Off-the-Rack Wedding Dresses Under $1,000

The J.Crew bridal department is a well-known choice for brides hoping to spend less than $1,000. Dresses can be purchased at JCrew.com, and thanks to a 60-day return policy, it's possible to try different sizes and styles without risk. If you're a must-try-before-buy type of bride, J.Crew is opening its first-ever wedding boutique in New York City early summer 2010 and already carries its bridal collections in select J.Crew stores in seven different cities. Like any dress, a J.Crew gown can be taken to a tailor and altered for a custom fit.

Silk tricotine Cecelia gown, $395, JCrew.com