Buying A Secondhand Wedding Dress Saves You Money And Gives New Life To A Vintage Gown
When people look at their wedding budget during the planning process, they often reassess and skim for things to cut in order to save some money.
Certain couples might jump to downsizing their guest list, changing their food offerings, or making their pre-wedding celebrations, like bachelor and bachelorette parties, more low-key. These are totally fine choices, too, if that’s what you want to do.
However, it’s probably safe to say that many brides don’t consider wearing a secondhand gown despite there being plenty of upsides to this more unconventional idea.
In the United States, wedding gowns cost an average of between $1,800 and $2,400. But depending on the designer, fabric, embellishments, accessories, alterations, and even the season you decide to buy the dress in, the price tag can get hefty.
So, an obvious way to cut back on wedding spending is choosing a pre-loved wedding dress.
Aside from that, if you care about ethical fashion, there is no other option more sustainable than giving a second life to an old gown. Finally, this route can totally fulfill the tradition of adding “something old” to your bridal look.
But, while this all sounds great, I understand that finding a secondhand wedding dress can still be intimidating for brides-to-be. Here are all of our tips.
How To Buy A Preowned Wedding Dress
The first step might sound strange, but the best thing you can do is make an appointment at a traditional wedding dress shop first. The intention here isn’t to buy a gown, especially if you’re set on going the vintage route.
andrey – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual people
Instead, having a wide variety of dresses at your fingertips can allow you to try on a bunch of different styles and nail down your likes and dislikes. You’ll be able to figure out what fabrics you prefer and what silhouettes you feel most confident in.
Then, once it comes time to search for your secondhand gown, either online, at consignment stores, or in vintage dress shops, you will know exactly what you’re looking for.
If you opt to buy online, make sure the seller is reputable. Regardless of where you make your purchase, you’ll also want to closely inspect the condition of every garment you browse.
Different brides will have different preferences when it comes to condition. Some might not want to make any repairs, while others are fine with fixing the wear and tear that came with time or looking past a tiny stain on the sleeve.
In addition to aesthetics, you should also assess the structural integrity of the dress. As you walk down the aisle, mingle with guests, and dance the evening away, you’ll want your dress to stand up to the energy of your big day.
Vintage dresses that are made from specific delicate fabrics, such as lace or organza, might only have a few more “wears” left. This is important to think about before handing over your credit card.
If you had plans to pass the dress down one day, for instance, preserving its longevity may be tougher. Yet, other brides may find it makes their dress more sentimental and special.
Now, if you are into more modern wedding gown styles, going secondhand may be tougher. Vintage dress designs likely won’t align with modern wedding gown trends, so if you have a solid vision in your head, it can be hard to find.
That’s why the best tip for buying secondhand wedding dresses is to keep an open mind. Don’t shy away from trying on gowns you never would’ve pictured walking down the aisle in because you may actually surprise yourself (and save a pretty penny in the process).
Sign up for Chip Chick’s newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.
More About:Weddings