Wedding dress shopping has evolved significantly in recent years, with retailers offering more cost-effective options to appease budget-conscious shoppers. Brands such as Abercrombie, Forever 21, Boot Barn, Shein, and Lulus have entered the bridal wear market by offering affordable wedding dresses and other related clothing items. This trend is in response to Millennials and Gen Zers who are redefining traditional milestones like weddings in a more minimalist and cost-effective way. These brands are targeting their core customer base, which consists of older Gen Zers and younger Millennials who are at the age where they may be getting married or attending weddings.
Mass-market brands see the wedding industry as a lucrative market, with over $100 billion spent annually on weddings in the US alone. The expansion into bridal wear allows these brands to tap into this market and cater to their existing customer base. While this move into wedding wear may be unexpected for some brands, it aligns with the preferences of their target demographic and can potentially provide a significant boost to their overall business. By offering affordable and stylish wedding attire, these brands are filling a void in the market for cost-conscious consumers who still want to look fashionable on their special day.
Retailers like Abercrombie & Fitch, Forever 21, and Lulus have introduced bridal collections with prices significantly lower than the average cost of a wedding dress. These collections include a wide range of options for brides, bridesmaids, and wedding guests, making it easy for shoppers to find everything they need in one place. In response to the changing preferences of younger consumers, these brands are also focusing on creating compelling in-store experiences that cater to the social and shopping habits of Gen Z. By offering affordable, on-trend wedding fashion, these brands are able to appeal to a new generation of shoppers who value style and affordability.
Gen Z consumers are increasingly putting their own spin on weddings and are letting go of traditional norms and expectations. This shift is driven by factors such as cost-sensitivity and a desire for individuality. Fast fashion brands like Shein are capitalizing on this trend by offering wedding attire that is both fashionable and affordable. The rise of non-traditional wedding trends, such as black wedding gowns and multiple outfit changes during the event, has created a need for more versatile and budget-friendly options. Retailers like Shein and Boot Barn have adapted to these changing preferences by offering unique and affordable wedding attire that caters to the evolving tastes of modern brides and grooms.
The affordability of wedding attire is a key consideration for Gen Z customers, who value trendy styles at accessible price points. Retailers like Shein and Boot Barn are meeting this demand by offering bridal collections at lower price ranges. Shein, known for its fast fashion offerings, provides bridal gowns priced between $50 and $200, while Boot Barn offers western-themed wedding attire for under $400. This shift towards more affordable and versatile wedding attire reflects the changing landscape of wedding fashion and the desire for options that cater to a wider range of budgets and preferences. By offering affordable and stylish wedding attire, brands are able to attract a new generation of shoppers who prioritize both fashion and value.
