Rhiannon Hendricks
There are many places to buy wedding dresses, from niche bridal boutiques to popular online retailers. Some brides opt for second-hand or pre-owned dresses, which can be found on sites like Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, and Poshmark, or in thrift stores like Goodwill. For those looking for a unique, custom-made dress, sites like Etsy offer a range of independent designers and small artists. Popular online retailers for new wedding dresses include Lulus, David's Bridal, and Azazie, each offering a variety of styles, from casual to glamorous, and traditional to modern. Ultimately, the most important thing is how the bride feels in the dress, and with so many options available, finding the perfect one is an exciting part of the wedding planning process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dress | New, used, pre-owned, sample, custom-made, second-hand, vintage, designer, non-traditional, casual, trendy, traditional, modern, minimalist, dramatic, glamorous, simple, ball gown, mermaid silhouette, fitted, full skirt, long sleeve, short, sundress, jumpsuit, pantsuit, beach, luxe, A-line, trumpet, drop waist, empire waist, tea-length, straight cut, asymmetrical, vintage, bohemian, princess, fairy, coloured, white |
| Where to Buy | Niche bridal boutiques, David's Bridal, Lulus, Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, Azazie, Etsy, eBay, Poshmark, Goodwill, thrift stores, rental shops, Google Maps, wedding dress rental |
| Cost | Average wedding dress in the US: $2,000-$4,000. David's Bridal: under $100 to $2,000. Other brands: up to $10,000. Stillwhite: under $600. |
| Other Considerations | Silhouette, fabric, colour, size, venue, theme, details, hemline, neckline, undergarments, bustle style, budget, reception dress, seller ratings, return policy, appraisal |
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What You'll Learn
Online marketplaces for pre-owned dresses
Online Marketplaces for Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses
There are many online marketplaces for pre-owned wedding dresses, which can be a great way to find your dream dress at a fraction of the cost of retail. Buying pre-owned is also a more sustainable option, giving a dress a new lease of life and reducing the environmental footprint of your wedding.
One popular platform is Stillwhite, which claims to be the largest global marketplace for preowned wedding dresses, with over 96,940 gowns for sale. You can browse hundreds of designers and pay safely using PayPal. Borrowing Magnolia is another user-friendly platform, offering a wide range of styles, colours, and silhouettes at attractive price points. The site also allows you to buy and sell bridesmaid dresses and wedding accessories.
If you're looking to avoid commission fees, Once Wed is a good option, charging a flat fee of $19.95 to list your dress with no additional commission. The platform offers seller and fraud protection and a secure messaging service. Nearly Newlywed is another option, connecting brides with dresses, and handling all buyer interactions and shipping on behalf of the seller.
For those who prefer a more familiar platform, eBay is a great option for buying and selling pre-owned wedding dresses. With an extensive user base, seller protection, and customer support, eBay offers specific search functions to help you find your perfect gown. Alternatively, Poshmark is a user-friendly app for buying and selling clothing and accessories, including wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses.
Finally, for those who want a more traditional in-person experience, The Knot Vendor Marketplace can help you find a bridal salon near you that specialises in consignment wedding dresses.
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Bridal boutiques
One such boutique is Bridal Extraordinaire, a family-owned business and top bridal shop in Kansas City. They offer a hand-picked selection of wedding dresses and a team of expert stylists to help you find the perfect one for you. Another option is Emily Hart Bridal, also in Kansas City, which offers a luxury shopping experience with designer gowns from all over the world, as well as a team of professional stylists to help you find your dream dress.
The Gown Gallery, located in Kansas City, Missouri, carries designer gowns and accessories for weddings in an elegant loft space. For those who want a more unique and modern option, Lulus offers casual wedding dresses, wedding jumpsuits, and dresses in trending colours and patterns. Lulus also has a team of personal stylists ready to give you the VIP treatment and help you find a dress that fits your budget and style.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, you can buy a wedding dress directly from another bride online. Websites like Stillwhite and Nearly Newlywed offer pre-owned, used, and sample wedding dresses at a fraction of the cost of retail, including designer gowns.
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High street shops
There are many high street shops that offer a range of wedding dresses. Here are some suggestions:
Whistles
Whistles offers wedding dresses that look far more expensive than they are. One customer reported that her £650 dress looked like it cost £2000-£3000.
Ghost
Ghost has a concession in Fenwick's on Northumberland Street, Newcastle, and you can definitely find one in Manchester. They offer bias-cut gowns in oyster or cream, which are described as "a bit sexy [and] very elegant."
Reiss
Reiss has a range of dresses fit for the modern bride in sizes UK 6-18. They offer feather-trimmed minis and Grecian-style midis, as well as maxi dresses like the Leena Atelier Zipped Maxi Dress with Virgin Wool in Ivory.
Wed2B
Wed2B has shops in the UK and Ireland and offers a range of wedding dresses priced from £599 to £999 in sizes 6 to 30. You can try on as many dresses as you like in your own size, and if you find your perfect dress, you can take it home the same day.
Phase Eight
Phase Eight has a range of wedding dresses, although one customer reported a poor experience with the brand, saying that the dresses she ordered were misshapen and badly made.
In addition to these shops, high-street and mid-range brands like H&M and Reformation offer luxury-looking pieces that can be tailored to create the perfect fit. Designer brands like Self-Portrait and 16 Arlington also include white, ivory, and cream dresses at lower price points, allowing you to get a big fashion name for a fraction of the cost. London-based 'It'-brand Rixo also offers a range of luxe, vintage-inspired dresses at great price points.
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Department stores
One notable department store for wedding dresses is Saks Fifth Avenue, known for its robust designer clothing collections. Brides can find stylish and sophisticated gowns from renowned designers such as Amsale, Bronx and Banco, Sachin & Babi, and A.L.C. The department store offers a range of silhouettes, including sleek column gowns, wrap dresses, modern jumpsuits, and tasteful mini dresses.
Another popular option is Anthropologie, which offers a seamless blend of online and in-store shopping experiences. Brides can browse their desired dresses online and then schedule a free appointment to try them on at a local Anthropologie store. Anthropologie also provides a wide range of wedding accessories, from "something blue" shoes to cathedral-length veils, making it a one-stop shop for curating your entire wedding day look.
For brides on a budget, Lulus is a highly recommended online department store. They offer a curated collection of wedding dresses, ranging from trendy to timeless and casual to luxe styles. Lulus has something for every body and budget, with sizes from XXS to 3X and most dresses priced under $600. Additionally, Lulus encourages brides to express their personal style, recommending comfortable and casual wedding dresses that allow for a fun and social wedding reception.
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Second-hand shops
There are many online and in-person options for purchasing a second-hand wedding dress. Borrowing Magnolia is an online platform that offers an easy, transparent, and user-friendly way to shop for second-hand wedding dresses. You can browse their selection of curated dresses, interact with the seller, and purchase your dream dress in a few simple steps.
Stillwhite is another online option with over 96,000 wedding gowns for sale. You can chat with sellers, meet them, or have them ship the dress to you. They offer a safe payment system and the opportunity to sell your dress on their platform after your wedding.
Nearly Newlywed is a great choice for those seeking a seamless and accurate shopping experience. They offer a wide selection of new and pre-owned designer wedding dresses, a size and fit guide, and a risk-free return policy on most dresses.
If you prefer an in-person shopping experience, you can visit local consignment salons or bridal resale shops. Bridal Reloved, for example, is a network of award-winning bridal boutiques specializing in sample and pre-owned high-end designer wedding dresses. They are a carbon-neutral business and part of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation Community, committed to a circular economy.
Vinted is another online platform with a vibrant community of sellers, offering an eclectic mix of used wedding gowns, from designer labels to unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. Their user-friendly interface and direct chat feature with sellers make the buying process smooth and secure.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy a wedding dress online from websites like Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, Lulus, David's Bridal, Azazie, and Etsy.
It's important to consider the venue and theme of your wedding. For example, a beach wedding might call for a short dress to show off your legs, or a halter neckline to showcase your shoulders. You might also want to consider the silhouette of the dress, such as a ball gown, A-line, or trumpet style.
The average cost of a wedding dress in the US is $2,000-$4,000. However, prices can vary depending on the brand and style of the dress, with some dresses costing up to $10,000 or more.
Yes, you can buy second-hand wedding dresses from websites like Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, Poshmark, eBay, or from local thrift stores or bridal resale shops. You can also rent a wedding dress from rental shops or online platforms.
It is common for brides to wear slips to keep their skirts in place, adhesive bras for strapless gowns, and shapewear to create a smooth and secure look. It's a good idea to bring these undergarments with you when you go dress shopping to ensure a perfect fit.
