How to buy Second Hand Wedding Dresses – A Buyer’s Guide

Buying a used wedding dress isn’t perhaps the most obvious thing that brides to be think about when they start to plan for their very special day. However, it really is a fantastic option for anybody on a budget.

Let’s face it, the total price of a wedding can easily reach tens of thousands so any single way that you can find to keep costs down is worth looking at. Of course, wedding dresses are available to suit all kinds of budgets – but if you have your heart set on a piece from a top wedding designer, buying second hand might offer you the most realistic way of getting your hands on your dream wedding dress.

Besides the obvious benefit of buying second hand wedding dresses in terms of keeping the price tag lower than it would be buying new, you might want to consider another important point. Your wedding dress is an item of clothing that you will only wear once. Many people come to the view that they don’t want to spend a ridiculous amount of money on a dress that they literally will only wear once and once only.

So, regardless of whether you are looking to buy a used wedding dress to keep the overall price of the big day down – or because it is the only way that you can realistically afford your absolute dream designer dress, looking at the second hand option is certainly well worth doing.

Of course, you might have already looked at many dresses and have a good idea of what you are looking for. Equally, your wedding dress might be something you’ve given little thought to before now. Either way, secondhandweddingdresses.co.uk is the ideal place to start your search.

Weddings are big business and several very profitable industries have sprung up over the decades, and some even rely on people getting married to keep going. From venues to caterers to florists; and from cars to stationery to entertainers. There are so many aspects to think of about the wedding day. Naturally, as the centre of attention for the day the bride’s dress gets a lot of attention too. Because of this, you will never be short of information, guidance and advice about what to look for in a wedding dress. From TV programmes to magazines and websites, there are plenty of sources of tips for soon-to-be brides to consider.

The thing is that it can all get quite confusing. Shopping for a wedding dress can be a bit of a minefield. You are likely to have quite a lot of questions. This Buyer’s Guide has been designed with this in mind. It aims to cover the frequently asked questions and common issues that anybody considering buying a wedding dress needs to think about – in a simple and clear way.

So, why not get started right now? Here’s our guide to buying second hand wedding dresses.

The first thing on our list of tips is to get to grips with the idea of buying a wedding dress online. Of course, the internet has completely revolutionised the way we shop, but for some the traditional experience of physically visiting shops and trying on clothes is one that they don’t want to lose. What’s more, for many women the choosing of a wedding dress is more of an event. It’s not unusual for brides to be to visit bridal shops with their mother and close female family and friends – the decision is so important that a lot of women seek that sense of approval from their loved ones.

Having said that, buying online provides an alternative experience that will be just as appealing to many. Looking for second hand wedding dresses online means that you can have your dream wedding dress delivered to your door – often at a fraction of the Recommended Retail Price. And all this is without the hassle of travelling and searching through shops. Buying used wedding dresses online is cost-effective and can be time-effective too.

Buying a wedding dress online generally falls into two categories. There are now several online bridal stores (some that supply both new and used items). Such businesses may choose to advertise their dresses on a platform such as this one. Other listings will be private sellers. In general, these will be people selling the wedding dress they wore on their own wedding day. Either way, there are a few things to consider.

Read Customer Reviews

As with anything online, customer reviews can be very helpful but they should always be taken with a pinch of salt. Firstly, a private seller selling their own dress is unlikely to have reviews, but an online bridal seller/store may well have several reviews. Reading what previous customers have said is a good idea to get a flavour of the service you can expect. As with all customer reviews, the most recent ones are often the most telling and reviews from certified buyers are the most reliable.

It’s not uncommon to see conflicting reviews. After all, it is very difficult to please everybody all of the time. Complaints and criticisms from individual customers can often be more down to poor choices made by the customer rather than anything bad that the seller has done.

All in all, the best advice regarding reviews is to refer to them but be aware that they don’t ever tend to give you a full picture.

Choose a fabric you like

A wedding dress need to feels right and much of that comes down to the feel of the fabric. If you are shopping in a physical store, you can run your fingers through the fabric of any dress you consider trying on. Online, this is not possible. This is why it makes sense to get to know different fabrics so you know what it is that you will be buying. Don’t underestimate the importance of comfort. Yes, the look of a wedding dress is very important but even the most stylish of second hand wedding dresses can ruin your day if it is uncomfortable to wear.

Be sensible and realistic about your budget and remember to factor in any extras that you really want. For example, you may want to purchase the likes of a veil separately. It might be the case that you will need to have some alterations made to the dress. Ensure that you have a rough idea of how much this kind of work might cost.

Is something too cheap?

The old adage of ‘If something appears too good to be true, then it probably is’ applies to pretty much everything in life – and second hand wedding dress shopping is no exception. Yes, it is perfectly possible to pick up a great used wedding dress at a fantastic price, but when something just appears to be too cheap, that’s probably a good reason to avoid it and leave it alone.

Take your time

One of the major advantages of buying second hand wedding dresses online is that you can save yourself a lot of time by not having to physically visit shops. However, you should still take your time. Never impulse buy a wedding dress! It is always good advice to suppress your urge to buy. Sleep on it instead and then see how you feel in the cold light of another day. Usually, at this point you will know whether it feels like the right thing to do or not.

Purchase in advance

Typically, the ‘window’ for waiting for your order to be ready on a wedding dress is quicker online than it would be in a conventional bridal shop. If you want to make a quick purchase and you have left things quite late, you are far less likely to be disappointed by buying online. Having said that, you should always try to purchase as much in advance as you can. You need to allow time for delivery, but also for any alterations that are necessary to be made too.

One of the potential negatives of buying online rather than in a shop is, of course, that you can’t try on dress and after dress to find one you love. However, it’s also worth remembering that it is very rare – even in bridal shops – to find a dress off the peg that fits perfectly. It is usual for some alterations to be needed.

A decent seamstress will be able to do wonders with a dress that is too large. By taking in and trimming it down a perfect fit can be achieved. However, even the most skilled of seamstresses will struggle to make alterations to a dress that is too small. They are not miracle workers or magicians! A size up from your normal size will normally be absolutely fine.

Nobody wants to make a mistake with any sort of purchase. This is especially true of a one-off item of so much importance like the dress you choose to wear on your wedding day. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and to seek clarification from the seller. Good communication costs nothing and is the mark of a good seller. Furthermore, any decent seller will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

Now we’ve looked at some basic tips about the business of buying secondhand wedding dresses online, it’s now time to look at the specifics. There are a massive range of different styles and cuts that can be incorporated into the design of a wedding dress and wedding dress shopping can seem like you are trapped in some sort of maze, especially if you don’t know ‘the vocabulary’ of a wedding dress and the key terms that go along with it.

Here are the terms you should know about.

Often it is the skirt part of the dress and how it hangs to the floor that gets most of the attention with second hand wedding dresses, but the top section is incredibly important in terms of the overall look of the dress. As with the skirt, this top section – known as the bodice – comes in a very wide variety of forms and styles.

It is the match of bodice and skirt that combines to give the silhouette of the dress. Getting the match right between top section and bottom section is crucial. The most popular styles of bodice are as follows:

Halter-neck – This style leaves the shoulders exposed but is not entirely strapless. The halter-neck style has straps that hang from the bust and that fasten around the neck.

Off-the-shoulder – This style, also known as ‘boat’ and ‘bateau’, runs on a horizontal across the shoulders, leaving the collarbone open and exposed. This wide neckline has become very popular indeed.

Plunging/V-neck – Here the emphasis is on the décolletage. Plunging or V-neck bodices come with straps and also in strapless versions.

Scoop– A scoop bodice creates a lower neckline by opening up the chest area. Curved cuts are perhaps the most common, but square cuts can also be seen.

Spaghetti straps – In this design of bodice a plunging backline or a low neckline – or even both – are made possible by slender straps (hence the term ‘spaghetti’) that support the bodice’s structure.

Strapless– Another style that remains popular is a strapless bodice. This design leaves the shoulders open and exposed. However, whilst all strapless dresses share that important feature they come in a variety of forms. A strapless dress can have a sweetheart design, a corset, or a high-neck – to name just a few.

Sweetheart – An apt bodice design for a wedding dress is a sweetheart. This features a heart-shaped neckline dipping softly into a gently V in the middle of the cut. Sweetheart bodices are one of the most popular options there is.

As previously mentioned, it tends to be the bottom section of a wedding dress that gets most of the attention. The reason for this is that it is largely the skirt which dictates the shape and overall look of the dress. In terms of getting your desired look, it is all about choosing a skirt shape that matches your body type. When you do this you end up with a skirt that flatters your figure.

A-line – The A-line skirt is one of the most popular skirt designs for second hand wedding dresses. The cut gradually flows from the waist to the hemline. In essence, it is a subtler version of a ballgown, which for all its fairytale appeal can be a bit over the top for some women. Because of the subtlety and gradual flow, an A-line design suits all body types well.

Ballgown – A ballgown skirt is the classic, full, fairytale look. Think Cinderella and think an absolute showstopper – that’s your ballgown. The skirt flares dramatically at the waist of a fitted bodice. The result is eye-catching. For many, this will always be the ultimate used wedding dress silhouette.

Empire – An underrated classic. The Empire skirt is high-waisted, flowing from just below the bust. It’s a look that won’t suit all body types – but when it does suit the body type, it is a striking look indeed.

Mermaid/Fishtail – Another perennial favourite. The Mermaid skirt conjures up the same dreamy connotations as the Ballgown. A Mermaid design has a fishtail cut that is tapered to the knee. From there it strikes out to emphasise a classic hourglass shape.

Mini – The mini skirt is your classic short styling of dress above the knee. Minis can come either fitted or with a 1950s full look.

Sheath – The Sheath is narrow, long body, figure-hugging silhouette than skims right from the neckline to the floor.

Trumpet – A trumpet skirt is another body-hugging design. It hugs the contours of the body down to the mid-thigh, then flares out. This is another striking and impressive look.

You shouldn’t underestimate the importance of the sleeves on a wedding dress. Of course, it is a matter of choice. Some ladies will prefer to cover up their arms. If this is the case there are a variety of elegant long sleeved looks that look very impressive. Similarly, baring more skin can look fantastic too. Indeed, in many way, the sleeve design you opt for really define a dress. A single feature can actually go a long way in terms of transforming an entire look.

Here are some of the most popular types of sleeve designs for second hand wedding dresses:

Bell – Bell sleeves are fitted as far down the arm as the elbow. From the elbow they billow out at the wrist.

Capped – This is a short and slightly rounded over the shoulder look. It creates a striking, vintage look – a true classic design.

Dolman - Dolman sleeves are also known as Bat sleeves. The look is that of a wide sleeve. It goes under the armhole and is attached to the bodice. A Dolman sleeve narrows at the wrist.

Kimono – For something a bit different, you could try Oriental-inspired Kimono sleeves. These wide-style sleeves, based on the Japanese kimono tend to light, flowing and long. Kimono sleeves are an acquired taste and a look that not everyone will be able to pull off comfortably. However, it can look beautiful and particularly striking when matched with the right used wedding dress silhouette.

Puff – Puff sleeves are gathered at the shoulder. This adds considerable volume to create an eye-catching look.

Three-quarter length – This is a sleeve that does exactly what it says on the tin - finishing between the lady’s elbow and wrist.

Veils were a staple of the traditional wedding in years gone by. However, as often happens with fashion, styles and looks tend to fall out of favour – and this was the case with the veil.

These days though the veil is very much enjoying a real resurgence in popularity. Many brides now see the veil as a vital accessory, one that really cap off a wedding outfit – adding a tasteful sense of timeless glamour to the overall look.

Of course, the style and look of a veil must be carefully chosen to complement the particular style of a wedding gown.  Indeed, the look and length are vital considerations. What’s more a woman’s chosen hairstyle for the big day can really impact on how effective the look of a veil might be.

If you get the choice of veil spot on it can really be a head-turner. Here are some of the most popular looks.

Blusher – For a subtle look that will still impress greatly, a blusher veil is a great addition to second hand wedding dresses. The blusher is a short veil that literally skims the chin over the face.

Cathedral– A cathedral veil tends to be the veiling of choice for royal weddings. This is probably because a cathedral veil is long and typically falls over a train. It is a really show-stopping look that is the ultimate fairytale vibe. It’s fitting for grand occasions and settings – as royal weddings tend to be.

Chapel – On similar line to a cathedral veil is a chapel veil. This is floor-length. There’s no doubting that a chapel veil provides a dramatic look.

Elbow – An elbow veil offers a long, classic length. It is certain to add a touch of drama to proceedings, without overpowering the overall look or detracting from the dress itself.

Fingertip– As the name suggests, a fingertip veil reaches as far as the fingertips. This is a real bold statement to make

Shoulder – A shoulder veil extends to the shoulders in elegant fashion.

Waltz– This is your classic, traditional knee-length veil.

Something that is often overlooked – or not thought about in enough detail – is the fabric of a wedding dress. As with pretty much every aspect of second hand wedding dresses, you are likely to be faced with a plethora of choices. The thing is the fabric of a dress is very important. Firstly, it has to comfortable. A wedding dress might look stunning but if you are not comfortable in it, you simply will not enjoy the day.

Secondly, you need to ensure that the fabrics of a dress match the setting for the wedding, any theme that you might have – and also the time of year you are getting married in. Not only that, well selected fabrics contribute greatly to the overall wearability of any wedding dress. The fabric of a gown goes a long in maintaining the shape of a dress. The fabric should sculpt to your figure and support it – as well as looking superb, of course.

The following is by means a complete and exhaustive list of fabrics used in wedding dresses. However, these are some of the most popular and frequently seen.

Brocade – If you are planning to get married during the colder, winter months you might want to consider brocade as the fabric for your dress. It is a heavier fabric ideal for lower temperatures.

Chantilly – Chantilly is a fine lace that is a staple choice of fabric for wedding dresses. Typically it is used with floral designs.

Chiffon – Chiffon is a popular wedding dress fabric, not least because of its versatility. Chiffon can be constructed from silk, polyester or cotton. Unsurprisingly, wedding dress designers like the variety that chiffon offers, as well as the fact that it is such a light and sheer fabric.

Crêpe – Less common, but a striking choice and a great addition to wedding dress design is crêpe. It is a crimped and ultra-lightweight material that, again, can be made from several sources: silk, wool or synthetic fibre.

Organza– Organza can be made from nylon, silk or polyester. It creates a textured and sheer feel.

Satin – Another popular choice, satin is best known for its shiny and smooth feel. It is densely woven and comes in a variety of forms.

Taffeta – Taffeta is a woven fabric that comes in a real sheen. It comes in soft and stiff forms. It is increasingly popular in wedding dress design.

Tulle – Tulle is a stiffer fabric choice that can offer a great amount of support to the structure of a wedding dress. It is translucent, which offers many design benefits. It also comes from a variety of materials, including cotton, silk, nylon and rayon.

Velvet– As a thick and luxe fabric, velvet (made using silk or cotton) tends to be used sparingly in wedding dress design. However, when it is used it can be simply stunning and become a real feature of a gown.

Voile – Voile is becoming more and more popular. It is a lightweight fabric that is semi-transparent in its look.

The hem of second hand wedding dresses. Sadly, in this country, you always need to consider the weather. Therefore the hem of a dress is very much a practical concern. Particular consideration needs to be given to the time of year (not that sunny conditions are guaranteed at any time of the year in the UK!). You also need to consider the practicality of the wedding venue itself.

But the hem of used wedding dresses isn’t just an issue of practicalities. The hemline is a key factor in the aesthetic of the gown and theme for your special day – all of this will help you decide on the ideal length for your dress.

Ballerina – This is a classic look that falls to ankle-length.

Hi-lo – As the name suggests, a Hi-lo hem is a combination. To the back it hangs to floor-length. However, to the front it is cut to the mid-calf or higher.

Mini – A mini hem is cut to fall above the knee.

Street – On the other hand, a street hem is one that falls just below the knee.

Tea-length – Tea length hems have grown in popularity in recent years. This type of hem stops at the mid-calf point. It is certainly a fashionable look that is currently very much on trend.

Buying used wedding dresses will save you a considerable amount of money. Weddings are never cheap and saving money on the dress certainly frees up more cashfor you to spend on the many other aspects of the day that need to be considered.

If you follow the advice given in this Buyer's Guide you will be well on the way to finding the perfect second hand wedding dress for your special day. There is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t be able to find your dream wedding dress online.

Remember to do your research beforehand before you start your online search for a second hand wedding dress. As you will have seen from the details contained in this Buyer’s Guide, there is a lot more to choosing the ideal wedding dress than simply picking a dress by a designer you like in your size.

The bodice and skirt (the top and bottom sections) of a wedding dress combine to create the overall silhouette, but there is much more to it than that. You need to think about the veil, the sleeves, the hem and the fabric of the dress – only when all these elements work together will you have found your perfect dress.

Therefore, it really helps if you know exactly what type of dress you are looking for from the outset. This is why it really pays to do your research and homework first. Put some effort in beforehand and it will only will make your search easier overall.

Use this Buyer’s Guide as a checklist when you are considering purchasing a second hand wedding dress. If you want more specific and detailed information about the types and styles of wedding dressthat are available on the market, you can take a look at the guides on the other pages of the site.

We wish you all the best in your search for your dream wedding dress!