Chloe Hayden is getting married in 2028 and is on the hunt for the perfect dress.
The 23-year-old has a mood board of different styles she likes, but she knows one thing for sure – it won’t be second-hand.
She’s not alone in her hesitation. Research from the University of South Wales, Derby University and Manchester University showed modern brides are reluctant to buy pre-loved gowns because they’re worried about stains, smells – and even “curses”.
“There can be positive connotations, if it’s been gifted by friends or family for example, but if they don’t know the history of the dress they become a little bit more suspicious,” said one of the researchers, Dr Lauren Thomas.
Hayden, from Cardiff, said she did briefly consider wearing her mum’s old wedding dress but decided against it because it was no longer in fashion.