Purchasing a Pre-Owned Wedding Gown

If you're on a budget, there is nothing wrong with looking at pre-owned wedding gowns! These dresses have been worn only for a few hours and can seriously help you spend your precious money on other aspects of your wedding. The only question is, how do you find the perfect previously owned wedding gown? Here are a few tips from Signature Grand Weddings:

Condition is everything. When inspecting a gown in person, take it to a well-lit area of the shop. Inspect typical problem areas, such as hemlines, underarms, and zippers, and do a “sniff test” to check for offensive aromas like body odor, perfume, moth balls, and cigarette smoke. While a professional cleaning ($50-$100) may take care of make-up and light soiling, stains from wine, grass, and food are tougher to tackle. Also, be on the lookout for loose or missing sequins, pulled threads, and hemline imperfections. If you’re “buying blind”, find out whether the dress has been professionally cleaned (don’t be shy about asking for a cleaning receipt!) and request close-up pictures of any imperfections. Remember, costly cleaning or repair issues could offset potential savings.

Has the dress been altered? Typically, wedding dresses can be altered up or down 2-4 sizes, but if the dress has already been taken in or let out, there may be little give – if any – to accommodate a custom fit. When examining in person, check to make sure seam allowances are adequate for sizing to fit. If buying an altered dress from an online seller

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