Thursday Trends | Selling Your Wedding Dress

Nowadays many brides are deciding to sell their wedding dress after the big "I do". There are many factors to consider when debating on whether you should or should not sell your wedding dress..what do you think? If you decide to you keep your dress after your wedding, you have a beautiful, sentimental memento of your wedding day.  It represents the style of your wedding and can be a constant reminder of that special day...but keep in mind all the expense that goes to upkeep and preservation of your dress.  You will also have to store it in a safe and dry place, and do you think your daughter will really want to wear your dress on her special day? Did you?! Selling your wedding dress is an alternative and even though it may be tough to part with your "dream dress", you aren't loosing the specialness of your wedding day. While most likely you will not get back exactly what you payed for your dress, it will definitely help to offset the original cost! If selling your wedding dress is an option for you, there are many sites that can list your dress such as Once Wed, Bravo Bride, and Preowned.  A wedding dress is way to beautiful to sit in a box for years and years stored away, when you can share your happiness with another bride!

Lela Tip: If you plan on selling your wedding dress, start right away by posting a description of your dress and the date it will be available after your wedding!

Photo source via Once Wed

xo

2011 Wedding Dress Trend | Luxurious Textures by Smart Bride

Many 2011 wedding trend predictions are coming out these days. Our favorites are the ones that have to do with wedding dresses of course! In 2011 luxurious texture will be all the range when it comes to wedding dresses, with 4 texture trends:

1. 3D appliqués
2. Oversized flowers
3. Light layers of chiffon, tulle and lace
4. Illusion fabrics

For many wedding dresses, extra texture often means extra money, but smart brides know there are ways to get the wedding look you want without blowing your budget.

We've put together some beautiful examples of the texture trend. The best part? All of these dresses are on trend and 30% to 60% off the retail price!

Dresses featured are found at Smart Bride Boutique:
Save 54%! Size 10 San Patrick Flama. Regular Price: $1296, SmartBride Price: $599
Save 59%! Size 10 Adele Wechsler Fern. Regular Price: $3050, SmartBride Price: $1200
Save 50%! Size 8 Watters Torreon 4041. Regular Price: $4200, SmartBride Price: $2100

Get the dress of your dreams without paying full price at SmartBride Boutique - Tips on buying a used wedding dess

Would you ever consider buying a used gown? How about that amazing crystal belt accessory that was used only once?
Would you consider it if one of your favorite designers was now 50% off?

There is a great site called SmartBride Boutique that specializes in helping today's savvy brides create the wedding day of their dreams without sacrificing designer names or fabulous style. Local brides connect to buy, sell and save on everything wedding; including: wedding dresses, bridesmaid gowns, decor, accessories and more.
And you get to buy these lovely gowns and accessories for a great discount.

This crystal belt or headband is fab from HautBride and is being sold by the bride at about 50% off!

If you do decide that this is for you, here are some useful tips (via SmartBride) on buying a used designer gown:


Tip #1: A Clean Dress is Best

Look for dresses that have already been cleaned, so that you know if there are any permanent stains and whether or not they will be visible on your wedding day. This way you won’t have to pay a potentially costly dry cleaning bill.


Tip#2: Shop Local

By shopping locally you can inspect the dress closely for stains and damage from insects or improper care. Be sure to treat going to an individual seller’s home the way you would if you were visiting a bridal boutique.

Bring a friend or your mom with you so you can get an honest opinion from someone who wants to make sure you feel fabulous on your wedding day.


Tip#3: Ask About Alterations

Keep in mind that alterations can completely change the fit of a gown and some alterations are reversible while others are not.

Be sure to get the name and number of the seamstress who did the initial alterations because she will know the dress inside and out. You may wish to call her with questions before you buy the dress.


Tip#4: Do Your Research

If you’re buying a designer or brand name gown, ask the seller to provide you with a style number so you can reference the manufacturer’s website.

Visit bridal boutiques to find out the average cost of the designer dresses you’re searching for online. Generally, if you’re buying a dress that is one year old or newer, has not been damaged, and has only been worn once, then you should pay no more than 50% of the original retail cost for the dress.


Tip#5: Be Ready to Negotiate

Are you willing to pay the seller’s original asking price if the dress is exactly as the seller described and it’s the perfect dress for you? Or do you have a lower price in mind based on your research and budget? Be prepared to negotiate, but remain fair with the seller so both of you can be happy with the sale.

Good Luck!

xo