Where to find pre-loved wedding dresses in Australia
IMAGE VIA @THEREALREAL/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY SONIA BLAIR
Something borrowed.
Taking a more conscious approach to shopping is par for the course with many of us as we work to improve our carbon footprint. Fast fashion and consequent overconsumption are hard habits to break, but the rise of secondhand shopping is making it easier to build a sustainable wardrobe.
When thinking about the pieces to purchase pre-loved, wedding dresses seem like a logical choice. If it’s a dress you (ideally) only wear once, why not buy secondhand? This isn’t a revelatory idea, either. For years, thrifty brides have chosen to hire their dresses or, after purchasing their dream gown, opted to sell or rent it out for future use.
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Most importantly, you want to feel beautiful on the big day, and there’s an art to knowing where to find curated secondhand bridalwear. Below, we’ve rounded up seven of the best places to find your dream dress, or suit, or two-piece set – because wedding day rules are overrated.
Little Bird Bridal
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Operating out of Perth, Little Bird Bridal works on an appointment-only basis and carries a range of wedding gowns, veils and bridal accessories. Nestled in the Bickley Valley Wine Trail, it is a must-know for all brides looking to engage a more sustainable approach to their gown shopping. Founder Laura provides tailored service for each bride who walks through the Little Bird doors. Brands range from Vera Wang Bridal to Reem Acra.
Vestiaire Collective
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While many of us will know Vestiaire Collective for its selection of archive designer handbags, the resale site also carries a range of preloved bridal wear. You’re likely to find a slew of luxury brands on Vestiaire, including Dior, Gucci, Chanel and Vivienne Westwood.
Still White
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Australia’s largest online marketplace for pre-loved bridal wear, consider Still White your starting point when looking for a secondhand wedding gown. The site carries a wealth of brands from Caleche, Spell, Made with Love and Jaimie Sortino, with gowns on sale for almost 50 per cent off their original price. You can filter by state and city to see what is available in your postcode, allowing you to shop with ease.
Love Me Twice
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Love Me Twice is Melbourne’s premier destination for preloved bridal wear. The retailer carries a range of silhouettes, ranging from a traditional princess ballgown to contemporary slip dresses and suiting. Coming from a background in formalwear, founders Jennifer and Mary now cultivate a space for brides to share their special gowns with upcoming newlyweds, helping support circularity in the garment industry.
The RealReal
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Similar to Vestiaire collective, the RealReal also specialises in designer consignment and houses a range of preloved bridal options for your wedding day. What many shoppers find different with the RealReal is the range of brands and styles to search through. Going in with a rough idea or mood board of what you’re envisioning will help with a successful search.
Bridal by Neeve
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Perth-based store Bridal by Neeve is known for its attention to detail and the tailored service it provides to every bride looking to find their dream dress. Alongside new pieces, the retailer also carries a curated selection of pre-loved bridal gowns, dresses and jumpsuits for those looking to add new life to an already loved garment. Karen Willis Holmes, Maggie Sottero, Grace Loves Lace and Made With Love are just a handful of the brands carried at Bridal by Neeve.
Etsy
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Home to many independent sellers and vintage vendors, Etsy may be the unsung hero of pre-loved bridalwear. While it may take some searching to find ‘the one’, it’s the ideal destination for those wanting a special archive piece. However, a word to the wise: always check the returns and exchanges policy to ensure you can switch your gown if the sizing is off or it’s not quite right.
For more of the best stores for pre-loved bridalwear, head here.
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