Designer Gowns, Discount Prices
April 23, 2010 by Sarah K.
Filed under Featured, Planning Tips, Weddings
Last week we covered some of my favorite gowns from the 2010 Spring collections. Of course, my picks are just a jumping off point. Hopefully after perusing the designers’ collections, you found a few of your own favorites. But what to do if the gown you love is out of your price range?
I found myself in this predicament while planning my wedding, after falling in love with a Monique Lhullier lace sheath that carried a $4,500 price tag. I couldn’t afford the dress, but after trying on countless others, I realized the Lhullier sheath was the only one for me.
I started scouring the internet for ideas and quickly discovered PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com and OnceWed.com. Both of these sites offer a platform for brides to sell their gently used dresses at amazing prices. Granted, a used wedding dress isn’t for everyone. But if you’re okay knowing your wedding gown has been worn once before, for a mere 6-7 hours, you’re in for a treat.
I’ve scoured the sites looking for gowns similar to the ones featured last week, and guess what I found? Remember that exquisite Vera Wang Diana gown?
The exact dress is available here. The original price is $8,200, but for the lucky girl who snaps this one up, the dress is yours for $4,800. That’s a huge discount!
The rest of the dresses from last week are a bit too new to be on the used dress sites just yet, but check out these gems from the same designers:
Original Price: $6,226
Asking Price: $4,000
I’m a sucker for a mermaid gown and the piping on this gown is to-die-for. Plus, this one has never been worn!
Original Price: $12,000
Asking Price: $5,500
Like the portrait collar on the Spencer gown, this bolero frames the heavenly draping on this exquisite dress.
Original Price: $9,950
Asking Price: $2,800
The only thing this gown has in common with the Lela Rose we featured last week is that I’m obsessed with both of them. I’ve loved this gown ever since seeing this feature on Style Me Pretty back in 2008.
Original Price: $1,120
Asking Price: $600
Like the Lasara gown, this dress features a sweetheart neck and A-line silhouette, plus delicate draping. Like the Herrera gown, this one still has the tags on it!
Obviously, PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com and OnceWed.com are well worth a look. I ended up finding my dream gown on Craigslist and paid less than half-price. My guests never knew the difference, and I still unzip my garment bag and fawn over my gown from time to time. I’m so glad I I was willing to think outside the box. With a little searching, I bet you will be, too.
Happy hunting!
XOXO,
Sarah
Sarah K. lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and has worked in large-scale event planning and festival production.
