George Boyle
Wedding dresses are traditionally only worn once, yet many people hold on to them for years due to emotional attachment. However, given the ever-growing popularity of resale, thousands of brides are choosing to sell their dresses after their wedding. Brides can expect to make back up to 60-70% of the retail price. There are many websites and consignment shops where you can sell your wedding dress, such as Stillwhite, Poshmark, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and more. When selling your wedding dress, it's important to be honest about any flaws or stains, and include photos of yourself in the dress so potential buyers can see how it looks on a real person.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to sell | Still White, PreownedWeddingDresses.com, OnceWed, Tradesy, The Real Real, Poshmark, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, Kleinfeld, Vestiare Collective, consignment shops, bridal salons, auction sites |
| Cost to sell | Still White: $20 listing fee or $25/$35 premium fee; Poshmark: 20% commission fee; Mercari: lower commission fee than Poshmark; eBay: 15% commission for items under $2000, 9% for pricier items; Vestiare Collective: 3% payment processing fee; consignment shops: higher commission fee for white-glove experience |
| Time to sell | Most online marketplaces and consignment shops have limits on dress age, typically not accepting gowns more than three to five years old |
| Condition | Disclose all flaws and stains, and be honest about any alterations. Include photos or videos of the dress being worn to showcase its condition and movement. |
| Sentimentality | Many people keep their wedding dresses for years due to emotional attachment, hoping to pass them down to their children. However, sustainability and financial gains are also factors to consider when selling. |
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What You'll Learn
Where to sell wedding dresses
There are many online platforms that allow users to sell wedding dresses. Stillwhite, for example, is a website that allows users to sell wedding dresses of all shapes, sizes, and colors. The website charges a small one-off fee and no commission, meaning that sellers keep all of the profits from their sales. Other websites that allow users to sell wedding dresses include Nearly Newlywed, PreownedWeddingDresses.com, OnceWed, Tradesy, The Real Real, Poshmark, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay. When selling a wedding dress online, it is important to include clear, full-length photos of the dress from every angle, as well as close-up shots of any intricate details. It is also a good idea to include photos of yourself wearing the dress, if comfortable, so that potential buyers can see how it fits.
In addition to online platforms, there are other options for selling wedding dresses. One option is to sell the dress to a local bridal resale shop or another place that buys wedding dresses. Another option is to donate the dress to an organization such as the Emma & Eve Foundation, which uses the dresses to make angel gowns/outfits that are donated to organizations that work with parents who have lost a baby.
Before selling a wedding dress, it is important to ensure that it is in the best condition possible. This may involve getting the dress professionally cleaned to remove any stains or scuffs. A professionally cleaned dress can sell twice as quickly as one that has not been cleaned. It is also important to be honest about any flaws or stains on the dress and to disclose them to potential buyers.
When setting a price for a used wedding dress, it is important to consider the condition of the dress and the original retail price. A used wedding dress in great condition that is under two years old can typically sell for 50% of its original retail price. Gowns from popular designers may be able to fetch closer to 60% of their retail value. It is also important to consider the asking price of similar dresses on the same website or platform.
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How to list wedding dresses for sale
There are several ways to list your wedding dress for sale. Firstly, you can use a website that specialises in the resale of wedding dresses, such as Stillwhite, Borrowing Magnolia, or PreownedWeddingDresses.com. Stillwhite is the largest global marketplace for pre-owned wedding dresses and has over 95,000 dresses listed for sale. It charges a listing fee starting at $20, but does not take any commission, meaning you keep all of your sales. Borrowing Magnolia also allows you to list your wedding dress and has a dress value calculator to help you determine what your dress is worth.
Another option is to use a website that sells second-hand clothing more generally, such as Poshmark, Tradesy, The Real Real, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay. Poshmark has a commission fee of 20%, and buyers cover your shipping costs. Tradesy also takes a 20% commission but covers shipping and return costs and offers a money-back guarantee if items are inauthentic.
When listing your wedding dress for sale, it is important to include photos and a detailed product description. Be sure to disclose any stains or flaws and price the dress accordingly. Include photos of yourself in the dress so that potential buyers can see what it looks like on, and, if possible, include your measurements at the time you wore it. A personal anecdote in the listing may also help to sell the dress.
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What to do with a wedding dress after a wedding
There are several options for what to do with a wedding dress after the wedding. One option is to sell it on a website such as Stillwhite, PreownedWeddingDresses.com, or OnceWed, or on a general selling site such as Poshmark, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay. To sell your wedding dress, you should take photos of the dress, and, if possible, a video, as well as including photos of yourself wearing the dress. It is also important to be honest about any flaws or stains and to disclose them in the listing. You could also try posting on Facebook groups such as "Shared Dream Dresses", where people pass on their dresses for free.
Another option is to donate your wedding dress to a charity shop, which will give the dress a second life and raise money for the charity. Charities such as the Emma & Eve Foundation use the dresses to make "Angel Gowns/Outfits" for parents who have lost a baby. Brides for a Cause is another organisation that will accept your donation and resell your dress, using the proceeds to raise money for different causes. Wish For a Wedding is another organisation that provides dream weddings for terminally ill couples and accepts wedding dress donations for terminally ill brides.
If you are not ready to part with your dress, you could get it professionally preserved and stored in a box, perhaps to pass on to someone else down the line. You could also get it altered into a more wearable garment, such as a charming mini dress, a two-piece set, or a robe, which you could wear on your first anniversary.
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How to price a wedding dress for sale
Yes, you can sell your wedding dress. There are a variety of online marketplaces and consignment shops that will buy or facilitate the sale of wedding dresses.
When pricing a wedding dress for sale, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the original cost of the dress and its current condition are important. Pre-owned wedding dresses typically sell for 40-60% of their original retail price, depending on their age, condition, and brand value. Dresses purchased within the last 2-3 years tend to have higher resale values, while gowns over 5 years old may need to be priced lower unless they are timeless or vintage styles. If your dress is in pristine condition, you can ask for a higher price. However, if there are any stains, tears, or alterations, be sure to disclose them accurately and price the dress accordingly.
The designer and brand of the wedding dress also impact its resale value. Well-known luxury bridal brands often retain their value and can command higher resale prices. Additionally, consider including any accessories or extras with the gown, such as veils, belts, or jewellery, as these can add value to your offering. If your dress has been professionally cleaned and preserved, mention this in your listing as it justifies a higher price.
It is crucial to understand the current market for pre-owned wedding gowns to set a competitive yet fair price. Start by checking online marketplaces and local consignment shops to see the prices of similar dresses. You can also include a personal anecdote in your listing. If you loved how you felt in the dress and it has special memories associated with it, let potential buyers know. This can sometimes justify a higher price for the right buyer.
When creating your listing, provide clear and detailed descriptions, including the designer, silhouette, style, size, and any unique features or customizations. Include high-quality photos from various angles to showcase the dress's beauty and consider adding a video to show how it moves and sparkles. Being flexible with your pricing strategy and presenting and marketing your gown effectively will increase your chances of finding a buyer who appreciates your dress as much as you did.
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How to donate a wedding dress
Wedding dresses are often one of a woman's most treasured possessions. However, they can be bulky and hard to store, and some people may prefer to donate their dress to someone in need rather than keeping it in a closet.
There are several charities that accept wedding dress donations. Goodwill and Salvation Army are two well-known charitable institutions in the US that accept almost any clothing item, including wedding dresses. The donated dresses are sold at a discounted price in their thrift stores, and the proceeds are used to fund charitable programs. Some locations also offer pick-up services. Brides Across America is another US-based charity that accepts wedding dress donations. They provide free wedding gowns to military and first responder brides, including firefighters, EMTs, police officers, and paramedics. They accept almost all styles of wedding dresses as long as they are less than four years old and in good condition.
Brides for a Cause is a bridal boutique that operates like a thrift store and accepts wedding dress donations of up to five years old. The proceeds from their sales are used to fund women-centered organizations. The Angel Gown Program by NICU Helping Hands is a unique donation program that transforms donated wedding dresses into infant burial gowns, also called Angel Gowns, which are offered to hospitals, birthing centers, funeral homes, and grieving families.
When donating a wedding dress, it is important to note that most charities have specific requirements. In addition to age and condition requirements, some charities may also have preferences for certain styles of dresses. It is always a good idea to contact the charitable organization beforehand to understand their specific donation policies and requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
Popular websites for selling wedding dresses include Stillwhite, Poshmark, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, and The RealReal.
Include quality photos of the dress, and consider adding a video to showcase how the dress moves and sparkles. If you have photos of yourself in the dress, add those too, so potential buyers can see how it looks on a real person. Include your measurements at the time you wore it, such as waist, bust, height, and weight.
Brides can expect to make back up to 60-70% of the retail price. However, you will need to accept that you will take a loss on the gown, as buyers will consider it second-hand, no matter whether it has been worn or not.
Be wary of potential scams and only accept payment from trusted methods. Verify any buyer and ensure you're listing your dress on a reputable site.
