George Boyle
Unsold wedding dresses can face a similar fate to other unsold clothing items, which often end up in discount stores, shipped overseas, or incinerated and sent to landfills. To avoid this, many brides opt to sell their wedding dresses online via platforms like eBay, Poshmark, Stillwhite, and Nearly Newlywed, which specialize in pre-owned wedding dresses. These sites allow brides to recoup some of their money while also contributing to the ethical fashion movement by giving their gowns a second life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sold online | eBay, Poshmark, Nearly Newlywed, Stillwhite |
| Sold in person | Local bridal resale shops |
| Sold at discount stores | Marshall’s, Winners |
| Donated to charities and foundations | |
| Destroyed | Incinerated, sent to landfills |
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What You'll Learn
- Wedding dresses are sold on websites like Stillwhite and Nearly Newlywed
- They are sent to discount stores to sell at a fraction of the cost
- Unsold dresses are incinerated or sent to landfills
- They are shipped overseas in bulk for sale in foreign markets
- Wedding dresses are donated to charities and foundations
Wedding dresses are sold on websites like Stillwhite and Nearly Newlywed
Wedding dresses are often expensive, so it is no surprise that there is a market for second-hand dresses. Websites like Stillwhite and Nearly Newlywed cater to this market by providing a platform for brides to sell their pre-owned wedding dresses.
Stillwhite is the largest global marketplace for pre-owned, used, and second-hand wedding dresses, with over 97,140 wedding gowns for sale. The website allows sellers to list their dresses for a small one-off fee and keep all of the profits, as Stillwhite does not charge any commission. Brides can recoup most of their money back and buyers can find their dream dress at a fraction of the cost of retail. The website offers a variety of designer gowns and custom-made dresses at affordable prices. It also provides a safe platform for buyers and sellers to communicate and complete the transaction securely.
Stillwhite stands out among other similar websites due to its user-friendly interface and robust search functionality. Buyers can set up custom searches and alerts based on various criteria, such as hem length, neckline, colour, material, and price. This allows buyers to easily find their desired dress without having to sift through numerous irrelevant styles. The website also offers a mobile app, making it convenient for sellers to manage their listings and connect with buyers on the go.
Nearly Newlywed, on the other hand, has been in the business of finding new homes for wedding dresses since 2004. They specialize in connecting brides with dresses and pride themselves on making it easy for anyone to join their marketplace. They also offer curated tips, insights, and articles for brides-to-be, providing a comprehensive platform for brides-to-be.
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They are sent to discount stores to sell at a fraction of the cost
Unsold wedding dresses, like other unsold clothing, are often sent to discount stores to be sold at a fraction of their original cost. This is because brands want to make what money they can from the stock. Discount stores, such as Marshall's and Winners, buy surplus stock at a fraction of the original cost and sell it at a discounted price. This is an essential part of the retail ecosystem as it provides an outlet for moving excess inventory.
However, this practice can lead to consumers expecting discounts on surplus clothing, complicating inventory management for primary retailers. Furthermore, the existence of discount stores can perpetuate the cycle of overproduction by creating a secondary market where unsold goods are offloaded cheaply. This can worsen the problem of overproduction, which is already a significant issue in the fashion industry, with 100 billion garments produced annually as of 2014.
While some luxury brands incinerate or landfill unsold stock to preserve exclusivity, most brands will try to sell their unsold clothing at a discount. This can be done through sales, online sales, or by sending the stock to discount stores. Unsold wedding dresses can also be sold on websites that specialize in buying and selling wedding gowns, such as Nearly Newlywed and Stillwhite, or on general resale platforms like eBay and Poshmark.
Before selling a wedding dress, it is recommended that it be professionally cleaned to ensure it is in the best condition possible and to increase the likelihood of a quick sale. It is also important to provide clear, full-length photos of the dress from every angle, as well as close-up shots of any intricate details, when selling online.
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Unsold dresses are incinerated or sent to landfills
The harsh reality is that a significant amount of unsold clothing, including wedding dresses, is often incinerated or sent to landfills. This contributes to the growing problem of textile waste and pollution. Incineration releases harmful pollutants into the air, causing environmental and health risks, while landfills become overwhelmed with non-biodegradable fabrics that can take decades to decompose.
The fashion industry produces an estimated 92 million tons of textile waste annually, with one garbage truck of textiles being dumped in a landfill or burned every second. This makes textile pollution a significant issue, and the fate of unsold clothing plays a large part in this. While some unsold wedding dresses may be sold at a discount or shipped overseas, many end up as waste.
Luxury brands, in particular, have been known to destroy unsold stock to preserve their exclusivity and market value. For instance, Burberry destroyed over £90 million worth of goods in 2018 rather than let them be sold at a discount. This practice prevents their products from entering the "grey market," where unauthorised sellers can resell genuine luxury goods at lower prices. However, it also contributes to waste and pollution.
Some unsold clothing is donated to charities and foundations, but this too can result in waste. Charities may be overwhelmed by the volume of donations and face logistical challenges, sometimes leading to excess items being discarded. Additionally, not all donated clothing is suitable for those in need, so a portion may still end up in landfills.
The root of the problem is overproduction, with the number of garments produced annually surpassing 100 billion in 2014. This has led to a cycle of overproduction and overconsumption, perpetuated by the existence of discount stores, which create a secondary market for cheap unsold goods. This, in turn, leads to consumers expecting discounts, further complicating inventory management for primary retailers.
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They are shipped overseas in bulk for sale in foreign markets
When it comes to what happens to unsold wedding dresses, one option is to ship them overseas in bulk for sale in foreign markets. This is a strategy used by some retailers to offload excess inventory and recoup some costs, even if the profit margins are minimal after accounting for shipping fees.
Wedding dresses that are shipped internationally often go through careful preparation to ensure they arrive safely and securely. This includes inspecting the gown for any blemishes and properly folding it with tissue paper or muslin cloth between layers to protect embellishments. Some sellers recommend covering the dress in plastic for added protection during transit and using sturdy corrugated cardboard boxes for shipping.
The shipping process itself can vary depending on the seller and the destination country. Some companies offer free shipping for orders above a certain value, while others charge a flat rate or provide discounted rates for bulk orders. International buyers may also need to consider additional charges, such as duty, customs, and taxes, which can vary by country.
To facilitate a smooth transaction, clear and accurate shipping labels are crucial. Sellers often include duplicate labels inside the package to ensure that even if the outer label is damaged, the original owner and recipient can still be identified. The use of services like Priority International Mail or UPS Ground ensures that the dresses are tracked and insured during transit, providing peace of mind for both the seller and the buyer.
After the dresses arrive in the foreign market, they are typically sold through various channels, including outlet stores, discount retailers, or online marketplaces specializing in pre-owned wedding dresses. These dresses are often sold at a fraction of the original cost, providing an affordable option for brides-to-be in those markets.
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Wedding dresses are donated to charities and foundations
Wedding dresses are often expensive, and many brides want to keep them as a memento of their special day. However, some brides decide to donate their wedding dresses to charities and foundations for various reasons. Donating a wedding dress can free up closet space, provide a tax deduction, and help someone in need. Charities and foundations that accept wedding dress donations either pass them on to brides who cannot afford a dress or resell them at a discount to raise money for their cause.
One such charitable organization is Brides for a Cause, a nonprofit that collects and resells wedding dresses to support women-focused charities. Brides for a Cause has collected over 40,000 wedding dresses and donated over $3,000,000 to local and national charities across the United States. They accept new and once-worn dresses and make it easy for donors to mail or drop off their wedding gowns.
Another organization, The Emma and Evan Foundation, transforms donated wedding dresses into angel gowns or burial gowns for infants who have passed away. These memorial gowns are offered to grieving families as a source of comfort and remembrance. The foundation provides details for mailing or dropping off donations on their website.
The NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown program is similar to The Emma and Evan Foundation in that it also accepts wedding dress donations to create angel gowns. In 2015, the program accepted 15,000 wedding dresses, which seamstresses remade into gowns for bereaved parents to use during the burial of their infants.
The Brides Project, based in Michigan, is another charity that accepts donated wedding dresses to raise money for programs and services at the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor. They fund various initiatives, including support groups, counseling services, and nutrition workshops.
Donating a wedding dress to charities and foundations is a selfless act that can benefit those in need, whether by providing a burial gown for a grieving family or raising funds for important causes. These organizations make it easy for brides to pass on their dresses and give them a second life.
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Frequently asked questions
Unsold wedding dresses are often sold at a discount, either online or at outlet stores. There are websites that specialize in buying and selling wedding gowns, such as Nearly Newlywed and Stillwhite. Some dresses are also donated to charities and foundations, but this can lead to logistical challenges and some items may still end up in landfills.
You can sell your wedding dress online on websites such as eBay, Poshmark, Nearly Newlywed, and Stillwhite. To sell your dress online, you'll need clear, full-length photos of the dress from every angle, and a detailed description including accurate measurements and information on any wear and tear. If you want to sell your dress in person, you can try local bridal resale shops.
According to Nearly Newlywed, a used wedding dress in great condition and 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.
Before selling your wedding dress, get it professionally cleaned to ensure it's in the best condition possible. You should also consider including photos of yourself wearing the dress so that potential buyers can see how it fits.
