Wedding Dress Prices?

OK, my lovely ladies... I am starting to research possible dresses for my wedding (of course - what else?!?). And I was just wondering on average how much the dresses really cost... I see a lot of dresses online that are imexpensive... I just wonder if people have had good luck with these!

You don't have to answer if you're rather not of course but maybe you guys can tell me what I can expect to find at the different price points? Is there a huge difference between a $500 dress and a $5000 dress? What is it?

I have to admit that I've just never spent even $500 on a peice of clothing before so I'm really confused... and i want to look gorgeous (of course!)...

I spent $495 on my dress and $230 on my veil. I could have soooo easily spent $4-5k on a dress so I didn't let myself even try something like that on. I just kept shopping until I found something under my $2k limit. I was pleasantly surprised when the dress I fell in love with ended up to be very inexpensive! My advice- find what makes you feel beautiful, but set your budget ahead of time. Once I found this dress, I would have paid for it no matter how much it cost, I loved it so much- luckily it was cheap!

I voted for the 1000-2000 range but only because I am actually getting two dresses (one tradition and princessy for the ceremony) and another more "beachy" for the reception. They are both around 650.

my dress is $3000 plus an extra $1000 for alterations. Im having a bit of stuff changed to it which involves a lot of sewing. This is without my veil and shoes....eeeek. The way I look at it, my dream dress was over $8000 so Im saving half, I ended up buying a similar dress and their going to alter it for me to look like my dream dress.

You can still get an amazing dress for under $1000 just like Sarah did (her dress is beautiful see post above) it just all depends on what it's made out of and if it's a designer gown or not.

also forgot to add...I will be wearing my dress 3 times once in Cabo than reception in Toronto and in Calgary....so I just justify it that way

I voted for the 3-6 range since I'll be using one if the ebay suppliers. I originally set a budget of $1000. since I didn't feel like I would be so upset once the dress will be hanging in my closet.

I voted for the 1000 - 2000 range. I am hopeing to find a pre-owned dress for under 2 k. and under 1 k would be even better. I am going to try my hardest to keep it under a grand but love is priceless so if I find "the dress" and it is over then so be it.

How I justify this.... um sorry to all my guests but they arent getting any cake, and also Mexico is so butiful that I do not plan on spending much if anything on decorations.

I voted for >$2001...my dress is bought & paid for at $2400...I'm not sure how much alterations will add. GULP!

the actual retail of my gown is around $3k but I bought it used on ebay for $230.