Franklin Dean
There are many reasons why someone would want to sell their wedding dress. It could be to recoup some of the money spent on the wedding, to fund a honeymoon, a new home, or future children. It could also be due to a broken engagement or divorce, or a change of heart about the dress before the wedding. Whatever the reason, there is a market for second-hand wedding dresses. Websites such as Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, PreOwned Wedding Dresses, Tradesy, and SellMyWeddingDress.org offer a platform for selling wedding dresses, with some charging a listing fee or taking a commission. It is also possible to sell wedding dresses on eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons to sell | To recoup money, cover debts, fund honeymoon, new home, future children, broken engagement, divorce, change of heart about the dress |
| Time to sell | As soon as possible, ideally within 2.5 years of the wedding for a higher price |
| Price | Depends on the dress's condition, age, style, popularity, demand, and designer label |
| Online selling | Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, PreOwned Wedding Dresses, Tradesy, SellMyWeddingDress.org, eBay, Poshmark, Facebook, etc. |
| Local selling | Thrift stores, vintage bridal salons, etc. |
| Selling process | Decide on a platform, pay listing fees, set a competitive price, take and upload photos/videos, respond to buyers, accept payment, ship the dress |
| Additional tips | Get the dress professionally cleaned, provide accurate measurements, disclose any flaws, include photos of the dress being worn |
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What You'll Learn
Where to sell your wedding dress
Deciding whether to sell your wedding dress is a personal choice and can be influenced by various factors. Many brides choose to sell their wedding dresses due to financial reasons, broken engagements, divorce, or a simple change of heart. Others may opt to keep their dresses due to sentimental value, hoping to pass them down to their children in the future. If you decide to sell your wedding dress, there are several platforms and marketplaces available. Here are some options to consider:
- Online resale platforms: There are several websites that specialize in buying and selling wedding gowns online. Popular options include Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, and PreOwned Wedding Dresses. These platforms often charge a listing fee but don't take any commission from the sale. They provide a convenient and hassle-free selling process by handling payments, shipping, and seller protection. Stillwhite, for example, offers a wide range of designer wedding dresses and allows you to set your selling price and receive secure payments online. Nearly Newlywed is known for its comprehensive service, handling payments, shipping, and insurance for each gown sold.
- Auction websites: Websites like eBay provide a platform for auctioning wedding dresses. eBay charges a commission on the total cost of the sale, with rates varying based on the price of the item.
- Online consignment sites: Vestiare Collective is an example of an online consignment site that enables direct communication with buyers and allows sellers to set their prices. The platform charges a minimal payment processing fee.
- Bridal salons: Some brick-and-mortar bridal salons, such as Kleinfeld, offer services that allow brides to list their dresses for resale, even if the dress was not purchased from their store.
- Local marketplaces: In addition to online options, you can also explore local marketplaces that specialize in selling used wedding items. These platforms may require a small listing fee but can provide a more personalized selling experience.
When selling your wedding dress, it is essential to consider factors such as the dress's condition, age, and popularity of style and size. Ensuring your dress is in pristine condition, listing it promptly, and pricing it competitively can increase your chances of a successful sale.
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Pricing your wedding dress
Condition of the Dress:
The condition of your wedding dress is a critical factor in determining its resale value. A dress in excellent condition with no stains, scuffs, or damage is likely to fetch a higher price. Consider having your dress professionally cleaned to enhance its appeal and potentially sell it faster.
Age of the Dress:
The age of your wedding dress plays a significant role in its resale value. In general, dresses that are less than two years old can sell for about 50% of their original retail price. As the dress gets older, the selling price decreases, especially if the style is no longer in fashion. If your dress is more than two years old, consider pricing it lower to increase the chances of a quick sale.
Designer Label and Popularity:
Designer labels and popular styles can command higher prices in the resale market. If your dress has a recognisable designer label, you can expect to sell it for 60% to 70% of its retail price. Popular styles, common sizes, and well-known designers, such as Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang, tend to be in higher demand and can sell for closer to 60% of their original value.
Comparable Resale Listings:
Researching similar dresses on resale websites is a practical way to determine a fair price for your gown. Websites like Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, and PreOwned Wedding Dresses offer a wide range of used wedding dresses, allowing you to compare prices and assess the competition. Keep in mind that the listed prices may not always reflect the final selling price.
Selling Platform and Fees:
Consider the selling platform you intend to use and any associated fees. Some websites, like Stillwhite, charge a listing fee but don't take a commission from the sale. Others, like Tradesy, don't have a listing fee but take a commission percentage from the sale. Factor in these costs when setting your price to ensure you're comfortable with the net amount you'll receive.
Demand and Timing:
If you're in a hurry to sell your dress, consider pricing it slightly lower than your competitors. Designer brands, popular styles, and common sizes tend to sell faster. Additionally, keep in mind that it takes an average of 70 days to sell a used wedding gown, so if you need a quicker sale, pricing strategically can help accelerate the process.
Remember, pricing your wedding dress is an art as much as it is a science. Consider these guidelines and adjust your price accordingly to find the sweet spot that balances your financial goals with the desire to sell your dress promptly.
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Selling your wedding dress online vs in person
There are several options available when it comes to selling your wedding dress. You can either sell it online or in person, and there are benefits to both methods.
Selling Online
Selling your wedding dress online offers convenience and a wider reach of potential buyers. There are many websites dedicated to buying and selling wedding dresses, such as Stillwhite, PreOwned Wedding Dresses, Tradesy, Nearly Newlywed, and SellMyWeddingDress.org. These websites often charge a small listing fee, but they can make the selling process easier by handling payments, shipping, and seller protection. It is important to present the dress well online, using high-quality photos and videos to showcase its condition and features.
Selling in Person
Selling your wedding dress in person allows buyers to see and try on the dress, which can increase the chances of a sale. You can sell locally through bridal boutiques, consignment shops, or directly to individuals. This option may require more time and effort, as you will need to handle the entire selling process, including marketing, meeting with potential buyers, and handling payments.
Factors to Consider
When deciding between selling online or in person, consider the condition of your dress, the time frame you have for selling, and your desired level of convenience. Online platforms offer a wider reach and can be more convenient, especially if you use a website that handles the payment and shipping process. However, selling in person may allow you to avoid listing fees and provide a more personalized experience for the buyer.
Ultimately, the decision to sell your wedding dress online or in person depends on your personal preferences and circumstances. Both options can be effective, and it may be beneficial to try both approaches to increase your chances of finding the right buyer and getting the best price.
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Preparing your wedding dress for sale
Timing
It is recommended to list your wedding dress as soon as possible. Used wedding dresses tend to sell for more money if they are less than two and a half years old. As a general rule, dresses in great condition and only a few years old can sell for fifty per cent of their retail price. The price they can command decreases as the dress gets older, especially if the style is no longer popular.
Condition
The condition of the dress is a crucial factor in determining its selling price. It is advisable to have your dress professionally cleaned before listing it for sale. A professional wedding dress cleaning service can ensure your dress is in the best possible condition and can help it sell twice as quickly.
Price
To set a competitive price for your wedding dress, research similar dresses on resale websites. Consider the brand, age, condition, and original price of your dress when determining the listing price. Designer dresses tend to sell for more, and if your dress has a recognisable label, it could sell for sixty to seventy per cent of its retail price.
Platform
Choose an appropriate platform to list your wedding dress for sale. Some websites, such as Still White and PreOwned Wedding Dresses, charge a listing fee but don't take any commission from the sale. Others, like Tradesy, don't charge a listing fee but take a commission percentage. Consider the benefits and fees of each platform before deciding.
Presentation
When listing your wedding dress online, presentation is vital. Ensure you take high-quality, clear photos of the dress from various angles to showcase its features and condition. Consider including detailed descriptions and mentioning any unique or desirable aspects of the dress to attract potential buyers.
By following these steps, you can effectively prepare your wedding dress for sale, maximising its selling potential and attracting interested buyers.
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What to do with your wedding dress if you can't sell it
If you can't sell your wedding dress, there are a few other options to consider. Firstly, you could pass it down to your child to incorporate into their own wedding look. Alternatively, if the dress is a style that could be worn to an event other than a wedding, you could save it for a future occasion. For example, if your wedding dress is a white slip dress, you could re-wear it to a non-wedding event. If you're feeling creative, you could even consider dying your dress so that it could be worn as guest attire to a black-tie wedding.
If you don't want to keep your wedding dress, donating it to a local thrift store or charity is a great way to give it a second life. There are also specialist websites that will buy and sell wedding gowns online, such as Nearly Newlywed and Stillwhite. These websites can take the hassle out of selling your dress by handling all buyer interactions, shipping, and insurance. However, they may charge a listing fee and take a commission percentage from the sale.
If you're looking to sell your dress locally, consignment shops are a great option. Local bridal resale shops and consignment salons will often buy wedding dresses to add to their inventory of used gowns. However, most online marketplaces and consignment shops have limits on how old a dress can be, with many not accepting dresses that are more than three to five years old.
If you're not in a rush to sell your dress, it might be worth investing in a professional wedding dress cleaning service to increase the likelihood of a sale.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several websites that allow you to sell your wedding dress online, including:
- Stillwhite
- PreOwned Wedding Dresses
- Tradesy
- Nearly Newlywed
- SellMyWeddingDress.org
- Ebay
- Poshmark
You can also sell your dress locally or donate it to the Emma & Eve Foundation, who use the dresses to make angel gowns/outfits for parents who have lost a baby.
The price you sell your wedding dress for depends on various factors, including its condition, age, and whether it is a designer dress. Used wedding dresses that are less than two and a half years old can sell for fifty to seventy per cent of their retail price. To get an idea of how much your dress is worth, look at similar dresses for sale on resale websites.
To accelerate the selling process, set the price lower than your competition and advertise the dress on multiple platforms. You can also present your dress in the best light by including photos or videos of the dress in your listing. According to data from Nearly Newlywed, preowned wedding dresses that have been professionally cleaned can sell twice as quickly as those that haven't.
