How to Buy a Used Wedding Dress

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By Lisa Ellis
eHow Contributing Writer

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You may have fantasized about finding your perfect wedding dress since you were a young child. Perhaps you want a princess gown with lots of frills and beading, or maybe you prefer a simple dress with elegant lines. Regardless of the detailing, some of the latest designer bridal creations feature luxurious fabrics and sophisticated designs. They also have equally extravagant price tags. But you don't have to blow your budget on this one item. Instead, you can frequent consignment shops and look online for a used wedding dress that costs less than new but still lives up to your expectations.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Bridal magazines
Stockings
High heels
Slip
Veil

Step 1

Look through bridal magazines to get an idea of what you like. Make a note of those designers whose styles appeal to your taste. Cut out pictures of dresses you would particularly like to try. This will help you to narrow down your choices.
Step 2

Visit upscale consignment shops in your area that specialize in consignment bridal gowns or formal wear. Go prepared to try on lots of items. Bring a close friend or family member to offer an opinion, as selecting a wedding dress can be a monumental decision. Wear stockings and a supportive bra. Also bring high heels and a full slip and even a veil so you can get the full effect of how the dress looks on.
Step 3

Check the fabric for stains and discolorations. You can assume that a gown in a used shop will need to be cleaned but if there are any stains you aren't sure will come out, point these out before you pay and ask the manager if you will be able to return the item if it can't be restored to a reasonable condition. Also keep in mind that cleaning a wedding dress can be expensive. The price will vary depending on where you live and how ornate the gown is (in some cases it can be cost as much as $50 to $100). Also, those with lots of beading and detailing will need special treatment so nothing gets damaged in the process.
Step 4

Plan to have the dress altered to fit. You will need to have it tailored to your shape and length. Just remember that it's much easier to have a dress made smaller than it is to let it out. If it is too tight or short, check it carefully to see if there is enough fabric in the seams to accommodate your needs. Remember that you can also have the dress redesigned a little to meet your style preferences.
Step 5

Browse online at websites that carry used bridal wear. Places like Sell Your Wedding Dress and Pre-owned Wedding Dresses (listed in the Resources section) carry used designer gowns for a lot less than the new retail price. Keep in mind that you can't try on the gowns you order online, but the selection is much broader when you shop this way. Some websites allow you to sort their inventory by designer and size. This can be particularly helpful if there is one whose designs you love.
Step 6

Find out what condition a dress is before you order online. Make sure that there aren't stains, rips or tears that you may be unable to fix. Make sure you know what a store's return policy is before you buy, so there won't be any surprises. Read reviews from others who have ordered online to be sure customers are satisfied with the quality and condition of what they have received.
Step 7

Try on new bridal gowns at a local boutique by a few of the designers whose items you are considering. It will help to see the fabric up close and to see how the sizes and cuts run. If you fall in love with a particular new design that is out of your budget, find out who it is made by and what it's called, and search online to see if you can find a used version for less.
Step 8

Plan to spend about half of what you would pay for a new dress, but realize that this is just a ballpark. The going range for a used designer dress can be anywhere from about $600 on up to $2,500 or more when you buy it through a consignment website or store.

Comments

bridetobe09 said

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on 4/6/2009 BravoBride is by far the best used wedding item site I have found. They have everything from dresses to decorations: http://www.bravobride.com

jmeggs said

on 1/25/2009 www.thegreenhangershop.com is a brand new website now accepting listings of bridal gowns, formal gowns, casual wear, as well as other special items