Dress For Less

Something borrowed, something blue, something old, and something...used? Second-hand is fast becoming the hot new trend in wedding planning as many of us are dealing with tight budgets these days. But just because you want a bargain doesn't mean you have to skimp on style. Enter Pre-OwnedWeddingDresses.com - an online resource for the bride that wants to look like a million bucks without spending that much.

Here is how it works: For a low, one-time fee of $25 newly-wedded wives can list their gently used (only worn once! for less than eight hours!) dresses for up to 12 months and brides-to-be can search them by designer, keyword, size, silhouette, neckline, size and location. Some of the dresses are as much as 70% off the retail price so even if it has to be shipped from a far away location it will be well worth the shipping fee.

Just for fun (like I need an excuse to think about having another wedding) I looked up some of my favorite designers and I found a beautiful J. Crew gown that normally retails for $2450 and was listed for $800- that's a steal! But the one that really made me weak in the knees was a silk taffeta Vera Wang number, normally retails for over $4000, listed for half that much! Is the third anniversary too early to renew your vows? ;-)

The only drawbacks to a site like this is that items listed are only one size so it might be tricky finding the dress you like in the size you need. But it is definitely worth a look in case you get lucky and find the bargain of a lifetime!