Second Hand Wedding Dresses

-- Second Hand Wedding Dresses --

Purchasing a second hand wedding dress is the perfect option for many brides – you get the dress you’ve been looking for, at a price you can handle!

These days, there are more ways than ever before to find the dress of your dreams from a second hand source.

Start Off Right!

Just because you’ve decided to buy a dress second hand does not mean you need to settle for something you don’t love!

In fact, it’s quite the opposite – you can certainly find the dress of your dreams from a second hand source! Start by deciding what sort of dress you want – you might have already visited a bridal boutique and have an idea of what you are looking for. Scour bridal magazines and wedding websites to find the sort of style you think you will like.

Shop Online

If you are comfortable shopping online, it can be a great way to open up the global market place for your dream dress. Check wedding forums and boards for recent brides who are looking to sell their dress. Go to online auction sites like ebay or craigslist to score a deal. You can often find designer dresses at a fraction of what you would pay in the store!

Visit Local Shops

There are many second hand shops that specialize in re-selling formal wear, so grab a friend and go shopping!

Start shopping well in advance to give yourself lots of time to find that perfect dress. Depending on where you live, you might decide to make a day (or a weekend!) of it. Map out a few stores you’d like to visit in neighboring regions, and have fun visiting your destinations.

When looking at secondhand dresses, make sure you inspect it carefully for signs of deterioration, discoloration, staining, burn holes, tears, and other flaws. You may be able to get a discount and fix it yourself!

Word of Mouth

Ask around to find out if anyone is selling her wedding dress – the girl on the mat next to you at your yoga class might know someone with the perfect dress for you!

If you belong to a certain religion or culture, there may be dresses that suit your particular list of must-haves for sale within your community. Purchasing a dress from a friend of a friend is a great way to find the perfect wedding gown, plus you’ll be helping someone out – many brides are choosing to sell their wedding dress to help recoup the costs of the wedding.

Go Vintage

Buying a gently previously-loved wedding dress is one thing, choosing to wear a vintage piece is quite another! If you love a certain era, or have a dream dress in mind from another time, you may be able to find a second hand vintage dress at a very reasonable price.

Making It Perfect

Like most brides, you will likely need to have your dress altered to fit you just right. You can even have it altered so that it is uniquely yours! Don’t be shy about changing the way your dress looks, and be creative by adding a few special touches.

You can often change the neckline of a dress quite simple, or replace buttons to give it a unique look. Adding embroidery to match your wedding colors, or a lovely sash, will all make the dress feel more like “yours.” Visit a local dressmaker or seamstress with your dress in tow and discuss what your options are before you go ahead with any changes.

Something Old...Something New...

If you’ve decided to go the practical route of purchasing a second hand wedding dress, you’ve got your “something old.” Now it’s time to treat yourself to something new with all the money you saved!

Choose something that is really special to you and have a little splurge to celebrate finding your dress – like a comfortable pair of dancing shoes or the perfect veil. Planning a wedding is hard work – you deserve a little something special!

-- Second Hand Wedding Dresses --