Franklin Dean
Wedding dresses are often worn only once, yet many people hold on to them due to emotional attachment. However, with the growing popularity of resale, many brides are choosing to sell their dresses after their wedding. To sell your wedding dress from home, it is important to ensure that it is in good condition, with no stains or marks. You can then take high-quality photographs of the dress from various angles, including close-ups of any intricate details, and create a detailed description, including accurate measurements. You can then post the listing on a website such as Stillwhite, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, or Mercari.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Ensure the dress is in pristine condition. Consider professional cleaning to remove stains and marks. |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, in a breathable bag or box to prevent discolouration and maintain shape. |
| Photography | Take high-quality, clear photos from multiple angles. Include close-ups of intricate details and consider adding photos of the dress being worn. Videos can also showcase the dress's movement. |
| Description | Provide an honest and detailed description, including accurate measurements, any flaws, and personal anecdotes about the dress. |
| Pricing | Set a competitive price reflecting the dress's condition and original value. Be open to offering discounts. |
| Platforms | Utilise online marketplaces like Stillwhite, Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, Mercari, and eBay. Explore local consignment boutiques and bridal shops. |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning and storing your dress
Cleaning and storing your wedding dress is a crucial step in the process of selling it. Wedding dresses are usually light-coloured and can easily be stained on the big day. Even if it doesn't look soiled, sweat, food and drink stains, and makeup stains can show up later and become much more difficult to remove. Therefore, it is important to get your dress professionally cleaned by a trusted dry cleaner immediately after your wedding.
Specialists are trained to hand wash wedding dresses with gentle chemicals that dissolve different kinds of stains such as wine, coffee and perspiration. It is important to find a dry cleaner that uses a solvent that is gentle and pure enough for a gown. Other solvents used for regular dry cleaning might contain impurities that can redeposit onto clothing and leave your wedding dress with a strange smell.
Once your dress is cleaned, it is time to store it. It is best to 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. Avoid storing the dress in an attic or basement due to temperature and moisture changes, which can promote the growth of mould, mildew or dry rot. The ideal spot is an interior space away from exterior walls and pipes that might burst and off the floor away from pets.
When storing, it is best to store the dress flat in an appropriately sized container. Try to minimise folds in the dress to reduce the chance of fibre breakage from creases. You can use acid-free tissue paper to soften folds and wrap individual pieces. Never use ordinary boxes and tissue as they are heavily acidic and can scorch wedding gowns, leaving dark brown streaks.
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Taking photos of the dress
To sell your wedding dress online, it is important to have plenty of high-quality photographs so that potential buyers can see exactly what the dress looks like. Here are some tips for taking photos of the dress:
Start by hanging your dress in a well-lit environment. Make sure there is plenty of natural light in the room, and avoid using a flash, as this can create harsh shadows and reflections. If possible, take photos near a window during daylight hours.
Get clear, full-length photos of the dress from every angle. Be sure to capture the entire silhouette of the dress, including the train if it has one. Take photos from the front, back, and sides, as well as close-ups of any intricate details such as antique buttons, beaded straps, or 3D floral embellishments. If there are any unique features or aspects of the dress that you want to highlight, be sure to capture those in your photos.
Consider including photos of yourself wearing the dress. This can help potential buyers see how the dress fits and flatters a real person. If you are comfortable, you could include photos from your wedding day, or you could wear the dress again specifically for the photos. If you do wear the dress, try to style your hair and makeup similarly to how you had them on your wedding day, to give a true representation of how the dress will look on a bride.
Provide a detailed description of the garment, including accurate measurements. Disclose any flaws or imperfections, such as stains or missing beads, and be sure to photograph these areas as well. Being transparent about the condition of the dress will help build trust with potential buyers.
Consider including a video of the dress in addition to the photos. A video can showcase how the dress moves and sparkles, giving a better sense of how it looks in real life. A video can also help potential buyers see the flow and fluidity of the fabric, which is especially important for dresses with unique features such as a long train or a dramatic skirt.
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Creating a listing description
Start with a captivating title:
Choose a title that is descriptive and will catch the attention of potential buyers. Include keywords that highlight the dress's best features, such as "designer," "gently used," or "excellent condition." For example, "Gorgeous Vera Wang Wedding Dress - Worn Once."
Provide detailed information:
In the description, include as much information about the dress as possible. Start with the basics, such as the designer, style, colour, and size. Then, go into detail about the fabric, silhouette, neckline, train length, and any unique features or embellishments. Be sure to mention if it has been professionally cleaned and stored properly.
Include accurate measurements:
Provide accurate measurements of the dress, including bust, waist, hip, and length measurements. This will help buyers determine if the dress will fit them and give them a better understanding of the sizing.
Share photos and videos:
Visual content is extremely important when selling a wedding dress online. Include clear, high-quality photos of the dress from various angles, showcasing the overall design as well as any intricate details. Consider including photos of yourself wearing the dress to show how it looks on a real person. Videos can also be very effective in showcasing the dress's movement and flow.
Be honest about any flaws:
If there are any stains, tears, or other flaws, be honest and disclose them in the listing. Provide detailed information about the flaws and consider including close-up shots. This builds trust with potential buyers and sets their expectations. You can also mention any alterations or repairs that could be made to rectify the issues.
Add a personal touch:
Consider including a personal anecdote or story about your wedding day and how the dress made you feel. Share why you chose the dress and what you loved about it. This adds a human connection and can make your listing more appealing to potential buyers.
Remember to keep your listing description concise, informative, and engaging. Put yourself in the buyer's shoes and think about what information and details you would want to know before purchasing a wedding dress online.
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Choosing a selling platform
When it comes to choosing a selling platform for your wedding dress, there are several options to consider. Here are some platforms and key points to help you make an informed decision:
- Online marketplaces: There are various online marketplaces dedicated specifically to buying and selling wedding dresses, such as Stillwhite. These platforms provide a global reach and often offer tools to facilitate the selling process, including secure payment methods and fraud monitoring. They usually charge a small one-off fee for their services. Stillwhite, for example, allows you to set your own selling price and provides a mobile app for convenient management.
- Social media platforms: Facebook Marketplace is a popular option for selling wedding dresses. It offers a wide audience and the ability to connect with local buyers. However, be prepared for potential haggling and the need to manage all aspects of the selling process yourself.
- Consignment shops: Local consignment bridal boutiques or shops that sell second-hand dresses can be a convenient option. They handle the entire selling process on your behalf, including dealing with customers, haggling, and reposting. Typically, you will receive a percentage of the selling price, such as 50%. This option may take a few months for your dress to sell, but it removes the hassle of direct customer interactions.
- General resale websites: Websites like Poshmark, eBay, and Mercari are mentioned as platforms where people buy and sell wedding dresses. These sites offer a broad reach and the potential for interested buyers to make discount offers. However, be aware that dresses may sit for a while before selling, and you will need to manage all aspects of the selling process.
When choosing a selling platform, consider factors such as reach, convenience, fees, and the level of involvement you want to have in the selling process. Each platform has its own advantages and disadvantages, so selecting the right one will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
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Selling in-person vs. online
Selling a wedding dress from home can be done either in-person or online. Here is a detailed comparison of both options:
Selling in-person
Selling a wedding dress in person involves bringing the dress to a physical location, such as a local consignment salon, thrift store, or bridal resale shop. These stores will then display the dress and handle the sales process, including interacting with potential buyers. This option is suitable for those who are not comfortable with the digital aspect of online selling or do not want to deal with the waiting period that comes with online listings.
Online selling
Online selling provides a broader reach and a larger customer base compared to in-person selling. Popular online platforms for wedding dress resale include Stillwhite, eBay, and Vestiare Collective. These platforms offer various benefits, such as secure payment methods, direct communication with buyers, and the ability to set your own prices. However, online selling requires high-quality photographs and detailed descriptions of the dress, including accurate measurements, to compensate for the buyer's inability to see the dress in person.
Advantages and disadvantages
Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. In-person selling may provide a faster sales process and reduce the need for digital savviness, but it may also limit the potential buyer pool. Online selling offers convenience, a wider reach, and the ability to set prices, but it may involve a waiting game and require more effort in creating detailed listings.
Ultimately, the decision between selling in-person and online depends on the seller's preferences, the desired level of involvement in the sales process, and the importance of factors such as speed, convenience, and buyer interaction.
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Frequently asked questions
Some online marketplaces where you can sell your wedding dress are Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Poshmark, Mercari, and Stillwhite. Stillwhite is a reselling platform specifically for wedding dresses.
Before selling your wedding dress, ensure it is in the best condition possible. Have your dress professionally cleaned by a trusted dry cleaner to remove any stains or marks. If there are any remaining stains, you can try to shorten and hem the dress, cover the stains with lace or add lace or tulle to the bottom. Be honest about any flaws and disclose them in your listing.
Include clear, full-length photos of the dress from every angle. If there are any intricate details, be sure to take 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. Provide a detailed description of the garment, including accurate measurements, fabric type, and any alterations that have been made. You can also include a personal anecdote in the listing to help buyers picture themselves wearing the dress.
According to Nearly Newlywed, a used wedding dress in great condition that's under two years old can typically sell for 50% of its original retail price. Gowns from popular designers can make closer to 60% of their retail value. If your dress has any flaws or stains, you may need to lower the price to reflect the condition.
Yes, you can donate your wedding dress to organizations such as the Emma & Eve Foundation, which uses the dresses to make angel gowns or outfits for parents who have lost a baby. Another option is to sell your dress to a local consignment bridal boutique, which will take care of the selling process for you. However, you will only receive a percentage of the selling price.
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