Every Question You Need to Ask Second Hand Bridal Stores & Sellers
For the bride on a budget, buying a used wedding gown is a great option to save money on your wedding. Especially if you have your eye set on a certain designer with a high price tag, buying a used wedding gown can save you approximately 50% off the price of the gown. Some brides have a tough time justifying paying such a high price for a dress they will only wear once. Going to second hand bridal stores is the way to go for a bride wanting a designer gown on a budget.
Used wedding dress have already been worn by bride(s) on their wedding day. However, these dresses are in pristine or excellent used condition so another bride can wear it for their wedding. You can find pre-owned wedding dresses that have the tags on them for a cheap price. This is usually the result of brides who changed their mind on that gown and found another dress they loved more and were not able to return it to the store they purchased it from.
Brides are able to set their own prices for what they want to sell it for. Used wedding gowns are listed at 50% off retail prices at second hand bridal stores. For top designers like Monique Lhuillier, Pnina Tornai, and Vera Wang, a discount is a little less, only 20-40% off. Sellers can also include any accessories they wore on their big day, like a belt or veil, so this will increase the cost. It is important to always communicate with the seller regarding the price.
6 Necessary Questions to ask sellers about their used wedding gown
1. What size was the gown ordered in and altered to?
The bride ordered a certain size in the gown depending on her measurements and the designer. It is possible that the listed size and style will not fit you. That is because of the way it was altered it fit the previous bride. Ask the seller the exact size and measurements of the gown and the specifications of the alterations she had done. It is better to buy a dress that is longer in length and bigger in size so a seamstress can alter it to fit you.
2. Has the bride professionally cleaned the gown post-wedding?
Professional wedding cleaning is a game changer. Did she get the dress cleaned from a professional who is certified in wedding gown cleaning and preservation? There is a big difference between the two.
3. Was her wedding indoors or outdoors?
This will help you understand if there was any grass or dirt stains in the dress prior.
4. Did she spill anything on her dress?
Any champagne, drink, or alcohol stains caramelize into the dress so it is very hard to remove. Sometimes, you cannot even see them with the naked eye as they seep into the fibers in the dress.
5. Is the dress kept in a smoke-free, pet-free, heat-free area?
You will be able to tell if the dress will have any odd odors and smells to it. These are hard to remove. Especially those who have any allergies and sensitivities to smells, this can be a game changer. If the gown is stored in a humid area, the dress could have some yellowing or discoloration. This affects the original condition and look of the dress.
6. Can I see the proof of purchase?
Ask to make sure the dress is legitimate. You do not want a knockoff, so ask to see the receipt and pictures of the gown, brand tag, and care label as these will all have the essential branding of the designer you are purchasing.
My recommendations for second hand bridal stores / websites:
PreOwned Wedding Dresses
Pre Owned Wedding Dresses were the first website to specialize in the secondhand wedding gown resale space. They are the official eBay to wedding dresses.
Loved Twice Bridal
Loved Twice Bridal sells sustainable gowns that were produced in a made-to-order model. They promote brands that produce gowns with less waste and strive to carry better quality, long lasting fabrics in wedding gowns. With a Try at Home option, you can try on up to 3 wedding gowns of your choosing for $150 plus shipping.
OnceWed
OnceWed offers brides to list their dresses paying a one time fee of $20 and offers tips and DIY ideas for brides. They specialize in a protected payment method for both buyers and sellers.
If you do not want to get a used wedding gown, check out my posts about sample gowns and trunk shows to get your dream dress for a fraction of the cost.