Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding dress shopping can be a stressful experience, but it's important to remember that it should be a magical process. There are many options available to suit different preferences and budgets. For those who want to try on dresses in-store, bridal boutiques and larger stores are an option, but these can be expensive. Outlets and sample sales can be more affordable, and some stores sell pre-owned dresses for charity. Online options include Stillwhite, David's Bridal, Lulus, Azazie, and eBay, Depop, and Facebook groups for second-hand dresses. For custom-made dresses, local bridal tailors can be surprisingly affordable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Budget-friendly | David's Bridal, Lulus, Azazie, Stillwhite, eBay, Depop, consignment shops, bespoke salons |
| New dresses | David's Bridal, Lulus, Azazie, Park and Fifth, bespoke salons |
| Pre-owned or sample dresses | Stillwhite, eBay, Depop, consignment shops, boutiques, bespoke salons |
| Try-on option | Luxe Redux Bridal, David's Bridal, Lulus, Azazie, bespoke salons |
| Wide selection | David's Bridal, Lulus, Azazie, Stillwhite, boutiques, bespoke salons |
| Custom sizing | Azazie |
| Wide range of styles | David's Bridal, Lulus, Azazie, boutiques, bespoke salons |
| Wide range of sizes | Lulus, David's Bridal |
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What You'll Learn
Online marketplaces for preowned dresses
There are several online marketplaces for preowned wedding dresses. Stillwhite, the largest global marketplace for preowned wedding dresses, offers over 60,000 listings, including designer gowns from Vera Wang and Pronovias. It charges a listing fee of $25 for a basic listing and $35 for a premium one, but does not take any commission.
Another option is Borrowing Magnolia, which offers a wide range of styles, colours, and silhouettes, and allows you to connect and chat securely with dress owners. The platform also provides tips for taking attractive photos of your dress, such as capturing multiple angles and close-up details.
Nearly Newlywed is a user-friendly platform that handles all buyer interactions and shipping for sellers. It has a quick and easy application process, requiring only measurements, a description, and photos of the gown.
BravoBride is a perfect choice if you're looking to sell not just your wedding dress but also bridal shoes, jewellery, veils, and other accessories. The platform does not take any commission from sales. Wore It Once is another platform that allows sellers to set up a virtual shop and charge whatever they like without taking any commission.
Other online marketplaces for preowned wedding dresses include Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay. When choosing a platform, it's important to consider factors such as commission fees, shipping arrangements, and the ability to interact directly with buyers.
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Bridal boutiques
One popular bridal boutique is Lovely Bride, which has 19 shops across the US and one in the UK. They stock sought-after designers like SAINT Bridal, NEWHITE, Sarah Seven, Made With Love, Alexandra Grecco, and Rue De Seine. Their opening price point is $2,000, with most dresses under $3,000, and they cater to all body types, carrying a selection of samples in plus sizes.
Another option is Azazie, which offers bridesmaid dresses and wedding gowns starting at $69. They believe in body-positive fashion and made-to-order dresses, reducing waste and environmental impact. They have a range of styles, from modern to classic, elegant to bohemian, ensuring there is something for every bride.
David's Bridal is also worth considering, especially if you're looking for a bargain. They often have sales, and with many locations closing, you might just find your dream dress at a heavily discounted price.
If you're looking for a unique, custom-made gown, consider seeking out local bridal tailors or bespoke salons. You might be surprised at how affordable they can be, and you'll have the added benefit of a dress designed specifically for your body and style.
Lastly, don't forget to explore pre-owned and sample dress options at bridal boutiques. Stillwhite, for example, is the largest global marketplace for pre-owned wedding dresses, offering designer gowns at affordable prices. You can also try Luxe Redux Bridal, which sells floor samples, or local boutiques dedicated to reselling used dresses.
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Bespoke salons
Bespoke bridal salons offer a unique and personalised experience for brides-to-be. These salons are known for their innovative and refreshing approach to wedding dress shopping, breaking away from the traditional high-pressure sales pitch. Instead, they create a celebratory and pressure-free environment, allowing you to find a dress that reflects your personal style while still feeling like a bridal gown.
Bespoke Bride, located in Bend, Oregon, exemplifies this new wave of bridal salons. They offer a thoughtfully curated selection of dresses, catering to various styles, from classic and bridal to fun, boho, and even plus-size options. Their stylists go above and beyond, encouraging you to experiment with different styles and even accessories to ensure you find "the dress".
Another notable bespoke salon is Bespoke Bridal by Julisa Tovar in Orange, California. Julisa is highly recommended for her talent, professionalism, and attention to detail. She works closely with brides to bring their ideas to life, offering customisations like adding sparkly tulle or push-up cups to their gowns. Julisa's accommodating nature and excellent communication ensure that brides feel confident and at ease throughout the process.
When considering a bespoke salon, it is worth noting that these boutiques may offer surprisingly affordable options. You can discuss your budget and timeline with the designer, who can then create a custom gown incorporating elements from their collection or your inspirations. This personalised approach ensures you get a dress that you love and feel perfect in, even on a tight schedule or budget.
If you are open to exploring bespoke salons, a simple online search for those near your location can be a great starting point. You can also seek recommendations from other brides or wedding planning communities, who can share their firsthand experiences and offer valuable insights to help guide your decision.
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Department stores
Variety of Options
Designer Brands
Many department stores stock renowned designer brands, allowing you to access luxurious and sophisticated wedding attire. For instance, Saks Fifth Avenue offers bridal attire from designers like Amsale, Bronx and Banco, Sachin & Babi, and A.L.C. Nordstrom, another popular department store, carries designs from Jenny Yoo, Watters, and Mirror Palais, offering ultra-feminine styles with ruffles and soft tulle embroidery.
Online and In-Store Shopping
Some department stores, like Anthropologie, offer a seamless blend of online and in-person shopping experiences. You can browse their collection online and then make an appointment to try on your favourite dresses at a local store. This hybrid approach saves time and provides a more efficient shopping journey.
Convenient Services
Sample Sales and Discounts
Keep an eye out for department store sample sales and discounts, which can help you snag your dream dress at a fraction of the original price. Luxe Redux Bridal, for instance, sells floor samples, allowing you to purchase a dress off the rack and avoid the wait times of ordering a new gown.
Remember, when visiting department stores, you can explore various styles and designers in one place, making it a convenient and efficient option for finding your perfect wedding dress.
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Consignment shops
If you're looking for a wedding dress at a lower price point, consignment shops are a great option. Consignment boutiques offer new, sample, and second-hand bridal gowns, veils, jewellery, and accessories. You can find consignment shops online or in physical stores.
For instance, Something Borrowed Bridal Boutique is a consignment shop that offers new, sample, and pre-loved bridal gowns, veils, and accessories. They operate by appointment only, so be sure to plan ahead if you're considering visiting them.
You can also find consignment shops on Facebook Marketplace, which offers a wide selection of dresses in various sizes. Some Facebook Marketplace shops are dedicated to reselling used dresses for charity, so you can support a good cause while finding your dream dress.
Another popular option for consignment dresses is Stillwhite, the largest global marketplace for pre-owned wedding dresses. With over 97,021 wedding gowns for sale, you're sure to find a dress that suits your style and budget. Stillwhite offers designer gowns at affordable prices, and you can even sell your dress on the platform after your wedding to recoup some of your expenses.
When considering consignment shops, keep in mind that you may need to pay for alterations to ensure the dress fits you perfectly. However, with the money saved by choosing a consignment dress, you can afford to splurge on alterations and still stay within your budget.
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Frequently asked questions
You can find a wedding dress within your budget by looking at pre-owned, used, or sample dresses. Websites such as Stillwhite, TheRealReal, Vestiaire, eBay, Depop, and charity shops offer second-hand wedding dresses at a fraction of the cost of retail. You can also look at sales at outlets such as David's Bridal, or look at budget-friendly options at Lulus, Azazie, and Anthropologie.
You can find a custom-made wedding dress by reaching out to local bridal tailors or designers. You can also take a look at bespoke salons near you.
It is important to consider the style of your venue and the kind of celebration you are planning. For example, a casual city hall wedding or a beach ceremony may call for a more simple or boho-inspired dress. You can also take a wedding dress quiz to get style recommendations or book an appointment with a personal stylist to try on different gowns.
