Wearing a designer wedding dress has always been a privilege few can afford, but during a recession, this is especially true. With prices soaring above $10,000 in many cases, most people simply can't afford to go designer and get their dream dress. But in these hard times, there are new ideas and one of them is pretty genius.
Reem Acra, Vera Wang, and Marchesa are all now within reach of savvy brides thanks to the bridal boutique Nearly Newlywed, where designer gowns are sold, altered, worn, and then bought back. Brides have the option of selling it back to the store for 30 percent of what they spent or having the store sell it on consignment, and brides can pocket 70 percent of the purchase price.
This is a perfect option for women who don't want to keep their wedding gowns for their future daughter.
In my case, I would have loved to have had something like this available to me nine years ago when I was getting married. Alas, I didn't.
At the time, I had some friends come up with creative ways to get designer looks for less (one took to Craigslist and then resold it for the same), but this takes even less work with more reward as the company can vouch for the dresses.
This is not just for brides, either. I am long since past my "big day," but I was eyeing a couple items like the Sari Gueron Draped Silk Chiffon Party Dress and the Halston Asymmetric Pleated Jersey Dress. Hello summer wedding guest!
I love this idea of spending what you can afford and sharing the wealth rather than saving up and blowing all of your money on a pair of Manolo Blahniks. There is no "status" in wearing shoes you can't afford. But if you like the style and you want it to be "real," why not go this route?
It's a big win for brides and for everyone else!
Would you buy a used designer gown?
Image via Nearly Newlywed