Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding dresses are traditionally only worn once, but many people hold on to them for years due to emotional attachment. However, with the rising popularity of resale and the ethical fashion movement, thousands of brides are choosing to sell their dresses after their wedding day. Brides can expect to make back up to 50-70% of the retail price, but there are several factors to consider when selling a wedding dress, such as the condition of the dress, the listing price, and whether to sell it online or through a consignment shop.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons to sell | Lack of closet space, financial gain, sustainability, emotional detachment |
| Where to sell | Online marketplaces, consignment shops, bridal stores, specialist services, vintage stores |
| Preparation | Clean, photograph, video, disclose alterations, consider reversibility of alterations |
| Pricing | Depends on original price, designer, quality, condition, included accessories |
| Timing | Sell as soon as possible after purchase |
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What You'll Learn
Pros and cons of consignment shops vs online marketplaces
Selling a wedding dress can be a challenging task, and there are multiple options to consider when choosing the right platform. Two of the most popular options are consignment shops and online marketplaces. Here are some pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision:
Consignment shops
Pros
- Consignment shops will do the work for you, saving you time and effort in finding a buyer.
- They can provide expert advice on the resale value of your dress.
- You may be able to sell directly to the shop, which can be quicker and more convenient.
- Consignment shops are more likely to attract customers specifically looking for bridal gowns.
- You can also find vintage bridal shops that will accept dresses over 20 years old.
Cons
- There is no guarantee of a sale, and you may have to wait a long time for the right buyer to come along.
- You will likely make less money as the shop will take a portion of the sale price.
- It may be challenging to find a consignment shop that accepts your dress, especially if it is not in high demand.
Online Marketplaces
Pros
- You have more control over the selling process and can set your price.
- You keep all the profits, as there is usually only a one-off fee for listing your item.
- Online marketplaces often have a wider reach, increasing the chances of finding a buyer.
- You can showcase your dress with photos and videos, attracting more potential buyers.
- Some platforms offer additional services, such as secure payment processing and fraud monitoring.
Cons
- You will need to invest time and effort in responding to inquiries and messages from potential buyers.
- It can be challenging to stand out among the many other sellers on online marketplaces.
- There may be additional costs, such as transaction fees for certain payment methods.
- You may need to handle shipping and ensure the dress is packaged securely.
Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on your specific circumstances and preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to how much time and effort you want to invest in the selling process and how quickly you want to sell your dress.
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Preparing your dress for sale
Firstly, it's important to get your wedding dress professionally cleaned. This is because, even if it looks good at first glance, it may have a scuff on the hem or a stain that you haven't noticed. A professional clean will ensure that your dress is in the best condition possible and will help it to sell twice as quickly.
Next, take photos and videos of your dress. Videos are particularly good as they showcase how your dress moves and sparkles. If you're selling your dress online, these will help to attract buyers.
When listing your dress, be sure to include all the relevant details, such as the designer, size, colour, and condition. You should also set a selling price that you're happy with. Remember that brides can expect to make back up to 60% or even 70% of the retail price of their dress.
If you don't want to sell your dress online, you could try taking it to a consignment shop, particularly one with a fashion focus. You could also try a bridal store, which will take a commission in return for handling the sale for you. If your dress is 20 years or older, you may be able to sell it to a vintage store.
Finally, if you're not interested in making money from your dress, but simply want it to go to a good home, you could consider donating it.
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Choosing a resale site
There are several options to consider when choosing a resale site for your wedding dress. Firstly, you could opt for a specialist service or a consignment shop, which will handle the sale for you. Sites like Stillwhite, the largest global marketplace for pre-owned wedding dresses, offer a platform to connect directly with buyers, ensuring your privacy and secure payment. They charge a small one-off fee with no commission, so you keep all the profits. Another similar site is Nearly Newlywed, which also specializes in buying and selling pre-owned wedding dresses online.
If you prefer a more traditional route, you can turn to local bridal resale shops or consignment stores, such as The Knot Vendor Marketplace, which allows you to connect with professionals and discuss the resale value of your dress. You may even be able to sell it directly to them. Another option is to list your dress on general resale platforms like eBay or Poshmark, but keep in mind that these sites may not offer the same specialized services as wedding dress-specific sites.
When choosing a resale site, it's important to consider factors such as convenience, privacy, security, and the potential for earning a profit. Specialist sites like Stillwhite and Nearly Newlywed offer convenience and security but may charge fees. Local bridal shops provide personalized advice and the opportunity for direct sales. General resale platforms offer a broad reach but may require more effort to ensure a safe and secure transaction.
Additionally, it's worth noting that the condition of your dress plays a significant role in its resale value. Professional cleaning can increase the value and sale speed of your dress, as buyers often seek pristine gowns. Presenting your dress well online is also crucial, with clear, full-length photos from various angles being recommended to showcase its beauty and condition accurately.
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How to price your dress
Pricing your wedding dress correctly is crucial for a quick sale. Here are some factors to consider when determining the right price:
Original Cost and Current Condition
The original price of your wedding dress can be used as a starting point for determining its resale value. Pre-owned wedding dresses typically sell for 40-60% of their original retail price, but this can vary depending on other factors. The condition of the dress is an important consideration. A well-maintained dress in excellent condition, with no stains, tears, or loose beading, can command a higher price, regardless of its age. Consider getting your dress professionally cleaned and preserved before selling it, as this can increase its resale value.
Age and Style
The age of your wedding dress can impact its resale value. Dresses purchased within the last 2-3 years tend to fetch higher prices, while gowns older than 5 years might need to be priced lower unless they are timeless or vintage styles. Additionally, if your dress aligns with current bridal trends, you may be able to price it higher.
Designer and Brand
The designer and brand of your wedding dress can significantly affect its resale value. Certain designer names hold their value better than others. Well-known luxury bridal brands often retain their value and can command higher resale prices. Consider the reputation and desirability of the designer or brand when setting your price.
Fabric and Customizations
The fabric of your wedding dress can play a role in its resale value. Certain fabrics, such as silk mikado, tend to be more expensive than simpler fabrics like satin or chiffon. Additionally, if your dress has any special customizations or unique features, you may be able to price it higher. However, keep in mind that personalized gowns are usually more expensive, and the price increases with more custom features.
Accessories and Extras
If you're including any accessories or extras with the gown, such as veils, belts, or jewellery, factor these into your pricing strategy. The more accessories included in the purchase, the higher you can price your dress.
Market and Season
Understanding the current market for pre-owned wedding dresses is essential for competitive pricing. Check online marketplaces and local consignment shops to get an idea of prices for similar dresses in your area. Additionally, consider that prices might be higher during popular wedding months (June, September, and October).
When pricing your wedding dress, it's important to be realistic and flexible. Set a price that is competitive yet fair, and be prepared to adjust if you don't receive any inquiries. Remember that the key to a successful sale is not just pricing but also how you present and market your gown.
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Pros and cons of buying a wedding dress second-hand
Pros of buying a wedding dress second-hand
Second-hand wedding dresses are environmentally conscious and budget-friendly. Brides can save up to 50% on their wedding dress, which can account for about 5% to 8% of the overall wedding budget. Buying second-hand also reduces waste and allows for more money to be spent on other aspects of the wedding.
There are many websites that connect buyers and sellers of second-hand wedding dresses, such as PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, StillWhite.com, Poshmark, eBay, Once Wed, Bravo Bride, Borrowing Magnolia, Nearly Newlywed, and The Knot Vendor Marketplace. These sites offer secure payment options and some even offer purchase protection.
Additionally, buying a second-hand wedding dress can be a more time-efficient option, as the dress has already been altered and won't need much additional work.
Cons of buying a wedding dress second-hand
One of the main drawbacks of buying a second-hand wedding dress is that it has already been worn and may not be in perfect condition. There is a risk of flaws, tears, and stains, and it may not be the unique style that some brides are looking for. Certain fabrics, like lace and tulle, wrinkle more easily, so extra care must be taken to check for any flaws.
Another consideration is the dress shopping experience. Buying a second-hand dress may not offer the same experience as trying on new dresses in boutiques and salons, which some brides may view as an important part of the wedding planning process.
Furthermore, there may be limited options when it comes to styles, sizes, and designers when shopping for a second-hand wedding dress. It may take more time and effort to find a pre-owned dress that fits both the bride's measurements and her desired style.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the route you take. Selling your wedding dress online can be time-consuming as you'll need to create listings, respond to queries, and negotiate terms with purchasers. However, you may make more money this way as consignment shops tend to have higher commission fees. If you're short on time or don't want to deal with the hassle of selling, you can take your dress to a consignment shop or specialist service that will handle the sale for you.
This will depend on a number of factors, including the original price, the designer, the quality of the materials, the condition of the dress, and what accessories are included. According to Grace Richmond, co-founder of second-hand bridal platform The Loop, brides can expect to make back up to 60% or even 70% of the retail price. However, it's important to note that you may need to lower your asking price if you want to sell your dress quickly.
There are several online calculator tools that can help you determine the right asking price for your dress. You can also browse resale sites to see how much similar dresses are listed for.
There are several options for selling your wedding dress. You can list it on an online marketplace, take it to a consignment shop, or use a specialist service that will sell the dress on your behalf. Popular online marketplaces for wedding dresses include Stillwhite, Poshmark, and Preownedweddingdresses.com.
