10 Dos & Don'ts of Thrifting a Wedding-Worthy Outfit

Your loved ones might be willing to break the bank for their wedding, but you don’t have to! I’ve shopped secondhand for several wedding-related outfits, from bridesmaid dresses to wedding guest ensembles, and always struck gold. These are the rules I live by, but soon enough, you’ll want to say “I do” to them, too.

Before hopping on down to any thrift or consignment store, double and triple check the wedding’s dress code. Some couples will ask people to avoid the wedding colors while others want their guests to dress exclusively in them. Occasionally, you’ll even see specific fabrics or colors banned.

Either way, knowing the basic dress requirements from the jump gets you started on the right foot.

Is thrifting a more sustainable and (typically) cheaper way to shop for special occasion outfits? Absolutely. Does it have to be your only option? Nope.

If you’ve spent weeks searching and can’t find what you like at the thrift stores around you, it might be time to start ordering what you do like online or to ask friends and family if they have something you could borrow.

Thrifting is just one of the ways to source a stellar wedding outfit. The reality is that it won’t work for everyone. If it’s turning out to be a bust, don’t force yourself to settle for something just so-so.

Much like our eyes can be bigger than our stomachs, our guesstimation game with measurements can be just as off. Since most thrifts and consignment stores don’t allow returns, you want to make sure everything fits well (or within reasonable tailoring standards) before you commit to it.

I’ve certainly been guilty of picking up something that’s a size or two too small with the hopes that I’ll be able to squeeze into it on the day. For something as premeditated as a wedding outfit, whether you’re just attending or staring down the barrel of nuptials yourself, you want to be 100% sure that it’ll fit the way you like.

While leaving a little wiggle room for bloating is totally normal, banking on a single outfit that requires you to drop three sizes isn’t a good idea. 

Related: How to Thrift Clothes That Will Last a Lifetime

Given that it’s hard to thrift something that fits perfectly, down to the smallest stitch, you’ll probably have to get your wedding outfit tailored.

But just because you don’t use a tailor every day doesn’t mean they’re not busy professionals. Inevitably, what you think is a small adjustment could actually take months for them to complete. You deserve the highest-quality tailors, and that requires booking them months in advance.

A good rule of thumb is to drop your outfit off at the tailor's at least three months in advance. This gives them enough time to make several adjustments to bring your dream outfit to life.

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Sometimes you spend months going to the same thrift stores looking for that specific item before stumbling across it. Most non-specialty thrift stores are curated through donations, and that means the more you go, the better your success rate is.

Unlike a retailer who might only change inventory once a season, thrift stores can have new things every day. You probably won’t be the unicorn that finds their wedding outfit at the first thrift store you visit, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to call it quits.

It’s so easy to get overwhelmed in a thrift store. Just reading all of the signs can give you a headache! Cut down on wasted time wandering the aisles by coming with specific pieces in mind.

Narrowing your potential pool is a great way to keep your eyes laser sharp for finding that must-have item in the racks.

Whether it’s a spring, winter, summer, or fall wedding, you want an outfit that harmonizes with Mother Nature. Not every wedding is a stone’s throw from where you live, and a little research can go a long way.

The last thing you want is sweating through your wool trousers because you swore that September wedding was going to be brisk.

Related: 15 Ways to Save Money on a Wedding & Where Not to Scrimp

You know what they say about the best-laid plans. From airlines losing luggage to unexpected spills ruining an outfit, you never know when you’ll need to pivot on someone’s special day. Thrifting a few extra pieces, whether it’s just a breezy shirt or a simple dress, can give you some added peace of mind.

Most clothes at the thrift store aren’t going to be new with tags, so it’s common to run into things like a small ink stain on the cuff or a separated seam under the arm. These small blemishes are usually easy to fix and shouldn’t ruin your excitement over finding the perfect piece!

If you want to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars at a fashion retailer for a dress that you’ll wear at least once but probably fewer than five times, more power to you. But if you want to save a buck while still looking great, secondhand is the way to go.