So, you are on a budget and have decided to buy a used wedding gown. Good for you! It is a great way to go and quite the trend these days. There are so many gorgeous dresses out there that brides are not upset about parting with, so why not take advantage of their generosity and get the dress of your dreams for less? Many brides are choosing to shop online for used wedding gowns. If this is the case, there are some very important questions that you should ask before actually purchasing or committing to anything. Below are the top questions to keep in mind.
What are the exact measurements? Remember, even though the gown will have a size does not mean it has not been altered at some point. It could have been taken in a great deal, or let out a great deal, which in turn, will affect the actual size of the dress. Call or email the online shop and they will give you the details you need.
What is the condition of the wedding dress? You are seeing this wedding dress online, and it is used. So be sure and ask what sort of condition the gown is in—photos can be deceiving. In particular, ask if there are any stains or tears that you should know about. And, if there are, are they repairable.
What was the original retail price of the gown? Make sure the online shop knows exactly what the gown originally sold for. You want to know that you are getting a good deal—especially if you go with a designer gown that will still be a bit pricey even though it is a used gown. The normal discount is 40% or so. If the price is lower, you need to ask why that is.
What is your return policy? This is so very important! You need to find a site where if you are not happy with the dress you receive, you have the right to return it. Some used wedding dress sites have all their dresses as final sales. You want to steer clear of these and find one that does allow returns within a reasonable amount of time.
Do you have customer reviews? You want to be sure that the online shop is reputable. Most will have a customer review link, but if you don’t see one, ask if there is somewhere else you can look. A good reputation is a must when buying a used bridal gown.
Credit:
- Photo credit: jorgemejia of Flickr Commons
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