Franklin Dean
Wedding dresses are traditionally only worn once, but many people hold on to them for years due to sentimentality. However, thousands of brides are now choosing to sell their dresses after their wedding, whether it's for financial or sustainability reasons, or simply to free up closet space. If you're thinking about selling your wedding dress, there are a few things to consider, such as the condition of the dress, whether you want to sell it online or in person, and which platform to use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons to sell | Sentimental value, financial reasons, sustainability, freeing up closet space |
| Online platforms | Stillwhite, PreownedWeddingDresses.com, OnceWed, Tradesy, The Real Real, Poshmark, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, The Knot Vendor Marketplace |
| In-person options | Local bridal resale shops, consignment salons |
| Photography | Clear, full-length photos from every angle, close-ups of intricate details, photos/videos of the dress being worn |
| Description | Accurate measurements, condition of the dress, authentication |
| Pricing | Comparable to other second-hand offerings, below retail price |
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What You'll Learn
Where to sell your wedding dress
If you're looking to sell your wedding dress, you have both online and in-person options.
Online
Selling a wedding dress online can be a slow process, so it's worth listing your dress on multiple platforms. When listing your dress, it's important to include clear, full-length photos of the dress from every angle. You should also take close-up shots of any intricate details, such as buttons, beaded straps, or 3D floral embellishments. You may also want to include photos of yourself wearing the dress so that potential buyers can see how it fits. In addition to photos, be sure to provide a detailed description of the dress, including measurements and the condition of the dress.
Some popular websites for selling wedding dresses include:
- Stillwhite: A popular wedding dress resale site with over 60,000 listings. Stillwhite charges a listing fee (starting at $25) but does not take a commission.
- PreownedWeddingDresses.com: A website dedicated specifically to buying and selling new, sample, and used wedding dresses.
- EBay: A classic option for reselling, eBay charges a 15% commission for items under $2000 and 9% for items over that price.
- Vestiare Collective: An online consignment site that allows you to message directly with buyers and choose your prices. There is a 3% payment processing fee.
- Facebook Marketplace: A free option for listing your dress, although you may have a harder time finding a serious buyer.
In-Person
If you don't want to deal with the waiting game that comes with selling online, you can try selling your dress in person at local bridal resale shops or consignment salons. You can browse The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find a bridal salon near you that specializes in consignment wedding dresses. At these shops, you can chat with professionals about the resale value of your dress and may even have the opportunity to sell it directly to them.
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How to present your dress online
When it comes to selling your wedding dress online, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your listing stands out. Firstly, it is important to have your dress professionally cleaned by a trusted dry cleaner to ensure it is in pristine condition. This will ensure that any stains or marks do not become permanent and will make your dress more appealing to potential buyers.
Next, you'll want to take clear, full-length photos of the dress from every angle. Hang the dress in a well-lit environment to showcase its beauty and be sure to capture any intricate details such as buttons, straps, or embellishments with close-up shots. If you are comfortable, include some photos of yourself wearing the dress to give buyers an idea of how it fits. Videos can also be a great way to showcase the dress in motion, highlighting its movement and sparkle.
When creating your listing, provide a detailed description of the garment, including accurate measurements, the condition of the dress, and any wear and tear. Be transparent about any alterations or repairs that have been made. It is also beneficial to set a competitive price by researching similar dresses on different platforms and pricing yours accordingly. Keep in mind that buyers will consider it second-hand, so the price should be set below the retail value.
Finally, consider utilising multiple platforms to increase your chances of a sale. Popular options include specialist sites like Stillwhite, PreownedWeddingDresses.com, and OnceWed, as well as general consignment sites such as Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Vestiare Collective. Each platform has its own fees, commission structures, and customer demographics, so research which ones align best with your dress and selling goals.
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The pros and cons of selling your dress
Pros
- You can make back some of the money you spent on the dress. Brides can expect to make back up to 60% or even 70% of the retail price.
- You can use the money for something else, like a honeymoon or a house.
- You can extend the lifespan of your dress, allowing another bride to wear it and offsetting the resources needed to make a new dress.
- You can free up closet space.
- You can prevent the dress from degrading in your wardrobe over time.
- You can make someone else very happy by selling them a dress they couldn't normally afford.
Cons
- You may have an emotional attachment to the dress and want to keep it for sentimental reasons.
- You may want to pass the dress down to your child, or use elements of it for their wedding look.
- It can be a lot of work to sell a wedding dress, especially online. You need to take and upload good photos, write detailed descriptions, and do research to find the right platform for you.
- You may not make back as much money as you'd like, especially if you sell through a consignment shop.
- It may take a long time to sell your dress.
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How to price your wedding dress
Pricing your wedding dress correctly is crucial for a quick sale. The first step in pricing your wedding gown is to consider its original cost and current condition. Typically, pre-owned wedding dresses sell for 40-60% of their original retail price, but there are some cases where brides have made back up to 70% of the retail price. If your dress is from a popular designer, it could make closer to 60% of its retail value.
Before selling your wedding dress, ensure it is in the best condition possible. Most gowns could benefit from professional cleaning, and dresses that have been professionally cleaned can sell twice as quickly as those that have not. If your dress has been professionally cleaned, mention this in your listing as it can justify a higher price. You should also consider whether any alterations have been made to the dress that might affect its resale value.
If you are selling your dress online, clear, well-lit photos are crucial for selling your dress effectively. You should include photos of the dress from various angles, as well as close-up shots of any intricate details. You may also want to include some photos of yourself wearing the dress so that potential buyers can get an idea of how it fits. Videos can also be a great way to showcase how your dress moves and sparkles.
When listing your gown, emphasise features that justify your asking price. If your dress aligns with current bridal trends, you might be able to price it higher. You can also factor in any accessories or extras, such as veils, belts, or jewellery, that you are including with the gown. You should also consider starting slightly higher than your ideal selling price to allow room for negotiation and be prepared to adjust if you don't get any inquiries.
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The best time to sell your wedding dress
There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to sell your wedding dress. Firstly, it's important to be realistic about the price you can expect to get for it. Buyers will consider it second-hand, and the price will need to be set well below retail.
If you're looking to sell your dress quickly, it might be best to turn to local bridal resale shops and other places that buy wedding dresses. You can chat with professionals about the resale value and may even be able to sell it directly to them.
However, if you're happy to take your time, listing your dress online will likely get you a better price. The "younger" a wedding dress is, the more value it has, so it's best to list it as soon as possible. October is one of the most popular months for brides to list their wedding gowns for sale, as wedding season is drawing to a close, and there are many new fiancées eager to start the dress shopping process.
When listing your dress online, it's important to present it well. Take clear, full-length photos of it from every angle, and include some close-ups of any intricate details. You may also want to include photos of yourself wearing the dress. Additionally, make sure to provide a detailed description, including accurate measurements and information about any alterations.
Finally, it's worth considering having your dress professionally cleaned before selling it, as this will increase its value.
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Frequently asked questions
You can sell your wedding dress online on sites like Stillwhite, PreownedWeddingDresses.com, OnceWed, Tradesy, The Real Real, Poshmark, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay. You can also sell it in person at local bridal resale shops or consignment salons.
To sell your wedding dress online, you should take clear, full-length photos of the dress from every angle, including close-up shots of any intricate details. You may also want to include photos of yourself wearing the dress. Additionally, provide a detailed description of the garment, including accurate measurements.
Buyers will consider your dress second-hand, so the price needs to be set well below retail, even if it's new. Make sure your asking price is comparable to other second-hand wedding dresses.
There are several reasons why you may want to sell your wedding dress. Firstly, it can free up valuable closet space. Secondly, it can be a way to offset the cost of your wedding by earning back a portion of the money you spent on the dress. Finally, from a sustainability perspective, it extends the lifespan of the dress and offsets the resources needed to make a new one.
It is recommended to sell your wedding dress soon after your wedding, as the longer you wait, the harder it may be to resell. Additionally, if you don't plan on passing down your dress to future children or wearing it again, there may be no reason to keep it.
