Tips for buying used wedding dress?

It just depends. Is the dress in the right size? A used dress may be more stretched out. Which store is the dress at online? Do you have a lot of good pictures and measurements from it? Length would be a concern for me because I'm tall. Usually you don't want to alter a dress more than 2 dress sizes. Just stuff to keep in mind, but 50 bucks is a good deal.

Ask if there's a return policy, perhaps. Ask to see more pictures of it.

I bought my dress on Poshmark it was used.

My friend who works at a bridal dress store was skeptical and I was like "screw you for not being happy for me!" But then she told me that wedding dresses are made to be worn only one time...the fabric is so fragile. So I would just make sure it is not overly used.

I bought mine directly from the person who wore it so we were able to share all of our sizes.

I got very lucky with mine! It literally fits me like it was made for me! I don't need any alterations and I spent a fraction of the full price.

I feel like $50 is such a good deal and it is THE dress you wanted that I would go for it.

That’s a great deal. I am completely with you on not wanting to spend $800 plus alterations on a dress I’ll wear once, but I also second Allie’s cautions about size and especially hem length. I also see what Future Mrs. McCully is saying about dresses being fragile and only meant to be worn once. So many of the samples Ive tried have had the zippers ripped out or other tips and tears, and while I know trying them on several times creates a lot of wear and tear, so does wearing a dress for 6+ hours and dancing and partying in it. If it’s invhood condition, clean, and close to your size I say go for it, but definitely ask for details and more pictures even first.

Sounds like a good deal! I would just make sure to ask questions to understand the real condition of the dress... some things to consider are:

has the dress been been cleaned since the person wore it? What kind of alterations have been done to it? How tall is the person/how tall were their shoes? What does shipping cost? How did they bustle it (will this bustle work for you)? Etc.

Ask many questions first and just consider that everyone is sized differently. Just because the previous owner bought it as a sz 12 doesn't mean that it's still that size. Literally 95% of brides have to have their gown altered in some way so ask what she had done. How tall is she? Did she get it hemmed to her normal height or her height in heels? Do you like the bustle she had added for the train? Did she already have it cleaned? Believe it or not your gown gets DIRTY on your wedding day.
In all honesty 50 is a wonderful price and If you get the dress and it doesn't work are you really out that much? I saybits worry a shot just keep all these other things in mind.

I'd say its $50 bucks. If you get it, and its crap, you're out $50. If you get it and it's worth it, you scored an epic deal.

I’ll be carful with seizes. Most of the time there’s alterations done so a size 4 dress is not really a size 4 anymore. I’ll also consider height, if the person is too short it would short on you. Make sure to ask for pictures to see if the dress is in good conditions and return policy. You might not like how it fits or how it looks on you.

You can't beat $50. Even if it doesn't work out it's $50 not $500

Along with what everyone else has been saying, get the exact bust, waist and hip measurements. Ask them to disclose any and all damage with photos. Some damage can be fixed and some can’t.

Always search used clothing stores or eBay. You can always find something beautiful and momential for half the cost

I say go for it. $50 is a great deal. I wouldn't be afraid to loose $50 .

I bought my $550 still had tags dress from a women who ended up getting pregnant before her big day for $30!!! She told me if I change my mind and I didnt like it as much as I thought that she would return my money. So maybe a return policy? Almost all brides have to have their dresses altered in one way or another

I would risk it, once I asked the seller the questions already mentioned (areas of damage to beading or stitching, tears in hem or around zipper or missing buttons or broken corset strings). Maybe ask the previous owner what size she wears in a top, bra, and pants in a brand you are familiar with . Most importantly, Alterations can be pricey ... decide how much your willing to invest in any alterations before buying something else.