Wedding Dress Tuesdays: Save Money with Used Wedding Dresses

Jan 24, 2012 by Pretty Clever Bride

Frugality is the new black. With a troubled economy and financial insecurities, wedding budgets are taking a hit. Some couples opt to put off marriage, but lots of ladies are making the decision to slighlty modify that dream wedding and cut costs where possible. And, voila, buying used wedding dresses is the hottest trend going.

According to a 2009 Brides.com American Wedding Study, the average cost of a wedding was $28,082 and the average wedding dress cost was $1,075. (I spotted a more recent figure of $1,300 for the dress, but I can’t pin down a source). Some designer wedding dresses are as much as $10,000 or more. Budget conscious brides are saving money and being eco-friendly by renting or buying used wedding dresses.

Actually, let’s call them “once worn,” “pre-owned,” or “lightly loved” wedding dresses, just as the online marketplaces that broker the sales do. Because, well, it’s true… a wedding dress is rarely worn more than once per bride, right? Even prolific bride Liz Taylor got a new dress every time.

Today’s bride is discovering that she can have a Monique Lhullier, Claire Pettibone, or Vera Wang bridal gown if she’s willing to browse last season’s dresses. And she can have that couture gown at 25 to 50% less than the retail price. And the best part? Recessionistas are hip right now, so there’s no shame in scoring designer used wedding dresses at bargain prices- there’s only glory.

Sound good? Also consider, after you score that $3000 Vera Wang wedding dress for $1500, you can sell your “Twice Worn” dress, cutting your cost even more. Just don’t spill the red wine it!

Tips for Buying Used Wedding Dresses:

Read the returns policies very carefully. If the dress is really, really not as advertised, you want to have some recourse.
If the dress listing only has a manufacturers listing photo, ask to see pictures of the dress in action.
Communicate with the original bride if possible to find out if there was anything odd about the dress or it has already had extensive alterations.
Budget some extra money for a thorough professional cleaning and any necessary alterations to improve the fit.