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:



Loading Slideshow...



  • Pink


    A bright pink gown by Vera Wang, Fall 2014.




  • Pink


    More pink Vera Wang gowns, Fall 2014.




  • Pink


    Showstopper by Austin Scarlett, Fall 2014.




  • Pink


    Gown by Monique Lhuillier, Fall 2014.




  • Pink


    Another pink Monique Lhuillier gown, Fall 2014.




  • Pink


    Watters gown, Fall 2014.




  • Pink


    Gown by Watters, Fall 2014.




  • Pink


    Gown by Badgley Mischka, Fall 2014.




  • Pink


    Dress by Maggie Sottero, Fall 2014.




  • Pink


    A pale pink look from Ines Di Santo, Fall 2014.




  • Pink


    Jenny Lee gown, Fall 2014.




  • Halter


    A Kenneth Pool gown, Fall 2014.




  • Halter


    Another Kenneth Pool gown, Fall 2014.




  • Halter


    A gown by Ines Di Santo, Fall 2014.




  • Halter


    Amsale's jeweled halter gown, Fall 2014.




  • Halter


    Another jeweled halter gown by Amsale, Fall 2014.




  • Halter


    A dress by Christos, Fall 2014.




  • Halter


    Gown by Anne Barge, Fall 2014.




  • Halter


    Another Anne Barge gown, Fall 2014.




  • Lace Sleeves


    Gown by Amsale, Fall 2014.




  • Lace Sleeves


    Watters dress, Fall 2014.




  • Lace Sleeves


    A look by Monique Lhuillier, Fall 2014.




  • Lace Sleeves


    Another gown by Monique Lhuillier, Fall 2014.




  • Lace Sleeves


    Claire Pettibone gown, Fall 2014.




  • Lace Sleeves


    Gown by Reem Acra, Fall 2014.




  • Gold


    Gold look by Claire Pettibone, Fall 2014.




  • Gold


    Matthew Christopher gown, Fall 2014.




  • Gold


    Gold jeweled gown by Badgley Mischka, Fall 2014.




  • Gold


    Another gown with gold accents by Badgley Mischka, Fall 2014.




  • Gold


    Maggie Sottero gown, Fall 2014.




  • Gold


    Monique Lhuillier gown, Fall 2014.




  • Vintage Glamour


    Gown by Badley Mischka, Fall 2014.




  • Vintage Glamour


    Jenny Packham gown, Fall 2014.




  • Vintage Glamour


    Another look by Jenny Packham, Fall 2014.




  • Vintage Glamour


    Gown by Reem Acra, Fall 2014.




  • Vintage Glamour


    Another gown by Reem Acra, Fall 2014.




  • Vintage Glamour


    Short dress by Ines Di Santo, Fall 2014.




  • Wedding Dress Cover-Up


    Gown by Ines Di Santo, Fall 2014.




  • Wedding Dress Cover-Up


    Cropped cover-up over gown by Amsale, Fall 2014.




  • Wedding Dress Cover-Up


    Feathered look by Reem Acra, Fall 2014.




  • Wedding Dress Cover-Up


    Another look by Reem Acra, Fall 2014.




  • Wedding Dress Cover-Up


    Fringed jacket over Badgley Mischka gown, Fall 2014.




  • Wedding Dress Cover-Up


    Look by Rivini, Fall 2014.





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