Wedding Blog

As mentioned in Part I, in addition to brand-new gowns (which can be sold with sales tags (”NWT”) or without (”NWOT”), there are 4 distinct categories of wedding gowns that show up again and again on Ebay. Each presents a few considerations worth noting:

+ Bridal Samples: Ever wonder what happens to the sample dresses that brides-to-be try on in salons across the country? Once they are pulled from the designer’s line, many of the sample dresses end up on Ebay. If you wear the sample size (often a bridal 10-12) or know a good tailor, you’re in luck!

Richard Glasgow Mikado Silk Gown, size 10, retail price $3,925, listed at $850 fixed price from seller Scarlett’s Closet.

These listings may offer fantastic bargains on well-made designer gowns, but it is wise to pay close attention to the listing descriptions. (Due to the specialized nature of the supply chain, the sellers of these dresses most often are professionals whose listings are quite thorough and informative.) Some of the dresses have been tried on by brides who were less than careful, and the gown may have makeup smudges, dirty hems, missing beads, or similar flaws. Most issues can be addressed by a good dry cleaner.

$1,100 lace and satin gown, maker unknown (no tags), size 10, listed at $9.99.

+ Secondhand Dresses: These days, many brides turn to Ebay to sell their gowns after the wedding is over. In theory, you can save a bundle by purchasing a secondhand gown, and the fact that it has been worn one time should in no way detract from its beauty. (Actually, some of the dresses in this category are even new, as a surprising number of gowns from canceled weddings turn up on Ebay as well.) In practice, prices can vary in these types of listings, and some of these gowns are better deals than others. Some women can’t seem to appreciate that the beloved gown that was $3,000 in the bridal atelier is no longer anywhere near a $3,000 gown once it has been altered, worn, and offered for sale on Ebay. Other women just hope the dress receives more use from another bride than it would in a box in the closet.

Ulla Maija Couture Gown, Eur Size 6, listed at $3,000.

The main consideration with secondhand dresses is that the sellers are not pros and may not know how to list measurements, take well-lit photos, etc. And measurements are particularly important for these dresses given that most secondhand gowns have been altered and may no longer conform to the designer’s standard measurements for the given dress size. Do not hesitate to ask for more information — even better photos if necessary — on a dress that strikes your interest.

Melissa Sweet “Hallie” gown, size 4, listed at $1,200.

+ Vintage Dresses: For brides who like to showcase a unique style influenced by past decades, Ebay is also a source for stylish and inexpensive vintage wedding dresses. In addition to the regular categories (mentioned in Part I), wedding dresses often show up in “Clothing, Shoes & Accessories: Vintage: Women’s Clothing.”

1960s Cotton Brocade Dress, 36″ bust and 30″ waist, $45 fixed price listing.

Vintage dresses are in many ways just a specialized form of secondhand gowns. One unique consideration of vintage gowns, however, is that — even if they show a manufacturer’s size (as handmade gowns do not) — you should be particularly certain to check your own measurements against those of the gown. Standard sizing has gotten smaller over the decades, so that what was once a size 10, for example, now fits more like a modern size 6. Also, it is especially important to read the listing description for disclosure of any holes, age or water spots, lace breaks, missing beads, or other signs of the passage of time. And brides with visions of sleek satin 1940s gowns or sassy 1960s mini-dresses should be warned that the definition of “vintage” in an Ebay search now also includes the puffy lace monstrosities of the 1970s and 1980s!

Late 1930s / Early 1940s Slipper Satin Bridal Dress, 38″ bust and 27″ waist, $99 fixed price listing.

+ Custom-Made Dresses: Ebay’s bridal gown listings are also full of solicitations from tailors who are willing to custom-make a dress to your measurements. This option can be ideal for brides who have a vision of the exact dress they want and know it can’t be found in a store, or at least not in their size or price range. This option also can prove quite inexpensive, particularly when you consider that additional alterations should not be necessary because the dress is made to your measurements. A tailor might sew a gown of your own design, recreate something similar to a family heirloom, or follow a modern or vintage dress pattern that you admire. The Ebay tailors also offer to recreate well-known designer styles at lower prices. You often can spot these listings because they offer an entire range of sizes in the same gown style (e.g., “sizes 2-22″) or their prices are significantly cheaper than most gowns (often 99 cents or $9.99, though often with much higher shipping charges).

White custom-made dress, listed at $8 with $173 shipping from China.

The major pitfall of this option is that most tailors are located overseas, which means you will have little control over the process in between the day you pay and the day the gown (hopefully!) arrives at your door. Your best safety net is to (1) look for sellers whose feedback offers positive raves, rather than just a lack of negative feedback; (2) use a credit card for payment (even on PayPal) because you will reserve the right to deny charges if necessary; and (3) if possible, leave plenty of time between your order date and your wedding, in the (hopefully!) unlikely event that you find yourself in need of an alternate dress.

“Jessica” silk gown from seller Gloria’s Bridal, listed at $240 fixed price with $55 shipping from China. (Seller has slightly higher prices, but 100% positive feedback rating.)