Deborah Chan
Wedding dress shopping can be a daunting task, but knowing when and where to look for last season's wedding dresses can help you find your dream gown at a discounted price. The best time to buy a wedding dress is typically in January, right after the holiday engagement season, when new dress selections arrive in stores, and prices for previous season's gowns are slashed. To score deals on last season's dresses, you can attend sample sales hosted by bridal retailers or explore second-hand options through wedding resale websites. However, finding a specific dress style from last season in stores may be challenging, and you may need to consider similar alternatives or expand your search radius. Additionally, when purchasing last season's wedding dress, ensure you leave enough time for alterations and fittings closer to your wedding date. Planning and preparation are key to ensuring a stress-free experience when shopping for last season's wedding dresses.
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What You'll Learn
Try second-hand wedding dress resale sites
If you're looking for a last-season wedding dress, one great option is to try second-hand wedding dress resale sites. Not only will you be able to find a dress at a fraction of the cost of a new one, but you'll also be supporting the ethical fashion movement by giving a pre-owned gown a second life.
There are several online marketplaces dedicated to buying and selling used wedding dresses, such as Stillwhite, which offers over 97,002 wedding gowns for sale, including designer options from brands like Maggie Sottero, Pronovias, and Alfred Angelo. PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com is another popular site, featuring new, used, and sample wedding dresses from both individuals and retail places trying to sell last season's dresses. Nearly Newlywed is also worth checking out, as they handle all buyer interactions and shipping, saving sellers time and stress.
When shopping for a second-hand wedding dress, it's important to do your research and be open to different options. You may not find the exact dress you're looking for, so it's helpful to first visit a traditional wedding dress salon to learn about your likes and dislikes regarding silhouettes and styles. This way, when you shop for a second-hand dress, you'll be more focused and critical of your selections. Keep in mind that you may need to schedule fittings and alterations separately, so factor in additional time and expenses for these services.
By considering second-hand wedding dress resale sites, you'll not only have the opportunity to find your dream dress at a discounted price, but you'll also be supporting sustainable practices and giving a pre-loved gown a new life.
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Look for sample sales at bridal shops
If you're looking to get a wedding dress from last season, one of the best ways to do so is to look for sample sales at bridal shops. Bridal shops typically host two sample sales a year, usually in the summer and early winter. These sales are a great opportunity to buy a designer gown at a significantly discounted price, often up to 50-90% off.
Sample sales are a way for bridal shops to clear out their old inventory to make way for the new. This means you can find gowns from the previous year's collection at a fraction of the original price. It is important to note that sample sizes are typically limited to bridal sizes 8-12, which are comparable to ready-to-wear sizes 6-8. If you fall outside of this size range, be sure to call ahead to ensure that the shop will have samples in your size.
To make the most of sample sales, it is recommended that you do some regular" dress shopping first to get an idea of the style and silhouette that you are looking for. This will help you stay focused and critical during the sample sale, ensuring that you don't settle for a gown just because it's discounted. Keep in mind that sample sales can be final, with no sales associates or fitting rooms available, so it's important to know what you want and be prepared to make a decision.
Additionally, consider the timing of your purchase. January is considered the prime time for wedding dress shopping, as new runway collections hit the stores and shops offer sales on older styles. If you're getting married in the fall, starting your search in January is ideal, as it allows enough time for alterations and any necessary customisations. However, if you're looking for a last-season dress, you may find more options in early winter when bridal shops are clearing out their old inventory.
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Shop in January for last season's dresses
January is the perfect time to shop for last season's wedding dresses. It is the beginning of the year, a new start, and a great time to bag a bargain. The bridal market knows that January is peak engagement season, with many holiday proposals, so it is a great time to shop for your dream gown.
January is the time when new runway collections hit the stores, but it is also the month when bridal shops will be looking to clear out older styles from the previous year to make room for the new. This means that January is a great time to find a fresh new assortment in stores, with the potential for majorly slashed prices. You can score gowns at a discount of up to 90%, but be aware that these sales are often final, and there may be no fitting rooms available.
If you are getting married in the summer, it is critical to start looking in January. This gives you enough time to choose your gown and shoes, and to see a seamstress for fittings. If you are ordering a custom gown, you will need to allow 6-9 months for the dress to be made and delivered, so January is the perfect time to place your order.
If you are looking for a last-season dress, you could also try wedding resale sites, such as Preownedweddingdresses.com, where people sell their once-worn dresses.
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Check the style works for your wedding season
When it comes to choosing a wedding dress, it's important to consider whether the style works for your wedding season. While you want to feel like the best version of yourself, you also want to be comfortable and ensure the dress aligns with the overall vibe and theme of your wedding.
If you're getting married in the summer, you might want to opt for a dress with a looser fit and breathable fabric to keep you cool. You could also consider a dress with a shorter hemline or one that incorporates lighter colours to suit the season. If you're set on a ball gown, you might want to choose a venue with air conditioning!
For a fall wedding, long-sleeved lace or flowing tulle can capture the season's essence while still being comfortable. Warmer fabrics and longer sleeves will also be more practical as the temperature drops.
For a winter wedding, you might want to lean into the season and opt for a dress with long sleeves and a higher neckline. You could also consider a cape or a faux fur stole to keep you warm and add a stylish touch.
If you're planning a spring wedding, you might want to embrace the season of renewal and opt for a dress with floral details or pastel colours. A lighter fabric and a flowy silhouette will also reflect the freshness of the season.
It's also worth noting that January is considered the best time to buy a wedding dress, as it's when new runway collections hit the stores, and you might be able to snag a dress from last season at a discounted price. This gives you plenty of options to choose from and the opportunity to score a great deal.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a dress that makes you feel confident and beautiful. It's your day to shine, so go with your gut and trust that you'll find the perfect dress to celebrate your love.
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Leave time for wedding dress alterations
Wedding dress alterations are an integral part of the bridal fashion journey. To ensure a flawless fit and a stress-free experience, it is essential to allow ample time for alterations and fittings. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:
Start Early:
Buy your wedding dress early, ideally 10 months before the wedding. This will provide sufficient time for fittings and any necessary tailoring. Starting early also allows for any unexpected delays or adjustments. It is better to have some extra time than to rush the process and risk last-minute stress.
Research and Plan:
Conduct thorough research to find a trusted tailor or seamstress with experience altering wedding gowns, especially those similar to your dress style. Read reviews, seek recommendations, and inquire about their expertise with specific fabrics, styles, and embellishments. Planning is crucial to ensuring a smooth alteration process.
Schedule Fittings:
Schedule your first fitting approximately three months before the wedding. During this appointment, the tailor will assess the dress and determine the necessary alterations. The subsequent fittings will involve fine-tuning the dress to achieve the perfect fit. Most dresses undergo two to four rounds of alterations, so plan accordingly. The final fitting should take place no later than two weeks before the wedding.
Bring the Right Items:
It is essential to bring the correct undergarments and shoes you will wear on your wedding day to your fittings. This allows the tailor to assess how the dress sits on your body and adjust the hemline to the correct length. You can also bring your jewellery and veil to ensure that all the details complement your dress.
Complex Alterations:
If you require extensive customizations or are having a gown custom-made, allow for more time. These alterations can take six months or longer to complete. Discuss any custom additions or removals during your fittings, such as adjusting the hem length, adding straps, or changing the neckline.
Budget for Alterations:
Keep in mind that alterations are an additional expense. The cost can vary depending on the complexity of the alterations, fabric type, and any embellishments. On average, alterations range from $150 to $800, but some salons charge per service, which can affect the total cost. Include these costs in your wedding budget to avoid surprises.
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Frequently asked questions
Bridal shops typically don't carry last season's dresses in-store, so you may have to look for something else that's similar, or travel further to find a stockist. Most bridal retailers host two sample sales a year, usually in the summer and early winter, where you can find gowns at heavily discounted prices. You can also try second-hand sites like Preownedweddingdresses.com, or look at this season's dresses at stores like Davids Bridal, which tend to reflect designer styles.
The best time to buy your wedding dress is in January, as new runway collections hit stores and there are often sales. This gives you enough time to place your custom gown order and schedule alterations before your wedding.
Before you start shopping, consider your venue, dress code, the season you're getting married in, guest count, and preferred silhouettes. Do your research on boutiques and designers, and trust them to guide you. Keep an open mind and manage your expectations—the gown you've imagined may not exist in real life.
The price tag on your gown usually doesn't include alteration fees, accessories, your veil, shipping, sales tax, or any post-wedding dry cleaning and preservation, so keep this in mind when deciding on your budget. You should also be aware that many stores limit how many dresses a bride may try on per appointment.
