George Boyle
Deciding what to do with your wedding dress after your big day can be a difficult decision. Some brides are opting to sell their dresses, either to recoup some of the costs of the wedding or to allow another bride to experience the joy of wearing the gown. This is also a more sustainable option, as it extends the lifespan of the dress and offsets the resources needed to make a new one. However, for some, the dress holds too much sentimental value to part with, and they may wish to pass it down to future generations.
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Sentimental value
Deciding whether to sell your wedding dress is a deeply personal decision, often influenced by sentimental value. For many, the wedding dress holds emotional attachment and is considered a cherished heirloom to be passed down through generations. The decision to keep the dress may be driven by the desire to offer it to daughters or nieces for their weddings, creating a meaningful connection across time.
However, the practicality of storing a wedding dress, especially for those who relocate frequently, cannot be overlooked. The dress may occupy valuable closet space, and the task of transporting it during every move can be cumbersome. Additionally, the prospect of the dress degrading over time in storage may deter some from keeping it.
For those who place a high sentimental value on the dress, there are creative ways to repurpose it. Some brides choose to shorten the dress and wear it to other formal events or even renew their vows, imbuing the garment with new life. Others opt to transform the dress into smaller keepsakes, such as lingerie, necklaces, or pillows, ensuring that the sentimental value remains while adapting the item for everyday use.
The decision to sell the wedding dress may also be influenced by financial considerations. Reselling the dress can provide financial relief, especially if the original purchase was a significant expense. Brides can expect to recoup a portion of the cost, with estimates ranging from 40% to 70% of the original price, depending on various factors. This financial aspect, coupled with the desire to extend the lifespan of the dress by allowing another bride to wear it, may tip the decision in favour of selling.
Ultimately, the choice to sell a wedding dress is deeply individual, balancing the sentimental value of the dress with practical considerations. While some may find solace in holding onto the dress as a cherished memento, others may opt for a fresh start or the opportunity to bring joy to another bride.
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Cost and sustainability
The cost of a wedding dress varies depending on factors such as the designer, fabric, and other key elements. On average, a wedding dress costs between $1,500 and $2,500, but prices can go up to $5,000 or more for designer or custom gowns. The cost of alterations, which typically ranges from 300 to 500, is an additional expense that can significantly increase the overall price.
From a sustainability perspective, selling your wedding dress can be a more environmentally conscious choice. By reselling your dress, you extend its lifespan and offset the resources needed to create a new one. This also allows brides who may not be able to afford a brand-new dress to wear your gown, which can bring them joy and help them financially.
If you decide to sell your wedding dress, it is important to act soon after the wedding, as dresses tend to lose their resale value over time. Brides can typically expect to make back around 50% to 70% of the original retail price, depending on the dress's condition and age.
Additionally, consider the wearability of your wedding ensemble. If you wore a simple white slip dress, you may be able to repurpose it for another event. However, a large princess-like gown with a full skirt may be challenging to resell or reuse for another occasion.
Another option for cost recovery and sustainability is to keep the top of a two-piece wedding dress and re-wear it for other formal events. This allows you to retain a sentimental part of your wedding attire while freeing up closet space and recouping some of the costs.
Ultimately, the decision to sell your wedding dress depends on various factors, including sentimentality, sustainability, and financial considerations.
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Storage and space
If you're planning to sell your wedding dress, storage and space are important considerations. Here are some tips to help you with the storage and space management of your wedding dress:
Storage Tips:
- Garment Bag: If you're storing your dress for a short period, a breathable garment bag is a good option. Avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture, creating an environment for mould and mildew. Fabric bags can also be used for short-term storage.
- Flat Storage: It is recommended to store your dress flat, especially if it has heavy beading or multiple layers of fabric. This prevents stretching and wrinkling.
- Climate Control: Keep your dress in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight. Avoid humid areas and places with inconsistent temperatures, as they can damage the dress.
- Storage Box: For long-term storage, consider using an acid-free, lignin-free wedding dress storage box. Avoid fabric or cardboard boxes, as they may contain acids that can harm the dress over time.
- Tissue Paper: Use acid-free white tissue paper to wrap your dress. Coloured tissue paper may transfer dye to the fabric. Tissue paper helps protect the fabric and keeps creases at bay.
- Vacuum Sealing: Some companies offer vacuum sealing, but this can cause permanent creases and wrinkles. If you choose this method, ensure the company replaces oxygen with nitrogen to prevent oxidation.
- Professional Preservation: Consider hiring a professional wedding dress preservation specialist, especially for long-term storage. They will clean, treat, and package your dress to retain its quality.
Space Management:
- Closet Storage: If using a closet, choose a spare closet with plenty of space to avoid squishing the dress. Ensure the closet is dark, cool, and dry.
- Storage Units: If you don't have space at home, consider renting a climate-controlled storage unit. This option provides a dedicated space for your dress and offers security and savings.
- Hanging: If you must hang the dress, use the loops instead of the sleeves or straps. Hanging can cause stretching, so it's best for lightweight dresses and short-term storage.
- Folding: You can fold your dress for temporary storage, but avoid permanent creases by rearranging it every year.
- Pre-Wedding Storage: Before the wedding, a breathable garment bag is ideal for protecting your dress from stains and wrinkles.
Remember, proper storage and space management will help maintain the condition of your wedding dress, ensuring it stays in perfect shape until you're ready to sell it.
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Resale value
The resale value of a wedding dress depends on various factors, including the dress's condition, designer, and current trends. Brides can typically expect to make back between 40% and 70% of the original retail price.
When deciding whether to sell your wedding dress, it is important to consider the sentimental value of the dress. Many people choose to keep their wedding dresses as family heirlooms, hoping to pass them down to their children or nieces to wear at their own weddings. However, if you do not plan on passing down your dress or do not have the storage space, selling it can be a good option.
Another factor to consider is the wearability of the dress. If you have a simple dress, you may be able to wear it to future events, but if you have a large ball gown, it may be challenging to store and transport.
Additionally, the timing of the sale can impact the resale value. Peak planning seasons for weddings, typically from January to March, are ideal for listing your dress as there are more engaged couples looking for dresses. You can also capitalise on post-holiday engagements by listing your dress right after major holidays.
When selling your wedding dress, you can choose to sell it online or in a local shop. Online platforms offer a wider audience, while local shops may provide a quicker sale. Social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Instagram are popular options for selling wedding dresses, as are online marketplaces specialising in wedding dresses, such as StillWhite and PreownedWeddingDresses.
To maximise your resale value, create informative and appealing listings that include relevant details such as the designer, size, style, silhouette, fabric, and condition of the dress. Including a personal story can also attract buyers.
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Passing it on
Passing on your wedding dress to a family member is a popular choice for those who decide to keep their dress. This could be for a daughter or niece to wear at their own wedding, or for a family member to incorporate part of the dress into their own gown. If you think your wedding dress has the potential to be passed down through generations, you may want to keep it.
However, it's worth considering that fashion trends change, and what looks good now might not be so appealing in 20-30 years. If you don't think your wedding dress is particularly timeless, it might be better to sell it and use the money for something else.
Another option is to keep only part of your wedding attire. For example, you could keep your veil, hair comb, or other accessories, which take up less storage space.
If you do decide to keep your wedding dress, you'll need to consider how to store it. Wedding dresses are often large and take up a lot of closet space, so you may need to invest in a storage area. You'll also need to consider how to safely transport your dress if you move house.
Finally, it's worth noting that selling your wedding dress can provide financial relief, especially if your dress is on the expensive side. You could use the money for wedding expenses, a honeymoon, or something else entirely.
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