Lyla Dejesus
Wedding dresses are often expensive, and it can be hard to part with that kind of money for something you'll only wear once. Luckily, there is a growing market for second-hand wedding dresses, with many brides opting to sell their dresses after their big day. This can be a great way to recoup some of the costs of the wedding, and it's also a more sustainable option. There are now many online marketplaces for pre-owned wedding dresses, such as Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, and Tradesy, which make it easy for brides-to-be to find their dream dress at a fraction of the cost of a new gown.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why sell wedding dresses | Environmental impact, recoup costs, free up closet space, embrace sustainability |
| Where to sell | Online marketplaces, consignment shops, brick-and-mortar stores |
| Online marketplaces | Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, Tradesy, TheBudgetSavvyBride, PreownedWeddingDresses |
| Online marketplace features | No commission, one-off fee, money-back guarantee, authentication, buyer-seller messaging, payment security |
| Consignment shops | Hand-Me-Gowns |
| Drawbacks of buying second-hand | Limited options, outdated styles, size mismatch |
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What You'll Learn
Where to sell wedding dresses online
There are several online platforms that allow users to sell wedding dresses. Here are some of the most popular options:
Stillwhite
Stillwhite is the largest global marketplace for pre-owned, used, and second-hand wedding dresses. It offers a wide range of designer gowns and custom-made options from various well-known designers. The platform provides a safe and secure payment system, and users can pay using PayPal. Stillwhite does not charge any commission or ongoing monthly fees, only typical transaction fees for PayPal payments. The platform also offers an easy and straightforward selling process, allowing users to list their dresses with photos and a selling price of their choice for a small one-off fee.
Nearly Newlywed
Nearly Newlywed is a website that connects dress buyers and sellers, helping them save money. It offers an easy application process for sellers, who need only submit their measurements, a description, and photos of their gown. Once a listing is approved, Nearly Newlywed handles all buyer interactions and shipping, making the process stress-free for sellers. The website also sells wedding-related jewellery and accessories.
Tradesy
Tradesy is a fashion-forward website geared towards designer brands, offering a streamlined interface and a quick listing process. Users can search for used wedding dresses by label, size, style, and more. Tradesy takes a 20% commission on sales and covers shipping and return costs. It also offers a money-back guarantee if wedding items are inauthentic.
In addition to these platforms, there are other online options for selling wedding dresses, including various websites that curate and sell pre-owned wedding dresses. These websites often provide tips and insights for brides-to-be and offer a range of new, used, and sample wedding dresses.
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Pros and cons of buying a second-hand wedding dress
There are several benefits to buying a second-hand wedding dress. Firstly, it can save you a significant amount of money. The average cost of a wedding dress is around $1500, but buying second-hand can save you an average of 50% on the list price. Secondly, it is more environmentally friendly, as it gives a pre-owned dress a second life and reduces waste. Thirdly, there are many online and offline options for buying second-hand wedding dresses, including consignment shops, thrift stores, and online marketplaces such as Nearly Newlywed, Stillwhite, Tradesy, Poshmark, and eBay. Buying a second-hand dress from an online marketplace can also save you time and stress, as websites like Nearly Newlywed handle all buyer interactions and shipping.
However, there are also some drawbacks to consider. One of the main disadvantages is that you may not find the exact dress you are looking for, as the options in each style are limited and it may be challenging to keep up with the latest wedding dress trends. Additionally, a second-hand dress has already been worn and may have flaws, tears, or wrinkles, especially if it is made of fabrics like lace or tulle. It is important to carefully check for any imperfections and be aware that the dress is not unique to you. Finally, while buying a second-hand dress can save you money, it may not offer the same experience as shopping for a new dress in a traditional bridal store.
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Tips for selling a wedding dress
There are several online platforms that allow users to buy and sell wedding dresses, such as Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, Tradesy, and The Loop. Here are some tips for selling your wedding dress:
Clean and store your dress properly
It is important to have your dress professionally cleaned by a trusted dry cleaner immediately after your wedding. Packing your wedding dress away properly is also essential—store your dress in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and in a breathable garment bag or acid-free box to prevent discolouration and maintain its shape.
Take high-quality photographs
As is the case when reselling anything online, it is important to have plenty of high-quality photographs so that potential buyers can see exactly what the dress looks like. You can also include professional photos from your wedding day to show off the beauty of the dress.
Describe the fit, fabric, and details
Think about how the dress feels and how it moves. Always write in the first person so buyers are reminded they are reading the words of the owner.
Respond to messages promptly
A high response rate and quick response time show that you are an active seller and will result in more inquiries.
Research the resale value
Keep in mind that you are selling a preloved dress and price it accordingly. Research the resale value by visiting the Sold page and filtering by your designer to get an indication of what the dress sold for and how long it took to sell.
List your dress within two years of your wedding
With wedding fashion constantly changing, listing your dress within two years of your wedding will help you achieve maximum resale value.
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The environmental impact of selling wedding dresses
The wedding industry is known to be highly polluting. With an estimated 2.5 million weddings per year, the average wedding produces 200kg of garbage and 63 tons of CO2. This amounts to 1 billion lbs of trash and the emissions equivalent of what four people would produce in a year, in just one day.
The environmental impact of wedding dresses specifically is largely due to the fact that they are usually worn only once. The production and disposal of these dresses, therefore, have huge implications. The materials used for wedding dresses are often very resource-intensive. For example, fabrics such as chiffon and tulle require a lot of water, energy, and damaging chemicals for manufacturing, fibre production, dyeing, and bleaching. Even more sustainable options, such as silk, are associated with risks to agriculture, animal rights, and water consumption. Polyester, a typical fabric used in suits, is made of an oil-based plastic that is not biodegradable.
The environmental impact of the production process can be mitigated by using eco-friendly materials like Tencel and Cupro, or organic and natural materials, low-impact processes, and recycled/upcycled materials. Brands such as Whimsy + Row, for instance, specialize in sustainable clothing made within miles of their LA studio to ensure ethical treatment of workers and minimize waste. Christy Dawn is another brand that uses organic cotton or deadstock fabric to minimize its environmental footprint.
Renting wedding dresses is another way to reduce the environmental impact of wedding dresses. Companies that rent out wedding outfits are likely to be environmentally conscious, ensuring that the dresses are disposed of sustainably once they are worn out. Borrowing Magnolia, for instance, is a bridal marketplace that has made sustainability a cornerstone of its mission. Rent the Runway is another company that offers sustainable wedding gowns and bridesmaids' dresses. Buying second-hand wedding dresses is also a more sustainable option, with websites like Nearly Newlywed and Stillwhite offering pre-owned wedding dresses at affordable prices.
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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 variety of online and in-person options to choose from.
Online
Nearly Newlywed is a popular online marketplace for second-hand wedding dresses. The site connects buyers and sellers, handling all buyer interactions and shipping. The application process is simple: sellers submit measurements, a description, and photos of their gown. Nearly Newlywed then authenticates the listing to ensure buyers are paying for genuine products.
Stillwhite is another online option, claiming to be the largest global marketplace for pre-owned wedding dresses. With over 95,998 wedding gowns for sale, buyers can browse through hundreds of designers and pay securely using PayPal. Stillwhite does not charge commission or monthly fees, although typical transaction fees apply to PayPal payments.
Tradesy is a fashion-forward website geared towards designer brands. The site has a streamlined interface, allowing users to search for dresses by label, size, and style. Tradesy takes a 20% commission on sales and covers shipping and return costs.
In-Person
If you're looking to buy a second-hand wedding dress in person, you can try local bridal resale shops, consignment salons, or thrift stores. The Knot Vendor Marketplace allows you to find a bridal salon near you that specializes in consignment wedding dresses.
While it may sound counterintuitive, it can be helpful to make an appointment at a traditional wedding dress salon first. This will help you learn your likes and dislikes regarding silhouettes and styles, giving you a better sense of direction when shopping second-hand.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many online marketplaces and consignment shops that buy back wedding dresses, such as Stillwhite.com, the world's largest wedding dress resale marketplace, Nearly Newlywed, and Tradesy.
Selling your wedding dress can help you recoup some of the costs of the dress, and it is also a more sustainable option, reducing wedding waste.
To sell your wedding dress, you will need to include a description of the dress, measurements, and photos of the gown. You can also include photos of yourself in the dress to give potential buyers a better idea of how it looks.
It is important to verify any buyer and ensure you are listing your dress on a reputable site. Only accept payment from trusted methods and document your conversations with the buyer for added protection in case of a dispute. It is also worth noting that most online marketplaces and consignment shops have limits on how old a dress can be, with the majority of them not accepting a gown more than three to five years old.
