Buying and Selling a PreOwned Wedding Dress

The Santa Fe Wedding Planner is very pleased to host guest blogger Josie Daga, founder of PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com today. Thank you Josie for sharing your expert advice not only advising brides on how they can save $$$ before the wedding, but recoup some of the dollars spent after the your nuptials too.

Smart Savings: When It Pays to Recycle

Buying a pre-owned wedding dress (and selling your dress after the wedding to recoup some costs) is an idea whose time has come.

Most wedding dresses that are used, have only been “used” for about 5 hours.  And brides can get a pre-owned dress for 50% (or more) off of the retail price. So if you are looking to save money on your wedding, without skimping, a pre-owned wedding dress is a perfect choice.

Here’s our advice for buying online, if you're in the market for a used wedding bridal gown: 

1. Research the gown’s retail price. Look online and in bridal boutiques. Check how similar pre-owned ones are priced.  Knowing a dress’ market value will help you in your negotiations.
   
   
2. If possible, try the gown on at a local store.  Many pre-owned gowns are still available at retail.  Trying the gown on first will allow you to see how it fits/flatters your figure.
   
   
3. Ask questions about every detail.  Ask when and where the gown was purchased.  Ask to see a copy of the original receipt if the seller kept it.  Ask about fabric, detailing, fit alterations, and flaws. Get photographs of the gown from all necessary angles, including any of flaws/imperfections.
   
   
4. If applicable, confirm if the gown is authentic to the designer and not a copy. A certificate of authenticity, a photo of the label, or an indication on a store receipt is all ways to confirm this.
   
   
5. Confirm if/how the dress was cleaned and stored. If the gown is over 2 years old, ask about yellowing of any lace or other fine fabric.

6. Protect yourself in an online transaction.  Use a protected payment service like escrow.com you have recourse if an issue arises.

If you smartly decided to sell your wedding dress after your wedding, here’s what you can expect.  Typically a used gown, in excellent condition, that is less than two years old will sell for 50% of its retail price.  Older gowns and gowns will some flaws (dirt on hem etc) also sell, with a price adjustment for those factors.

And if you are among the growing number of brides who purchased a wedding dress, but ended up wearing a different one --You can expect to sell an unworn (new or sample) gown for 25% less than the price paid.

For more info on the dresses shown here:

Above: Vera Wang, Helene, label size 6, (street size 4)

Below: Dress by Rivini, label size 10 (street size 6)