American bride Rachel Connealy creates Meghan Markle-inspired wedding gown for just $4.20

A thrifty bride walked down the aisle in a stunning wedding dress she purchased from a charity store for just $4.22, with many comparing the budget style to Meghan Markle’s Givenchy gown.

Rachel Connealy, from Tampa, Florida, tied the knot in the full-length silk gown after she discovered the frock at Goodwill for US$3 [AU$4.22].

Watch video above of Rachel showing off her budget wedding dress

“I thrifted this silk dress right after we got engaged and still wore it for the ceremony,” the 26-year-old said on TikTok.

The average cost of a wedding dress in Australia is $2,637.

Rachel Connealy, from Tampa, Florida, tied the knot in the full-length silk gown after she discovered the frock at Goodwill for US$3 [AU$4.22] Credit: Rachel ConnealyMany compared the budget style to Meghan Markle’s Givenchy gown (file image)Many compared the budget style to Meghan Markle’s Givenchy gown (file image) Credit: PA Images via Getty Images

Her ethereal frock featuring a sheer capelet and draping across the bodice was likened to the dress worn by the Duchess of Sussex who wore an elegant designer gown, estimated to have cost £200,000 [AU$370,000], for her royal wedding.

Rachel completed her look with a matching sheer veil.

“You remind me of gorgeous Meghan Markle,” one wrote, while another added: “I thought you were Meghan Markle.”

For her reception, Rachel opted for her “dream wedding dress”, in which she also thrifted from Goodwill for just US$5 [AU$7].

“You never know what you’ll find at the thrift two weeks before your wedding,” she said.

The second ensemble was a mini dress with puffy sleeves and a floral-lace skirt.

In total, she spent just AU$11.22.

For her reception, Rachel opted for her “dream wedding dress”, in which she also thrifted from Goodwill for just US$5 [AU$7]For her reception, Rachel opted for her “dream wedding dress”, in which she also thrifted from Goodwill for just US$5 [AU$7] Credit: Rachel Connealy/TikTokHer ethereal frock featuring a sheer capelet and draping across the bodice was likened to the Duchess of Sussex’s elegant gownHer ethereal frock featuring a sheer capelet and draping across the bodice was likened to the Duchess of Sussex’s elegant gown Credit: Rachel Connealy/TikTokHer dress was likened to the Duchess of Sussex who wore an elegant designer gown, estimated to have cost £200,000 [AU$370,000], for her royal weddingHer dress was likened to the Duchess of Sussex who wore an elegant designer gown, estimated to have cost £200,000 [AU$370,000], for her royal wedding Credit: PA Images via Getty Images

The young bride has since gone viral on TikTok, with many saying they couldn’t believe her luck after she thrifted two “beautiful” and “gorgeous” wedding dresses.

“Speechless… you and the dress are beautiful,” one wrote.

Another said: “Stop, the dress is absolutely perfect. You are so beautiful.”

While one added: “You found your dream dress and saved yourself a lot of money – it looks amazing.”