Last week, we asked if you would consider wearing a second hand wedding dress, and we were pleasantly surprised by the response! So many of you are open to the idea of wearing a second hand gown. But where to start? Is it something worth considering? Here are some of the benefits and disadvantages to buying a second hand wedding dress:
Benefits:
A Dress With a Story
Every item of clothing has a life of it’s own. It has lived on someone else’s skin and has experienced the stories along the way. There is something a little magical about the idea of a past life embroidered into a dress, don’t you think?
A Way to Pay Homage
There is no better way to pay homage to someone you love then to wear it! One of our favourite Throwback Thursday stories has to be Suzy Dugdale, a bride who wore her mother’s dress on her day.
Cost
If your dress isn’t a hand-me-down and free, the chances are a second hand dress will be a little bit cheaper. Renting a dress can of course be the best cost saving option (if you’re not interested in holding on to a keepsake that is), but does require that you take good care of the garment. One big benefit of buying second hand dresses is that there can be room for negotiation. But do keep in mind that there are many different types of owners or sellers who may actually get insulted if you attempt to haggle!
Disadvantages
Mystery Stains
Although many reputable shop owners will have a dress professionally cleaned before selling on, there is always a chance that a stain cannot be removed. Check the typical areas (under arms, inner bust, front of dress) with a fine tooth comb for any marks, stains or snags.
Hidden Costs
The initial cost may have been cheap (or maybe free) but many pre-owned wedding gowns do need altering. Rental shops will only allow for minimal alterations so bear this in mind.
Buyer Beware
Often, the perils of buying online mean we don’t always get what we’ve bargained for. This can happen with any vintage shopping. We have experienced the disappointment of that Ebay item being just a little too small before. So, if you have an opportunity to see your dress in person, take it! A lot of vintage stores will run from a physical location too so if there is a dress you fancy online, track the store down and ask them to hold it for you. Your wedding dress should fit like a glove, so if that means a train ride or even a plane ride, so be it!
Great Finds
While it may not have been on your radar before, DoneDeal.ie can have some lovely gems. Similarly, Etsy has amazing vintage gowns. Discount Designer even carries Monique L’huillier… Definitely worth checking out, even just for fun!
Image found on Etsy
