The Brides' Project

I bought a plus size second hand dress for $100 CAD and spent another $200 to have it altered. It was a Jessica McClintock dress that retailed originally for over $800. It was a great deal. I donated it to the Cuban wedding system after so other brides can enjoy it. They rent their dresses there.

If you're looking for bridal shopping with a conscience, check out The Brides' Project. They sell donations (many of them brand new) from bridal salons and other sources and give the proceeds to charities for cancer. All the people working there are volunteers, and they're lovely. You need to take a friend to help you try on the dresses. Beyond just dresses, they have all kinds of accessories. The prices can't be beat -- nothing is priced more than about $1200, and most of these dresses are from well-known designers.