I have been doing a lot of research on eco-friendly wedding practices and on planning a wedding on a budget. One item came up over and over in both categories… used wedding gowns.

Anyone who knows me knows that I love clothes! I can’t fit all of my frocks in one closet. In all the clothing purchases I have made, I have never purchased anything used. I have never shopped in a consignment shop, thrift store or vintage clothing store; so at first blush, this idea sounded terrible to me. I never liked the idea of wearing someone else’s clothing, let alone something that another bride has worn down the aisle.

It took a cause greater than saving money to make me take notice to the idea of a previously-worn gown. It was the numerous articles I have read on how wearing used clothing helps save the environment because no new natural resources are needed to produce the clothing. With that said, I decided to investigate the pros and cons of purchasing and wearing a used wedding gown.

Used Gown Pros

1. You will save money. Whether you want an expensive designer gown or a more modestly priced dress, used is always cheaper than new. The money you save on the gown will allow you to either spend more money on another aspect of your wedding or you could actually put the left over money in the bank!
2. If you want to create an old-world look for your wedding, nothing that is manufactured today matches the attention to detail and workmanship found in a vintage wedding gown. Furthermore, you can be fairly certain that none of your friends will be wearing the same gown at their wedding.
3. If your used gown belongs to a family member or a close friend, the sentimental value to the gown is priceless. I cannot imagine a more significant way to honor a loved one than to wear her wedding gown

Used Gown Cons

1. Someone else has worn the gown. If you are superstitious or just feel funny about wearing someone else’s clothing, this may not be the best solution for your wedding gown purchase.
2. You will most likely not have an opportunity to try it on. You will have to go on faith that the size is correct and you may miss the “salon experience” that is unique to purchasing your wedding gown.
3. A used gown may have stains and tears that won’t be evident until you own it.

If you decide to purchase a used gown, read on for some helpful tips:

1. 1. Purchase the used gown through a reputable seller. There are many services on the Internet that broker used gowns.
2. 2. Find a good seamstress and dry cleaner to help with repairs prior to purchasing the used wedding gown so you don’t have to scramble when you receive the it.
3. 3. Ask the seller specific questions about the gown. Are there any flaws? What are they?
4. 4. Try to get photos from all angles of the gown. If there is something really wrong, you should be able to see it in the pictures.
5. 5. Pay for the gown with a credit card. If the worst happens and the gown is a disaster when you receive it, you will have some recourse against the seller.

As with all other purchases, follow your instincts. If you don’t have a good rapport with the seller or something feels suspicious, don’t buy the gown. You will find others out there.

Next time: Tips for selling your gown online. Share your beautiful gown with another bride, help the environment and make a little extra cash in the process.

I am so excited! I received some photos today from Liz Stewart Floral Designs. She worked with me on the television show i did in Jacksonville two weeks ago. Her designs are incredible!

The thing I liked most about Liz (aside from her amazing work) was her willingness to share ideas on how to work within a reasonable budget for flowers. She completely embraced what I have always said about good, professional wedding vendors… If you are upfront about what you can spend, the vendor will be more than happy to help you stick to your budget and give you an amazing product.

So what were Liz’s tips?

1. Use flowers that are common. For the broadcast in Jacksonville, Liz designed two similar bouquets. One had very expensive and hard to find flowers like premium white hydrangea and peonies while the other one had lime green hydrangea and Queen Anne’s Lace. Both bouquets were gorgeous, but the less expensive one cost about half of the other one.

2. Use fewer varieties of flowers in your bouquet. For the broadcast, Liz designed the expensive bouquet with five types of flowers, the less expensive bouquet only had three types.

3. Use best of season flowers or add other elements like fruits and vegetables. If you allow your florist to make suggestions for the flowers you are going to use, she can advise you of what flowers are the least expensive at the time of your wedding. As for fruits and vegetables, they take up space and make an big impact.

4. Create bouquets with cut foliage rather than cut flowers. Liz loves confederate jasmine (which grows in yards all over Florida). It looks just like Stephanotis but it is a fraction of the cost. Any flowering plant can give you something beautiful to carry. Just be sure to get permission from the plant’s owner before you cut!

I spoke to Liz today to follow up on some questions regarding flowers. We had a great chat about one of my other favorite subjects… eco-friendly weddings.

I asked Liz if she had a composting program for her flowers. She told me that at this time, she doesn’t, strictly because of space. she said that she would love to be able to start composting, but until she has the space she “re purposes” flowers. In other words, when she gets flowers back in the shop, she redesigns them into bouquets that she sends to nursing homes, hospice and hospitals.

Liz also suggested using flowering plants for decor. Guests can plant them when they return home. The plants serve as a reminder of your wonderful wedding day and they are good for the environment.

Finally, Liz suggested as a wedding favor, make donations to eco-friendly charities.

I hope you enjoy Liz’s photos and don’t forget to check out her website! Also, special thank you to Mark Pennington for the gorgeous photos.

I finally have a copy of my interview from last week. You may access it by clicking play below.
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The interview was so much fun to do. I hope in the midst of all the silliness, you will find the information helpful.

I will be doing another radio show tomorrow evening at 6:05 p.m. Eastern Time. You can find it on the Internet at www.WDVRFM.org.

I hope you will tune in!