Junior Rasmussen
If you're looking to consign your wedding dress, you have a few options. You can consign it at a local bridal resale shop or consignment salon, or you can use an online marketplace. When consigning your dress, you'll typically receive 50% of the final price, and the dress will be priced at around 50% off retail if it's been worn once. Consignment is a great way to recoup some of your investment, give your dress a second life, and help the environment by keeping dresses out of landfills.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons to consign a wedding dress | To recoup some of the money spent on the dress, to give the dress a second life, to be more environmentally friendly, to save closet space, to help another bride find an affordable dress |
| Where to consign | Local bridal resale shops, online consignment shops, local consignment salons, thrift stores, or specialist websites like PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com and Stillwhite |
| What to expect | The consignor will inspect the dress, discuss pricing, set a timeframe, and fill out a contract. The consignor will then try to sell the dress within the agreed timeframe. Once sold, the consignor will take a percentage of the sale price, with the remainder going to the seller. |
| Items that may not be accepted | Custom wedding gowns, gowns ordered online, older gowns, gowns shorter than a certain length, flower girl dresses, prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses, special occasion dresses, shoes, undergarments, underskirts, or jewelry |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Online vs. in-person consignment
When it comes to consigning a wedding dress, you have the option of going through the process online or in person. Both methods have their own advantages and it is up to you to decide which one suits your needs and preferences better. Here is a detailed breakdown of both options:
Online consignment
Online consignment offers a convenient way to reach a wider audience and can be especially useful if there are no local consignment shops in your area that specialise in wedding dresses. It provides you with a larger selection of options and saves you the time and effort of physically visiting multiple shops. Additionally, online consignment shops often have marketing plans targeting a large audience and secure payment processes. However, it is important to be vigilant when shopping online to avoid scams. Always ask for additional pictures of the dress to confirm its authenticity and condition.
In-person consignment
In-person consignment allows you to physically inspect the wedding dress before making a purchase. This can be advantageous if you want to ensure the dress is in good condition and meets your expectations. Established consignment shops often offer purchase protection and return policies, which can provide peace of mind. Additionally, buying in person allows you to try on the dress and get a sense of its fit and style. However, the selection of dresses may be more limited compared to online options, and you may need to visit multiple shops to find what you are looking for.
Ultimately, the decision between online and in-person consignment depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Both options offer unique benefits and can help you consign a wedding dress successfully.
Hotel Wedding Dress: To Wear or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to find a consignment shop
If you're looking to consign your wedding dress, there are several options available to you, including both online and in-person consignment shops.
Online Consignment Shops
Online consignment shops are a great option if you don't have any dedicated consignment shops in your area. They also usually offer a wider selection of dresses and make it easy to search for a specific designer or dress style. Here are some popular online consignment shops that you can consider:
- PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com: This website allows you to search for dresses by size, style, and designer, and also offers a return policy.
- Nearly Newlywed: This website acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers and offers a five-day return policy.
- Once Wed: In addition to a large selection of bridal dresses, Once Wed also provides information and inspiration for wedding planning.
- Stillwhite, Poshmark, Mercari, and Facebook Marketplace: These sites are also mentioned by individuals as places they have used or considered to sell their wedding dresses.
In-Person Consignment Shops
If you prefer to consign your dress in person, you can try searching for consignment shops in your local area. Keep in mind that shops dedicated specifically to formalwear or wedding attire may be less common, so you may need to explore a variety of options. Here are some tips for finding in-person consignment shops:
- Bridal Boutiques: Some local bridal boutiques may also operate as consignment shops. For example, Blue Sky Bridal, with locations in Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco, accepts wedding dresses on consignment and offers a relaxed and supportive atmosphere for brides.
- Local Classifieds: Websites like Craigslist or local classifieds groups on Facebook can be used to connect with individuals looking to buy pre-owned wedding dresses.
- Consignment Bridal Shops: There are also dedicated consignment bridal shops, such as Consignment Bridal & Prom in North Andover, MA, that offer a wide range of formal dresses and accessories for various occasions.
Angelina's Wedding Dress: Burnt by Her Own Hands?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
What to expect from consignment shops
When consigning a wedding dress, you can expect a mix of experiences depending on the shop. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Commission
Most consignment shops will take a commission from the sale of your dress. This can range from 40% to 50% of the final price, with some shops offering a higher percentage for older dresses. It's important to understand the commission structure before consigning your dress.
Pricing
The year, size, condition, retail price, and style of your dress will all be considered when determining the selling price. Once-worn and sample wedding dresses are usually priced at a discount, while new, current-style dresses in perfect condition can be priced higher.
Marketing and Audience
One of the benefits of using a consignment shop is taking advantage of their marketing plan and target audience. This can help ensure your dress reaches a wider range of potential buyers.
Payment Process
Consignment shops typically handle the payment process, providing a secure way for buyers to purchase your dress. This can give buyers peace of mind and protect you from potential scams.
Contract Length and Extensions
Most consignment shops will have a contract outlining the terms of the consignment. The contract length can vary, but it is typically around six months. If the dress doesn't sell within the contract period, the shop may offer to extend the contract or make arrangements for you to pick up the dress.
Purchase Protection
Established consignment shops often offer purchase protection for buyers, which can be an important factor for those considering a consignment dress.
Who to Bring Wedding Dress Shopping
You may want to see also
Explore related products
What to do before consigning your dress
There are a few things to consider before consigning your wedding dress. Firstly, you should decide whether you want to sell your dress online or in-store. Online consignment shops have a wider reach and can offer a larger selection of dresses, but you may prefer the experience of selling your dress in person at a local consignment salon or thrift store.
If you're selling your dress online, it's important to be vigilant and ask for additional pictures of the dress to confirm its authenticity and condition. Reputable sellers will be happy to provide more images, and you can always contact the consignment shop's customer service team if anything seems off.
Before consigning your dress, you should also research the consignment shop's policies. Find out how long they typically take to find a buyer, what percentage of the sale you will receive, and whether there are any restrictions on the types of dresses they accept. For example, some consignment shops may not accept custom wedding gowns or dresses that are older than a certain age.
It's also a good idea to get your dress professionally cleaned before consigning it, as this can increase its resale value. Additionally, be prepared to provide detailed information about your dress, such as the year, size, condition, retail price, and style, as these factors will influence the selling price.
Finally, consider whether you want to set a minimum price for your dress or whether you're open to negotiating with potential buyers. By keeping these things in mind, you can ensure a smooth and satisfactory consignment experience.
Grooms and Wedding Dresses: To Help, or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$61.99
The benefits of consigning your dress
Benefits of consigning your wedding dress
Consigning your wedding dress is a great way to recoup some of the costs of your wedding. By selling your dress to a new bride, you can earn some extra cash while also giving someone else the opportunity to feel special on their big day. It's a win-win situation!
Another benefit of consigning your dress is that it gives your dress a second life. Instead of letting it gather dust in your closet, consigning allows your dress to be part of another love story. Weddings are expensive, and buying a consignment dress can help reduce the overall cost for the new bride.
Consignment shops are also better for the environment. With roughly 2.5 million weddings in the US every year, choosing to buy and sell used bridal wear helps keep dresses out of landfills. This is a simple but significant step towards a greener planet.
Additionally, consigning your dress can save the new bride a significant amount of money. Consignment shops often offer sample gowns, pre-owned gowns, and even brand-new looks at a fraction of the original price. This can be especially great for brides who dream of a pricey designer dress but want to stay within their budget.
Finally, consigning your dress can be a more convenient option than selling it yourself. You get to take advantage of the company's marketing plan and reach a larger audience. You can also utilise their secure payment process, so you don't have to worry about the logistics of selling online.
Keep My Dress a Secret Before I Wed
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can consign your wedding dress at local bridal resale shops, consignment salons, or thrift stores. You can also consign your dress online at websites such as PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, Stillwhite, or Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal.
Consignment shops will market your dress to a large target audience and handle the secure payment process. You can expect to receive approximately 50% of the final price of the dress.
Consigning a wedding dress allows you to recoup some of the money you spent on the dress. It is also an eco-friendly alternative to letting the dress collect dust in your closet.
