Buying a Used Prom Dress or Wedding Gown

When considering whether or not to buy a used prom dress or wedding gown, consider options and it will help you determine the questions you should ask the seller. Here’s a list of things you may want to consider.

Buying a used prom dress or used wedding gown will save me money.

The Facts:

• Often buying a used prom dress or wedding gown will often save you a lot of money because they’re sold for a fraction of the retail cost.
• Buying a used formal dress can save you enough money to buy additional accessories such as shoes and jewelry.
• Buying a used prom dress or wedding gown may be the only option when working under a tight budget.  
• Some used prom dresses or wedding gowns are actually listed for the same or more than retail cost, so shop around and make sure they’re really offering a good deal.
  
• Sometimes you can find clearance or last year’s stock cheaper than you can buy a used prom dress so don’t assume it’ll be too expensive to buy one of the new dresses listed.

If I buy a used prom dress or wedding gown, it might not fit me the same as a new one.

The Facts:

• Often the money saved when buying a used dress will allow you to have alterations made that you otherwise would not have been able to afford.
  
• The alterations that may have been made to a used dress may actually fit you better than the dress initially fit. Ask the seller for measurements to get a better idea of the way the dress will fit your body before buying a used prom dress.
  
• When alterations are made to a prom or wedding dress, they’re generally simple to reverse for someone with experience. If you’re concerned, talk the seller down to make sure you have enough for any alterations you may need on the used prom dress you buy.  
•  If you’re buying a used prom dress that’s been hemmed, it could be too short. Be sure to ask the seller’s height and if the dress was hemmed before purchasing.
  
• Some alterations can be very specific to one body. Again, ask the seller for measurements before confirming the sale or ask what alterations have been done to the gown.

If I buy a used prom dress or other used formal, people may be able to tell it’s used.

The Facts:

• Most used prom dresses have only been worn once and are still in like-new condition. Once they are dry-cleaned and pressed, they generally look as good as new. Just be sure to ask the seller about any damage it may have before agreeing to buy a used prom dress.
  
• Many dresses sold as used have never been worn at all. Buyers often decide a style doesn’t suit them, dates or weddings fall through and dresses are sold at a discount. It’s a great way to get the new dress you want at a used price.
  
• Some used gowns are damaged or stained, but it should be disclosed by the seller. Make sure you ask about any damage before buying a used prom dress or wedding gown.
  

The latest styles could be hard to find when buying a used formal dress.

The Facts:

• The style choices when buying a used prom dress are often more varied. You can find one-of-a-kind gowns, vintage dresses, and often designer gowns that you otherwise could not find or afford.
• Many dresses are purchased and sold immediately with or without being worn, so the latest styles can often be found when buying a used dress. You just may need to be more picky or spend more time shopping around before deciding on which used prom dress to buy.
  
• Many styles last several years, changing just a little at a time, so one year’s dress can easily be worn the next and still be in style, all while saving you money.
  
• Some gowns will be more difficult to find used and you may have buy new, spending more money to get the style you’re set on.
  
• It may be difficult to find your size in the style you love when buying a used prom dress or wedding gown.

Buying a used prom dress, formal dress or wedding gown can be a rewarding experience – saving you money and allowing you to buy the extras you otherwise could not afford. As you begin looking for a used prom dress, keep these questions in mind to ask the seller:

• Does the formal have any damage?
  
• Has the prom dress been altered?
  
• Is the formal dress stained or snagged?
  
• Has the used dress been dry cleaned?
  
• How much will you charge for shipping?
  
• Is the price of your used dress negotiable?
  
• How many times has the dress been worn?
  
• What are the measurements of the person who wore the dress?
  
• Does it fit true to size or does it run big or small?