Rhiannon Hendricks
Selling a wedding dress can be a rewarding experience, but it's important to know how to get the best price. The first step is to ensure the dress is in the best condition possible, which may involve professional cleaning. It's also important to take high-quality photos from multiple angles, including close-ups of any intricate details, and to provide detailed information about the dress, including measurements, the designer, and any alterations. When it comes to where to sell, there are both online and brick-and-mortar options. Online marketplaces offer a wider audience, while local shops might provide a quicker sale. Popular online sites for selling wedding dresses include Still White, eBay, and Vestiare Collective, each with its own rules and fees. Local bridal resale shops and consignment salons are also an option for those who want to sell their dress in person.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleanliness | The dress should be professionally cleaned to ensure it is in pristine condition. |
| Timing | The resale market can vary from a few days to several months, so be prepared to wait. |
| Platform | Choose between online marketplaces, which offer a wider audience, and local shops, which may provide a quicker sale. |
| Marketing | Take high-quality photos and videos from multiple angles, including close-ups of details, to showcase the movement and fit. |
| Description | Provide a detailed and honest description, including measurements, designer, fabric, alterations, dry cleaning instructions, and any signs of wear or damage. |
| Pricing | Research similar dresses and consider the original price, condition, and customizations. Typically, you can expect to receive 40-60% of the original retail price. |
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What You'll Learn
Clean and store your dress properly
It is important to get your wedding dress cleaned and stored properly to ensure it remains in pristine condition. Wedding dresses are delicate and intricate, and over time they can become prone to yellowing, oxidation, and other forms of damage, especially if not treated and stored correctly.
Firstly, it is recommended to get your dress professionally cleaned by a trusted dry cleaner as soon as possible after your wedding. This will ensure any stains or marks do not become permanent. When choosing a dry cleaner, it is important to ask questions about their training, experience, and the specific process they will use to clean your dress. Make sure they use a gentle, pure solvent, as other solvents may leave your dress with an unpleasant smell.
If you are spot-cleaning, do not use harsh detergents, bleach, or a hot iron on the fabric. You can purchase acid-free paper to wrap your dress in and then seal it in a bridal box for storage. However, it is recommended to only use professional dry-cleaning services for overall care.
When storing your dress, keep it in a cool, dark place away from humidity and sunlight. Do not hang your dress, as this may lead to stretching or warping, and avoid cedar chests and plastic bags, as these can trap moisture and bugs. Instead, store your dress in an acid-free archive box, replacing the box and paper every three years.
Consider wedding dress preservation, which is a specialized cleaning and treatment plan to ensure your gown stays in excellent condition for years to come. Preservation involves a professional cleaning and treatment process, and your preservationist may also offer repair services for stitching and beading. After treatment, your dress will be placed in specialized packaging and shipped back to you. Most preservation companies offer a lifetime guarantee or a 75- to 100-year guarantee for their services.
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Take good photos and videos
Taking good photos and videos of your wedding dress is a crucial step in selling it. It is important to remember that selling a wedding dress online is very different from selling it in person. Prospective buyers cannot see the dress up close, so the way it is presented online is critical. You want to showcase how amazing the dress is to help it find its new home.
First, you need to prepare your dress. Make sure it is in the best condition possible. While it may look good at first glance, most wedding dresses could benefit from professional cleaning. This can increase buyer confidence and help your dress sell twice as quickly. You should also store your dress in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain its quality.
Next, you should hang your dress in a well-lit environment and take clear, full-length photos from every angle. If there are intricate details on your gown, such as antique buttons, beaded straps, or 3D floral embellishments, be sure to capture some close-up shots of those. You may also want to include photos of yourself wearing the dress so that potential buyers can see how it fits. If the platform you are using allows it, consider including a video to show the movement and fit of the gown.
When it comes to pricing your dress, setting the right price is crucial for a quick and profitable sale. Research similar dresses on platforms for selling used bridal dresses and consider the original price, condition, and any customizations. Generally, you can expect to receive 40-60% of the original retail price.
Finally, be sure to provide a detailed description of your dress, including accurate measurements and any relevant information such as the designer, dress number, style, and fabrics used. If there are any stains, rips, or marks, it is best to be honest and include photos of any signs of wear or damage.
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Write a detailed description
When selling your wedding dress, it's important to provide a detailed description of the garment. This includes accurate measurements and information such as the designer, dress number or style, and fabrics used. Be sure to mention any unique details or customisations, such as antique buttons, beaded straps, or 3D floral embellishments. If the dress has been worn before, disclose how many times and whether there are any marks, stains, or rips. It is always best to be honest about the condition of the dress to avoid any issues with the transaction.
In addition to a written description, it is helpful to include clear, full-length photos of the dress from every angle. If there are intricate details, be sure to take close-up shots of these as well. You may also want to include photos of yourself wearing the dress to show how it fits. If the platform allows it, consider including a video showing the movement and fit of the gown. This can help potential buyers get a better sense of the dress and increase their confidence in making a purchase.
When providing measurements, include the following: shoulder to hem, bust, waist, and hem. For the shoulder-to-hem measurement, measure from the top of the shoulder down to the bottom hem. Measure the bust around the fullest point of the chest. For the waist measurement, measure side seam to side seam at about seven inches down from the armpits, then double that number. If the hem is asymmetrical, measure the entire bottom hem without doubling.
In addition to the physical characteristics of the dress, you can also include information about your experience in the dress. Share the story of your wedding day and any memories associated with the gown. This can help create an emotional connection with potential buyers and make your dress stand out.
By providing a detailed description, both in writing and visually, you can increase buyer confidence and attract potential purchasers who are specifically looking for a dress like yours. This will help you sell your wedding dress more effectively and ensure that it finds a new home where it will be cherished.
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Choose the right platform
Selling a wedding dress online is very different from selling it in person. Prospective buyers cannot see the dress up close, so the way it is presented online is crucial. It is recommended to take clear, full-length photos of the dress from every angle, and close-ups of any intricate details. You may also want to include photos of yourself wearing the dress, so buyers can see how it fits. A detailed description of the dress, including measurements and any other specifications, is also important.
There are several online platforms to choose from when selling your wedding dress. Each platform has its own customer demographics, rules, and fees. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Still White: One of the most popular wedding dress resale sites, Still White allows you to list your dress for a fee ($25 or $35 premium) and ship it directly to the buyer. They do not charge commission, and you can keep your contact details private.
- EBay: A classic auction site, eBay charges a 15% commission for items under $2000 and 9% for anything pricier.
- Vestiare Collective: This online consignment site allows you to message directly with buyers and choose your own prices.
- Poshmark: This site offers discounts to buyers who "like" a ton of dresses, so sellers can make discount offers to encourage sales.
If you are not concerned with making a commission, you may want to consider selling your dress to a local consignment salon, thrift store, or donating it to charity. Local shops may provide a quicker sale, but online marketplaces offer a wider audience.
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Set the right price
Setting the right price is crucial for a quick and profitable sale of your wedding dress. The price you set will depend on several factors, including the dress's condition, designer, and current trends. It's important to be patient and do your research before setting a price.
Firstly, consider the condition of your dress. A well-maintained dress in pristine condition will fetch a higher price. If your dress has any stains, marks, or damage, it is best to be honest and upfront about this in your listing. You may also want to consider having your dress professionally cleaned before selling it, as this can increase its resale value and help it sell twice as fast.
Next, think about the designer and style of your dress. Gowns from popular wedding dress designers, such as Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang, can sell for closer to 60% of their original retail price. The style of your dress will also play a role in how quickly it sells and the price you can ask for it. For example, a classic silhouette is likely to have broader appeal than a more unique or trendy style.
Additionally, take into account the original price of the dress and any customizations or alterations that have been made. Generally, you can expect to sell your wedding dress for 40-60% of its original retail price, but this may vary depending on the other factors mentioned. Research similar dresses on platforms for selling used wedding dresses to get an idea of the appropriate price point.
When setting the price, it's important to be flexible and open to negotiation. Remember that the goal is to sell your dress, so you may need to be willing to accept a lower price than you initially hoped for. Consider the time and effort you are willing to put into selling the dress and whether it is worth holding out for a higher price.
Finally, keep in mind that the platform you choose to sell your dress on may also impact the price. Different platforms have varying commission structures and fees, so be sure to factor this into the price you set. Additionally, some platforms may have a wider audience or be more specialized, which can affect the demand for your dress and the price you can ask for it.
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Frequently asked questions
You can expect to receive 40-60% of the original retail price depending on factors like the dress's condition, designer, and current trends. Gowns from popular wedding dress designers could make closer to 60% of their retail value.
The timeframe for selling bridal gowns can vary from a few days to several months. Factors like pricing, dress style, and market demand influence how quickly your dress will sell.
Both have advantages. Online platforms offer a wider audience, while local shops might provide a quicker sale. If you're not digitally savvy, a local consignment salon or thrift store could be a good option.
It's important to showcase your dress with clear, full-length photos from every angle. Include close-up shots of any intricate details. You may also want to add a video to show the movement and fit of the gown. Provide a detailed description, including accurate measurements, the designer, dress style, and fabrics used.
