Instead, having a wide variety of dresses at your fingertips can allow you to try on a bunch of different styles and nail down your likes and dislikes. You’ll be able to figure out what fabrics you prefer and what silhouettes you feel most confident in.
Then, once it comes time to search for your secondhand gown, either online, at consignment stores, or in vintage dress shops, you will know exactly what you’re looking for.
If you opt to buy online, make sure the seller is reputable. Regardless of where you make your purchase, you’ll also want to closely inspect the condition of every garment you browse.
Different brides will have different preferences when it comes to condition. Some might not want to make any repairs, while others are fine with fixing the wear and tear that came with time or looking past a tiny stain on the sleeve.
In addition to aesthetics, you should also assess the structural integrity of the dress. As you walk down the aisle, mingle with guests, and dance the evening away, you’ll want your dress to stand up to the energy of your big day.
Vintage dresses that are made from specific delicate fabrics, such as lace or organza, might only have a few more “wears” left. This is important to think about before handing over your credit card.
If you had plans to pass the dress down one day, for instance, preserving its longevity may be tougher. Yet, other brides may find it makes their dress more sentimental and special.
Now, if you are into more modern wedding gown styles, going secondhand may be tougher. Vintage dress designs likely won’t align with modern wedding gown trends, so if you have a solid vision in your head, it can be hard to find.
That’s why the best tip for buying secondhand wedding dresses is to keep an open mind. Don’t shy away from trying on gowns you never would’ve pictured walking down the aisle in because you may actually surprise yourself (and save a pretty penny in the process).
