Aisle be back!
Giving a second-hand wedding dress another trip to the altar is good for your wallet and the planet, says
AS the saying goes: brides need something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. But, who’s to say that ‘something old’ can’t be your wedding dress?
As well as being a sustainable option, a pre-loved or second-hand bridal outfit could potentially save you some serious cash. It might be a style-led decision, too, especially if you’d love to wear something vintage.
“Pre-loved options are much cheaper and come at a wide variety of price points,” says Anita Lo, owner of Clara’s Box (clarasbox.com, website coming soon), which sells vintage clothing and accessories. Anita also has an Etsy store.
Where should you look?
First off, have a look and see if any local shops in your area stock pre-loved dresses.
Sites like ebay may be worth a look, as well as charity shops like Oxfam, which has six wellstocked bridal boutiques across the country, as well as some dresses online.
There are also websites where brides can sell on their worn outfits, such as Stillwhite.com, Sellmyweddingdress.co.uk and Bride2bride. co.uk. If it’s something designer you’re after, The Loop has a curated selection of gorgeous pre-loved gowns, while Etsy can turn up vintage treasures.
Size up options
There are some important things to consider before buying a pre-loved wedding dress – including factoring in potential added costs for cleaning and alterations. Return policies can be different when you’re buying second-hand too.
Buying from a shop means you can try things on.
This may get trickier if you’re buying online.
If buying direct from a seller who previously wore the dress, you’ll usually be able to see photos of them wearing it and ask questions about the fit and sizing. It’s also helpful to keep in mind that bridal dress sizing often tends to come up smaller than for regular clothes.
“Make sure you have accurate measurements for bust, waist, hip, and height. Vintage dresses come smaller in sizes in comparison to modern clothing,” says Anita. “Wedding dresses might also have been altered to complement the previous owner. If the bride is unsure about the desired style of dress, it could be easier to sieve down the options by material or era.
“I’d recommend hiring a professional seamstress for repairs and more challenging alterations.”
What about cleaning?
Depending on where you are buying from, a pre-loved dress might need to be cleaned or given a refresh. Some sellers might have already taken care of this. But make sure you have a good idea of what condition the dress is in, so you can factor in any additional costs – and not get any nasty surprises when it arrives.
Lamprini Fameli, product expert at Philips, says: “An easy, affordable and effective way to spruce up your second-hand wedding dress is a handheld steamer [Philips has a 3000 Series Handheld Steamer for £37.99]. They can swiftly remove stubborn creases, providing a much-needed refresh ahead of the big day.
“But remember not all materials are suited to this type of touch-up.
“If you’re going to treat a dress to a steam, stick to fabrics like silk, tulle, organza and chiffon. These lightweight fabrics will be able to withstand the heat, and a quick steam will give them all a refreshed, airy quality.
“If your dress is made up with lace, velvet, satin or any type of beading, you’re best to avoid using a handheld steamer,” advises Lamprini.
Anita agrees it’s important to get this step absolutely right and suggests you consult with the experts if you’re unsure.
Pre-loved options are much cheaper... Anita Lo of Clara’s Box