Buying an off-the-rack gown is often seen as a negative thing, but there’s no reason why you can’t buy a gown straight from the bridal store rack and save some money in the process. Check out some of the pros and cons of buying an off-the-rack gown before you purchase your dress.
Familiarizing yourself with the pros and cons of buying an off-the-rack gown for your wedding day is helpful as you begin your dress search. Now more than ever, brides are finding more affordable and eco-friendly ways to wear a gorgeous dress when they walk down the aisle.
There’s No Shame in Buying an Off-the-Rack Gown.
Long gone are the days when buying an off-the-rack gown was considered tacky or “less than” other dress options. Not everyone can afford to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a dress, and many brides have other convictions when it comes to buying off-the-rack gowns. For example, they might want to spend less because they’ll only be wearing the dress for a few hours, or they might want to re-sell their dress after they use it. Many custom, altered gowns that are designed and ordered specifically for the bride cannot be resold because of their personalized fits and features, making off-the-rack gowns nice alternatives. They are usually sold as is and do not require much alteration. Gowns that do require drastic alterations (such as taking the sides in) can sometimes be let out and resold to accommodate another bride in need.
Cons to Consider
A few cons to consider when buying an off-the-rack gown include the need for extra maintenance and repairs to any damages. Because off-the-rack gowns have usually been tried on many times, they’ve likely experienced significant wear and tear during their shelf time. This is typically where the negative stigma comes from. However, by carefully inspecting the gown before purchasing it, you can spot any areas that need thorough cleaning or repair and make arrangements as needed. This is one drawback to be aware of when buying an off-the-rack gown for your wedding day, but it’s not necessarily a deal breaker.
