It really depends on your personal style but, generally speaking, look for a well-constructed dress. The quality of the fabrication and construction are what sets an amazing dress apart. The drape, fit, movement, and overall look and feel are all contingent upon these basic qualities. If you know what silhouettes generally look the best on you, start there and look for elements in the dresses that you find. And overall, think about how you want to feel in the dress on your day. If you feel amazing, you will look amazing, and that is the best way to have a standout wedding moment, and photos to swoon over for years to come.
How do I personalize a dress that is once worn so it feels like it is just mine?
No matter how beautiful the dress, it is important to make it yours. The best way to achieve this is through accessorizing it and altering it just so. The dress is the base of your look - it needs to be high quality and amazing to ensure you look incredible. However, what takes it to the next level is how you wear it, which is only achieved through a well altered fit, complimentary accessories that speak to your personal style and, of course, hair and makeup to finish it off.
How do I measure myself for a dress?
Measurements, especially for dresses, can be tricky. We recommend following our Size & Alteration Guide and measuring yourself at home. The key measurements to consider are the bust, natural waist and the fall from the natural waist, which is the measurement that conveys how long the dress is and if it will be too short or need to be hemmed. The fall from the natural waist (length) is very important, as it is very difficult to extend the length of a dress unless there is extra fabric tacked in the hem. Similar considerations apply to the natural waist and the bust. These areas can be let out in some cases but if the measurements are a few sizes too small, it will be difficult to substantially change the size to fit. We recommend looking for dresses around your size, as well as a few sizes up, as altering down is generally much easier and more successful. All dresses, even if bought new and ‘in your size’ at a boutique will require some alterations.
Why should I buy a 'nearly new' dress?
Celebrities and models alike borrow the majority of what we see them wearing on the red carpet. Nearly all of the dresses you see at the Oscars are borrowed from design houses and PR companies and will be returned. If the most glamorous women in the world can wear and adorn themselves with borrowed dresses and baubles, then why shouldn't we? Your wedding and the events surrounding it are your chance to have a red carpet moment. What's better, if you buy from Nearly Newlywed, you can sell the dress back after the wedding. Just like borrowing, but better.
Isn't it risky to buy a dress that is once worn?
We remove the risk for you by offering our Nearly Newlywed Guarantee. All dresses at Nearly Newlywed are received, inspected, and authenticated by us before they are shipped.
What is your return policy?
All of our dresses carry a risk-free, 5 day return policy. For more details regarding our return policy, visit our return policy page.
What if the dress doesn't fit?
Fit and alterations are key to any special occasion dress. If a dress is too big, in most cases, it can be altered to fit you perfectly. We suggest girls look for dresses that may be slightly big rather than too small. Dress purchases from retail bridal salons generally require a series of alterations as well (2-3 fittings is average,) so if you purchase a nearly new gown you should expect to do the same to get it 'just right'. For more information on fit & alterations, visit our size & alterations guide. Additionally, all showroom dresses and most listed dresses carry a 5 day return policy. Check dress listings for their eligibility (we do have dresses that are final sale). See our return policy for details.
Can I resell the dress after I wear it?
Definitely. We encourage brides that purchase a dress from us to contact us right after the wedding to resell their dress. If you are interested in selling your dress after you wear it, keep your Nearly Newlywed receipt and order number on hand. After you are done wearing it, send us a note by filling out the form on the sell with us page, including in the comments field your order number and whether you'd like to consign or sell back your dress. All dresses purchased from Nearly Newlywed are eligible for reconsignment and inclusion in our boutique. Sell it Back is only available to specific dresses that carry the ‘Sell It Back’ policy & icon.
