Besides the price. Yes, the gown may only be $650 (at least at the salon I found the dress at), but to a college student with student loans and a photography business, putting that much money into a dress felt selfish and a little absurd. Of course, I realized early on that wedding dresses are freakin' expensive and that my dress budget of $500 was a little unrealistic. Which is why after I fell in love with my slightly over-budget wedding dress, I began to get discouraged and wondered whether I would just have to suck it up and buy the dress full-priced.
Enter Tradesy. While searching all things bridal related, I happened upon a magical, beautiful website that allows women to post their pre-loved designer clothes for sale, as well as weddings dresses and other wedding accessories. Basically, a classier version of eBay where everything is "Buy it Now" instead of auction style. I was in heaven.
"Just for fun" I decided to search whether anyone was selling my Mori Lee gown...and I struck gold. I happened upon my exact dress in the exact size I needed for $315 (including shipping). Um, what. Before I allowed myself to get too excited, I contacted the seller to ask whether there were any physical blemishes on the dress and if it had been altered to the point that it would not be able to fit me. She was quick to respond and told me that no, she had not done any altering to the dress and that yes, the dress looked great, although it needed a proper cleaning. Pretty sure this listing was meant for me!
I quickly bought the dress (which ended up being $295 after a $20 first-time-buyer credit was deducted. #winning) and started praying that this really wasn't too good to be true. What if it arrived and did not fit me at ALL? What if the dress had some awful flaw the bride failed to notice (or mention!)? What if I didn't love it after all? I literally could not stop thinking about the dress for the entire two weeks it took for it arrive.
I decided to have the dress shipped to bridesmaid CC's house instead of my college mailroom, cause how the heck would I explain why I'm carrying a giant box with my wedding dress inside all the way across campus? When CC texted me to let me know the dress arrived (and let's be honest, I tracked that baby all the way from California) I rushed over to her house with an anxious, excited, nervous feeling in my stomach. I was about to try on MY wedding dress...
Well, guys...it was perfect!
It was better than I could have ever imagined, and it fit like a dream. Upon closer inspection of the dress, I saw that it needed a good cleaning as that the very bottom hem was rather dirty (since the bride who wore it before me had an outdoor ceremony). I realized, though, that since the dress needs to be hemmed a lot all the slightly dirty spots at the bottom will be getting cut off anyway. Beside the little bit of dust and dirt at the bottom, the dress was in excellent condition! *cue happy dance*
I tried on my DIY belt that was quickly nixed, and for good reason. I found a MUCH better replacement!
So there you have it guys, my gorgeous, pre-loved wedding dress that cost me less than $300. I'd call that a bridal win! I can't wait to show you guys how I added fun accessories that extras to make this dress my own. Here's a hint....lots of sparkle ;)
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