wedding dress..am I being unrealistic?

I haven't even started the process of searching for a wedding dress yet. I am not going to have an over the top expensive wedding. I wish I could have my dream wedding but as far as money goes, that's just not realistic at this time. Unless I want to wait 10-15 more years to get married (which I don't lol) Anyway, I cannot bring myself to spend a ton of money on a dress I'm only going to wear for one day. Of course it's going to be a special day no matter what, but that's just the kind of person I am. Before I start wedding dress shopping, is it unrealistic to find a dress these days for less than $500? Because if so I might as well just not look for one..does anyone have any wedding dress knowledge? And plz keep in mind I am in no way shape or form trying to insult anyone who's had an expensive wedding or dress!