Pre-Sale By Owner

As the economy tightens (does anyone really believe those recovery headlines?), there are more brides who are offering their gown for sale even prior to their actual event. While we understand the instinct to try and recover as much as possible from the one item that has some residual value after the event (i.e. the gown), any potential buyer should really reconsider this sort of transaction and steer clear of it until after the event has taken place.

What's the rub? So, so many things can take place at a wedding, both right and wrong. Brides, having never worn a party dress like this before, just don't know how much wear and tear can take place during their event. Photos on grass, ceremonies on sand, tipsy guests and torn bustles, these are all normal happenings. You might love cosmos and make them your signature drink, but when 100+ guests are wanting to congratulate you, don't be surprised if a few red drops make it on to your ivory confection.

This is where the pre-sale objective gets dicey. It's hard to say in what condition the gown will be turned over to Bride #2 before the party even takes place. And we hate to admit it, but when there is a definite buyer on the hook for a post-party purchase, Bride #1 might (inadvertently) be less diligent about protecting her party dress for resale purposes. On a subconscious level, Bride #1 could be a lot less interested in being extra careful during her dance floor hustle since the check is already in the mail.

Patience is a virtue, but wedding planning does not lend itself to being a particularly patient time in a bride's life. It's best to wait until the dust has settled and purchase a gently worn gown post-party. It will lend itself to a happier ending, and we do love a bride who is all smiles.