Anyone else buying a used wedding dress?

If you love it, I say go for it!!!

I attempted to buy a used dress from a consignment store. I went to the 4 stores in my area several times over the course of a few months, but never found anything I liked. I think that if you found the same dress that you have already tried on (same designer, etc) and it's just used you should definitely go for it. If you know it looks good on you already, why not? Just double check the alterations that have been made to ensure it will fit. I'd go for it!

I was afraid of buying used, even if you know the bridal size, you don't know what alterations were done to fit that other person's body. It's a great idea in theory, especially if you are a smaller size, but if you can go try on the dress, even better.

I bought a sample and love it!

I didnt but only b/c I could not find a consignment shop in the area that had dresses less then the new ones @ DB...

I found my dress at Vows, its not 'used' per se but its a trunk/sample sale dress so it wasn't new either. It was the one I'd be fantasizing about, but at $6950 retail there is no way I could have had it unless I went the used/sample route. It was absolutely exactly what I wanted and fit perfect - if you found the one you love used GO FOR IT!

I have been looking into doing this. Cheaper way to get the dress I would like to have without breaking the bank.

I'd say if you're smaller than the suggested dress size (after alterations were made) then go for it! I'd also ask if it doesn't fit (due to it being way too tight) if you could get a refund after like... 2 weeks. Minus shipping costs.

@tatems what was your experience with Vows? I had a friend go and she said it was terrible and she ended up finding her dress somewhere else. However, for some reason she bought a dress there (that she can't return) so I'm confused. What's your take?

I didn't because I feel like that's bad luck!! But it is cheaper and in reality it probably isn't!

@Victoria - All in all it was good, initally the consultant wasn't as helpful as I had expected and I got really overwhelmed - but once we established my dress was 'my dress' she was great. I ended getting even further discounts by not having to do alterations and carrying it away then and there! She really worked with me which was awesome. For anyone who wants designer on a budgets Id definitely recommend them

My dress was pre-owned - but it was in fact never worn. It was custom made for a bride who had second thoughts and was never wed. I bought it for $200 and the alterations will only cost me $25. I was able to spend the rest of my $1,500 I saved up for a dress purchase on a photobooth and an appetizer upgrade. Totally worth it!

I also bought mine pre-owned, never worn (the bride bought it and changed her mind). It was my dream dress that I tried on in a boutique and I found it online for half price. We are also using the extra money for upgrades. I also knew what size I needed, though. That's the biggest risk, because if you order it too small/large, your savings are negated and chances of you getting rid of it are slim to none. It's a risk, but it's one that paid off for me.

I plan on selling my dress after my big day.

I did check consignment shops here in my area, but they did not carry what I was looking for.

When I was directing "A Midsummer Night's Dream," I needed 4-5 wedding gowns. I went to several second-hand and charity stores. Most I found were absolutely horrendous, but within my theatre budget, so I bought them. There was one, however, that was one of the most beautiful dresses I ever saw. If it was my size, I would have kept it after the show. I think I paid $60 for it and it was perfect - no tears, clean, etc.

I think its a no brainer! Buy it and hurry up! Lol

The original dress I wanted to buy was a Lazaro that was $6K retail. I did find it for less than half on preowneddresses.com, but the alterations would have cost me a fortune. If you can find the dress you want and know you can handle the alterations, GO FOR IT!

We have a store called Cherished Bridals in north NJ, and I only discovered it because one of my brides looked just so amazing that I wanted to know where she got it. It was gorgeous.

You might try 'Bridal Garden' too;they sell samples, consignment and used gowns.

Why not!!??

I bought mine used (at a brides against breast cancer event) and I have bo regrets.

I was open to buying an used dress (just make sure it is clean and no rips in the fabric) but I found a better deal on a sample dress I loved. I think you should definitely go for it, there is no shame in buying an used dress.

I bought a 1940s gown from a vintage clothing shop. Even with alterations and dry cleaning, it was very inexpensive.