coverage. In case you’re concerned about it being see-through, the dress features a buff-toned knit liner that will prevent any such wardrobe malfunctions. A small train puts the icing on the cake that is your bridal look.

Size Range: XXS-XL | Material: Cotton, Nylon, Polyester | Colors: White, Black

Lulus

View On Lulus $86

If your wedding reception is an evening cocktail party, an asymmetrical midi like this one is sure to turn heads. We’re big fans of the dramatic side slit, which is topped with a layered frill to contrast the smooth finish of the dress. This number’s pointe knit fabric is threaded with spandex to allow it to move as you move. Though it makes a wonderful wedding dress for the gown-averse, brides also love this one for their bridal showers or rehearsal dinners.

Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester, Spandex | Colors: White, Red, Black

Lulus

View On Lulus $50

An open-back wedding gown adds a degree of daring to your bridal look, and this one strikes just the right balance between sweet and sexy. Available in sizes XXS through 3X, it’s made from a smooth stretch knit fabric that hugs your curves in all the right places, before flowing out into a mermaid-style skirt with a gorgeous lace detail in the back. From beach weddings to backyard ceremonies and just about every bridal celebration in between, this dress is a perfect fit.

Size Range: XXS-3X | Material: Polyester | Colors: White

Lulus

View On Lulus $62

A wedding dress doesn’t have to be a floor-length gown with a long train by any means—especially if that doesn’t align with your personality or if you’re hosting more relaxed nuptials. But just because this dress is above the knee doesn’t mean it’s not impactful. With its asymmetrical sleeves, frill embellishment at the shoulder, and lightly cinched waist, it’s a beautiful piece you’ll be able to repurpose for years to come. And of course, if you’re not quite willing to commit to a mini for your wedding ceremony, it will absolutely look the part at your after-party, shower or bachelorette.

Size Range: XXS-XL | Material: Polyester, Cotton, Spandex | Colors: White

Lulus

View On Lulus $86

This midi lets the all-over floral lace do the talking, with its otherwise simple design. It boasts a halterneck, curve-skimming fit, and knee-length skirt, and does away with any unnecessary added details. Of course, wearing a midi to your wedding is a statement in itself—it's perfect for the bride who likes to surprise and delight her loved ones

Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester | Colors: White

Lulus

View On Lulus $119

Another amazing alternative to the traditional wedding gown is the two-piece. This one almost recreates a long wedding dress but with a crop top and skirt instead—the result is more modern, but just as stunning. The top features a cotton sweetheart bodice overlaid with lace that goes up to the neckline and out into short sleeves, and a flowy chiffon skirt with a wide waistband and a high side slit. We love this set for a small backyard wedding, for example.

Size Range: XXS-XL | Material: Polyester, Nylon, Cotton | Colors: White

Lulus

View On Lulus $100

A sweetheart neckline is popular in the wedding dress biz for a reason. It offers a beautiful décolletage that’s a little different from a V neckline, and adds a bit of romance to the look. This dress is adorned with luxurious beaded patterns down to just above the knee, where it becomes a trumpet-style skirt made of dreamy tulle. It’s open down to the mid back and features supportive, but discreet padding in the front.

Size Range: 2-10 | Material: Polyester | Colors: White

Lulus

View On Lulus $122

If you like a touch of lace, but not a full dress’ worth, the Madalyn is the perfect compromise. The lacy bodice is designed with a plunging V and held up with spaghetti straps that criss-cross in the back. At waist level, you have a simple yet floaty A-line chiffon skirt. Available in up to a size 3X, this dress keeps brides with a range of different bodies in mind.

Size Range: XXS-3X | Material: Polyester | Colors: White, Navy Blue, Dusty Lavender, Burgundy

Lulus

View On Lulus $342

Here’s another stunner from Lulus’ Luxe Bridal line. Fitted with a semi-sheer lace bodice, which features a sweetheart neckline and beige padding for modesty, as well as a scoop back style, this dress brings the wow factor with its big white tulle skirt. The moment you slip into it, you’ll want to twirl around. We love this dress with the hair styled into a romantic updo. Just make sure to keep the rest of your look a little more low-key to let this gown truly shine like it was meant to.

Size Range: 2-10 | Material: Polyester | Colors: White

Lulus

View On Lulus $99

For the sophisticated bride who doesn’t want to deal with an overly intricate dress, this gown is a winner. Made from smooth stretch knit fabric, it's a design that lets you drink, eat and dance the night away as you celebrate your love. It’s designed with a soft V neckline, a slightly square scoop back, and a flared trumpet skirt for easy glamour. If you want to entirely do away with wedding dress tradition, the lavender or forest green versions are equally beautiful.

Size Range: XXS-3X | Material: Polyester, Spandex | Colors: 10

Lulus

View On Lulus $55

This dress sits somewhere between a sweetheart and a V neckline by adding a supportive V bar to the bodice, which creates a modern feminine look. It features a cinched waist, an open back, and a straight-line skirt with a dramatic leg slit, but of course, the real star of the show here is the geometric, lace-like pattern created from sequins. Perfection.

Size Range: XXS-XL | Material: Polyester, Spandex | Colors: Beige and White

What to Look for in a Wedding Dress

Style

As you can see from this list alone, Lulus offers wedding dresses in all kinds of silhouettes and aesthetics. If you are a traditional bride who wants to stick to classic ball gowns and A-line silhouettes, consider Now and Always White Beaded Embroidered Strapless Gown or Fantasize About Forever White Tulle Lace A-Line Maxi Dress. For those who prefer something a little more pared back and sleek, we recommend a simple satin dress like Aisle White Satin Cowl Neck Maxi Dress. Lulus also has a wide selection of lace designs that tap into that boho aesthetic, like the Duchess Ivory Lace Bell Sleeve Maxi Dress.

Venue

In addition to your personal style, the place and time of year of your wedding can impact the style of dress that you choose. Beach and outdoor weddings call for slightly more casual styles, often in lace. You can even opt for a two-piece set, like Sweet Stunner White Lace Two-Piece Maxi Dress, which makes walking in the sand or long grass easier. City weddings call for glamorous styles, like Radiantly Adored White Sequin Backless Mermaid Maxi Dress, which features a classic silhouette covered in sequins. If your wedding is taking place in a colder climate, we recommend long sleeves styles like Feeling of Forever White Long Sleeve Mermaid Maxi Dress.

Return Policy

If you're shopping for a wedding dress online rather than in person, it’s important to look for sites with flexible return policies, according to wedding fashion stylist Julie Sabatino. Thankfully, Lulus accepts returns within 30 days of delivery, and when you return within the first 10 days, the shipping is free. Still, it’s important to double check that the specific item that you’re buying isn’t final sale—unless you’re willing to take that risk.

Once you know you can easily return the item, Sabatino recommends ordering one or two different sizes in order to find the best fit in that particular dress.

FAQ

When should I buy my wedding dress?

Every wedding planning process is different, but Sabatino shares a few guidelines to help you figure out your timeline. “The general rule of thumb is that you should start shopping for your wedding dress about one year in advance, make a decision by the ten-month mark, and then purchase your dress about nine months before the wedding,” she says. “Though this isn't a strict rule, it allows time for the dress to be made, and then gives you plenty of time for any alterations.”
How much should I spend on a wedding dress?

How much you should spend on a wedding dress is down to your budget and your feelings about how important the dress is to you. “The number that is usually tossed around when this topic is discussed is about 10 percent of the overall wedding budget,” Sabatino says. “Some people are comfortable spending much less than 10 percent, and others are willing to spend a bigger chunk than that. I think you just have to consider how important the dress is to you.”
The expert shares that she sees a lot of variation on this among her clients. “I talk to brides who just want to pick a dress that they feel good in, and the exact dress was not that big of a deal,” she says. “Conversely, other clients are incredibly focused on the dress and want to pay attention to every last option and detail.” Your attitude to it should hopefully help you determine how much to spend.
Even at Lulus, there’s a range of prices. Some wedding dresses are under $100, like Destined for Romance Beige and White Sequin Maxi Dress, while others go up to $400, like Now and Always White Beaded Embroidered Strapless Gown.
Does my dress have to be white?

While we’re used to seeing white dresses in weddings these days, there’s no law that says you can’t wear something different. “I definitely do not believe that your dress has to be white,” Sabatino says. “In fact, we’re seeing lots of color in wedding dresses right now; not only solid colors but also prints and patterns. If you want to go with something colorful, I think you absolutely should, and that you should wear whatever you love!”
While Madalyn Lace Maxi Dress comes in white, you can also select the dusty lavender shade for fresh and unexpected look.

Meet the Expert

Julie Sabatino is a New York City-based wedding fashion stylist and founder of The Stylish Bride.

Why Trust Brides

Iris Goldsztajn is a Paris-born, London-based freelance writer with 10 years of experience covering fashion, beauty, wellness and lifestyle. In addition to Brides, she has also written for InStyle, Marie Claire, British Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Bustle, Refinery29 and many more. For this article, Iris sifted through Lulus’ entire wedding dress collection and spoke to bridal styling expert Julie Sabatino to learn more about choosing the perfect wedding dress from an e-commerce platform.

The 25 Best Places to Buy Wedding Dresses Online, Tested & Reviewed