Every girl dreams of feeling like a princess on her wedding day, but the savvy ones know they don’t need to spend a king’s ransom on the dress to make the fantasy a reality.
Launceston-based I Do Gowns is a unique website where Australian brides-to-be can buy their dream designer or hand-made gown at a fraction of retail price.
A wedding can be an expensive event, so the portal also gives brides the opportunity to recoup some of their wedding expenses by selling their gown.
I Do Gowns founder and owner Claudine Ball said the concept is a favourite with brides on a budget or those who want a more sustainable wedding because the gowns sold are still in pristine condition.
“The gowns sold on the website have usually only been worn once – and for a matter of hours,” Mrs Ball explained.
“I came up with the idea for I Do Gowns after searching for wedding dresses online when I was planning my own wedding and couldn’t find anything suitable. It makes sense for a beautiful wedding gown to be worn and admired more than once, instead of being packed away in a box and stored under the bed or in a cupboard and never thought of again,” she said.
Dresses listed on I Do Gowns are designer couture, one-offs and hand-made dresses, with no restriction on size.
Wedding gowns are not the only items for sale at I Do Gowns; brides can also source bridesmaid’s dresses, accessories and decorations – and their mums can get in on act too by buying their mother of the bride outfits online. Formal dresses can also be listed on the website.
I Do Gowns acts as an introduction agency between buyer and seller. Those selling a gown can list it at I Do Gowns for a one-off advertising fee and the dress will then stay online until it is sold.
“Not only does buying from I Do Gowns save money for budgeting brides, but this concept is highly relevant in our increasingly green society,” Mrs Ball said.
I Do Gowns will be exhibiting at the Country Club Tasmania Bridal Exhibition this Sunday (15 May) so come along to meet Claudine Ball, see these three beautiful dresses and find out more about buying or selling your wedding gown.
Visitors to the exhibition will be able to see the quality of I Do Gowns’ dresses for themselves with three Tasmanian gowns on display – a strapless design from Roz La Kelin for 93 Bridal, Caleche silk halter dress and a new Nicolina lace dress.
The exhibition will be held at Country Club, Prospect Vale, on Sunday between 10am and 4pm.
For more information about I Do Gowns visit www.idogowns.com.au
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