Franklin Dean
Wedding dresses are often expensive, one-time-use items that take up a lot of closet space. For these reasons, many brides choose to sell their dresses after their wedding day. There are several online marketplaces for pre-owned wedding dresses, such as Borrowing Magnolia, Stillwhite, and Tradesy, which can help you recoup some of the costs of the dress. However, selling your wedding dress can be a difficult decision due to the sentimental value of the garment. If you are unsure about selling your dress, you may want to keep it as a souvenir or heirloom, donate it to a bride in need, or have the bodice framed as a keepsake.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Financial benefits | Brides can make back up to 60-70% of the retail price |
| Space-saving | Wedding dresses take up a lot of closet space |
| Sentimental value | Some brides are emotionally attached to their wedding dress |
| Convenience | Selling online is convenient and popular |
| Charity | Brides can donate their dress to charity |
| Time | It can take a while to sell a wedding dress |
| Condition | Dresses in better condition are more marketable |
| Alterations | Heavily altered dresses may be less desirable |
| Size | Smaller sizes are easier to alter |
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What You'll Learn
Pros and cons of selling your wedding dress
Pros of selling your wedding dress:
- You can recoup some of the costs incurred in purchasing the dress.
- You won't have to worry about storing or moving the gown, especially if it's large.
- You can give your dress a second life and allow another bride to enjoy it.
- You can sell your dress on websites such as Stillwhite, Borrowing Magnolia, and Tradesy, which offer authentication, secure payment, and fraud monitoring.
Cons of selling your wedding dress:
- Wedding dresses hold emotional value, and selling it is a permanent decision that you may regret later.
- If your dress has been heavily altered, it may not be further alterable to another bride's body, limiting your market.
- Selling your dress may not be worth the effort, especially if it's unlikely to sell due to specific measurements or customisations.
- You may have to get your dress professionally cleaned and preserved to remove any stains before selling it.
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Preparing your dress for resale
If you're looking to sell your wedding dress, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best price and make the process as smooth as possible. Firstly, it is important to get your dress professionally cleaned to remove any stains or smudges. This will ensure that your dress is in pristine condition and will help it maintain its value. You may also want to consider having it preserved, especially if you plan on storing it for a while before selling.
Another factor to consider is the alterations you have made to your gown. Gowns can only undergo so many changes before they start to lose their structural integrity, so be sure to consider the adjustments you've made and whether they can be easily altered to fit another bride's body. Less altered gowns are generally more marketable as they are closer to their original state. Additionally, gowns can typically be sized down easier than sized up, so consider the range of potential buyers when making adjustments.
When it comes to choosing a resale platform, there are several options available. You can list your dress on online platforms such as Still White, eBay, or Vestiare Collective, each with its own rules and demographics. You can also consider consignment shops, especially those with a fashion focus, as they will attract customers who are specifically looking for bridal gowns. Kleinfeld, the famous bridal salon, also offers a service that allows brides to list their dresses for resale, and there are specialist services such as The RealReal that offer a full concierge consignment experience.
To increase the appeal of your dress, consider including photos and even videos to showcase how it moves and sparkles. This will help potential buyers visualize themselves in the dress and make an informed decision. It is also beneficial to list your dress on multiple platforms to increase its exposure and reach a wider audience.
Lastly, be sure to set a competitive price for your dress. Brides can typically expect to make back up to 60-70% of the retail price when reselling their wedding dress, so keep that in mind when determining your asking price.
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Choosing where to sell your dress
Deciding to sell your wedding dress is a personal decision and it is only natural to feel attached to it. However, if you are sure about selling your wedding dress, there are several options to choose from.
Firstly, you can sell your wedding dress online. Websites like Borrowing Magnolia, Stillwhite, and Tradesy are great options for selling pre-owned wedding dresses. Borrowing Magnolia allows you to list your dress for sale and offers a dress value calculator to help you determine its worth. Stillwhite is a straightforward website with over 60,000 listings, featuring designers such as Vera Wang and Pronovias. They charge a small one-off fee and no commission, allowing you to keep all of your sale proceeds. Tradesy, on the other hand, takes a 20% commission on sales but covers shipping and return costs and offers a money-back guarantee.
Another option is to sell your dress to consignment shops, especially those with a fashion focus, as they will be more likely to attract customers looking for bridal gowns. If your wedding dress is 20 years or older, you may also be able to sell it to a vintage store.
Additionally, you can consider donating your wedding dress to organizations such as Brides for a Cause, which donates a portion of the profits to women-focused charities, or Goodwill and The Salvation Army, which also accept dress donations. Donating your dress can be a charitable act, allowing another bride who cannot afford a new gown to enjoy it.
Before selling your wedding dress, it is important to consider factors such as alterations, as gowns can only undergo so many changes before losing their structural integrity. Additionally, professionally cleaning and preserving your dress is crucial to ensure it remains in pristine condition.
Remember, selling your wedding dress can help recoup some of the costs, save storage space, and bring you extra cash to spend on other things.
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How to price your wedding dress
Selling your wedding dress can be a great way to recoup some of the costs of the dress, especially given the ever-growing popularity of resale. Brides can expect to make back up to 60% or even 70% of the retail price. However, pricing your wedding dress correctly is crucial for a quick sale.
Firstly, consider the original cost of the dress and its current condition. Pre-owned wedding dresses typically sell for 40-60% of their original retail price, but you can price it slightly higher to allow room for negotiation. If your dress has been professionally cleaned and preserved, you can justify a higher price.
Next, consider any alterations made to the dress that might affect its resale value. Gowns can only undergo so many changes before they begin to lose their structural integrity, so less altered gowns are more marketable. If you are including any accessories or extras with the gown, like veils, belts, or jewelry, be sure to factor these into your pricing strategy.
Additionally, if your dress aligns with current bridal trends, you may be able to price it higher. When selling your dress, be sure to mention the designer, silhouette, style, size, and any special features or customizations that make it unique. Include clear, well-lit photos of the dress from various angles, and consider including a video to showcase how the dress moves and sparkles.
Finally, don't forget the emotional appeal. Sharing the story behind your dress can sometimes justify a higher price to the right buyer. Finding the right balance between market awareness and personal expectations is crucial to successfully selling your wedding dress.
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What to do with your dress if you don't sell it
Deciding what to do with your wedding dress is a personal decision and can be challenging. If you're unsure about selling your wedding dress, there are several alternative options to consider. Here are some suggestions for what to do with your dress if you don't want to sell it:
Keep it as a Memento
You may want to keep your wedding dress as a cherished memory of your special day. Many brides choose to store their dresses for years, hoping to pass them down to their children or grandchildren. Keeping your dress can be a way to preserve the emotions and memories associated with your wedding day.
Rewear or Restyle It
If you loved your wedding dress and want to get more use out of it, consider rewearing it for a special event or restyling it. For example, you could dye it a different colour and wear it as a guest to a black-tie wedding. This option allows you to continue enjoying your dress and create new memories with it.
Donate It
Donating your wedding dress is a generous act that can bring joy to another bride who may not be able to afford a new gown. Organisations like Brides for a Cause, Goodwill, and The Salvation Army accept dress donations. Your dress will get a second life, and you'll be contributing to a charitable cause.
Pass It Down
If you have children or plan to in the future, you may consider keeping your wedding dress as an heirloom. Passing down your dress to your child or grandchild can become a family tradition and create a special connection between generations. They may even choose to incorporate parts of your dress into their own wedding ensemble.
Store It for Future Generations
Even if you don't plan to pass down your dress directly to your children, you can consider storing it for future generations. Wedding dresses are often cherished family heirlooms that can be preserved and appreciated for years to come. You can explore options for professional storage or preservation methods to ensure the dress remains in good condition.
Remember, the decision to sell your wedding dress is entirely personal, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Consider your sentiments, practical concerns, and the options available before making a decision that feels right for you.
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Frequently asked questions
Financially speaking, yes. Brides can make back up to 60-70% of the retail price. However, it is a tough decision as wedding dresses hold emotional value.
There are many websites and apps that offer a platform to sell wedding dresses, including Stillwhite, Borrowing Magnolia, Happy Isles, and Tradesy. Consignment shops are also a great option, especially if your dress is over 20 years old.
Some websites charge a listing fee, such as The Knot, which charges $20. Stillwhite charges a small one-off fee and no commission, while Tradesy takes a 20% commission.
It is recommended to have your dress professionally cleaned and preserved to remove any stains. You can also showcase your dress with photos or videos to attract buyers.
Selling your wedding dress can bring in extra cash and save closet space. It can also give your dress a second life and bring joy to another bride.
