Weddings can be quite costly. After paying for the venue, flowers, catering, and all of the other essential elements of a wedding, you may be left with very little cash. It goes without saying that every bride needs a fanciful gown, but what if your budget has taken a hit? As Macklemore once advised, head to a thrift store, and you'll soon discover that you don't have to spend a fortune to find a beautiful gown.
A-Line Gown – True Classic!
This breathtaking A-line gown is channeling our inner princess in all the right ways. Who could have guessed that the bride had purchased it from a second-hand shop? The off-the-shoulder cut is feminine and timelessly elegant, and the lace embellishment on the skirt adds a further dimension to the garment's timelessly elegant appeal.
This bride's look almost certainly caused her groom to lose his breath when he saw her. And the price was a mere fraction of what you'd pay for a gown at a high-end boutique or couture house. This is the dream wedding dress straight out of a fairytale.
Wedding Gown Worthy of an Empress
This wedding dress, which was purchased at a thrift store, is truly unique. The delicate lace detail that adds a touch of flair to the empire-line style is one of our favorites. When looking for a new wedding dress, it can be challenging to find a design that is as understated as this one because many popular styles feature a lot of sequins, sparkles, and tulle in their construction.
If you choose a wedding dress that is less elaborate, you will have more room to express your personal style through jewelry and other accessories. The bride in question has unquestionably purchased her dress of dreams from a second-hand shop.
Breathtaking Ball Gown
On the day of their wedding, every bride should be made to feel like a princess. While some individuals favor a style that is more traditional and understated, others are of the opinion that one should "go big or go home!" We absolutely adore it when brides channel their inner diva and don a full-on ball gown for their wedding day!
This bride is bringing the utmost drama to the occasion with her enormous skirt. Just try to picture yourself twirling around the dancefloor in this ostentatious number! The satin fabric keeps the gown from appearing tacky or over-the-top, while the gloves lend an air of refined elegance to the ensemble as a whole.
Trumpet Dress That Makes Dreams Come True
The trumpet-style gown that this blushing bride is wearing makes her look absolutely stunning. The sweetheart neckline draws attention to her delicate shoulders, while the figure-hugging flared design creates a silhouette that is extremely complimentary.
We wouldn't blame you if you assumed that she had purchased her gown from a posh boutique due to its elegant appearance. Instead of going to the mall, she went to a thrift store and looked through the racks for her ideal dress. This must have been her lucky day because everything about this is just so wonderful. It's a fact that some things are destined to take a certain course.
Elegance Straight From the Thrift Store
There is no requirement that the ideal wedding dress takes the form of a glittering ball gown or a classic A-line silhouette complete with a flowing train. This bride is a perfect example of how less can be more in certain situations.
When she was thrifting, she came across this sophisticated gown with batwing sleeves and a deep V-neckline, and she knew she had found her ideal look. It is an elegant look that still has a contemporary feel to it, making it an excellent choice for a low-key and personal wedding ceremony. As a result of the economic climate, many brides are being forced to postpone their lavish weddings, and as a result, many of them are opting for less extravagant wedding styles.
A Stunning Look Without Straps
The future wife of this groom couldn't believe her good fortune when she discovered the dress of her fantasies while shopping at a consignment shop. She envisioned herself in a magnificent, sleeveless gown that was intricately beaded and featured a shimmering accent. This dress satisfies all expectations in every way.
Thanks to the fit-and-flare silhouette, the silhouette is chic and up to date, and the mesh section at the bottom adds an additional layer of sensual drama. This bride was exceptionally fortunate because she was able to find the dress of her dreams in a regular bridal boutique.
Do It Yourself and Flip It By Yourself
There are some brides who don't have the good fortune to find their dream wedding dress on the racks of a second-hand store. There are times when you need to use a little bit of your imagination. This bride has incredible sewing skills, and she used them to create a one-of-a-kind wedding dress out of a dress that was originally much fuller and more voluminous.
She made extensive alterations to the dress, the original version of which was too large for her petite frame. On the day of her wedding, she was able to look absolutely stunning in a stunning light pink dress that was completely one of a kind.
A True Masterpiece With Pink Ombre Finish
Who says that the wedding dress must adhere to all of the traditional conventions? You can further distinguish yourself from the other brides on your special day by purchasing your wedding dress at a second-hand store or thrift shop. You are free to put your unique stamp on your gown in any way you see fit, just like this imaginative bride did.
She went shopping and came back with a stunning dress that had no straps, a sweetheart neckline, and an empire waist. Despite the fact that she cherished it, it lacked the originality that was required. As a result, she made the decision to add sleeves that hang off the shoulders and to dip dye the bottom of the fabric in various shades of pink.
Dress That Came Straight Out of Vintage Dreams
If you are a future bride who adores vintage style, you are going to go crazy for this one. This bride made a choice to wear an outfit that was influenced by the past, complete with a high boat neckline and long sleeves.
On your special day, you can channel Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle by wearing a gown that is similarly sophisticated to the ones they wore. You can achieve the look of perfect royalty by donning some traditional touches, such as hints of lace, sheer sleeves, and a long veil. In addition to that, you won't need to shell out a lot of money. Simply go to the antique and used-goods stores in your immediate area.
If It Looks Vintage, It Probably Is a Vintage Gown
Even though it was purchased used, this dress gives the impression that it has never been worn. The bride was able to locate a stunning vintage dress, but it did not end up being her wedding gown. It was much too large, the high neckline and long sleeves gave the impression of being frumpy, and the lace was far too intricate.
Instead of starting from scratch, this bride decided to make some adjustments to the dress so that it would be more in line with the vision she had in her head. The length of the sleeves was reduced, the dress was taken in to better complement her figure, and the neckline was reshaped to make it more comfortable to wear.
Satin-Laced Sweetheart
There is a good reason why sweetheart necklines are so popular, particularly when they are paired with a waistband that accentuates your curves and a dazzling A-line skirt. The end result is a look that is sophisticated, elegant, and feminine.
If you want to look like a princess on your wedding day, you don't need to buy your dress from an expensive bridal boutique. You might have better luck searching the rails at your community's thrift or second-hand store instead. You can find a dress at a lower price because many brides choose to donate their dresses after their weddings rather than keeping them.
Halter Neck That Fell Straight From Heaven
Layers of tulle and taffeta are great for creating the look of a twirling ballgown fit for a princess, but not all brides want to go that route. Some women, like the bride in this picture, prefer to keep their appearance more subdued. She lucked out and was able to find a wedding dress that was previously worn and was a perfect fit for her unique sense of style.
This wedding dress features a halter neckline and a column skirt, both of which exude elegance and chic. On the day of your big event, you should aim for nothing less than absolute perfection if you want to feel completely at ease. Is it just me, or does she look absolutely stunning next to her husband?
Classic Lace and Ivory Combo
The pairing of ivory and lace has a timeless appeal. A lot of brides-to-be dream of having a classic wedding, and this cut of the dress is perfect for achieving that. It's also a look that never goes out of style. The color of the gown is a spot-on match for the bouquet of flowers.
On top of that, the Queen Anne neckline is one of our favorites because it accentuates our best features. Do you find it hard to believe that the bride found her dress in a second-hand shop? It's almost too good to be true if you ask us. They say that fashion goes in and out of style, but the style will never go out of date. What a resoundingly true statement.
Goth Style Wedding Gown
Who made the rule that brides must wear white dresses? In today's day and age, brides have more options than ever before, both in terms of color and style, and they won't be looked down upon or criticized for the unconventional decisions they make.
This gothic bride went with a jaw-dropping shade of raven black for her wedding gown, while the lace brought in a more traditional feel. This arresting look might not be for everyone, but we admire how brave and bold it is. Imagine the pictures from the wedding! They must be absolutely breathtaking in appearance!
Fabulous Floral Freshness
It takes courage to wear a wedding dress with a pattern. On her wedding day, this brave bride chose to accessorize with a bouquet of flowers. The gown is given some sophistication thanks to the addition of some elegant and delicate touches, such as those sparkling straps.
At her wedding, this bride made it a point to highlight both her sense of humor and her feminine side. Why not choose a dress that is reflective of your unique character? Look around at the second-hand stores in your area to see if you can find a dress as one-of-a-kind as this one.
Astonishing Lace Wedding Dress
Dresses in a pure white or ivory hue can, at times, appear to be too basic. The incorporation of lace into a wedding gown is an excellent way to achieve a timeless and traditional look while also adding depth and texture to the garment.
This bride is proof that you do not need to spend a fortune in order to look like a movie star on your wedding day. She found a stunning lace dress at a wedding dress store that had previously been worn. This gown has a touch of sexiness, thanks to the open-back design. This outfit is giving us all the feels!
We Can Already See the Bells Ringing in the Distance
You don't need to go to Kleinfeld in order to confirm that you will wear the dress. You can find incredible dresses that have been previously worn by shopping at vintage retailers, thrift stores, online marketplaces, and reselling platforms. Second-hand wedding dress outlets are another great place to look.
This bride was able to save money on her wedding attire by purchasing a dress with a low price tag that featured a V-neckline. She then utilized the money she saved to purchase additional wedding necessities such as flowers and catering. You would never guess that she didn't pay full price for her wedding dress if you saw her in it. It exudes elegance while remaining unobtrusive and timeless.
It's Because Baby Got Back!
On their wedding day, there are plenty of self-assured brides who opt to go backless. Backless dresses are extremely versatile and can be worn by anyone, regardless of size or body type. You have a number of options available to you if you would like to go for a look that is both seductive and sassy.
It is possible to find a dress that is identical to this one by shopping online or by going to a local second-hand bridal store, which is the location that this particular individual visited. Choosing a wedding dress that does not have a back is not only a great way to show some skin on your big day, but it also helps you to keep your look elegant and bridal-like. Our answer is unequivocally going to be yes to this!
Can Gray Color Be Really This Gorgeous?
Another non-traditional wedding dress that will make you gasp for air is this one, which is an excellent example of the genre. If you want to avoid wearing white on your wedding day but still want to look delicate and pretty, this dove gray dress is the one for you.
The perfect silhouette is achieved by combining elements such as a high waistband, a V-shaped neckline, and an empire-style skirt. It is a look that has never been done before and can only be accomplished by thinking creatively outside the box. You can find a dress with the same level of uniqueness by shopping at second-hand stores.
Bohemian-Style Beauty
Are you ready for another vintage or antique treasure that will make you go weak at the knees? This wedding dress appears to have been plucked right out of the pages of a J.R.R. Tolkien book. This bride has the appearance of an elfin goddess, much like Liv Tyler did in "The Lord of the Rings."
The balloon sleeves are an adorable and modern touch, while the lace is the source of all of our enchanted feelings. Do not give up on your quest to locate the dress of your dreams! It's possible that the answer lies in a thrift store.
A True Bargain for This Bride
You won't believe how cheap this dress is—only twelve dollars! You read that correctly: if you know how to shop smart, you can find a stunning wedding dress for significantly less than the cost of a pizza from Dominoes. When looking through the racks at her neighborhood thrift store, this bride couldn't believe her good fortune.
Although it's possible that this figure-hugging gown wasn't intended to be a wedding dress from the beginning, it's the ideal bridal attire for a wedding that's more laid-back and contemporary. The lace and the deep V-neckline are both wonderful features. Aren't you thinking the same?
Luckiest Lady Fully Covered in Lace
There is no other sensation quite like that of standing in a fitting room and taking a selfie proclaiming, "I just found my wedding dress!" This particular bride did not have to go to any upscale or prohibitively expensive bridal boutiques.
You guessed correctly; she purchased the wedding dress of her dreams at a second-hand store. This stunning gown is evidence that shopping at consignment stores or thrift stores does not require you to make any sacrifices in terms of fashion. The lace that runs from head to toe creates an eye-catching yet timeless look, and the cut is just right! What a lucky find.
Double Play On Your Dream Dress
When this bride went to a thrift shop looking for her wedding dress, she found not just one but two that were perfect for her! She now has one that she can wear for the ceremony, as well as a shorter option that she can wear for the reception so that she can dance the night away.
The first dress is more traditional and refined than the others because it has a longer length, an illusion neckline, and a bow. The second dress, on the other hand, is a tea dress with a silhouette that is reminiscent of the 1950s. It has long sleeves and a full skirt, making it ideal for twirling on the dancefloor. They are great to us!
'80s Gown With an Update
Dresses from another era exude an abundance of allure and character. However, there are some fashions that are simply not appropriate for use in this day and age. The outrageously puffy shoulders and shiny satin skirt of this dress from the 1980s are a perfect example of this fashion trend.
However, you don't have to toss out your vintage dress just yet because skilled dressmakers can make wedding gowns look completely different to accommodate the style of the bride. This bride ditched the retro style of the 1980s in favor of a stunning off-the-shoulder design that elevates the wedding dress to the level of a contemporary work of art. It is absolutely stunning!
Transformed Vintage Dress
This is yet another example of a vintage dress that has been redesigned and made more suitable for the contemporary bride. When this bride found her dream dress—a lace gown with long sleeves—she immediately knew that she had made the right choice.
However, it lacked the modern flair that was required in order for it to be suitable for her wedding. A short time later, she was seen donning the dress of her fantasies in the picture that was shown. A skilled seamstress did her magic by cutting off the sleeves and modifying the dress so that it would better fit the bride's frame.
From Frumpy All the Way to Fabulous
You won't believe what someone can do with a few dollars! The first picture depicts the bride wearing a vintage wedding gown that she purchased second-hand many years ago. Not only does it make her appear larger than life, but it also has an antiquated and depressing appearance.
She made the decision to exercise her creativity rather than waste money on a brand new dress. It's almost impossible to believe that the second picture is of the same dress as the first one. Long sleeves and a high neckline are no longer present, which is a welcome change. She got married recently and wore a stunning wedding dress with an empire waistline and no straps.
Perfectly Styled Tulle and Lace Composition
If it were us, we'd definitely get down on one knee for this stunning dress that we found at the thrift store. It has a very unique design, with a V-shaped neckline, floral lace, and a stunning tulle skirt that floats beautifully.
It is very possible that you could buy a dress like this from a designer bridal boutique. It has all the hallmarks of such a garment. Instead, this bride located the dress of her dreams at a store that specialized in pre-owned wedding attire. Therefore, not only does she get to wear a breathtaking gown on her special day, but also, she was able to save a substantial amount of money by doing so!
She Only Added a Few Finishing Touches
The purchase of a gown from a second-hand store is an excellent way to save money on your wedding while also being kind to the environment and reducing the amount of fabric that is wasted. However, if you buy a wedding dress that has been worn before, there is a possibility that it will not be in pristine condition.
Although this bride liked her dress, she ultimately decided that she would feel more comfortable in it if the straps were made of lace and were slightly thicker. Therefore, she went on the hunt for a skilled seamstress who was able to attach handcrafted lace straps, thereby granting this bride the appearance she had always envisioned for her wedding day.
A Dress Touched Up By a Little Bit of Movie Magic
The future Mrs. had a stroke of good fortune when she discovered this vintage wedding dress at a second-hand shop. It is almost an exact replica of the lacy white number that Kimberly Williams-Paisley wore in the classic comedic film Father of the Bride, which came out in the 1990s.
This look is going to be right up your alley if you're a follower of the movie! But you will still be able to appreciate the beauty of this traditional wedding dress even if you have never seen it before. The empire-line cut results in a timeless profile that can effectively be said to never go out of style.
Only Praises to the Bride
This wedding dress was once a frumpy monstrosity, but it was transformed into a stunning masterpiece thanks to some thrift store magic. It was an unflattering, awkward, mid-length gown with puffy sleeves reminiscent of the 1980s and an unusual bowler hat that was veiled.
This bride decided against going for a matronly appearance and instead had her wedding dress completely redesigned to reflect her unique sense of fashion. The end result was absolutely remarkable, and the dress could not be identified at all. They maintained the bodice as it was originally designed but updated it with a mermaid silhouette and cap sleeves for a more refined and modern look.
A Completely Different Dress
You should steer clear of floor-length ball gowns if the thought of being the focus of attention on your wedding day gives you the creeps. This bride bought her vintage wedding dress at a thrift store and decided to give it a makeover by refashioning it from head to toe into an entirely different style.
In the past, it featured enormous sleeves and a circular skirt in the style of the Renaissance. It has taken on an entirely new appearance! The chic and short skirt is an excellent choice for a low-key wedding or elopement, and the sweet and ladylike round neckline completes the look.
And They Lived Happily Ever After…
Will you take this dress to own and keep from this day forward, through thick and thin, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death does you part? We are willing to bet that the response is yes.
This wedding dress, which was purchased at a thrift store, is a fairytale come true, thanks to its sophisticated, long lace sleeves and round, prim boat neckline. This bohemian bridal look is to die for, particularly when paired with a chic up-do hairstyle that is slightly messy.
No More Bows
This wedding dress, which was purchased at a thrift store, is a fairytale come true, thanks to its sophisticated, long lace sleeves and round, prim boat neckline. This bohemian bridal look is to die for, particularly when paired with a chic up-do hairstyle that is slightly messy.
On the other hand, the sleeve trend is taken to an extreme in this vintage dress from the 1980s that I found in a thrift store. The prospective bride in question did not hesitate to get rid of the enormous bow sleeves that came with this dress and replace them with some straightforward lace straps instead. The final look is significantly more up-to-date and flattering than the one that was initially created.
The Queen of Flower Crowns
If you had seen the original dress before it had been completely redesigned, you never in a million years would have guessed that it could be transformed into a breathtakingly contemporary and understated bridal gown. The dress worn by this bride on her wedding day was purchased from a second-hand shop.
On the other hand, this served as the impetus for her to begin a do-it-yourself project that would result in her being a stunning boho bride. She maintained some of the lace detailing from the original design but repositioned it so that the emphasis was placed on the nipped-in empire waist rather than the Queen Anne neckline. This gave the dress an air of sophistication.
The True Potential of Princess Bride
You probably wouldn't bat an eye if you saw this dress being modeled on the catwalk of an exclusive bridal couture designer. It appears to be made of expensive fabric, has delicate lace sleeves, and is cut in an elegant A-line silhouette.
These are all characteristics that are associated with high fashion gowns. The low, messy bun that the bride wears on her head gives her look some model-off-duty chic. If you keep an open mind while you're shopping for your wedding dress, you might just find something equally as special when you're browsing second-hand stores.
A Perfect Way To Show Off Ink
If you are a woman who has tattoos, you have probably encountered some hostility from people of an older generation at some point in your life. You know, the people who ask, "What will those look like on your wedding day?" (ya know who you are).
Showing them this picture is much more effective than rolling your eyes at them and telling them where to go the next time. This bride went thrifting and came up with the most beautiful wedding dress to complement her tattoos. The combination of the illusion halter neck style with sheer fabric presents her tattoos and her edgy, fun personality in a way that is absolutely flawless.
The Old Can Quickly Become a New Classic
You shouldn't let the crazy things that have happened this year ruin your big day. Shop at thrift stores like this stunning bride to show your support for the independent merchants and small businesses in your community.
She made the decision to wear a long trumpet-style gown that was form-fitting and featured a deep V-neckline. The end result is a look that manages to be both mature and youthful, revealing and elegant, and contemporary and conventional all at the same time. Make sure that you do not settle for anything less than perfection when it comes to your dress, even if the size of your ceremony needs to be reduced.
The Ivory Fabuolosness
Whether you choose to believe it or not, this wedding gown was originally intended to be worn by a member of the bridal party. This lady made the executive decision to order the bridesmaid dress in an ivory color and cover it with a cape rather than spend a significant amount of money on a conventional wedding dress.
The outcome demonstrates that one does not need to spend an exorbitant amount of money in order to feel and look good on their special day. Sometimes, all that is required is a little bit of original thinking on your part. And there you have it – 40 dresses that proved to everyone that you can find beauty in the most unexpected places!