Lyla Dejesus
Wedding dresses are traditionally only worn once, but many brides hold on to them for years due to emotional attachment. However, with the rising popularity of resale, thousands of brides are choosing to sell their dresses after their wedding day. Brides can make back up to 60% or even 70% of the retail price of their dress. Popular resale sites include Stillwhite, eBay, Vestiare Collective, and Kleinfeld. When selling your wedding dress, it's important to have plenty of high-quality photographs and detailed information about the dress, including sizing and any alterations made.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Resale value | Brides can expect to make back up to 50-70% of the retail price. |
| Time taken for resale | It can take time to sell a wedding dress. |
| Where to resell | Online marketplaces, local consignment shops, social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Instagram, auction sites like eBay, and specialist sites like Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, and Vestiare Collective. |
| Preparation for resale | Clean the dress professionally, store it in a cool, dry place, include detailed information and high-quality photos, and set the right price. |
| Reasons for resale | To give the dress a second life, recoup costs, or pass it on to another bride. |
| Buying a pre-owned wedding dress | Buyers can save money, recycle a dress, and have access to a wider array of dresses. |
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What You'll Learn
Where to resell wedding dresses
There are several options available for those looking to resell their wedding dresses. Firstly, there are online platforms such as Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, eBay, and Poshmark. Stillwhite, for instance, allows sellers to list their dresses for a fee and keep all the profits without paying any commission. eBay, on the other hand, charges a commission of 15% for items under $2000 and 9% for pricier items.
Another option is Vestiaire Collective, an online consignment site that allows direct messaging with buyers and choosing your own prices. The site charges a 3% payment processing fee for sales from a list of 4000 brands. Kleinfeld, the famous bridal salon, also offers a service where brides can list their dresses for resale, even if they were not bought at Kleinfeld.
For those who want a quicker sale and are open to a lower price, local bridal resale shops and other places that buy wedding dresses are an option. Additionally, if you simply want to ensure your dress gets a second life, you can donate it to organizations like Brides for a Cause, Goodwill, or The Salvation Army.
When preparing your dress for resale, it is important to store it properly in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent discolouration and maintain its shape. Taking clear, full-length photos of the dress from every angle, including close-ups of any intricate details, will help showcase the dress to potential buyers. Providing detailed descriptions, including accurate measurements and information on any alterations or wear and tear, is also crucial.
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How to prepare your dress for resale
Preparing your wedding dress for resale is an important step in ensuring you get the best price for your dress. Here are some steps to help you prepare your dress:
Clean and Care for Your Dress
Start by having your dress professionally cleaned by a trusted dry cleaner. This will ensure that any stains or marks are removed, and your dress looks its best. It is important to do this as soon as possible after your wedding, so any stains don't become permanent.
Store it Properly
Store your dress in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep it in a breathable garment bag or an acid-free box to prevent discolouration and maintain its shape.
Document Alterations and Details
If your dress has been altered in any way, be sure to document this. Take note of any customisations, as well as the original price and condition. These details will be important for setting the right price and providing potential buyers with accurate information.
Take High-Quality Photos
Take clear, high-resolution photos of your dress from multiple angles, including close-ups of any unique details. Show the front and back of the dress, and be sure to include at least one photo of you wearing it. These photos will be crucial in showcaseing your dress to potential buyers.
Set the Right Price
Research the market and similar dresses to help you set a competitive and appealing price. Generally, you can expect to sell your dress for 40-60% of the original retail price, depending on factors like condition, designer, and current trends. If you're in a hurry to sell, you may need to be flexible with the price.
By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to resell your wedding dress and find a new owner who will cherish it as much as you did!
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Pricing your wedding dress
The age of the dress is also a factor in the resale value. Dresses purchased within the last 2-3 years usually fetch higher prices, while gowns more than 5 years old might need to be priced lower unless they are timeless or vintage styles. The designer of the dress also impacts its resale value. Well-known luxury bridal brands often retain their value and can command higher resale prices.
The style of your wedding dress can also impact the price. If your dress aligns with current bridal trends, you might be able to price it higher. You can also include accessories or extras with the gown, such as veils, belts, or jewellery, to add value to your package. If your dress has been professionally cleaned and preserved, you can justify a higher price.
When listing your dress, it is important to include clear, well-lit photos from various angles to showcase its beauty. You should also mention the designer, silhouette, style, size, and any special features or customizations that make your bridal gown unique. You can also tell the story of your dress to add emotional appeal, which might justify a higher price for the right buyer.
It is important to be flexible with your pricing strategy and adjust if you don't get any inquiries after a few weeks. You can also try selling your dress on different platforms, such as Still White, eBay, Vestiare Collective, or Kleinfeld, each of which has its own fee structure.
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The best time to sell your wedding dress
There are several factors to consider when deciding when to sell your wedding dress. Firstly, it's important to act quickly, as most online marketplaces and consignment shops have limits on how old a dress can be. The majority of these shops won't accept gowns that are more than three to five years old, so it's best not to delay the selling process.
With that in mind, October is considered one of the best months to sell your wedding dress. Wedding season typically ends in September, and many women get engaged between Thanksgiving and New Year's, creating a new wave of brides-to-be who are eager to start dress shopping.
When selling your wedding dress, it's essential to have high-quality photographs that showcase the dress from various angles and include clear images of the front and back, as well as any details and signs of wear. You should also provide detailed information about the dress, including sizing, fit, fabric, alterations, and the original retail price.
Additionally, consider having your wedding dress professionally dry cleaned before selling it, as this can increase its value and make it more appealing to potential buyers.
Remember, the resale market for wedding dresses is strong, and brides can expect to make back up to "60 or even 70% of the retail price." So, if you're thinking of selling your wedding dress, acting promptly and listing it around October can increase your chances of a successful sale.
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Alternatives to reselling your wedding dress
There are several alternatives to reselling your wedding dress. Here are some options to consider:
Donating the Dress
If you want your dress to have a second life, you could consider donating it to organisations such as Brides for a Cause, which donates a portion of the profits from reselling dresses to women-focused charities. Goodwill and The Salvation Army also accept wedding dress donations.
Repurposing the Dress
You could repurpose your wedding dress into keepsakes or new garments. For instance, you could turn it into a christening gown, a special occasion dress, or even a piece of artwork. If your dress needs complex repairs, consult a bridal alterations specialist to maintain its value.
Storing the Dress
If you're not ready to part with your wedding dress, you could store it properly for safekeeping. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and use a breathable garment bag or an acid-free box to prevent discolouration and maintain its shape.
Passing Down the Dress
Consider passing down your wedding dress to future generations in your family. It could become a cherished heirloom that represents a family tradition and a piece of your family's history.
Displaying the Dress
If you have the space, you could display your wedding dress as a decorative piece. Whether it's hung on a mannequin or framed as a work of art, displaying your dress can be a unique way to preserve and showcase it.
While reselling a wedding dress is a popular option, these alternatives offer creative and meaningful ways to give your dress a new purpose or keep it as a cherished memento.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several online marketplaces and consignment shops that allow you to resell your wedding dress. Some popular options include Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, eBay, Poshmark, Vestiare Collective, and Kleinfeld.
The resale price of a wedding dress depends on various factors such as its original price, condition, and any customizations. It is recommended to aim for 40-60% of the original retail price. However, dresses from popular designers can sell for closer to 60-70% of their retail value.
It is important to clean and store your wedding dress properly to maintain its quality. Consider having it professionally cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use acid-free tissue paper and a breathable garment bag for storage. Additionally, document any alterations made to the dress and take high-quality photos from multiple angles, including close-ups of any intricate details.
Your listing should include detailed information about the dress, such as the designer, size, style, silhouette, fabric, and condition. Include clear and full-length photos from multiple angles, as well as close-ups of any intricate details. You may also include photos of yourself wearing the dress to show how it fits. A personal story about the dress can also add a charming touch.
