While you might want to purchase the perfect gown for your wedding, there is something to be said for staying on budget, too. A tight budget doesn’t always lend itself to an over-the-top wedding gown, but it doesn’t mean you have to settle for an uninspired, budget gown, either.
Buying a used wedding gown is always an option, and, oftentimes, it means you can get the gown of your dreams without breaking the bank. Before you run out and buy a used wedding dress, though, remember to ask these four very important questions.
Benefits of Buying a Used Wedding Dress
The sustainability factor is a major benefit of buying a gown preowned; by doing so, you’re extending the life of a garment and adding to the circular fashion economy.
It’s also a benefit for someone working within a tighter budget, since the dress may be more affordable than buying new. For the sentimental type, you might also enjoy the story behind the journey of your dress — especially if you’re purchasing the look from someone you know, such as a dear friend or family member.
Questions to Ask the Seller Before Buying a Used Wedding Dress
There are risks that come with purchasing a preowned wedding dress, but the good news is you can protect yourself from scams or dissatisfaction by asking questions. When working with a reputable resale company, you should feel at ease knowing the garment has been verified. These are the straightforward questions you should start by asking the seller.
- What is the brand of the dress? If not immediately discernible, you should research the designer of the dress you want to make sure you’re getting a fair retail price for it.
- Has the dress been altered? Even if you wear the same dress size as the previous bride, an already-tailored dress has been tweaked to fit that person’s body, which is not identical to your own. And pre-altered gowns can be difficult to alter again. Make sure to send all details to your personal tailor to ensure the garment can still be adjusted to your liking.
- What are the measurements of the dress? Don’t rely on the size tag, especially if you’re buying a dress that has been altered. Make sure to specify that you’d like the post alteration measurements of the garment.
- When was the dress worn? You’ll want to learn the history of your dress, including the date of the previous wedding, so you can gauge what condition it’s in. If you’re superstitious, you also may want to ask whether the bride who wore it last is still happily married.
- Has the dress been cleaned and preserved? Depending on where the wedding took place, the dress might have suffered “invisible stains” that can only be removed by a professional cleaner. If the wedding was held outdoors or on the beach, there are probably additional markings to be removed that you should be aware of. You should also find out where the dress has been stored for safekeeping (i.e., in a garment bag, in a smoke-free environment, in a house with pets, etc.).
- Is the dress returnable? Most preowned wedding dresses cannot be returned, so if you’re purchasing it online and it doesn’t fit, you’ll be out of luck. If the dress can be returned, settle who will be paying for shipping costs well in advance so you aren’t caught off guard with surprise mailing fees.
- Are additional photos available? Don’t be afraid to ask for detailed shots and extra angles of the dress if you’re purchasing it online. Never settle for reposted shots from the designer’s website of the original garment on the model before it was worn. You can also ask for videos of the dress to understand texture and movement, or set up a Zoom call with the current owner of the dress if you can’t visit in person.
- Can you share a receipt? Ask for a receipt from the original purchase to make sure you’re not being scammed with a knockoff, as far as the designer or label of the dress goes. This will also help you to compare the original retail value to your own purchasing price. For example, if a dress was discounted at the time of original purchase, your own price should be even lower.
- Do you have references? There is nothing wrong with wanting to verify the legitimacy of the seller. If you’re not buying a preowned dress from a reputable shop or online resource, you’ll want to make sure the seller has experience in clothing resale.
- Are there additional accessories available? Check to see if you’re getting an all-inclusive deal. There are often sashes, veils, brooches, and other embellishments that come with a bridal look, which may or may not be available to you.
