40+ Brides That Scored Their Wedding Dress at a Thrift Store

This stunning A-line gown is giving us serious princess vibes. Who would have guessed that this bride picked it up from the thrift store? The off-the-shoulder style is charming and traditional, while the lace detail on the skirt gives it another layer of classic beauty.

This bride certainly took her groom’s breath away in this look. And it cost a fraction of the price that you’d pay for a boutique or couture gown. This is a fairytale wedding dress of dreams.

This dress looked like it was plucked from the set of a Shakespeare adaptation — with its glorious neck ruffle and long, elegant sleeves. If you want to capture classic beauty on your big day, then a secondhand dress is a great idea.

You can take inspiration from so many different time periods, altering your dress to fit your own personal taste. This style of dress is also perfect for those who wish to look modest on their wedding day.

This thrifted wedding dress is truly one of a kind. We love the empire-line style, with delicate lace detail to add some flair. The simplicity of this dress is something that’s hard to find when buying a new wedding dress, as popular designs can be overrun with sequins, sparkles, and tulle.

Going for a more minimal wedding dress also allows you to add pizzazz with accessories. This bride has definitely found her dream dress at the thrift store.

Every bride deserves to feel special on their wedding day. Some prefer a more classic and understated style whilst others think, ‘Go big or go home!’ We love to see brides embracing their inner diva with a full-on ball gown! This bride is serving ultimate drama in her huge skirt.

Imagine twirling on the dancefloor in this ostentatious number! The gloves add a touch of sophistication, whilst the satin material prevents the gown from looking tacky or over-the-top.

This blushing bride looks drop-dead gorgeous in her trumpet style gown. The sweetheart neckline accentuates her feminine shoulders, whilst the body-hugging flare design makes for a flattering fit. We wouldn’t blame you for thinking that she had purchased her gown from an upmarket boutique.

Instead, she headed to the thrift store and searched the racks for her dream gown. It must have been her lucky day, because this is truly perfection. It’s true that some things are just meant to be.

The perfect wedding dress does not have to be a sparkling ball gown or a traditional A-line with a sweeping train. Sometimes less is more, as this bride demonstrates. She found her perfect style when shopping secondhand, finding this elegant batwing gown with a deep ‘V’ neckline.

It’s a mature yet modern look, perfect for a stripped back, intimate wedding day. With many brides being forced to postpone their elaborate nuptials, many are choosing more reserved styles.

This bride couldn’t believe her luck when she found the dress of her dreams while shopping at a secondhand store. She wanted a striking, strapless gown with ornate beading and a touch of sparkle. This dress delivers on all fronts.

The fit and flare style is sleek and modern, whilst the mesh section at the bottom adds another layer of seductive drama. It’s rare to find your perfect dress in regular bridal boutiques, so this bride was extra lucky!

Not every bride is lucky enough to come across her dream wedding dress on the rails of a thrift store. Sometimes, you need to get a little creative. This bride used her incredible sewing skills to create a completely unique wedding dress out of a larger and frumpier gown.

She completely transformed the original dress, which drowned her small frame. On her wedding day, she was able to rock an entirely one-of-a-kind dress in a beautiful light pink shade.

Who says that wedding dresses have to completely traditional? Thrifting your wedding dress is another way to make sure that you stand out from the crowd on your big day. You can completely imprint your personality on your gown, just like this creative bride. She found a beautiful strapless dress with a sweetheart neckline and an empire waist.

Whilst she loved it, it wasn’t quite original enough. So, she decided to add off-the-shoulder sleeves and dip dye the bottom of the fabric in different shades of pink.

If you’re a retro-loving bride-to-be, you will die for this one. This bride decided to go for a vintage-inspired look — with a high, boat neckline and long sleeves. You can channel Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle on your big day with a similarly elegant gown.

Traditional hints of lace, sheer sleeves, and a long veil will give you a perfectly regal look. And you don’t have to spend wads of cash. Simply check out your local vintage and secondhand stores.

This dress looks brand new, even though it was actually a secondhand find! The bride found a beautiful vintage dress, but it wasn’t the one. It was too big, the high neckline and long sleeves looked frumpy, and the lace was much too fussy.

Instead of going back to the drawing board, this bride decided to alter the dress to match the picture in her mind. The sleeves were shortened, the dress was tightened to fit her frame, and the neckline was altered for a more comfortable fit.

Sweetheart necklines are popular for a reason — especially when they are matched with a flattering waistband and a dazzling A-line skirt. The resulting look is feminine, classic, and chic. You don’t have to head to an upmarket bridal boutique to look like a princess on your wedding day.

Instead, you can search the rails at your local thrift or secondhand store. Many brides choose to donate their dresses after their big day, so you can find your gown for less.

Not all brides want to achieve the princess-like, twirling ballgown effect with layers of tulle and taffeta. Some women choose a more understated look, like this bride. She was lucky enough to score a secondhand wedding dress that perfectly suited her personal style.

This halter-neck wedding dress with a column skirt is elegant and chic. You want to feel completely comfortable on your big day, so don’t settle for less than perfection. Doesn’t she look stunning alongside her husband?

Ivory and lace is a classic combination. Many bridal beauties want to have a traditional ceremony, and this style of dress creates a stunning and timeless look. The shade of the gown perfectly matches the bouquet of flowers, and the Queen Anne neckline is totally flattering.

Can you believe that this bride scored her dress at a thrift store? It almost seems too good to be true. They say that fashion fades, but style is eternal. What an accurate statement.

Who said wedding dresses have to be white? In this day and age, brides can go for a range of colors and styles, without being judged or criticized for their alternative choices. This gothic bride chose a jaw-dropping shade of raven black, while the lace adds a traditional sensibility.

This striking look may not be for everyone, but we love how bold and brave it is. Imagine the wedding pictures! They must be absolutely stunning!

A patterned wedding dress is a bold choice. This bride was not afraid to go for a floral look on her big day. Elegant and delicate touches bring some sophistication to the gown, just like those sparkling straps.

This bride decided to show off her sense of fun and femininity at her wedding. Why not choose a dress that matches your personality? Check out your local thrift store to see if you can find a unique gown like this one.

Plain white or ivory gowns can sometimes look too simple. Adding lace to a wedding dress is a perfect way to add depth and texture whilst still achieving a classic, traditional style.

This bride found a stunning lace dress at a secondhand wedding dress store, proving that you don’t need to break the bank to look like a star on your big day. The open back on this gown adds a sensual touch. We are obsessed with this look!

You don’t have to go to Kleinfeld to say yes to the dress. You can find amazing secondhand dresses at thrift stores, special secondhand wedding dress outlets, vintage retailers, online marketplaces, and re-selling platforms.

This thrifty bride found her V-neck gown at a low price, allowing her to spend her spare funds on accessories and other wedding essentials, like flowers and catering. You would have no idea that her wedding dress wasn’t bought at full price! It’s classic, understated, and chic.

Plenty of confident brides decide to go backless on their big day. No matter your size or shape, backless dresses are for everyone. If you want to go for a sensual and sassy look, check out your local secondhand bridal store — which is where this gal went — or shop online to find a dress just like this one.

Choosing a backless wedding dress is also a fantastic way to show some skin whilst still maintaining a sophisticated, bridal-esque look. It’s definitely a yes from us!

This is another prime example of a non-traditional wedding dress that will take your breath away. This dove gray dress is perfect for brides who want that soft and charming look, without wearing white. The ‘V’ neckline, high waistband, and empire-line skirt create the perfect silhouette.

It’s a totally unique look that can only be achieved by thinking outside of the box. Shopping secondhand will help you find a similarly special dress.

Are you ready for another secondhand find that will make you swoon? This wedding dress looks like it was ripped straight from the pages of a J.R.R. Tolkien novel. Just like Liv Tyler in Lord of the Rings, this bride looks like an elven goddess.

The balloon sleeves are fun and fresh, whilst the lace gives us all of the magical vibes. Don’t give up on finding the dress of your dreams! The thrift store might be the answer.

You won’t believe that this dress cost only $12! That’s right — with some savvy shopping skills, you can find a gorgeous wedding dress for less than the price of a Domino’s pizza. This bride couldn’t believe her luck when browsing the racks at her local thrift store.

Whilst this form-fitting gown may not have originally been designed as a wedding dress, it’s a perfect bridal look for a modern and casual wedding. We love the lace and deep ‘V’ neckline.

There’s no feeling like standing in a fitting room and snapping the ‘I just found my wedding dress’ selfie! This bride did not have to head to any expensive, upmarket bridal boutiques. Yep, you guessed it — she got her dream wedding dress at a thrift store.

You don’t have to sacrifice style when shopping secondhand, as this gorgeous gown demonstrates. The head-to-toe lace creates a striking yet classic look, and it’s the perfect fit! What a find.

Trumpet style wedding dresses are all the rage right now, and we can see why! The pool of lace left at the bottom of this silhouette is just so romantic. This bride couldn’t believe her luck when she came across this second-hand bargain whilst shopping online.

After a few alterations here and there, she was wearing the dress of her dreams. It’s a striking dress that suits the young bride, with a dramatic deep ‘V’ neckline and all-over lace.

This bride could not believe her luck when she found not only one thrifted wedding dress, but two! She now has one to wear for her ceremony and a shorter option for dancing the night away at the reception.

The first dress is classic and elegant with its longer length, illusion neckline, and bow. The second dress, on the other hand, is a 1950s-inspired tea dress, with long sleeves and a full skirt perfect for twirling on the dancefloor. We love them!

Vintage dresses have plenty of charm and personality. However, some styles are simply too dated to work in this day and age. This 1980s gown is a perfect example, with its outrageously puffy shoulders and shiny satin skirt. But, you don’t have to throw your retro gown out the window — talented dressmakers can completely transform wedding dresses to suit your desired style.

This bride traded the ’80s look for a gorgeous off-the-shoulder design that transforms the gown into a modern-day piece of art. It’s so gorgeous!

This is another example of a vintage dress that has been transformed and updated for the modern bride. When this bride came across this long-sleeved, lace gown, she knew that she had found the one. But, it needed some contemporary touches to make it appropriate for her wedding.

Fast forward a few months later and she was wearing the dress of her dreams. A handy seamstress worked her magic, removing the sleeves and altering it to fit the bride’s frame.

This thrift transformation will surprise you! The first image shows the bride in a secondhand wedding dress from decades ago. Not only does it drown her frame, but it looks completely dated and dreary. Instead of splashing cash on a brand new gown, she decided to get creative.

It’s hard to believe that the second photo is of the same dress. Gone are the frumpy long sleeves and stuffy high neckline. Now, she wears a stunning strapless, empire-line wedding dress.

We would definitely get down on one knee for this stunning thrifted dress! It’s truly special — with a ‘V’ neckline, floral lace, and a beautiful, flowing tulle skirt. This definitely looks like the type of dress that you would purchase from a designer bridal boutique.

Instead, this bride found her dream gown at a second-hand wedding dress outlet. So, not only does she get to wear a stunning gown on her big day, but she also saved heaps of money in the process!

Buying a thrifted gown is an excellent way to save money on your wedding whilst also protecting the environment and preventing fabric waste. However, sometimes when you buy a second-hand wedding dress, it isn’t quite perfect.

This bride liked her dress, but decided that she would prefer it if it had slightly thicker — lace — straps. So, she found a talented seamstress who was able to attach handcrafted lace straps, giving this bride her dream look for the big day!

This bride got lucky when she found this vintage wedding dress at a thrift store. It’s an almost exact replica of Kimberly Williams-Paisley’s lacy white number in cult 1990s comedy Father of the Bride. If you’re a fan of the film, you’ll love this look!

But even if you’ve never seen it, you will still be able to appreciate the beauty of this traditional wedding dress. The empire-line cut creates a classic silhouette that will never go out of style.

Another impressive thrift transformation, this wedding dress began its life as a frumpy monstrosity. It was an unflattering, awkward mid-length gown with puffy 1980s sleeves and an unusual veiled bowler hat! This bride said no to the dowdy look and decided to overhaul the entire wedding dress to suit her personal style.

The result was totally impressive and the dress was unrecognizable. They kept the original bodice, adding a mermaid silhouette and cap sleeves for a sophisticated and contemporary touch.

If the idea of being the center of attention on your wedding day gives you the creeps, you’ll want to avoid sweeping ball gowns. This bride decided to reconstruct this retro thrifted wedding dress from top to bottom, turning it into a completely new design. Before, it boasted ginormous sleeves and a round, Renaissance-style skirt.

It looks totally different now! The sleek, short skirt is perfect for casual nuptials or elopement, while the round neck is feminine and sweet.

Will you take this dress to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part? We bet that the answer is yes.

This thrifted wedding dress is a dream come true — with its elegant, long lace sleeves and round, prim, boat neckline. Paired with a chic, slightly messy up-do hairstyle, this bohemian bridal look is to die for.

We love a dramatic sleeve on a wedding dress. Give us long, sweeping poet sleeves, ladylike cap sleeves, dainty three-quarter length sleeves, or billowing balloon sleeves. We’ll take them all. However, this thrifted, vintage dress from the 1980s takes the sleeve trend way too far.

The bride in question did not hesitate to remove the giant bow sleeves on this gown, replacing them with some simple, lacy straps. The resulting look is much more modern and flattering than the original.

If you saw the original dress before it had been given a complete makeover, you would never guess that it would make a stunningly modern, minimalist wedding gown. This bride found her wedding dress at a thrift store, embarking on a DIY project that would see her become a beautiful, boho bride.

The Queen Anne neckline adds sophistication, while she kept some of the lace detailing of the original design, moving this to instead focus on the nipped-in empire waist.

If you saw this dress being modeled on the catwalk of an exclusive bridal couture designer, you wouldn’t bat an eyelash. It has all the hallmarks of a high fashion gown — with its delicate lace sleeves, expensive-looking fabric, and elegant A-line shape. The bride’s low, messy bun adds some model-off-duty chic to the look.

Keep an open mind when looking for your wedding dress and you might just come across something similarly special when browsing second-hand stores.

If you’re a tattooed woman, you’ve probably been subject to some criticism from members of the older generation. Ya know, those who ask, “What will those look like on your wedding day?” Next time, instead of rolling your eyes and telling them where to go, just show them this photo!

This bride found the perfect secondhand wedding dress to compliment her ink. The illusion halter neck style with sheer fabric perfectly showcases her tattoos and highlights her edgy, fun personality.

Don’t let the events of this chaotic year ruin your big day. Support local and small businesses by shopping in secondhand stores, like this beautiful bride! She decided to go for a long, form-fitting trumpet style gown with a deep ‘V’ neckline.

The resulting look is mature yet youthful, revealing yet classy, and modern yet traditional. Even if your ceremony needs to be scaled down, make sure that you don’t settle for less than perfect with your dress!

Whether you believe it or not, this wedding gown actually started out as a bridal party dress. Rather than shelling out tons of money on a traditional wedding dress, this gal decided to order the bridesmaid dress in an ivory color and cover it with a cape.

The result is proof that you don’t need to break the bank to feel and look good on your big day. Sometimes, all it takes is just a bit of creative thinking.

Some things are truly meant to be — like this lady and her dress, for instance. Gone are the days that you’re forced to shop at a bridal shop to find the wedding gown of your dreams.

Nowadays, you can say yes to the dress at a thrift store, secondhand shop, or even online! Reddit user u/petitpoirier ordered her dress online for a fraction of the price that you’d normally see at a bridal store and that’s exactly why she made it on to this list!

Get this, people — this bride-to-be found her dress at Goodwill for six dollars. SIX DOLLARS! And according to the lady herself, the gown “fits like a glove and needs very minimal alterations, so I’m feeling incredibly lucky right now.”

Well, we would be, too! The only change that this gal made to her dress was swapping out the current beige liner for a lighter one to give it a more bridal feel. We bet she looked absolutely stunning on her special day!

And here we have yet another bargain steal, all thanks to the wonders of the internet. While some are skeptical about ordering clothes online for fear that they may not fit the right way, there are others that decide to take the plunge.

This bride-to-be bought her dress for less than $100! Can you guess where she ordered it from? Well, Amazon, of course! How crazy is that?! You can literally plan your wedding using Amazon alone. Oh, technology.

Okay, so this bride found the ultimate hack when it comes to shopping for a wedding dress. It’s an art, really. For those of you that are afraid to order your wedding gown online before trying it on, just do what this gal did.

She went to a bridal shop and tried on a variety of dresses until she finally found the one! Then, rather than buying it right there and then, she bought the dress online for 70% off! Frankly, she sounds like a master. Perhaps she should become a wedding planner…

This bride is absolutely glowing, and we can understand why! Not only did she get to marry her best friend, but she also found a way to do it on a budget! Her dress, which is absolutely stunning, cost $100 on Amazon — where she also bought her veil for an additional 10 bucks.

She then got her earrings from Walmart for two dollars, and her flowers from Albertsons for $25. And that, our friends, is how you have the perfect wedding without breaking the bank. Take notes!

Let’s be real — the wedding gown pictured here fits this bride-to-be like a glove. And the best part is the fact that she found it at a secondhand store for $30, plus it’s never even been worn! Ladies, this is what dreams are made of, are we right?!

While it may have come as a bit of a surprise that secondhand stores carry gems such as this one, it gives you all the more reason to expand your horizons when it comes time to look for your wedding gown.

Okay, guys. Just look at this glowing bride-to-be! It’s clear that she “found THE dress!” We mean, what’s not to love about this form-fitting lace and ivory pink wedding gown?

And to think that it cost this beauty less than 200 bucks! Talk about a steal. For those future brides out there that are stressing about finding the perfect dress within their budget, we promise that it’s possible! And we hope that this list is all the proof you need!

As if you thought you couldn’t find any better bargains than the ones you’ve already seen — BAM! There’s another one. This time, a beautiful bride bought her wedding dress for $20. Yes, you read that correctly.

While this knee-length dress may not be the most traditional of wedding gowns, it’s just right for this gal. It is the perfect combination of elegant and sassy, thanks to the open back and flared sleeves. Are you guys feeling inspired yet?

We know, we know — this isn’t necessarily a wedding gown but it is the outfit that this bride-to-be chose for her big day and honestly, we’re absolutely loving it! Reddit user u/yr-favorite-hedonist clearly marches to the beat of her own drum and to that we say, work it!

This blushing beauty advised other “untraditional brides [to] check out your local shopping outlets!” She found the “dress” for $11.90! Yep. And she seriously looks fab, right?! This might be our favorite wedding look to have made this list.

Shopping the racks of vintage or thrift stores can reveal some real gems. It might be more difficult to find ‘the one’ than if you went to a brand new bridal boutique, but we promise that the hunt is worth it!

You are likely to find something totally unique that no other bride will be able to replicate, especially if you alter your dress to fit your desired style. This bride removed the excessive shoulder material to modernize her look.

It is said in the wedding industry that too much lace can sometimes make a dress look old fashioned. This bride decided to break with convention, taking a lace forward dress and adding some contemporary flair. Her stunning, second-hand gown is brought up to date with a plunging neckline and elegant, flowing trumpet style skirt.

Her wedding dress definitely works for a rustic ceremony, and the floral bouquet compliments her style perfectly. We are in love with this look!

You don’t need a full skirt with layers of tulle to make an impression on your guests and husband to be. With her gorgeous thrifted gown, this bride proves that you can wear something understated and still bring the ‘wow’ factor.

This full length, column-style skirt is minimalistic and chic, whilst the lace adds a touch of traditional class. Accessories can make or break a bridal look, and it’s safe to say that the long veil is a perfect choice.

This happy bride hit the jackpot when visiting her local thrift store. You won’t believe that a chic, strapless wedding dress set her back a mere $59! For less than 100 dollars, she achieved a timeless look with this mermaid style gown.

She is sure to turn heads in this dress with its sweetheart neckline, lace detail, and subtle ruching effect. This has definitely proven that secondhand is the way to go when planning a wedding on a budget.

Buying a secondhand wedding dresses doesn’t always involve trawling through vintage gowns from years gone by. If you know where to shop, you can easily find a modern style at the thrift. This bride found a beautifully contemporary empire line gown with a draping back and sparkling lace detail.

This looks like it would have originally cost big bucks in a bridal boutique. It’s elegant yet bohemian, perfect for the laidback bride who still wants a bit of sparkle.