Selling Your Wedding Gown: Best Places To Consider

There are many reasons why someone may decide to sell their wedding dress. Some brides are sentimental about their dress and want to save it, while others don't want it to sit in a box in their closet, collecting dust. Selling your wedding dress is a great way to recoup some of the money you spent on your big day. If you're looking to sell your wedding dress, you may be wondering where to start. You could sell your dress on websites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Poshmark, but if you're looking for an option that will make the process hassle-free, you might want to consider a site that specializes in wedding dresses and luxury garments, such as Nearly Newlywed, Still White, or Once Wed. These sites offer benefits such as selling and shipping assistance and seller protection, but they usually charge a listing fee and a commission from the sale.

Online marketplaces for second-hand wedding dresses

There are several online marketplaces that offer a convenient and secure platform for selling second-hand wedding dresses. Here is a list of some popular options:

Nearly Newlywed

Nearly Newlywed is a user-friendly platform that simplifies the selling process. For a $20 listing fee, you can upload photos, measurements, and a description of your gown. The site handles buyer inquiries, payment processing, and shipping arrangements, making it a hassle-free option. You receive 70% of the sale price, and they also offer wedding-related jewellery and accessories.

Still White

Still White is a user-friendly marketplace that allows for direct interaction with buyers, including price negotiation and the option of arranging in-person meetings. It charges a one-time listing fee, and you retain the full sale price. Its search functionality and secure messaging system make the selling process straightforward.

Once Wed

Once Wed offers a similar model to Still White, with a $20 listing fee and the promise to keep your dress posted until it sells. It provides a direct communication channel with potential buyers and integrates PayPal for invoicing and shipping labels, ensuring a clear and direct path to sale.

PreOwned Wedding Dresses

PreOwned Wedding Dresses allows you to sell your wedding gown, bridesmaid dresses, and accessories. For a $25 listing fee, your listing will benefit from high visibility, supported by tools like a wedding dress pricing calculator to help set competitive prices.

Vinted

Vinted is a vibrant marketplace that champions sustainability and budget-friendly options. It offers a seamless platform for selling once-loved gowns, from designer labels to unique finds. There are no selling fees for clothes, and it features a direct chat function for easy communication with potential buyers.

EBay

EBay is an effective avenue for selling designer wedding dresses, leveraging its vast user base and specific search capabilities. While eBay takes a 10% commission on the final sale price, it offers seller protection, shipping support, and 24/7 customer service.

Rowley

Rowley is another option, charging a 20% commission fee.

Poshmark

Poshmark is a popular marketplace for second-hand fashion, with a 20% flat commission fee and no listing fees. Buyers cover shipping costs, but it lacks an authentication process, so buyers should be cautious.

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a free platform for buying and selling wedding dresses, although it may not offer the same specialised features as other dedicated websites.

These online marketplaces provide a range of options for selling your second-hand wedding dress, each with its own unique benefits and features. Whether you prioritise convenience, high selling prices, or security, there is a platform that can meet your specific needs.

Local wedding consignment shops

When selling your wedding gown locally, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is important to find a reputable shop that specializes in wedding dresses or luxury garments. This will help ensure that your sale is safe and protected from any fraud. Additionally, it is a good idea to have your gown professionally cleaned before selling it, as this can significantly increase its appeal and justify a higher asking price. Be sure to also be transparent about the condition of your dress, disclosing any imperfections or alterations that have been made.

Another benefit of selling your wedding gown locally is that you may have the opportunity to sell it directly to a bridal salon, which can then add it to their inventory of used wedding gowns. This option can save you time and effort in the selling process. You can browse online marketplaces, such as The Knot Vendor Marketplace, to find local bridal salons that specialize in consignment wedding dresses.

When setting the price for your wedding gown, consider the designer, dress rarity, and condition. Conducting an online comparison of similar dresses can also help you determine a competitive price. Remember that selling locally may come with higher commission fees compared to online platforms, so be sure to factor that into your pricing calculations.

Overall, selling your wedding gown at a local consignment shop is a convenient and direct way to connect with brides-to-be in your area who are looking for their dream dress at a fraction of the cost.

Facebook Marketplace

To sell your wedding gown on Facebook Marketplace, you will need to take clear pictures of your dress so that buyers know exactly what it looks like. It is recommended to include pictures from your wedding so that buyers can see how it photographs and how it might look on their big day. If you don't feel comfortable with this, you can capture a few shots of the dress on your body so buyers can get an idea of how the fabric lays. You should also be upfront about any alterations, stains, or imperfections.

In your description, be sure to include details about sizing, style, fabric, and any special beadwork or lace designs. The more detail you include, the better your chances of selling the dress for the price you want. You should also consider having your dress professionally cleaned before selling it, as this can increase its value.

Selling your wedding gown on Facebook Marketplace is a great option if you are looking for a convenient, quick, and local sale, and you don't mind putting in a little extra effort to answer buyer questions and handle payments and shipping yourself.

eBay

There are no fees to list your wedding gown on eBay, and you can make money quickly. You can list your first 200 items for free each month, and you only pay a fee when your item sells.

To sell your wedding gown on eBay, you will need to write a detailed description, including the brand, dress size, age, and condition. You should also include lots of photos that show the entire dress, as well as close-ups of the fabric. It is also a good idea to do some research on current trends in style to ensure that your dress is likely to sell successfully.

In general, pre-owned dresses in good condition should be listed at around a third of their original price. If your dress is new with tags, you can increase the price, and if it has more wear, you may want to decrease the price.

There are various styles of wedding dresses that you can sell on eBay, including ball gowns, sheath dresses, mermaid dresses, and A-line dresses. eBay also has specific categories for vintage wedding dresses and never-worn wedding dresses.

Craigslist

Step 1: Choose Your Craigslist Site

Go to https://www.craigslist.org and select your state and city. If Craigslist doesn't automatically determine your region, you can choose your city or state manually. You can also go directly to your area's Craigslist by entering yourcityname.craigslist.org.

Step 2: Start Posting an Ad

Click "Post an Ad" or "Create a Posting" under the Craigslist logo in the upper-left corner. This will take you to a page with different post options.

Step 3: Select a Post Type

Step 4: Pick a Category

Step 5: Enter Posting Information

Fill in the details of your listing, including:

• Posting Title: Make it concise, engaging, and keyword-rich. Clearly state that you're selling a wedding gown and include relevant details like brand, model, and condition.
• Price: Set a competitive price by researching similar listings on Craigslist and other sites.
• City or Neighborhood: Provide your neighborhood or part of town, but avoid sharing your full address.
• Email: Craigslist can create an "anonymous" address for your ad to avoid spam.
• Description: Write a catchy and honest description, highlighting the gown's features, condition, and any imperfections.

Step 6: Add Photos

Although optional, adding high-resolution photos of your actual wedding gown will significantly enhance your listing. Craigslist allows up to 24 images, so include multiple angles and close-ups to showcase the gown's condition and details.

Step 7: Review and Post Your Listing

Check your listing for accuracy and make any necessary changes. Once you're satisfied, click "Continue" to post your item for sale. If you have a Craigslist account, your ad will be posted within 15 minutes. Otherwise, respond to the notification email to approve your post.

Tips for a Successful Sale:

• Be responsive: Answer questions and provide additional information promptly.
• Be honest: Disclose any alterations, stains, or imperfections to build trust with potential buyers.
• Stay safe: Meet buyers in public places, and avoid sharing your exact address until a meeting is confirmed.
• Avoid scams: Be cautious of requests for advance payments, shipping offers, or unconventional payment methods.

Frequently asked questions