Shopping for a second-hand wedding dress is a great way to find the dress of your dreams without blowing your budget. But there are some things you need to keep in mind before buying one.
Check for a reputable seller and ask lots of questions (such as about the dress’s sizing and condition). And don’t forget that any dress will need alteration, new or used!
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1. Look for a reputable seller.
While a lot of the big secondhand wedding dress sellers have an established reputation in the industry, it’s always good to ask around. Look for recommendations from other brides or check with your local bridal boutiques, which are typically the safest places to shop.
You can also find a number of secondhand options on eBay, which boasts a user-friendly marketplace and offers free shipping and buyer protection. Alternatively, you can try out Facebook’s Marketplace, which is accessible to everyone and a great way to discover new items.
2. Try on the dress.
Ideally you should try the dress on (or ask the seller to take clear full-length pictures of it from all angles) before buying it. Also make sure you get the measurements from the seller – they may be different to off-the-peg standard sizes, especially as many bridal dresses are tailored to fit the original owner’s body.
These are usually dresses that never made it to the aisle, but that you can buy for a fraction of their original cost. Just remember that the dress will likely need alterations.
3. Check the measurements.
Dresses that have been worn before will have probably been altered, so it’s important to know the measurements you are looking for. “You should have your bust, waist and hip measurement as well as your height without shoes,” says Martel.
Generally speaking, a secondhand wedding dress will be a size bigger than your normal dress. This is because the previous wearer may have added alterations, such as shortening the hem.
If you want to buy a pre-loved gown, look at your local classifieds and online marketplaces like eBay, Bridal Reloved or other pre-owned specialist stores. Or you can go to a boutique that sells both new and pre-loved dresses. They will likely have a range of sizes, and you can try the dress on.
4. Check the condition.
Buying preloved is not only a great way to save money, but it also helps reduce waste by extending the life of a dress that would otherwise be thrown away or donated. However, there are some things to look out for to ensure you’re getting the best deal and not a counterfeit dress.
Always check the condition of a dress before you buy it, particularly any intricate details such as beaded straps or 3-D floral embellishments. Also, be sure to get clear, full-length photos of the dress.
Another option is to visit a local boutique that stocks second-hand wedding dresses, many of which have their own rigorous authentication and return policies.
5. Check the label.
While breaking wedding tradition is a great way to express your unique personality, you might not be ready to go all out and buy a dress that isn’t right for you. Fortunately, a second-hand wedding dress is a perfect option for those who are on the hunt for a unique bridal look without breaking the bank.
It’s important to check the label on a pre-owned dress to ensure that it is authentic. This can be done by asking the seller for the original sales receipt or requesting photos of the label.
The more detail a seller provides, the easier it will be for potential buyers to find their dream dress. For example, sellers should take brightly lit and visually appealing photographs of their dresses, and include full-length and close-up shots.