Deborah Chan
Buying a wedding dress is an exciting part of the wedding planning process. It's important to consider the type of wedding you are having and the venue, and to choose a dress that you feel comfortable in. You should look for your dress 12-18 months before the wedding to allow time for fittings. Bridal sizing is often smaller than high-street sizing, so don't be disheartened if your wedding dress size is larger than your usual size. You can buy a wedding dress from a boutique or online, and there are many second-hand options available.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Timing | Start looking for a wedding dress 12-18 months before the wedding. Dresses can take up to 6 months to come in, and you'll need time for fittings. |
| Research | Consider the type of wedding and what sort of dress would be comfortable and suit the occasion. Put together a mood board with venues, themes, and dresses you like. |
| Sizing | Wedding dresses can run 2-3 sizes smaller than your usual size. Each designer follows their own size guidelines with no uniformity between brands. |
| Style | Current trends include full skirts, high necklines, detailed backs, and trains. Other styles include lace, Bardot necklines, long sleeves, and low backs. |
| Customisation | Some boutiques can customise gowns, such as changing from a lace-up to a zip and button back, altering colours, or adding boleros or straps. |
| Buying second-hand | There are online marketplaces for buying second-hand wedding dresses, such as Stillwhite, Bride2Bride, and Brides Dress Revisited. |
| Selling second-hand | You can sell your wedding dress online or to a shop that buys second-hand dresses. Online listing costs range from £14-£17, while shops will take a commission (typically 50-60% of the selling price). |
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What You'll Learn
Where to buy a wedding dress in the UK
There are a variety of options available when it comes to buying a wedding dress in the UK. You can either buy online or visit a bridal boutique.
Online
If you are looking for a more affordable option, you can buy a wedding dress online from sites such as Stillwhite, which is the largest global marketplace for pre-owned, used, and second-hand wedding dresses. You can find designer gowns at discounted prices and pay safely through PayPal. Another online option is Stacees, which offers an extensive inventory of dresses with various lengths, sleeve lengths, trains, and other details, including maternity options.
Bridal Boutiques
If you prefer to try on dresses in person, you can visit a bridal boutique such as Elaine Rawlings Bridal Boutique or Amanda K Bridal Boutique. It is recommended to start looking for your dress 12-18 months before your wedding, as dresses can take up to six months to come in, and you'll need time for fittings and accessory shopping. However, some boutiques can accommodate shorter timeframes if needed. When visiting a boutique, it's helpful to bring along a mood board or bridal publications that reflect your style and wedding plans.
Off-the-Rack Options
If you are looking for a quicker option or a more affordable off-the-rack dress, you can visit outlets such as wed2b, where you can browse through dresses in your size and take your dress home the same day.
Remember, the most important thing is to find a dress that makes you feel comfortable and suits your wedding plans. Don't be discouraged by the sizing differences between bridal and high-street fashion stores, as wedding dresses often run 2-3 sizes smaller. The dress should be altered to fit your body, not the other way around!
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Wedding dress styles and trends
Wedding dress shopping is an exciting part of the wedding planning process. To find the right dress, it's important to consider the type of wedding you are having, the venue, and what type of dress you would feel comfortable in.
There are many wedding dress styles and trends to choose from. For instance, ball gowns are making a comeback, and full skirts and fairytale glamour are becoming more popular. Simple, classic fabrics such as crepe and mikado are also in style. High necklines, detailed backs, and long trains are features to look out for. For those wanting a more casual and comfortable look, separates are a great option.
Necklines are an important consideration when choosing a wedding dress. A bateau neckline, popularised by Meghan Markle, is cut in a straight line from shoulder to shoulder, following the collarbone. It is high at the back and front, making it a modest option that works with or without sleeves. A halterneck dress is sleeveless, with either two straps from the bodice that meet at the back of the neck or a high neckline with deep armholes and a backless design. This is a popular alternative to a strapless dress, showing off the shoulders and upper arms. A high neck is a modest option that works well for those with long torsos. An illusion neckline usually features a strapless dress with a sheer fabric panel from the top of the bodice to the neckline.
Basque waistlines are another trend to watch. Defined by a low, V-shaped waistline, this style elongates the torso and enhances natural curves. It creates a striking, hourglass silhouette and lends a couture-like quality to the gown.
Bridal minis are also becoming a popular option for modern brides who want to make a statement, show off their shoes, or dance the night away.
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Wedding dress sizing
When purchasing a wedding dress, take accurate measurements of your bust, waist, and hips. Compare these to the designer's size chart, which you can usually find on their website. It's a good idea to get measured twice to ensure accuracy. If your measurements fall between sizes, it's recommended to size up, especially if you prefer a tighter fit. If you're still unsure, consult a stylist or bridal consultant for advice.
Most wedding dresses require alterations to achieve the perfect fit, so consider hiring a tailor or seamstress. It's easier to make a dress smaller than larger, so if you're uncertain, it's better to order a slightly larger size. If you have a small top and a larger bottom, or vice versa, you have a few options. You can choose a size based on your largest measurement and have the dress altered to fit the smaller areas, or opt for a dress style that accommodates your body, such as an A-line dress, and adjust the top.
Remember, the dress should change to fit you, not the other way around. Embrace your body and focus on finding a dress that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
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Buying a second-hand wedding dress
There are many reasons to consider buying a second-hand wedding dress. Firstly, it is a more sustainable option, which is better for the environment. Buying pre-owned also allows you to save money and access designer gowns at a fraction of the retail cost. With over 86,000 dresses to choose from on Stillwhite, the world's largest wedding dress marketplace, you can find your dream dress without the designer price tag.
When buying second-hand, it is important to consider the condition of the dress. Most second-hand dresses will have only been worn once, so they are likely to be in good condition. However, it is still a good idea to check for any stains or damage, especially if you are buying online. Ask the seller about the condition of the dress and request additional photos if needed.
To find a second-hand wedding dress, you can start by searching online marketplaces such as Stillwhite, which offers a safe and secure platform for buying pre-owned. You can browse dresses by designer, style, and price, and even pay using PayPal. Another similar platform is White Dress UK, which also offers a wide range of second-hand and sample dresses at low prices.
If you prefer a more traditional boutique experience, there are also physical stores that specialise in pre-loved wedding dresses. For vintage dresses, try Adored Closet in Brighton, which stocks pieces from the '20s, '30s, and '40s. For contemporary styles, The Loop in South London offers a range of modern dresses, while Retold Vintage in Hackney curates a selection of minimalist gowns.
When buying a second-hand wedding dress, it is important to consider the sizing. Wedding dresses tend to run smaller than regular clothing, so don't be surprised if you need to go up a size or two. Keep in mind that the dress can always be altered to fit your body perfectly. It is also a good idea to start your search early, as finding the right dress can take time, and you'll want to leave enough room for any necessary alterations.
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Selling a wedding dress
If you're looking to sell your wedding dress, there are a few options available to you. You could use an online platform, such as Bride2Bride, Stillwhite, Nearly Newly Wed, or Poshmark. These sites allow you to list your dress for a fee and often charge a small commission on the sale. Bride2Bride, for example, charges a one-off payment starting at £14 to list your dress and takes no commission. Stillwhite, on the other hand, offers standard and premium listing options for £17 and £27, respectively, with the premium option including more photos, a video, and a homepage feature. Nearly Newly Wed charges a $25 listing fee per dress and $5 per accessory, and they keep a 20% commission to cover various expenses.
Another option is to sell your dress in person at a local bridal boutique that specialises in pre-owned gowns. Bridal Reloved, for example, is a network of boutiques that deal in sample and pre-owned designer wedding dresses. If you choose this option, it's important to remember that each boutique operates differently. Some shops will buy the dress from you outright, while others will sell it on your behalf and take a percentage of the profit. Additionally, some boutiques may have specific conditions for the types of dresses they accept, such as gowns that are less than two or three years old.
When deciding on a price for your dress, a bit of research can go a long way. You can explore similar listings on the platforms mentioned above to get a sense of the market value for your dress. Additionally, if you're selling through a boutique, they may be able to provide guidance on pricing based on their expertise and knowledge of the market.
It's worth noting that selling your wedding dress can be a great way to recoup some of the costs of your wedding. By choosing the right platform or boutique and pricing your dress competitively, you can connect with interested buyers and make the most of your investment.
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Frequently asked questions
You should look to find your dream dress around 12-18 months before your wedding. Dresses can take up to six months to come in, and this leaves you with valuable time for fittings and accessory shopping. However, don't panic if you don't have that much time—boutiques can often work with a shorter timeframe.
Think about what type of wedding you are having and what sort of dress you would feel comfortable in. Start putting together a mood board of venues, themes, and dresses that you like. You can also try lots of different looks and see which you like best.
Ball gowns have made a comeback, and full skirts and fairytale glamour are also popular. High necklines, detailed backs, and amazing trains will also feature in new collections. As well as ivory, nude blush and champagne shades are also becoming more popular.
There are many bridal boutiques in the UK where you can buy a wedding dress. You can also buy wedding dresses online from websites such as Stillwhite, Bride2Bride, and Wed2b.
