Shipping Your Wedding Dress: Stillwhite's Ultimate Guide

how to ship a wedding dress stillwhite

Stillwhite is the largest global marketplace for preowned, used, and second-hand wedding dresses, with over 97,016 wedding gowns for sale. Wedding dresses on Stillwhite are sold by individuals, and buyers pay shipping costs. To ship a wedding dress, you can purchase a cardboard box from your nearest office supply store or post office. The box should be just big enough to fit the dress without damaging any details. You can then seal the box with thick adhesive tape, attach a shipping label, and mark the box with the words WEDDING GOWN. To get a shipping quote, you'll need the weight of the dress and the destination country or postal code.

Characteristics Values
Cost Cheaper than you might think
Weight Around 3kg or 7lbs on average
Box size 43 x 30 x 14 cm / 18 x 16 x 9 in
Box type Cardboard
Sealing Thick adhesive tape
Label "WEDDING GOWN"
Shipping quote Online
Shipping costs Covered by the buyer
Insurance Essential
Tracking number Essential

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Choosing the right box

To determine the box size, start by loosely folding the dress on a table or bed into a square-like shape. Then, measure the width, height, and depth of the folded dress. This will give you an estimate of the minimum box size required. It is better to have a slightly larger box than to struggle to fit the dress into a too-small box, potentially causing damage.

Cardboard boxes of various sizes can be purchased from office supply stores or post offices at a low cost. You can also reuse boxes you may have at home or from other packages, as long as they are in good condition and meet the size requirements. It is important to consider the weight of the box, especially for international shipments, as shipping costs can be calculated based on weight or cubic weight, whichever is greater.

Once you have selected the right box, you can proceed with packing the dress securely, using appropriate padding materials, and sealing the box with thick adhesive tape. Remember to include a note inside the box with your well wishes for the recipient!

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Sealing the box

Firstly, purchase a cardboard box from an office supply store or a post office. Make sure the box is just big enough to fit the dress without damaging any delicate details. As a reference, a typical wedding dress can fit in a 43 x 30 x 14 cm or 18 x 16 x 9 in box. However, it's important to measure the dress itself as sizes and weights can vary. Remember, you will be charged based on the greater of the actual weight and the cubic weight, which is calculated using box dimensions.

Once you have the appropriately sized box, it's time to seal it securely. Use thick adhesive tape to seal the box shut, going over the opening several times to ensure it's secure. If you have a printed shipping label, tape it to the box, making sure to avoid any seams. Cover the entire label with tape to protect it during transit. Remove any existing labels on the box to prevent any confusion about the destination.

Finally, mark the box with the words "WEDDING GOWN" to indicate the contents and ensure careful handling by delivery personnel. You can also include a personal touch, such as a note or a white or blue ribbon tied around the dress, to make the recipient's unboxing experience delightful.

By following these steps, you can confidently seal the box containing your wedding dress and be assured that it will arrive safely and securely at its destination.

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Labelling the box

Once you have chosen an appropriately-sized box, sealed it with tape, and insured its contents, it is time to label the box.

Firstly, if you have a printed shipping label, tape it to the box, ensuring that it does not cover any seams and that it is fully secured with tape. Next, remove any other labels that may be on the box from previous postage. This will ensure that your wedding dress is delivered to the correct address and does not get lost in transit.

Then, mark the box with the words "WEDDING GOWN" so that delivery people know to treat it with respect. You could also add a little note inside the box for the recipient. Something like: "I hope this dress makes your day as special as mine."

Finally, consider tying a white or blue ribbon around the dress for a touch of class. The buyer will be delighted to unwrap something so beautiful.

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Weighing the dress

Weighing your wedding dress is an important step in the shipping process, as it will determine the cost of shipping. Parcels are charged by weight, or cubic weight, whichever is greater. Cubic weight is measured using the size of the box, so even if the dress is very light, you will be charged more if you place it in a large box with lots of padding.

A typical wedding dress weighs about 3kg or 7lbs, but weights can vary. To find out the weight of your dress, use your bathroom scales. First, weigh yourself without the dress. Then, weigh yourself again, holding the dress up close to your body. Subtract the first number (your weight) from the second number (your weight plus the dress) and you will be left with the weight of your dress.

If you don't have access to bathroom scales, you can estimate the weight of your dress by feeling it. A typical wedding dress weighs about as much as a large bag of potatoes or a small bowling ball. If your dress has heavy beading or embellishments, it will likely weigh more.

Once you know the weight of your dress, you can start to think about packaging. It's important to choose a box that is just big enough to fit the dress without damaging any details or crushing it. A typical wedding dress will fit in a 43 x 30 x 14 cm / 18 x 16 x 9 in box. However, all dresses come in different sizes and weights, so be sure to measure the dress itself before choosing a box.

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Getting insurance

Before sending your wedding dress to the buyer, it is important to check that the dress is in the expected condition. Check for any loose threads, missing buttons, or minor issues that may need attention, as well as any stains or discolouration. Take clear, high-quality photos of the dress from all angles, including close-ups of details, and consider recording a short video to document its condition before packaging.

When it comes to packaging, use a sturdy box that is just big enough to fit the dress without damaging any fine details. Cardboard boxes can be purchased from office supply stores or post offices. Use protective packaging materials, such as bubble wrap or tissue paper, to keep the dress safe during transit, and consider including a garment bag for extra protection.

After packaging the dress securely, seal the box with thick adhesive tape, going over the opening several times to ensure it is closed tightly. Attach the shipping label to the box, avoiding any seams, and cover the entire label with tape to prevent water damage or tearing. Remove any existing labels that may be on the box to avoid confusion and potential misdelivery.

Finally, choose a reputable shipping service that offers tracking, insurance, and signature on delivery for added security. This will provide peace of mind and help protect against potential issues or losses during transit. By following these steps and including insurance, sellers on Stillwhite can ensure a smooth transaction and minimise financial risk when shipping their wedding dresses.

Frequently asked questions

First, purchase a cardboard box that is just big enough to fit the dress without damaging any details. You can buy these cheaply from your nearest office supply store or post office. Loosely fold the dress into a square-like shape on a table or bed to measure the width, height and depth of the box you need. Then, seal the box with thick adhesive tape, going over the opening several times. Attach a printed shipping label, avoiding any seams, and cover it with tape. Remove any other labels on the box and mark it with the words "WEDDING GOWN" so that delivery people know to treat it with respect.

To get a shipping quote, you only need the city or postal code of the recipient for domestic shipping, or the country for international shipping. Parcels are charged by weight or cubic weight, whichever is greater. A typical wedding dress weighs about 3kg or 7lbs, and would fit in a 43 x 30 x 14 cm / 18 x 16 x 9 in box.

Stillwhite is the largest global marketplace for preowned, used, and second-hand wedding dresses. You can create a listing with photos and a selling price you choose for a small one-off fee. Receive messages from buyers and keep your contact details private. Accept secure payment online and send the dress on its way. Buyers pay for postage and shipping costs, so remember to include these in your final sale price.

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