Weddings are wonderful, but they can also be… a little much. Especially when it comes to the dress. It’s something you’ll (hopefully) only wear once, but tradition tells us we’re supposed to spend thousands of dollars on it. This is something that doesn’t quite sit right with me as I’m planning my own wedding for next year – and I know I’m not alone.
So what’s the good news? Well, I’m realizing that you don’t need to blow your budget or compromise your values to find something beautiful. Whether you go secondhand, vintage, or from a truly sustainable designer, there are so many ways to find a dress that feels like you without the waste.
Secondhand Wedding Dresses
The most sustainable wedding dress is the one that’s already been made. Buying secondhand saves tons of resources and keeps beautiful gowns in use instead of sitting in a closet. Plus, it usually means you can find something unique without the boutique price tag.
1. Stillwhite
Probably the most popular secondhand wedding dress marketplace. Brides list their dresses from all over the world, so you can filter by size, designer, and location. Think of it as something similar to Poshmark, but just for wedding dresses.
Price range: Dresses usually range from $200–$5,000+, depending on the designer and whether the dress is secondhand or sample.
🌍 Global marketplace with sellers worldwide. Shipping depends on the individual seller, but many ship internationally.
Also known as PreOwnedWeddingDresses, this is a classic site where brides resell their gowns. It’s a bit more old-fahioned in layout, but you’ll find thousands of listings, from timeless styles to modern trends.
Price range: Around $200–$6,000+, including luxury designers.
🌍 Global marketplace, with a large US base but sellers worldwide. International shipping depends on the seller.
Known for luxury secondhand fashion, Vestiaire also has wedding dresses (and accessories). Since they ship worldwide, it’s a great option no matter where you’re based.
Price range: Dresses can vary widely, but expect $250–$6,000+, especially for designer labels.
🌍 Global resale platform with sellers worldwide. Ships to most countries.
If you’re in the UK, Oxfam is an amazing secondhand option. They have a dedicated wedding shop in Oxford and an online platform with donated dresses, many of which are brand new or worn only once. Proceeds go to Oxfam’s charitable projects, so your purchase directly supports a good cause as well as the planet.
Price range: Typically £50–£500, though designer gowns can go higher.
🌍 Based in the UK; international shipping may be possible on select dresses (best to check per item).
This platform resells pre-loved and sample dresses, with part of the proceeds funding charity projects to end child marriage. Their collection features both designer and affordable options.
Price range: £500–£3,500.
🌍 Based in the UK but ships internationally.
6. Local Vintage Shops & Consignment Boutiques
Don’t forget about consignment shops, thrift stores, or even Facebook Marketplace. I’ve heard of people finding gorgeous gowns for under $200 just by looking locally.
Renting a Wedding Dress
Another secondhand option, but without the commitment. Dress rental has grown a lot in recent years, and it makes so much sense for an outfit you’ll only wear once.
This UK-based rental service specializes in wedding gowns with a modern, stylish edge. Their curated collection makes it easy to find something beautiful without the hefty price tag or environmental impact of buying new.
Price range: Typically £150–£600 for a rental period.
🌍 Based in the UK, with most rentals available nationwide.
2. GlamCorner
Australia’s go-to rental platform for designer dresses, including bridal gowns. They offer flexible rental periods and even a “membership” option if you’re interested in renting more than just your wedding dress.
Price range: Around AUD $200–$1000 for wedding gowns.
🌍 Based in Australia, shipping available nationwide.
A dedicated pre-loved wedding dress platform where brides can rent or buy secondhand gowns. They carry a wide variety of designers and styles, making it easier to find something special without the high cost. Renting lets you enjoy your dream dress without worrying about what happens after the big day.
Price range: Most rentals fall between $200–$800, depending on the gown and designer.
🌍 Based in the US; rentals and sales available nationwide, shipping both ways included.
Originally from the US, Dare & Dazzle now operates in Paris, offering sustainable bridal rentals and sales with a strong emphasis on eco-conscious values. You can visit their elegant studio in Paris for a personalized fitting or book a rental online and try the dresses at home – shipping included. Each gown is thoughtfully named after a trailblazing woman, making the experience feel personal and empowering.
Price range: Rentals typically fall between €250–€800, depending on the dress and rental duration. Some styles are also available to purchase.
🌍 Based in Paris, France. Rentals and at-home try-ons are available across the EU.
5. Onrotate
Onrotate is South Africa’s leading circular fashion platform, where you can rent, lend, or buy designer wedding gowns, eveningwear, and accessories – all in one place. Their “for the bride” collection includes curated gowns from both local and international designers, and they make renting super smooth with inclusive delivery, cleaning, and easy returns.
Price range: Rentals typically start around R650–R1,200 (about $40–$80 USD), depending on the gown, and can go higher for designer pieces.
🌍 Based in South Africa; rentals available nationwide with free next-day delivery (within South Africa), damage protection, and clear size-fit guarantees.
6. Lala Market
Lala Market is an online secondhand wedding dress marketplace where brides can buy (not rent) beautiful pre-loved or new dresses directly from other brides. It’s all peer-to-peer and totally focused on keeping dresses in use rather than tucked away forever.
Price range: Dresses typically range from €100–€1,100, depending on the designer and condition.
🌍 Based in Slovakia but serves the broader EU via online listings. Everything is sold directly by sellers; shipping and arrangements depend on the listing.
7. Local Bridal Rentals
Depending on where you live, bridal shops may offer rentals – especially in parts of Asia and Europe where renting is more common.
Sustainable Wedding Dress Designers
If secondhand doesn’t feel right for you, there are designers creating new dresses with sustainability in mind, often using organic fabrics, fair labor practices, and timeless designs.
1. Reformation
Famous for its eco-friendly everyday clothing, Reformation also makes absolutely beautiful wedding gowns and bridal separates. They’re modern, minimal, and dreamy as heck.
Price range: Most wedding dresses fall in the $300–$600 range.
🌍 Ships worldwide, with free shipping in the US.
Handmade in London using natural and organic fabrics. Their dresses have a relaxed, bohemian vibe, perfect if you’re after something laid-back but still elegant. Many designs incorporate lace and flowing silhouettes, and everything is made in small batches to minimize waste.
Price range: £900–£2,500.
🌍 Based in the UK, but ships internationally to EU.
3. Leila Hafzi
A pioneer in sustainable bridal fashion, Leila Hafzi creates ethereal gowns inspired by both Scandinavian design and Nepalese craftsmanship. Her dresses are made under fair working conditions in Nepal, using eco-conscious fabrics and artisanal techniques. They’re delicate, flowing, and feel almost otherworldly.
Price range: $2,000–$6,000.
🌍 Based in Norway, available through select boutiques worldwide.
Known for their super comfy, stretchy lace gowns, this California-based brand makes modern, romantic dresses with comfort in mind. They use organic cotton and stretch lace to create dresses that are both eco-friendly and easy to move in (no stiff corsets!). Their made-to-order model keeps waste low, and they offer lots of customization so you can make the dress your own.
Price range: $900–$2,000.
🌍 Ships worldwide from their California studio.
This Australian label has built a name for itself with sustainably made, comfortable, and effortlessly romantic gowns. Their dresses are designed using ethically sourced fabrics, and the brand is transparent about its production practices. Styles lean toward bohemian elegance, with lots of lace, silk alternatives, and relaxed fits.
Price range: $1,200–$3,000.
🌍 Based in Australia, but ships internationally and has showrooms in the US, UK, and other parts of the world.
6. Etsy
Etsy can be a treasure trove for wedding dresses, especially if you’re open to something a little different. You’ll find everything from vintage gowns to handmade dresses created by small independent designers. Many shops even offer customization, so you can tweak details like sleeves or fabric. It’s a wonderful way to support independent makers while finding a dress that feels one-of-a-kind.
Price range: $150–$2,500 depending on the shop and style.
🌍 Global marketplace with sellers worldwide; most shops ship internationally.
A More Sustainable Way to Say Yes to the Dress
At the end of the day, the most sustainable wedding dress is the one that already exists. Buying secondhand or renting not only saves you money but also gives a gown a second (or third!) love story. And if you do decide to buy new, there are designers out there who are doing it right – making dresses that honor both you and the planet.
And when the big day is over, you can pass your dress along to another bride, keeping the cycle going.