A video of women queuing for hours, then rushing into an op-shop in an upmarket Sydney suburb, has highlighted how unaffordable weddings have become. <\/p>\n
Vinnies Bridal Expo is back for another year, following its previous success, offering hundreds of unworn designer gowns at bargain prices, as well as suits, bridesmaids\u2019 dresses, formal wear, accessories and shoes. <\/p>\n
With the average Australian wedding now costing $38,000, it\u2019s little wonder people are increasingly looking for more affordable ways to prepare for the big day. <\/p>\n
The free event, held at Vinnies Waverley in the eastern suburbs, was so popular when it kicked off this morning that bargain-hunting brides-to-be lined up for hours before doors officially opened at 9am. <\/p>\n
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Despite the event running for a week, thrifty shoppers were keen to get in as soon as possible, with prices starting as low as $50 and brands including Vera Wang, Jesus Peiro and Herve Leger. <\/p>\n
Gowns come in inclusive size ranges from 4 to 22 and are expected to sell out. <\/p>\n
This year\u2019s expo is set to be even bigger than last year, so news.com.au headed down to the Bronte Road store to check out the action. <\/p>\n
Arriving at 8am, we found lines already snaking well around the block, with brides, mothers, family members, friends, and grooms patiently waiting it out. <\/p>\n
Footage captured shows the incredibly long line of punters queuing along the street, all anxiously waiting for their chance to get their hands on an expensive gown for a fraction of the price. <\/p>\n
Some booked hotel rooms, slept in their cars, and even brought camping chairs to wait in line early. <\/p>\n
Others brought friends for moral support, company, and activities to keep them occupied in the line.<\/p>\n
From the moment we arrived, the nervous and excited energy was palpable, with groups huddled together on the Autumn morning, eagerly discussing their shopping game plan and what they hoped to snag. <\/p>\n
The first woman in the line, Kristy, who is getting married early next year, told us she arrived at 4am and had driven all the way from the Blue Mountains, leaving at 2.30am. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m looking to get a dress that\u2019s not going to cost me an arm and a leg and put us out as much as the wedding itself,\u201d she told news.com.au.<\/p>\n
Another woman, a bit further back, brought her whole group of friends and her mum, arriving at 7am, and she left from Canberra at 4am.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love that there are so many dresses in one location and lots of options,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think Vinnies is a more ethical way to buy a dress\u2026 especially because it\u2019s just one day of your life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another woman from the Hawkesbury area arrived at 6am and said she stayed at her mum\u2019s house in the western suburbs so she could get here bright and early. <\/p>\n
\u201cWith the cost of living, it\u2019s not practical to have to spend thousands of dollars on a dress, so I hope I find something within price range,\u201d she explained. <\/p>\n
Another bride-to-be who arrived at 7am told me her reasons for shopping preloved. <\/p>\n
\u201cI love not contributing to waste, but there are also so many amazing, special dresses that already exist out there, so why not try and get one of them?\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis is actually the first time I\u2019m trying on a wedding dress.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kelsey, who also came from the Blue Mountains, left at 5.30am and was buzzing with anticipation. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m hoping to spend around $500, run in, grab some things, and see how we go!\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
The last woman in line, Jess, rocked up five minutes before opening and said she had \u201cno strategy\u201d but just wanted to \u201chave fun\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cWedding dress shopping is a bit of a pain, and I love vintage, so I thought, why not?\u201d she shared. <\/p>\n
When the doors burst open at 9am, everyone dashed to rifle through the packed racks, which house over 600 dresses. <\/p>\n
It was less of a Boxing Day sales-style stampede and more of a civilised Saturday stroll, as shoppers expertly navigated their way to the area with their sizes. <\/p>\n
With about 50 people allowed in the store at one time, there was enough room for everyone to spread out and breathe, although many told me they were still \u201coverstimulated\u201d while shopping. <\/p>\n
Within 10 minutes, one woman had already said \u201cyes to the dress\u201d – as Vinnies volunteers helped her into a stunning, sparkling, princess-inspired gown, even getting out a step ladder to help her maneuver into the dress. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the second dress I\u2019ve tried on this morning and it\u2019s literally perfect – it\u2019s everything I\u2019ve ever dreamed of,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t want to be overwhelmed by too many choices, so I\u2019m glad I found something so quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n
Some dresses are brand new, others are preloved, and among them all, shoppers can find accessories for the entire wedding party, like shoes, veils, headpieces, and jewellery. <\/p>\n
With the rise of the bridal wardrobe, popularised by social media, shoppers will also find pieces for engagement parties, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and receptions. <\/p>\n
The expo is really a win-win for everyone involved. <\/p>\n
Those who have donated to the shop are playing a crucial role in the circular economy, giving outfits that are often worn just once a second life instead of being packed away or discarded. <\/p>\n
This can help reduce textile waste, a huge issue in Australia, which has the world\u2019s highest per capita consumption of textiles, even outpacing the US. <\/p>\n
More than 200,000 tonnes of clothing are discarded in landfill annually. <\/p>\n
Every purchase at the Wedding Expo will directly support Vinnies NSW programs and services, which help people experiencing housing insecurity, homelessness, and financial hardship across the state. <\/p>\n
Last year, the event raised $50,000, and this year the team is hoping to raise the same, if not more. <\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Aussies can purchase high-quality dresses at a fraction of the original price, especially considering that the average wedding dress in Australia costs around $2600.<\/p>\n
Given the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, which is driving up other wedding costs such as food, accommodation and utilities, the expo couldn\u2019t have come at a better time, as wages have stagnated as well.<\/p>\n
As inflation outpaces annual pay rises, Aussies are experiencing a decline in purchasing power, making traditional luxury out of reach. <\/p>\n
For some, having their \u2018dream wedding\u2019 has become less of a standard milestone and more of a crippling financial burden. <\/p>\n
Some couples have even had to actively cut their loved ones from their wedding invite list to reduce costs. <\/p>\n
According to the 10th Annual Australian Wedding Industry Report, the average guest list has plummeted from 110 people in 2024 to just 88 people in 2026.<\/p>\n
Despite couples using cost-cutting measures and trying to stick to a strict budget for the big day, most still overspend by 23 per cent because of unexpected costs. <\/p>\n
Online, shoppers praised the charity store chain for its initiative.<\/p>\n
\u201cGenius idea, I\u2019m tempted to tie the knot all over again,\u201d said one on Instagram.<\/p>\n
\u201cBrilliant initiative,\u201d another wrote. \u201cSuch good value\u201d.<\/p>\n
A third added: \u201cThis is epic.\u201d<\/p>\n