Wedding Dresses :(

Have you checked out the website anomolie?
https://dressanomalie.com
If you're not dreaming of the 'say yes' moment in a boutique, It's a custom process for significantly less and it seems super cool if you know what you want. From what I understand they do a phone consultation, shared pinterest type boards and then send you sketches and fabric samples to make a dress specifically to your size for just over 1000usd. (Unfortunately like 1300 cad). My friend is using them for her wedding in February and if all goes well I probably will too to save a couple bucks and get a custom design!

Have you tried The Bride's Closet in Nanaimo? I got my first dress there and it was $600 (plus alterations).

I looked at the bridal gallery in New West and mind you my dress was slightly over that cost but with that said there were lots under as well just depends what you're looking for.

Not sure if Victoria has this, and if you're okay with a used dress, but there are consignment bridal shops, or shops that accept clean, used dresses and sell them for charity. (My friend bought hers at a store like this in Ontario).

Also, local Facebook buy and sell groups. I've seen people sell their dresses.

Have you tried David's Bridal? They do amazing sales. Department stores also often offer affordable and gorgeous wedding dresses. You can also look through the WeddingWire vendor tab to find bridal salons in your area and see if they sell off the rack dresses/sample dresses within your price range. Here are just a few options under 1K in a casual style.

http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_white-by-vera-wang-strapless-mikado-wedding-dress-vw351261_sale-wedding-dresses

http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_as-is-strapless-tulle-sheath-wedding-dress-ai25090024_sample-sale

http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_strapless-tulle-sheath-dress-with-lace-bodice-wg3768_sale-wedding-dresses

http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_chiffon-tank-sheath-gown-with-illusion-back-swg647_sale-wedding-dresses