Because the saying goes: brides want one thing previous, one thing new, one thing borrowed and one thing blue. After all, it’s 2024 – you’ll be able to put on no matter you want! However, who’s to say that ‘one thing previous‘ can’t be your wedding ceremony gown?
In addition to being a sustainable choice, a pre-loved or second-hand bridal outfit might doubtlessly prevent some severe money. It is perhaps a style-led choice, too, particularly if you happen to’d like to put on one thing classic.
“Pre-loved choices are less expensive and are available at all kinds of worth factors. Moreover, brides-to-be can select from designs/kinds and supplies spanning many years which are sustainable and timeless,” says Anita Lo, proprietor of Clara’s Field (clarasbox.com, web site coming quickly), which sells classic clothes and accessories. Lo additionally has an Etsy retailer.
“For instance, silk clothes with lengthy skirt tails and veils have been modern within the early twentieth century. They’re one-of-a-kind and distinctive. There may be additionally a symbolic facet to this – the pleased couple will survive the check of time, identical to the pre-loved wedding ceremony gown.”
The place must you look?
There are many locations you could possibly attempt. First off, take a look and see if any native outlets in your space inventory pre-loved wedding ceremony clothes.
If you happen to’re significantly searching for a cut price, websites like eBay could also be price a glance, in addition to charity outlets like Oxfam, which has six well-stocked bridal boutiques throughout the nation, in addition to some clothes on-line.
There are additionally varied web sites the place brides can promote on their worn outfits, equivalent to Stillwhite.com, Sellmyweddingdress.co.uk and Bride2bride.co.uk.
If it’s one thing designer you’re after, The Loop has a curated choice of attractive pre-loved robes, whereas Etsy could be nice for classic treasures.
Measurement up your choices
Nevertheless, there are some essential issues to contemplate earlier than shopping for a pre-loved wedding ceremony gown – together with factoring in potential added prices for cleansing and alterations. Return insurance policies could be totally different whenever you’re shopping for second-hand too, so that you’ll wish to consider carefully earlier than parting together with your cash.
After all, shopping for from a store means you’ll be able to attempt issues on. This may increasingly get trickier if you happen to’re shopping for on-line.
If shopping for direct from a vendor who beforehand wore the gown, you’ll often have the ability to see pictures of them carrying it and ask questions in regards to the match and sizing. And also you by no means know – you may come throughout one thing that’s already an ideal match.
It’s additionally useful to understand that bridal gown sizing usually tends to return up smaller than for normal garments – and much more so if procuring classic. Not solely are there prices to contemplate right here, there’s additionally the query of whether or not the alterations you’d need could be doable.
“Be sure to have correct measurements for bust, waist, hip, and peak. Classic clothes come smaller in sizes compared to trendy clothes,” says Lo. “Marriage ceremony clothes may also have been altered to enrich the earlier proprietor. If the bride is uncertain in regards to the desired type of gown, it might be simpler to sieve down the choices by materials or period.
“The required alterations would depend upon the unique construction and materials of the gown, the customer’s measurements, and private style,” she provides. “If the gown’ size or sleeves have to be shortened, this may be carried out comparatively simply by hand or utilizing the stitching machine, though it takes time. I’d advocate hiring knowledgeable seamstress for repairs and tougher alterations.”
Will the gown want cleansing?
Relying on the place you’re shopping for from, a pre-loved gown may have to be cleaned or given a refresh. Some sellers might need already taken care of this. However be sure to have a good suggestion of what situation the gown is in, so you’ll be able to consider any extra prices – and never get any nasty surprises when it arrives.
Totally different materials and designs – in addition to the character of the clear required – will decide the tactic required.
Lamprini Fameli, product professional at Philips, says: “Preloved procuring is among the most beloved traits ruling the style trade proper now, so it’s no shock that we’re beginning to see second-hand wedding ceremony clothes rise in reputation.
“A simple, reasonably priced and efficient method to spruce up your second-hand wedding ceremony gown is a handheld steamer [Philips has a 3000 Series Handheld Steamer for £37.99]. They will swiftly take away cussed creases, offering a much-needed refresh forward of the massive day.
“It’s hygienic too, killing 99.9% of the potential micro organism lurking in your second-hand buy,” Fameli provides. “However you must bear in mind not all supplies are suited to this sort of touch-up.
“If you happen to’re going to deal with a gown to a steam, persist with materials like silk, tulle, organza and chiffon. These light-weight materials will have the ability to face up to the warmth, and a fast steam will give all of them a refreshed, ethereal high quality.
“In case your gown is made up with lace, velvet, satin or any sort of beading, you’re finest to keep away from utilizing a handheld steamer, as these materials could be liable to warp in form, texture and color if uncovered to direct steam,” advises Fameli.
Lo agrees it’s essential to get this step completely proper. Seek the advice of with the specialists if you happen to’re uncertain.
“Extra delicate supplies and older wedding ceremony clothes have to be hand-washed or dry-cleaned, this may be time consuming and dear,” says Lo. “Fashionable clothes are straightforward to scrub, both dry-clean or use the washer [always check the care instructions].”
