Bridesmaids in Barnet turn to second-hand dresses as costs rise
Vinted reports a 17% annual increase in searches for pre-owned bridesmaid outfits across the UK
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Bridesmaids in Barnet are joining a growing trend of buying second-hand dresses to avoid the rising costs of wedding roles. Vinted, the online resale marketplace, reported a 17% year-on-year increase in searches for pre-owned bridesmaid outfits, as women seek to reduce expenses without sacrificing style.
The financial burden has led nearly a quarter of women who have been bridesmaids to consider turning down the role. Among women aged 25 to 34, the figure rises to 35%, according to a survey of 2,000 UK women conducted by Think BF for Vinted in July 2026.
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Costs push bridesmaids to second-hand options
The survey found that 59% of women who had been bridesmaids said the role cost more than they expected. One in three spent between £250 and £499 on their most recent dress, while 36% paid for their own outfit. In London, that figure jumps to 52%, reflecting higher living costs in the capital.
For many, the expense is not the only issue. Forty-two percent of former bridesmaids said they had no other occasion to wear the dress again, and 25% felt the outfit was too recognisable from the wedding itself. These factors have contributed to the growing acceptance of second-hand options.
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Second-hand market offers affordable alternatives
Vinted’s data shows that formal dresses are listed on the platform for an average of £11. The most searched-for colours are green, pink and blue, reflecting current trends in wedding fashion. Euan Steedman, UK communications lead at Vinted, said the shift towards second-hand outfits is driven by a desire to celebrate special moments without overspending.
“Being asked to be a bridesmaid is a special moment, but our research shows that the cost of taking part is leaving some women questioning whether they can afford to say yes.”
Euan Steedman, UK communications lead at Vinted
The trend is not limited to bridesmaids. Thirty-four percent of women who have attended a wedding have worn a second-hand outfit to the event. The top reasons for choosing pre-owned clothing include saving money (69%), avoiding a single-use purchase (38%) and finding better quality pieces for less (35%).
Eighty percent of women surveyed agreed that reselling a bridesmaid dress after the wedding is “perfectly acceptable.” This growing acceptance of second-hand fashion is reshaping how bridesmaids in Barnet and beyond approach their roles.
What happens next
Vinted’s data suggests the demand for second-hand bridesmaid dresses will continue to rise as wedding costs remain high. The platform expects more women to turn to resale options for formalwear, particularly in urban areas like London where expenses are steeper. No formal policy changes from wedding planners or retailers have been announced in response to the trend.
Questions this report answers
+How much do bridesmaids typically spend on a dress?
One in three bridesmaids spent between £250 and £499 on their most recent dress, according to a Vinted survey. In London, costs are higher, with 52% of women paying for their own outfits.
+Why are more bridesmaids buying second-hand dresses?
Rising costs and the desire to avoid single-use purchases are driving the trend. Vinted reports a 17% increase in searches for second-hand bridesmaid dresses, with 63% of women comfortable wearing pre-owned outfits.
+What are the most popular colours for second-hand bridesmaid dresses?
Green, pink and blue are the most searched-for colours on Vinted. The platform lists formal dresses for an average of £11, making them an affordable alternative to new outfits.
+How many women have considered turning down the role of bridesmaid due to cost?
Twenty-four percent of women who have been bridesmaids have considered refusing the role because of expenses. Among women aged 25 to 34, the figure rises to 35%, according to Vinted’s survey.
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