Pros & Cons of Preowned Wedding Dresses

The tradition of wearing a pristine white gown on a wedding day has been a staple for centuries, as every bride-to-be wants the wedding dress of their dreams. However, in recent years, many brides are opting for a more unconventional approach: preowned wedding dresses.

Preowned wedding dresses have their own advantages and disadvantages. Some brides may not mind wearing one if it means a lower price, while others may feel uncomfortable or want something more personalized.

Either way, consider the following pros and cons of preowned wedding dresses as you decide what to wear on your special day.

Pros of a Preowned Wedding Dress

While a preowned wedding dress may come with some limitations, there are benefits to this bridal option. 

Lower Price

One of the most significant advantages of choosing a preowned wedding dress is its substantial cost savings. Compared to the high prices of brand-new gowns, preowned options can be purchased at a fraction of the cost. This affordability allows brides to allocate more of their wedding budget towards other aspects of their special day, such as the venue, catering, or honeymoon.

Your wedding dress budget is likely a number you’ll need to stand by. While some brides may be willing to splurge, others may need to spend less. For this reason, they might seek a dress at a lower price point.

Reduced Waste

Buying a preowned dress for your wedding day can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious event. Unfortunately, the fashion industry is notorious for its negative environmental impact, with excessive production and constant waste.

By choosing a preowned gown, brides can help reduce the demand for new materials, minimizing their carbon footprint.

Unique Options

Another benefit of preowned wedding dresses is the unique and one-of-a-kind options they can offer. Some wedding gowns are mass-produced, meaning the brand-new dress you choose may not be exclusive to your wedding.

Preowned wedding dresses often have a unique history and character. This can make them even more special and meaningful to the bride, who may feel a connection to the previous wearer and any memories associated with the gown.

Cons of a Preowned Wedding Dress

Unfortunately, brides should be aware of some disadvantages of preowned wedding dresses before deciding if they want to purchase one.

It’s Been Worn Before

A common disadvantage of a preowned wedding dress is that they’ve already been worn. Because of this, some brides may feel uncomfortable wearing something that has been previously used, especially if they have strong sentimental attachments to their wedding day and are looking to make memories of their own.

This concern is understandable. However, it is important to remember that a dress is simply an object, and the bride herself ultimately determines its meaning. A preowned wedding dress can still be a beautiful and meaningful choice, especially if it is chosen with extreme consideration and care.

Limited Options

Unlike the vast selection of brand-new gowns found in bridal boutiques, preowned options may be more difficult to find, and this limited availability can be a challenge for many brides. This can make the search process more time-consuming and even frustrating, especially if a bride has trouble finding a certain size or style.

However, with persistence and some patience, many brides will often find the perfect preowned dress that meets their expectations.

Sizing Issues

Sizing will likely be an issue when purchasing a preowned wedding dress. While alterations can often still be made to accommodate different body types, it is important to be aware of the potential challenges and costs involved with doing so.

Brides should be prepared to have the dress fitted by a professional seamstress to ensure that it fits perfectly and comfortably on their wedding day.

It May Not Be Your Dream Gown

A preowned wedding dress may not be the dream gown you’ve always pictured. It may be a different style or fabric than what you initially imagined, and often, this can be a disappointment for some brides who have a very specific idea of what they want their dress to be like.

Still, a preowned dress can be beautiful and unique in its own way, even if it doesn’t match your original vision. By keeping an open mind and considering the potential benefits of buying a preowned wedding dress, brides may be surprised by the beautiful and unexpected options they find.

Despite any potential drawbacks, many brides find that the benefits of choosing a preowned wedding dress outweigh the disadvantages. For those prioritizing affordability, sustainability, and uniqueness, a preowned gown can be a great choice.

Savvy Bridal is here to help you find the dress of your dreams! Schedule an appointment today at either our Kansas City or St. Louis locations.