Oxfam's Used Wedding Dress Appeal

Oxfam is appealing for more second-hand wedding dress donations because demand at it's bridal outlets is booming.

The charity runs ten dedicated bridal stores in England, with wedding dresses ranging in price from £75 for a three-quarter-length dress to about £600 for a designer gown. The average price for a dress is around £250.

More brides-to-be are opting for a second-hand wedding dress to save on the cost of the wedding day and, by buying their dress from Oxfam, they are making an ethical statement at the same time.

Waiting List!

The charity's need for more stock was highlighted by the month-long waiting list for appointments at Oxfam's bridal shop in Eastbourne, East Sussex.

Barbara Warmsley, the charity's bridal co-ordinator, said: "It's great that so many brides are coming to Oxfam for their dresses, but we are desperate for donations to meet this growing demand".

"If a donated dress sells for £250, this can provide 100 people with clean water, build two toilets, train one midwife and feed a family for a month."

The shops stock wedding dresses and accessories, veils, tiaras and shoes, as well as bridesmaids' dresses. Some bridal departments can also provide outfits for the groom and the mother-of-the-bride.

Many of the wedding and bridesmaids’ dresses are unsold or sample products donated by mainstream bridal shops, and they frequently include designer brands. Some are simply donated by brides after their big day.

Customers buying dresses often donate their purchase back to Oxfam after the wedding.

Oxfam shops with Bridal Departments: