Lyla Dejesus
Wedding dresses are often expensive, so it's no surprise that many brides try to recoup some of the costs by selling their dresses after their wedding. Some brides are not that emotionally attached to their wedding dress and would rather look to the future than keep it as a memento. Others are keen to give their dress a new purpose, or to sell it to recoup some money to put towards a honeymoon, a new home, or debt. In addition, the growing trend towards environmentally-friendly fashion means that many brides are choosing to buy second-hand wedding dresses, either to save money or to give a dress a second life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for selling | To recoup some money, put it toward a honeymoon, new home, baby preparations, or debt acquired from the wedding day itself. Divorce, broken engagement, or a simple change of heart about the gown might also cause a woman to sell her original dress. |
| Vintage wedding dress | A wedding dress should be 20 years or older to be classified as "vintage". |
| Online reselling platforms | StillWhite.com, PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, NearlyNewlywed.com, Tradesy.com, eBay, Craigslist, consignment shops, Borrowing Magnolia, Poshmark, and The Knot. |
| Online calculator | Pre Owned Wedding Dresses, The Knot, and Daily Mail Online have online calculators to estimate the resale value of a wedding dress. |
| Price | A used gown that's in great condition and less than 2 1/2 years old can sell for 50 percent of the retail price. Gowns from recognizable names like Vera Wang and Monique Lhullier can sell for 60-70 percent of the retail value. |
| Time to sell | Try to sell the dress within 2 1/2 years of buying it. |
| Cleaning | Professionally clean the dress before selling it to increase its value. |
| Photographs | Provide several photos from different angles in a well-lit environment to showcase the dress. |
| Description | Provide a detailed description of the dress. |
| Storage | Wrap the dress in acid-free tissue paper or pre-washed unbleached muslin. Place layers of tissue paper or muslin between the folds of the dress to avoid permanent creasing. Stuff the bust and sleeves of the dress with tissue paper to maintain its shape. Place the dress in an acid-free container or an acid-free plastic garment bag and store it in a cool, dry place. |
| Other uses | Dye it, turn it into a party dress, or use the fabric to make christening outfits, pillows, quilts, purses, or tote bags. |
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What You'll Learn
Reselling old wedding dresses online
Wedding dresses are often expensive, and selling your wedding dress is a great way to recoup some of the money you spent on it. Brides across the spectrum are looking to buy used gowns, and you can sell your dress online through sites like StillWhite.com, PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, NearlyNewlywed.com, and Tradesy.com. These sites specialize in reselling wedding dresses and are curated to be enticing to potential buyers.
Before you sell your dress, you should maximize its value by having it professionally cleaned. Provide several photos and, if possible, a video, along with a detailed description so that buyers can fall in love with your dress. Price it fairly for its market value, and don't be afraid to sell a dress that's a few decades old—they're considered vintage!
If your dress is from a recognizable designer, you may be able to sell it for 60-70% of its retail value. However, don't be discouraged if your dress isn't designer—dresses that retailed for $1,000 have as good a chance of reselling as those originally priced at $5,000. As a general rule of thumb, a used gown that's in great condition and less than 2.5 years old can sell for 50% of the retail price.
If you're not ready to part with your dress, you can also give it a new purpose. For example, you can pair a two-piece bodice with a different skirt, or dye a simple gown and accessorize it to wear it as a cocktail dress. With a bit of creativity and DIY, your wedding dress can have a second life!
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The value of old wedding dresses
Wedding dresses are often expensive, so it makes sense to consider selling your old wedding dress to get some of that money back. The second-hand wedding dress market is also attractive to environmentally conscious brides who want to give a pre-loved gown a second life.
There are many online platforms that specialise in reselling wedding dresses, including StillWhite.com, PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, NearlyNewlywed.com, and Tradesy.com. eBay and Craigslist are also options, as are consignment shops, although these take a 50-60% commission.
The value of a second-hand wedding dress depends on several factors, including the label, date purchased, price paid, and whether the dress has been cleaned. As a general rule, a used gown that is less than 2.5 years old, has been cleaned, and is in great condition can sell for 50% of its retail price. Gowns from well-known designers like Vera Wang, Monique Lhullier, and Oscar de la Renta can sell for 60-70% of the retail value. Styles worn by celebrities are also especially coveted and can fetch a higher price.
If you're not interested in selling your old wedding dress, there are other ways to give it a new purpose. For example, you could turn it into a party dress, a christening outfit for your children, a pillow, a quilt, or a purse. However, wedding dresses are made from delicate fabric that doesn't always stand the test of time, so it's important to store your dress properly if you want to keep it in pristine condition. This involves wrapping the dress in acid-free tissue paper or pre-washed unbleached muslin, stuffing the bust and sleeves with tissue paper to maintain its shape, and placing it in an acid-free container or plastic garment bag.
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Restoring and preserving old wedding dresses
Wedding dresses are often cherished items of clothing, imbued with emotional significance and sentimental value. Many brides choose to keep their wedding dresses as reminders of their special day, while others may opt to sell them to recoup some of the costs of the wedding or put the money towards their honeymoon. For those who wish to preserve their wedding dresses, either as keepsakes or to pass them down as family heirlooms, proper restoration and preservation techniques are essential.
Restoring a vintage wedding dress is a delicate process that requires specialised knowledge and skills. The fabric of vintage wedding dresses can be very fragile, and attempting to clean or restore it without the proper training can result in irreversible damage. Professional wedding dress restoration services utilise advanced textile cleaning techniques and technologies to remove set-in stains, fabric yellowing, and discolouration. They also address issues such as fragile lace, fabric rot, and brittle fabric that may be prone to fraying. It is recommended that individuals seek out experienced specialists who can provide a thorough assessment of the dress and create a unique restoration plan based on its specific fabric, details, and condition.
While some sources advise against attempting to restore a wedding dress as a DIY project, others offer step-by-step guides for those who wish to undertake the task themselves. It is crucial for individuals to carefully consider the risks involved and ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills before attempting any restoration techniques on their own.
Once a vintage wedding dress has been thoroughly cleaned and restored, the next step is preservation. Preservation techniques aim to protect the dress from environmental factors that could compromise its integrity over time. This includes wrapping the dress in acid-free tissue paper or pre-washed, unbleached muslin, avoiding coloured tissue paper that can stain the dress over time. Layers of tissue paper or muslin should also be placed between the folds of the dress to prevent permanent creasing, and the bust and sleeves should be stuffed with tissue paper to maintain their shape. The dress should then be placed in an acid-free container or preservation chest and stored in a safe area, away from harsh light, extreme temperatures, and humidity. Silica desiccant packets can be added to the storage container for additional humidity control.
For those who wish to sell their old wedding dresses, there are several online platforms and consignment shops that specialise in reselling wedding dresses. It is generally recommended to sell the dress within 2.5 years of buying it to maximise its value while the style is still current. Having the dress professionally cleaned, providing multiple photos, and including a detailed description can also increase the likelihood of a successful sale.
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Repurposing old wedding dresses
There are many ways to repurpose old wedding dresses. For those who are not too emotionally attached to their wedding dress, selling it is a great way to recoup some money after your wedding. Online sites like StillWhite.com, PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, NearlyNewlywed.com, and Tradesy.com specialize in reselling wedding dresses. However, if you are looking to repurpose your wedding dress, there are many ways to do so.
If your wedding dress has a long tulle skirt, you can pair it with a colorful top and a leather jacket to achieve a completely different look. You can also cut it, dye it, and turn it into a beautiful party dress that you can wear on different occasions. If your wedding dress is a two-piece, you can pair the bodice with a different skirt from your everyday wardrobe.
If you are a fan of DIY and arts and crafts, you can turn your wedding dress into a pendant necklace, a miniature replica, or a photo mat. You can also use the fabric from your wedding dress to make christening outfits for your kids, pillows, a quilt, a purse, or a tote bag.
If you plan to keep your wedding dress, it is important to have it treated professionally to ensure that it stays in pristine condition. Wrap the dress in acid-free tissue paper or pre-washed unbleached muslin and avoid using colored tissue paper as it can stain the dress over time. Place layers of tissue paper or muslin between the folds of the dress to avoid permanent creasing and stuff the bust and sleeves with tissue paper to maintain its shape. Place the dress in an acid-free container and store it in an area that is safe from harsh light or temperatures.
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Buying old wedding dresses
Buying a wedding dress is a significant expense, and with many brides only planning to wear the dress once, it is no surprise that the second-hand market for wedding dresses is thriving. Buying a pre-owned wedding dress is a great way to save money and be environmentally conscious.
There are now many online platforms specialising in the sale of pre-owned wedding dresses, such as Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, and PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com. These sites offer a wide selection of dresses, including designer gowns, at a fraction of the cost of a new dress. It is also possible to buy directly from the previous bride, which can be a good way to get more information about the dress and its condition.
When buying an old wedding dress, it is important to be aware that they are often very delicate and may be prone to damage or discolouration. It is recommended that you ask the seller about any stains or smells, as cleaning a vintage wedding dress can be risky and may ruin the fabric. It is also important to ensure that the dress fits you well, as alterations may be difficult due to the delicate nature of the fabric.
If you are buying online, it is a good idea to ask the seller for clear, full-length photos of the dress from multiple angles, as well as close-up shots of any intricate details. You may also want to ask for measurements and information on any wear and tear. This will help you to ensure that the dress is in good condition and that you are happy with the style and fit before purchasing.
Overall, buying an old wedding dress can be a great way to save money and find a unique gown, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to ensure that you are happy with your purchase.
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Frequently asked questions
A used wedding dress in great condition that's less than two years old can typically sell for 50% of its original retail price. Gowns from popular designers like Vera Wang and Monique Lhullier can sell for 60-70% of the retail value. To determine the worth of your dress, you can use an online calculator that estimates the value based on the label, date purchased, price paid, and other characteristics.
You can sell your wedding dress online on sites like StillWhite.com, PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, NearlyNewlywed.com, Tradesy.com, eBay, Craigslist, and consignment shops.
Before selling your wedding dress, ensure it is in the best condition possible. You can get it professionally cleaned, although this is not recommended for vintage wedding dresses. Take clear, full-length photos of the dress from every angle and provide a detailed description.
