As the basis of the wedding industry, brides buy dresses they will wear only once in their lifetimes. In response to the increasing awareness of overconsumption in fashion, brides are rethinking the "wear once, store forever" mentality.
As a result of the pandemic, GlobalData estimates that the secondhand market will double from $29 billion to $49 billion by 2023. Bridal retailers and designers are therefore seeking ways to develop new repurposing services for brides. Pronovias announced in 2021 that it would offer in-house alterations, and Queenly continues to offer special-occasion dresses suitable for weddings.
Whether you're re-dying the dress or selling it, here are some ways to give your dress a fresh lease on life!
Your wedding dress can be re-dyed
A growing number of brides are dyeing their wedding dresses a different color if they want to wear them again. Following the pandemic, several brides asked professionals to dye their gowns after wearing them after wedding ceremonies and parties resumed in 2021. Due to the ease of re-dying silk, many brides have been able to fulfill this request! The fabric of your gown can be dyed by someone who specializes in that particular dyeing technique and repurposed after the wedding.
Dress Alterations
Bridal suits and mini dresses are popular choices for today's brides, while princess dresses are preferred by others. Increasingly, brands are offering these types of alterations as more and more brides turn to independent tailors to shorten their gowns.
For example, Pronovias offers free makeovers for wedding dresses. It is a simple process. The brand offers 50 Second Life options that brides can purchase, then return to Alessandra Rinaudo for bespoke alterations after their wedding day.
Designers and brides seem to be embracing the comfort and versatility of bridalwear after decades of one-of-a-kind, wear-once designs.
Getting more use out of your wedding dress is possible through repurposing and rewearing! If you still haven't found your dream wedding dress yet, book an appointment with us today!