More Than A Bargain

You can find beautiful dresses at thrift and consignment stores if you start searching early

By Teresa Forbes

Finding a beautiful wedding dress at a thrift or consignment store isn’t as impossible as it sounds.
It can be done. You just need to be persistent, have a strategy and start your search early.

“Brides can save so much money if they really think about it and take their time and prepare,” said Brenda Richards-Johnson, manager of the Jumble Shop of the Junior League of Omaha, a used clothing and consignment store. “Weddings can get out of control when it comes to money. People want lavish weddings that they can do on a budget as well, which is where we come in.”

Formal dresses at the Jumble Shop range from about $12 to $20, Richards-Johnson said. A bride could put together a coordinated look at a reasonable price for her bridesmaids by mixing and matching dress styles and colors.

Since thrift and consignment stores depend on donations, selection can be limited, so the hunt for the right dress requires vigilance and time.

Yesterday’s Best, a thrift shop operated by the Assistance League of Omaha, usually has one or two wedding dresses on its sales floor on a regular basis, said Rita Seiler, store spokeswoman.
Prices generally range from $25 to $75.

If you’re determined to find a great dress, Seiler recommends weekly store checks.

“We never know when dresses are coming in,” Seiler said. “They just show up in the donations. It’s just potluck, so to speak.”

With a little imagination and a good seamstress, a thrift gown can be altered to fit bride, wedding theme.

$50
1950s lace and tulle

No label, appears homemade; good condition; size 4 or 6

Where we found it: Yesterday’s Best thrift shop operated by the Assistance League of Omaha, 35th and Leavenworth Streets

How it could be updated: This gown is timeless in its design. Keep the jewel neckline but replace the worn pearl trim, or restyle to a bateau or Sabrina neckline. Some of the tulle has yellowed so we’d remove the worst areas and underline the dress with satin, saving the best trimmed scraps. The back of the bell skirt has enough fullness to be bustled. If length is an issue, a high-fashion asymmetrical hem might be fun. Or simply shorten the front to the knees and keep the back long.

$75
1980s satin and lace

Giza Collection, new condition; size 10

Where we found it: Yesterday’s Best thrift shop

How it could be updated: We’d remove the fitted portion of the Juliet sleeves and experiment with puff, petal or cap sleeves. There’s enough fabric in the skirt to create a pickup hemline, accented with pearls salvaged from the sleeve lace. The Basque waist, very 1980s, is easily modified with a snip of the scissors and some beadwork. Detach the chapel train and make a wrap from it, or rework into a flower girl dress. A fabric rosette and bow at the back have potential in headpieces for the bride and flower girl.