Franklin Dean
There are many options to consider when deciding to resell your wedding dress. Firstly, it is important to ensure your dress is in good condition, as most online marketplaces and consignment shops have limits on how old a dress can be for it to be included in their stock. You could consider getting your dress professionally cleaned to ensure any stains do not become permanent. If your dress has been altered, it is important to disclose this beforehand. Shortened gowns can be more challenging to sell, as you will need to find a buyer who is your height or shorter. You could sell your dress on an online platform such as Stillwhite, Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, Mercari, eBay, or Gumtree. Alternatively, you could sell your dress to a consignment shop, such as Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal, which specialises in selling wedding dresses on consignment. If you would like to donate your dress, you could consider organisations such as Brides for a Cause, which donates a portion of the profits of reselling your dress to women-focused charities, or the Emma & Eve Foundation, which uses the dresses to make outfits for organisations that work with parents who have lost a baby.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Condition | The dress should be in pristine condition. Professionally clean it immediately after the wedding and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. |
| Timing | List the dress during peak planning seasons (typically January to March) and after major holidays to capitalise on post-holiday engagements. Avoid oversaturated markets during the off-season. |
| Online vs. Local Shops | Online platforms offer a wider audience, while local shops may provide a quicker sale. Try both methods to maximise your chances. |
| Photography | Take high-quality photos from multiple angles, including close-ups of details. Videos are even better than photos as they showcase how the dress moves and sparkles. |
| Description | Include all relevant details: designer, size, style, silhouette, fabric, and condition. Tell the story of your dress—buyers love a personal touch. |
| Pricing | Research similar dresses on platforms for selling used bridal dresses. Consider the original price, condition, and any customizations. Aim for 40-60% of the original retail price. |
| Payment | Only accept payment from trusted methods. Document your conversations with the buyer for added protection in case of a dispute. |
| Donation | If you don't want to sell, consider donating your dress to organisations like Brides for a Cause, Goodwill, or The Salvation Army. |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning and preparing your dress for resale
Identify the Fabric and Stains:
Firstly, identify the fabric of your wedding gown. Different fabrics require different cleaning methods and solvents. For example, gowns made entirely of polyester are more durable and may withstand stronger cleaning agents compared to silk gowns. Check the designer's website for specific fabric information.
Next, inspect the gown closely for any stains. Wedding dresses are often floor-length, making them prone to stains from contact with the floor and other surfaces.
Choose a Cleaning Method:
You can opt for professional dry cleaning services, especially if your dress is made of delicate fabrics or has intricate details. Jenny Palmer, the business and commercial director at Brides Do Good, recommends having your dress professionally cleaned immediately after your wedding to prevent stains from becoming permanent.
Alternatively, you can clean the dress yourself. Breyana Wright, a fashion stylist and owner of Styled by Breyana, suggests that most wedding dresses can be cleaned with basic items: stain remover, laundry detergent, a toothbrush for spot treatment, and a steamer. If you choose to clean the dress yourself, be sure to avoid harsh detergents, bleach, or hot irons, as these can damage the fabric.
Preservation and Storage:
Consider preserving your wedding dress, especially if you want to guarantee its long-term viability and maintain its pristine condition. Preservation involves a specialized cleaning and treatment plan to prevent damage, such as yellowing or oxidation, and to ensure your gown remains in good condition for years to come. While this option may be more expensive, it is ideal for those who want to pass the dress down as an heirloom or resell it in the future.
Proper storage is essential to maintain the condition of your dress. Store your dress in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Use a breathable garment bag or an acid-free box to prevent discolouration and maintain its shape. Replace the storage box and paper every few years. Avoid hanging your wedding gown, as this may lead to stretching or warping, and do not store it in a plastic bag, as this can trap moisture and attract bugs.
By following these steps, you can effectively clean and prepare your wedding dress for resale, ensuring it remains in the best possible condition.
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Choosing the right resale platform
When it comes to choosing the right resale platform for your wedding dress, there are several options to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind when making your decision:
Online Marketplaces
Selling your wedding dress online gives you access to a wider audience, increasing the chances of finding a buyer. Websites like Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, eBay, and Poshmark are popular options for reselling wedding dresses. These platforms often provide an easy and convenient way to list your dress with just a few clicks. They may also offer features like secure payment methods and buyer messaging systems. However, remember that online marketplaces usually require more time and effort in creating listings, responding to inquiries, and arranging meet-ups with potential buyers.
Local Consignment Shops
If you prefer a faster and more personalised experience, local consignment shops specialising in bridal wear could be a good option. These shops will handle the resale process for you, saving you time and energy. Additionally, they may attract brides-to-be who prefer trying on dresses in person before making a purchase. However, keep in mind that consignment shops may have specific requirements for dress age, condition, and alterations.
Social Media Platforms
Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Instagram can also be utilised for selling wedding dresses. This approach allows you to showcase your dress to a broad audience and engage with potential buyers directly. However, be cautious of potential scams and only accept payments through trusted methods.
Timing and Seasonality
Consider the timing of your resale. The bridal industry has seasons, and listing your dress during peak planning times (typically January to March) can increase your chances of a quicker sale. Avoid oversaturated markets during the off-season.
Presentation and Condition
Regardless of the platform you choose, presentation is crucial. Ensure your dress is professionally cleaned and well-maintained before selling. Take high-quality photos from multiple angles, including close-ups of details, to showcase the dress's condition and appeal to potential buyers.
Fees and Commissions
When selecting a resale platform, consider any associated fees and commissions. Some websites charge a listing fee, while others, like Stillwhite, offer a one-off fee with no commission, allowing you to keep a larger portion of the sale proceeds.
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Setting a competitive price
When setting a price, you should consider the original price, condition, and any customisations. It is recommended to aim for 40-60% of the original retail price when selling your wedding dress. However, brides can expect to make back up to 60-70% of the retail price, according to Grace Richmond, co-founder of second-hand bridal platform The Loop.
It is worth noting that used wedding dresses often come with additional expenses, such as professional cleaning, repairs, or alterations. These costs can impact the final price of the dress. If your dress has been altered, it is important to disclose it beforehand to ensure your dress can be listed. Shortened gowns, for example, can be more challenging to sell as the buyer needs to be at a specific height or shorter.
To set a competitive price, it is important to research similar dresses on platforms for selling used wedding dresses. You can compare the prices of dresses with similar styles, conditions, and customisations to determine a reasonable price for your dress.
Lastly, if you want to get the payout from your sale as soon as possible, you may need to be comfortable with lowering the sticker price. Remember that your dress will need to find a bride with the right budget and a similar size.
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Selling your dress on consignment
If you're looking to sell your wedding dress on consignment, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure your dress is in pristine condition, as this will help it find a new home after your wedding day. The bridal industry has seasons, so timing can significantly impact your success. Peak planning season is typically from January to March, so listing your gown during this period can increase your chances of a sale.
When selling your wedding dress on consignment, you can expect to receive approximately 30% to 60% of the original retail price, depending on factors such as the dress's condition, designer, and current trends. The timeframe for selling bridal gowns can vary, influenced by pricing, dress style, and market demand.
If your wedding dress is 20 years or older, you may be able to sell it or consign it with a vintage store. Additionally, consider showcasing your dress with photos or videos to highlight its movement and sparkle.
Selling your wedding dress on consignment allows you to recoup some of your investment while ensuring your beautiful gown goes to another bride. It's a sustainable and practical decision that can help other brides find their perfect gown at an affordable price.
One consignment shop, Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal, serving the Philadelphia and New Jersey area, offers a 60/40 split for newer gowns and a 50/50 split for older dresses. They emphasise the win-win nature of consignment, allowing you to collect some of your investment back while giving your gown a new lease of life.
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Donating your dress to a good cause
If you're looking to give your wedding dress to a good cause, there are several charities that will take donations. Brides for a Cause, for example, is a nonprofit organisation that collects and resells wedding dresses to raise funds for women-focused charities. Brides Against Breast Cancer is another organisation that resells gently used wedding gowns to raise money for breast cancer awareness and early detection.
The Brides Project, based in Michigan, raises money for programs and services at the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor. Cherie Sustainable Bridal in Maryland supports Success in Style, a nonprofit that offers professional clothing and basic interview skills to clients in crisis. Wedding dresses donated to The Emma and Evan Foundation are transformed into angel gowns or burial gowns for infants who have passed away. These memorial gowns are then offered to grieving families as a source of comfort and remembrance.
Brides Across America is another nonprofit that passes on donated wedding dresses for free to military and first responder brides at Operation Wedding Gown events twice a year.
If you're looking to sell your wedding dress online, there are several resale platforms to choose from, including eBay and Poshmark. However, there are also websites that specialise in buying and selling wedding gowns, such as Nearly Newlywed and Stillwhite. It's important to have plenty of high-quality photographs so that potential buyers can see exactly what the dress looks like. You can also showcase your dress with a video to demonstrate how it moves and sparkles.
From a sustainability perspective, selling your wedding dress is a great way to extend its lifespan and offset the resources needed to make a brand-new dress. Financially, it's also a good option, as brides can expect to make back up to 60-70% of the retail price. However, it's important to consider the additional expenses that come with selling a used wedding dress, such as professional cleaning, repairs, or alterations.
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