Lyla Dejesus
Finding a wedding dress at a thrift store is a great way to save money and be sustainable. Wedding dresses can be very expensive, but thrift stores offer a wide range of options at a fraction of the cost. Whether you're looking for a vintage gown from the 1940s or a modern designer dress, thrifting can be a fun and exciting way to find your dream wedding dress. It is recommended to educate yourself on the styles of different decades to help you identify your preferred era when browsing through the racks. Timing is also crucial, with off-peak wedding seasons offering a wider selection of gowns at unbeatable prices. When shopping at a thrift store, it is important to try on the dress or take your measurements to ensure a good fit. With some patience and perseverance, you can find a beautiful wedding dress that fits your style and budget.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Timing | Off-peak wedding season (November to March) is the best time to find a thrift store wedding dress, with January being the prime month |
| Styles | Educate yourself on the styles of different decades to help you identify your preferred era when browsing |
| Fitting | Try on the dress before purchasing if possible; if not, consider trying it on over your clothes or taking your own measurements and comparing them to the garment's measurements |
| Price | Thrift store wedding dresses can be significantly cheaper than buying new, with prices ranging from $50 to $100 |
| Sources | Antique stores, flea markets, pawn shops, online stores (e.g., Poshmark, Thredup, Etsy), local consignment shops, Goodwill, Facebook Marketplace, local boutiques, and specialty websites like Stillwhite and Borrowing Magnolia |
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What You'll Learn
- Know your style: Study styles from different decades to identify your preference
- Timing is key: Thrift stores have a larger selection of gowns at unbeatable prices during the off-peak wedding season
- Try before you buy: Try on dresses to gauge fit and required alterations
- Online options: Explore online thrift stores, such as Goodwill, and online marketplaces, like Etsy and Borrowing Magnolia
- In-person shopping: Visit antique stores, flea markets, pawn shops, and local consignment shops
Know your style: Study styles from different decades to identify your preference
Knowing your style and studying the styles from different decades will help you identify your preferences and narrow down your search for a thrift store wedding dress. Wedding dress styles have evolved over time, influenced by entertainment, celebrities, royalty, practicality, and world events. Understanding these trends will help you navigate the racks and spot your preferred era. Here are some distinct styles from different decades to guide you:
1910s:
The 1910s wedding dresses reflected the relaxed style of the Edwardian era. They often featured loose fits, delicate fabrics, tiers of ruffles and lace, empire-line silhouettes, higher waistlines, form-fitting sleeves, and cape-style veils. Hairstyles were big, pinned up, and coiled under large hats.
1920s:
The 1920s brought flapper-style elements to wedding dresses, including intricate beading, ornate lace, loose and straight silhouettes, cathedral-style veils, elaborate headpieces, scoop necklines, hip-level waistlines, and hemlines that exposed the ankles.
1930s:
During the Great Depression in the 1930s, many brides chose practical dresses that could be dyed and worn again. These dresses had more feminine and form-fitting silhouettes, with drop waists, high necklines, and simple, elegant designs. However, Hollywood glamour also influenced fashion, with bias-cut dresses popularized by Madeleine Vionnet featuring clean, figure-hugging lines.
1950s:
The 1950s were characterized by voluminous skirts, tightly fitted waistlines, and decorative necklines. Princess Margaret's Dior dress, with its full skirt and double banding at the waist, is an iconic example.
1960s:
In the 1960s, wedding dresses became shorter, even above the knee. Gowns favoured simple cuts, with boat necklines being a common feature.
1970s:
The 1970s embraced the cottagecore style, with empire waists and flowing sleeves. Flowing, bohemian, and whimsical styles were popular, and colourful dresses continued to flourish. Floral headpieces, reminiscent of Queen Victoria, were also in vogue.
1980s:
The 1980s were known for big shoulders and even bigger wedding dresses. Embellishments were key, including big bows, full-length veils, cathedral trains, and embellished necklines. Lace, frills, and taffeta were commonly used.
1990s:
In the 1990s, wedding dresses became more sleek and form-fitting. Minimalism and understated chic were sought-after, with bare shoulders or thin straps. Menswear-inspired dresses also gained popularity.
Studying these styles from different decades will help you identify your preferred aesthetic. Keep in mind that vintage and retro trends often inspire modern designs, so you can also look for dresses that blend classic and contemporary elements if you don't want to commit wholly to a specific era.
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Timing is key: Thrift stores have a larger selection of gowns at unbeatable prices during the off-peak wedding season
Timing is everything when it comes to finding a thrift store wedding dress. The off-peak wedding season, typically November through March, is the best time to find a wide selection of gowns at unbeatable prices. January, in particular, is the perfect month to go thrift store wedding dress shopping. This is because most boutiques and retailers are clearing out their inventory during this time, often donating excess gowns to thrift stores for tax purposes.
Thrift stores will have a larger selection of gowns in January, and you'll be able to find your dream dress at a fraction of the cost of a bridal boutique. This is the time when you're most likely to find genuine designer gowns at thrift stores, as boutiques make way for new collections. You can expect discounts of up to 70% off, with some brides finding $3,000 designer gowns for under $1,000 during these sales.
While the off-peak wedding season is the best time to find a wide selection of gowns, it's important to note that the timing may vary slightly depending on your location. For example, in Arizona, the peak wedding season is October through May, so you'd want to time your search for mid to late summer. Keep this in mind and adjust your search timing accordingly.
Additionally, don't feel pressured to purchase the first dress you see, even if it seems perfect. Take your time and explore different options, as thrifting for a wedding dress is a thrilling adventure that can lead to incredible finds. Remember, thrifting a wedding dress is not only budget-friendly but also earns you bonus points for sustainability!
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Try before you buy: Try on dresses to gauge fit and required alterations
If you're thrifting for a wedding dress, it's important to try on dresses before buying to gauge the fit and any required alterations. This is because vintage dresses may have different sizing to modern clothing. For example, a vintage size 12 from the 1960s may fit more like a size 6 today. Therefore, it's recommended to take your measurements and compare them to those of the dress. If you can't try on the dress, consider wearing form-fitting clothing underneath so that you can gauge the fit over your clothes.
Once you've found a dress that you like, it's time to consider alterations. Wedding dresses often require some form of alteration to ensure a perfect fit. This can include hemming the length of the dress, taking in the waist, hips, or bust, or adjusting the straps. It's recommended to buy your dress early and schedule fittings with a seamstress or tailor to allow plenty of time for alterations. The first fitting should be around two to three months before the wedding, with a final fitting no later than two weeks before the big day.
During your fittings, be sure to bring the shoes and undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day to ensure the most accurate fit. If you're making major changes to the design, such as accommodating a pregnancy or reworking the corset, budget for a few extra weeks. It's also important to keep in mind that alterations can add to the overall cost of your dress, with some salons charging a flat fee for alterations, and others charging per service.
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Online options: Explore online thrift stores, such as Goodwill, and online marketplaces, like Etsy and Borrowing Magnolia
There are many online options to consider when looking for a thrift store wedding dress. Online thrift stores such as Goodwill often have a variety of wedding dresses available at affordable prices. While Goodwill does not launder the dresses, they may wipe them down with a cleaning spray. You can find both vintage and modern styles, and some may even be new or barely worn.
Another online thrift store to explore is Etsy. Etsy offers a wide range of wedding dress styles to suit different body types and personalities. You can find simple, clean silhouettes or embellished gowns with embroidery and rhinestones. Etsy also has a selection of plus-size wedding dresses, ensuring that every bride can find a dress that showcases her unique personality.
In addition to online thrift stores, online marketplaces like Borrowing Magnolia provide a digital brokerage service for wedding dresses. This platform enables brides-to-be to rent or purchase designer wedding dresses directly from previous owners. Borrowing Magnolia utilizes fit technology and interactive imaging to enhance the online shopping experience.
By exploring these online options, you can conveniently browse and compare a diverse array of wedding dresses from the comfort of your home, increasing your chances of finding the perfect thrift store wedding dress.
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$85.99
In-person shopping: Visit antique stores, flea markets, pawn shops, and local consignment shops
If you're looking to find a thrift store wedding dress by shopping in person, there are several options to explore, including antique stores, flea markets, pawn shops, and local consignment shops. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:
Antique Stores
Antique stores can be a great option for finding a unique and vintage wedding dress. You can explore well-known antique shopping destinations such as Los Angeles and New York, which offer a range of vintage boutiques and bridal shops. For instance, Adored Vintage in LA and New York offers a blend of vintage and modern styles, while Madly Vintage in Venice, CA, caters to vintage lovers worldwide.
Flea Markets
Flea markets are another option for in-person thrift shopping. While you may not find a dedicated wedding dress section, flea markets offer a variety of second-hand goods, including wedding decor and accessories. Keep an eye out for Wedding Flea Markets, which specialize in selling pre-owned wedding items, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional wedding shopping.
Pawn Shops
Pawn shops are in the business of buying and selling a variety of items, and they may be interested in purchasing your wedding dress, especially during peak wedding-planning seasons when demand is higher. However, due to limited floor space, some pawn shops may be reluctant to hold onto a wedding dress for an extended period. It's worth calling ahead to inquire about their interest and policies regarding wedding dress consignments.
Local Consignment Shops
Consignment shops, including bridal resale salons, offer a physical space for brides to sell their dresses and are ideal for those who prefer in-person transactions. Blue Sky Bridal, with locations in Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco, is an example of a consignment store specializing in wedding dresses. They offer a relaxed and stress-free atmosphere, with stylists who can guide you through your wedding shopping experience.
When visiting these shops, it's a good idea to call ahead and inquire about their current inventory, any upcoming appointments or events, and their policies regarding wedding dress consignments and sales.
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Frequently asked questions
You can find a second-hand wedding dress at your local thrift store, or online at sites such as Poshmark, Thredup, Stillwhite, Borrowing Magnolia, or Facebook Marketplace. You can also try antique stores, flea markets, pawn shops, or local consignment shops.
The off-peak wedding season, typically November through March, is the best time to buy a second-hand wedding dress. January is the holy grail, as most boutiques and retailers are clearing out their inventory and donating excess gowns to thrift stores.
If you are shopping at a thrift store that allows you to try on garments, make sure to do so before purchasing. If the store doesn’t allow try-ons, consider wearing a tank top and leggings so you can try the dress on over your clothes. Take your own measurements and then measure the garment itself, as the size in an older wedding dress may not reflect modern sizing.
