The Pros & Cons of Buying a Wedding Dress Off the Rack
Not everyone wants to spend thousands of dollars on a bridal gown, and some brides can’t wait the 6-9 months for a dress to come in. For these brides, buying a gown “off the rack”, meaning buying a gown that’s already in the store that was once a sample gown, is a great option. However, there are some cons to not ordering your own gown. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of buying off the rack.
PROS
- They are usually much less expensive.
- You take your dress home the same day. This is especially great for brides who are within a few months of their wedding date.
- Your dress will be available to you when looking for shoes, a veil, and bridal jewelry that match perfectly.
- You might forget what the dress looks like during the months it takes an ordered dress to come in. Trust me, it can happen. The way your mind remembers the dress will never be exactly how it really looks.
CONS
- There may be stains, rips, loose threads, or missing beadwork from the dress being tried on several times.
- The material may be of cheap quality.
- The dress you like may not come in your size. (Don’t choose something way too big or way too small- you’ll end up spending just as much on alterations as you would if you had ordered a gown).
- Custom changes can’t be made. For gowns that are ordered, some designers will make custom changes such as adding a sleeve or changing a skirt, and you won’t have that luxury if you purchase a dress off the rack.
Weigh your options carefully and choose the decision that fits your needs the best. Just remember, don’t buy any gown- off the rack or not- unless you’re in love with it.
