New or second hand

NotAGran55

There is a fantastic Facebook group called Pre-Loved Wedding and Occasion Outfits UK where beautiful items are for sale.

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It all depends on how you would feel on the day. Personally I’d be in ‘pre-loved’ but some people would be really uncomfortable doing that.
Do what makes you feel good. But also if you did want brand new you could choose an outfit that you could get some use out of later on

My daughter and DIL went with me to purchase my wedding outfit. I probably wouldn't have bought it if they hadn't been there. It's very smart retro and I wear it when we go cruising for the formal nights, a perfect buy which I have received compliments over the years. It's retro in navy snug fitting off shoulder, one of the best buys I have ever made.
I didn't want anything which shouted wedding outfit.

NotAGran55

There is a fantastic Facebook group called Pre-Loved Wedding and Occasion Outfits UK where beautiful items are for sale.

I have bought and sold here including a beautiful £1000 plus dress bought for a bargain £250 including a hat.

You must know what size/shape you are though as nearly everything on the site is a private sale so no exchange/refund.
I was delighted with the things bought there... and have had lovely emails from the person who bought a very expensive dress from me.

I have also bought an Ann Balon outfit new and subsequently realised second hand was excellent- you know exactly what to expect with some brands. My cheapest was £25 from ebay but I had one for about 80 quite recently from vinted and wore that to my son's wedding. It looks brand new.

New for me but I have bought Jacques Vert cheap in a store’s sale and I have since worn for several events where a posh outfit was required.It was a swirly skirt, top and jacket which still looks good, especially with a hat

I bought a good-as-new Jacque Vert winter coat on ebay about 8 years ago. It is still in regular use

I’d never heard of Anne Balon before this thread but I’ve just looked on eBay and there are some real bargains to be had if anybody is interested!

If a second hand outfit, rented out from a dress hire shop is good enough for Boris Johnson's wife Carrie, then I would go down that route. All the stars you see on the cat walk are wearing rented clothes otherwise they could not keep up with the cost of them all. If you do rent out at least you will get a designer outfit. But I would not spend a fortune. When our son got married I bought my outfit from J D Williams mail order and I looked expensive, everything was in the sale. I refuse to throw money away on just one day.

I spent ages on dress hire TurtleDove - it's really hard if you are a larger size/big bust etc.

My in-proportion daughter uses dress hire for fancy events but I haven't ever found anything that would suit me.

The Ann Balons I've bought are very stretchy, can be virtually screwed up in a suitcase and still hang really well.
I've worn the jackets with jeans too. I suit the 3 piece ones best. They seem to sell happily at the price I buy them 2nd hand.

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Tena, Well done. I am tempted to try Vintage but what happens uf you've paid for an item and it doesn't fit. I have so many items that I need to get rid of but am put off in case I mess things up.

Vinted is like any private purchase.
You will have to sell it on.