Junior Rasmussen
There are many options available for brides who want to sell their wedding dresses, including online marketplaces, consignment shops, and bridal boutiques. Some shops that sell pre-owned wedding dresses include Stillwhite, the largest global marketplace for preowned wedding dresses, Borrowing Magnolia, and Hand-Me-Gowns. There are also online platforms such as Tradesy, which offers a streamlined interface for buying and selling preowned wedding dresses from designer brands, and Nearly Newlywed, which connects dress buyers and sellers. For those looking to buy a used wedding dress, shopping pre-owned can be a sustainable and budget-friendly option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bridal shops that buy back wedding dresses | The Knot Vendor Marketplace, Hand-Me-Gowns, Happy Isles, Borrowing Magnolia, Tradesy, Stillwhite |
| Reasons to sell | Sustainability, earning back money spent on the dress |
| Online marketplaces | Stillwhite, Tradesy |
| Online marketplaces - fees | Stillwhite: one-off fee, no commission, typical transaction fees for PayPal; Tradesy: 20% commission, covers shipping and return costs |
| Online marketplaces - number of dresses | Stillwhite: 95,902 wedding gowns |
| Online marketplaces - other features | Stillwhite: keep contact details private, sellers can post video; Tradesy: money-back guarantee if items are inauthentic |
| Consignment shops | Happy Isles, Borrowing Magnolia |
| Consignment shops - features | Happy Isles: worldwide shipping |
| Tips for selling | Act quickly, trends change frequently; know your measurements; be transparent about alterations |
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What You'll Learn
Where to sell wedding dresses
There are several options for where to sell your wedding dress, both online and in person.
Online
If you're looking to sell your wedding dress online, there are several websites that specialise in buying and selling wedding gowns. These include Nearly Newlywed, Stillwhite, eBay, and Poshmark. Nearly Newlywed has been connecting dress buyers and sellers since 2004, and Stillwhite has sold $115 million worth of dresses and has 95,977 items listed for sale. Both platforms allow you to set your own selling price and charge a small one-off fee with no commission. It's important to note that selling a wedding dress online is different from selling in person, as buyers can't see the dress up close. To optimise your listing, take clear, full-length photos of the dress from every angle, as well as close-up shots of any intricate details. You may also want to include photos of yourself wearing the dress and provide a detailed description, including accurate measurements and information on any wear and tear.
In Person
If you're looking to sell your dress in person, you can try local bridal resale shops and other places that buy wedding dresses. Hand-Me-Gowns, a bridal boutique in New Jersey, is an example of a shop that sells pre-owned wedding dresses. However, it's important to note that most online marketplaces and consignment shops have limits on how old a dress can be, usually not accepting gowns that are more than three to five years old. Additionally, some sellers won't accept gowns that have been heavily altered or shortened.
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How to sell wedding dresses
There are a few things to consider when deciding how to sell your wedding dress. Firstly, it's worth noting that bridal shops rarely buy wedding dresses back, but there are other options to explore.
The first step is to decide whether selling is the right choice for you. Wedding dresses often hold emotional value, and many people hold on to them with the intention of passing them down to their children. If this isn't something you plan to do, then selling your dress could be a good option.
If you do decide to sell your dress, it's important to act quickly. Most online marketplaces and consignment shops won't accept dresses over three to five years old, and they also won't accept discoloured or damaged gowns. It's also worth noting that shortened or heavily altered dresses can be more challenging to sell. To get the best price, ensure your dress is in the best possible condition. Consider having it professionally cleaned, and include clear, full-length photos from every angle if you're selling online. You should also provide detailed information, including accurate measurements and details of any wear and tear.
There are several online platforms that specialise in buying and selling wedding dresses, such as Still White, Nearly Newlywed, and Vestiare Collective. These sites typically charge a small fee or commission, and allow you to connect directly with buyers. Alternatively, you could try a local bridal resale shop, which will handle the sale for you and take a percentage of the selling price.
It's worth noting that you may not make back the full value of your dress. Brides can typically expect to make back around 50-70% of the retail price, depending on the designer and condition of the dress.
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The benefits of buying a second-hand wedding dress
There are several benefits to buying a second-hand wedding dress. Firstly, it is a cost-effective option. Second-hand wedding dresses are generally marked down by between 40-80% of the retail price, allowing you to save money or splurge on other aspects of your wedding, such as the venue or honeymoon. This is especially true if you have your heart set on a designer dress, which can be more affordable when bought second-hand.
Secondly, buying a pre-owned wedding dress is a sustainable choice. By choosing a second-hand dress, you are reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to the circular economy. It also ensures that the dress will be loved and worn again, giving it a new lease of life.
Additionally, with the money saved, you can buy accessories to match your dress, such as shoes, a veil, or jewellery. This allows you to personalise your look and ensure everything coordinates well.
Another advantage of buying second-hand is the convenience and ease of the process. Online marketplaces, such as Preowned Wedding Dresses and Still White, offer a wide variety of styles, prices, and designers to choose from, all from the comfort of your home. These platforms also provide purchase protection, ensuring a secure transaction.
Lastly, buying a second-hand wedding dress can connect you with other brides and sellers. Websites like Nearly Newlywed, for example, pride themselves on connecting brides with dresses and facilitating the exchange. This community aspect adds a unique and special touch to your dress-buying experience.
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The best places to buy second-hand wedding dresses
If you're looking to buy a second-hand wedding dress, there are a few options available to you.
Online Marketplaces
The first option is to look at online marketplaces. Nearly Newlywed, for example, connects dress buyers and sellers, helping both save money. The site features curated tips and articles for brides-to-be and makes it easy to join its marketplace. Stillwhite is another online option, which accepts dresses of all shapes, sizes, and colors. It does not charge commission or monthly fees, although typical transaction fees apply to PayPal payments.
Local Consignment Shops
If you'd prefer to see a dress in person before buying, you might want to try a local consignment shop. The Knot Vendor Marketplace, for example, can help you find a bridal salon near you that specializes in consignment wedding dresses. Here, you can chat with professionals about the resale value of your dress, and you might even be able to sell it directly to them.
Thrift Stores
Thrift stores are another option for buying second-hand wedding dresses. However, it's worth noting that most online marketplaces and consignment shops have limits on how old a dress can be for it to be included in their stock. Most won't accept a gown that is more than three to five years old or is discolored or damaged.
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The process of buying a second-hand wedding dress
- Familiarize Yourself with Bridal Gowns: Start by researching the bridal gowns available in the second-hand market. Look online or browse through magazines to get a sense of the styles, materials, and themes that appeal to you. This step will help you develop a vocabulary to use as search terms in your hunt for the perfect second-hand wedding dress.
- Choose a Reputable Marketplace: Opt for well-known online marketplaces that specialize in second-hand wedding dresses, such as Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, Borrowing Magnolia, Poshmark, Once Wed, Bravo Bride, or Preowned Wedding Dresses. These platforms offer a wide range of options and provide secure payment methods.
- Define Your Search Criteria: When searching for your dream dress, be as specific as possible. Use the vocabulary you've gathered from your research to describe the style, material, designer, and any other relevant details. Most websites allow you to filter your search by condition, style, designer, and size.
- Communicate with Sellers: Many online marketplaces enable direct communication between buyers and sellers. Take advantage of this feature to ask questions, request additional photos or videos, and clarify any concerns you may have about the dress. This interaction will help you feel more secure in your purchase.
- Verify Measurements and Details: When purchasing a pre-owned wedding dress, it's crucial to have accurate measurements. Ensure that you provide the seller with your precise measurements to confirm that the dress will fit you well. Don't hesitate to ask the seller for specific measurements or details about any alterations made to the dress.
- Secure Payment and Shipping: Choose a platform that offers secure payment options to protect both buyers and sellers. PayPal is commonly used for secure payment processing on many websites. Additionally, some marketplaces, like Nearly Newlywed, handle buyer interactions and shipping, providing an extra layer of convenience and security.
- Try a Video Call: Consider requesting a video call with the seller to see the dress virtually before making your purchase. This allows you to inspect the dress in real time, ask questions, and ensure that it aligns with your expectations.
Remember, buying a second-hand wedding dress may require some extra research and communication, but it can be a rewarding way to find your dream dress while saving money and reducing waste.
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Frequently asked questions
Some bridal shops do buy back wedding dresses, but it is not a given. Many bridal shops that do buy back wedding dresses will only do so if they can then sell the dress as part of their inventory of used wedding gowns.
You can sell your wedding dress at consignment shops, online marketplaces, or directly to another bride.
Some online marketplaces where you can sell your wedding dress are Stillwhite, Borrowing Magnolia, Tradesy, Nearly Newlywed, and The Knot Vendor Marketplace.
Most shops and online marketplaces will not accept a gown that is more than three to five years old, discoloured, or damaged. Some sellers will not accept gowns that have been heavily altered or shortened.
