A bride in New York walked down the aisle in a breathtaking Vera Wang designer gown. A few years later, another bride wore the same dress, and it was just as breath-taking with one difference- a savings of $1,000 over the original price. The latter bride had made consignment shops part other stops for the perfect dress and happened upon the wedding gown and fell in love with it. The savings allowed her to spring for a new wardrobe for the honeymoon !

Consignment Shops can be a wonderful resource when hunting for your wedding gown. The factthat the gown has been worn once and so is not brand new can pale in significance when realizing the savings on the price tag. At Wears & Wares, a Tuxedo Rental & Re-Sale Boutique in Fannington, owner Jeri-Ann Pelletier accepts wedding gowns on consignment.

“We accept contemporary styles, usually within the past three to four years, that have been dry cleaned. Consignors receive 50% of the selling price and, depending on the gown, it will be displayed for six to eight months,” she explained.

Many brides are sentimental about keeping and preserving their gowns, while others realize they can regain some of the cost on their gown and not have to transport it around with them. Some believe they will save them for their daughters, but ask ten people you know who have recently been married and see how few, if any, wore their mothers gowns. You may be surprised at the results !

With outdoor weddings gaining in popularity, many brides are apprehensive about costly gowns that would require special care during the reception and be subjected to the rigors of an outdoor enviroment These have opted for beautiful once worn gowns and enjoyed a carefree and relaxed wedding. Many are not familar with the savings that can be realized in purchasing a consigned gown.

“Grooms will come into the shop to make their tuxedo selections and their fiancees will wander over to the gowns only to return with excitement at the gowns they have found, not believing the incredible difference in price,” noted Pelletier. “Consigned gowns are sold for one-third to one-half of the original cost, and no one but the bride needs to know it’s for new.”

For those entering a, second marriage, consignment shops offer substantial savings. This is an important factor as the couple may be carrying the expenses of the wedding.

“Every day you learn different reasons why someone choses a re-sale shop,” Pelletier said, recalling one couple who had decided to elope. “They were thrilled to find an informal wedding gown and take it with them. Another time a bride-to-be came in and purchased a gown she wanted to re-style. She was a seamstress, took the gown apart and designed her own, stating she saved more money than if she had purchased the fabric and sewn the dress herself A bride to be who wanted a certain period wedding gown did the same.”

There are cautions to be taken when shopping for re-sale gowns. Look the gown over carefully for missing sequins, pearls and other embellishments. These are fairly easy to repair, however. You might want to also check the hem of the dress for wear and staining. Looking at the inside of the gown will enable you to see if it has been altered or if there is additional fabric allowances for needed alterations. If alterations will be neccessary, you might want to bring a seamstress in to look at the gown before purchasing it-

Although not providing a complete line of bridal accessories and consulting, consignment shops can offer brides substantial savings on quality, designer wedding gowns. They also can be a great resource for consigning wedding gowns after your special day!