Wedding dress 'bargains'

[AuntMarysPinny]

I know bargain is a relative term when it comes to wedding dresses but I keep hearing about women who got their designer dress for £5/600 and I can't work out how they did it! I've looked on eBay and specialist second hand sites and Jenny Packham etc. dresses are still hugely expensive. Is there a site you found a bargain on? Or am I meant to haggle in the bridal shop? The ones I've visited have been managed by quite forbidding women so I'd have to have a stiff drink before going up against them! Thanks for any help!

Mine was £600 off the rack at Wed2B. All their dresses are off the rack - none of this ordering in 6 months in advance and having to hope it looks ok nonsense.

Thanks, I'll look up where my nearest wed2b is. Did you think they had a good selection and helpful staff?

Look for boutique sample sales and you can get designer dresses half price or even less, they’ve been tried on by other brides but worth doing if it’s in great condition and you’re size, most boutiques have a sample sale twice a year to make room for new collections

Your*

our local douglas macmillon hospice runs a bridal boutique, the dresses are donated, some worn, others brand new, some designer brands, they are really well priced and all profits go to the charity. Is there anywhere local to you that does something similar?

I got mine from a local charity shop last month. It's an Ellis dress, absolutely beautiful and cost £150 😁. The shop has a bridal section and had about 30 dresses in various different styles and sizes.

I'm all for frugal, low key weddings but I don't think there's anything wrong splashing out on a wedding dress

@AuntMarysPinny Yes I did. I'm a size 20+ and struggled in the "bridal boutique" that I had tried first, as despite checking they would have plus size dresses available, there was only one bigger than a 14, and it was humiliating. They had plenty in every size, although not every style was available in every size. They seem to be popping up all over the country now.

I walked out with my dress under my arm that day. Much easier.

Mine was from a sample sale at the wedding Dress shop at liberty London. £1000 values at over £5000 by an independent valuation.

Ask all your local bridal shops when their sample sales are. They may be in the next few weeks/months as there has just been a big show so new stock will be coming in over the next few months.

The samples will have been tried on by others, and often a bit damaged- look for broken zips, holes in lace, make up / fake tan on necklines and sleeves, lace and illusion pieces stretched around the shoulders from being hung incorrectly. Some of this can be fixed by a seamstress. There are brilliant bargains to be had, but the dress will not be as pristine and perfect as a new one.

Mine was a sample sale. From £1499 to £599. Still far more than I planned to pay but quite a bargain!

Mine was £400. £1500 locally when I tried it on, but I found it in a sample sale in Ireland in my size and had it shipped over for the £400 including insurance. Some would say £1500 isn't a lot but it was by a well known designer.

Mine was also from a sample sale, half price at £600. Though it did need extensive alterations as the size was a bit off, which was another £100. There are a few Oxfam bridal shops around the country, which sell second hand, seconds or new donated dresses. Other charity shops might have similar things but the Oxfam ones are quite well established. Congratulations, and enjoy the wedding planning!

I tried a few sale dresses in a local bridal shop but these were £700-£800. The one I liked also needed alterations but I found the same dress on eBay in the right size and £300 cheaper.
I have found a few I like on StillWhite too. I nearly went for one at £200 but changed my mind. It's on for £100 now.

@silverhairedcat I've found a wed2b nearby so I'm going to try it! I like that you don't need an appointment/deposit first too. I'm sorry you felt humiliated in the bridal shops - they do seem to have a disdainful approach to customer service, it must be because they don't have to worry about repeat custom!

Thank you all for the tips, I really appreciate it! I'm going to ring some bridal shops tomorrow to ask when their next sample sale is and keep an eye out for price reductions on ebay, still white etc.

I can't believe I didn't think of charity shops before! I've had a quick look online and Oxfam have an online wedding shop! Off for a browse now before bed. I feel less stressed about this whole dress business now - thank you!

I got mine from an outlet boutique they're in north Cheshire if you're anywhere nearby.

If you're down south there is a woman who owns A Wise Bride. She gets dresses like ex samples and sells them very reasonably. Got mine a third of the price.

Mine was £299 as it is actually a bridesmaid dress. Bear in mind that they can usually make up bridesmaid dresses in cream/Ivory and they are massively cheaper.

I got mine from Wed2B too-fab shop! No pressure and lots to choose from. Mine was £699 with £35 (I think) for a large storage box to keep it clean and ready for the big day

£50 eBay

£800 Stella McCartney, should have been £2300

Mine was £1,895 but if I bought the sample it was £800. I did go to wed2b and theglasgow staff were wonderful.

Oxfam have an online shop. I'm not getting married yet but I had a nosey and saw vera wang dress for 800. I suppose youjust have to get lucky that it's your size though. It wasn't

Mine was £ 185 from Debenhams! I wasn’t on a very tight budget but it’s the most I’ve ever spent on a dress!