Ask A Planner: Say Yes to the [Pre-Owned] Dress

Recently, a follower of our Facebook Fan Page asked us to do a post on alternative wedding dress options. Now we're not talking about alternatives like walking down the aisle in your bikini here (though I think that could be a fabulous option for a beach wedding), but rather alternatives to shelling out the Benjamins for a dress you're only going to wear once. This must be the theme of the week because Broke Ass Bride just did a great post on the same topic.

Whether you want to believe it or not, there are many alternatives to that couture Pnina Tornai gown you see on Say Yes To The Dress every week (the new season just started on Friday by the way!). One option is to buy a preowned gown. It's kind of like buying a certified used vehicle. These gently used dresses look spankin' new in most cases, have minimal wear (usually less than 10 hours), but cost a fraction of the price - we're usually talking around 50% off.  Sites like Recycled Bride, Bravo Bride, Wedding Dress Market and the like all have great options, like this gorgeous Kenneth Poole for Amsale dress, originally $4700, for only $2500. I'm tempted to buy it myself right now, but Prince Charming might get a little freaked out if he finds a wedding dress in my closet before he's even proposed. 

Kenneth Poole for Amsale

Just like you rent a car for your weekend road trip, you can do the same for your wedding dress as well. Stores like Bella Bridal in Los Angeles rent gorgeous gowns, sometimes even ones that are brand new! The saving will be even greater than buying a preowned dress...rental gowns usually cost less than $1000.

If  buying or renting aren't your thing though, don't count out stores like David's Bridal or the Bridal Salon at your local Macy's department store. If you thought these stores offered tacky or out of season dresses, think again. In fact, David's Bridal just announced they'll be launching a new line designed by Vera Wang, which will retail from $600-$1500.

David's Bridal

So now that you know your options, don't be afraid take advantage of them. Just think of everything you can do with a few extra $$$ in your pocket - reception centerpieces, that dessert bar you wanted, airline tickets for your honeymoon....you get the point.