Franklin Dean
Wedding dresses are expensive, with the average cost in the USA being $2,000. If you're looking to recoup some of the costs of your wedding dress, you can sell it on consignment. This means selling it through a third party, such as a bridal shop, which will sell it for approximately 30% less than its original retail price and then split the sale with you. You can also sell your wedding dress on online marketplaces, such as Stillwhite, which offers a large selection of gowns and allows you to keep your contact details private.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Online marketplaces | Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed |
| Local consignment shops | Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal, local bridal resale shops |
| Commission | 60/40 split with the shop, 50/50 for older dresses |
| Timeframe | Sell as soon as possible after the wedding |
| Condition | Make alterations reversible, provide detailed descriptions |
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What You'll Learn
Online marketplaces for wedding dress consignment
There are many online marketplaces for wedding dress consignment. Here are some of the top platforms:
PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com
One of the most popular online bridal consignment shops, PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com allows users to search by size, style, and designer, or narrow down options by selecting specific style elements such as strapless or sheath designs. The website also offers curated tips, insights, and articles for brides-to-be.
Nearly Newlywed
Nearly Newlywed is a fantastic option for those concerned about returns, as the company offers a five-day return policy for any reason. They also act as an intermediary between buyers and sellers for added protection and handle customer service and return processing. Nearly Newlywed takes full responsibility for the safety and security of the wedding dress and verifies all buyers. The site provides a secure payment system, and sellers can earn 70% of the sale price.
Stillwhite
Stillwhite is the largest global marketplace for pre-owned, used, and second-hand wedding dresses, with over 97,021 wedding gowns for sale. The website offers designer wedding dresses at affordable prices, and users can browse through hundreds of designers and pay safely using PayPal. Stillwhite also contributes to carbon removal and provides an easy-to-use calculator to help users determine the price of their used dress.
Borrowing Magnolia
Borrowing Magnolia offers a safe, online messaging system for buyers and sellers to connect and chat securely. The platform provides a transparent and user-friendly interface, allowing users to browse through various new, gently used, and sample wedding gowns from size 00 to 20. Borrowing Magnolia also offers upgrades to enhance the visibility of listings, such as adding multiple pictures for a fee.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a popular platform for buying and selling used items, and it doesn't charge any fees for local sales. However, there is an option to ship the dress for a fee of 5% or a $0.40 minimum per order.
ThredUp
ThredUp is an online consignment and thrift store where users can buy and sell second-hand clothes. Sellers can ship their dresses to the company and cash out or receive shopping credit when the item sells, earning anywhere from 5% to 80% of the selling price.
Queenly
Queenly is an online marketplace for formal dresses, including wedding and prom dresses. Sellers can set their prices, and the company will email a prepaid shipping label. Queenly pays via PayPal, Venmo, or ACH once the buyer receives the dress or after three days. The platform charges a 20% commission fee, allowing sellers to keep 80% of the sale price.
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Local bridal resale shops
If you're looking to consign your wedding dress locally, there are a few options to consider. One option is to search for bridal resale shops in your area that accept consignments. These shops typically buy pre-owned wedding dresses and resell them to other brides. This can be a great way to recoup some of the costs of your wedding dress while also helping another bride find her perfect gown.
Another option is to look for local consignment shops or boutiques that specialize in wedding dresses. These shops will typically take a percentage of the sale price as their fee, so you can expect to receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale of your dress. It's a good idea to call ahead and ask about their consignment process, fees, and any requirements they may have for the dresses they accept.
Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal (New Jersey)
Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal is a bridal shop in New Jersey that specializes in selling pre-owned wedding dresses. They serve brides-to-be in the Philadelphia and New Jersey area who are looking for designer gowns at affordable prices. They offer a simple consignment process and aim to make it easy for former brides to recoup some of their investment while finding a new home for their beautiful gown.
Blue Sky Bridal (Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco)
Blue Sky Bridal is a bridal consignment store with locations in Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco. They offer a unique collection of new, sample, and once-wed wedding dresses at discounted prices. They accept wedding dresses on consignment that are within the past three years and in ready-to-wear condition. Blue Sky Bridal provides a safe, easy, and inexpensive way to resell your wedding dress, and they send you 50% of the final sale price once it sells.
Bridal Maven (Pittsburgh)
Bridal Maven is Pittsburgh's only wedding dress resale shop, offering a mix of new, used, consigned, and sample wedding gowns at discounted prices. They range in size from 00 to 30 and feature various styles, including classic, boho, and trendy options. Bridal Maven provides an opportunity for newlyweds to resell their once-worn gowns and offers private appointments for an intimate shopping experience.
Consignment Bridal & Prom (North Andover, MA)
Consignment Bridal & Prom in North Andover, MA, provides a selection of new and once-loved bridal and formal dresses, including wedding dresses. They offer consignment options for those looking to sell their gowns and have an extensive collection of various styles, colors, and sizes. Their friendly staff works closely with each client to understand their style and preferences, ensuring a personalized experience.
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Wedding dress consignment boutiques
There are several boutiques and online marketplaces that allow you to consign your wedding dress. Here are some options to consider:
Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal
Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal is a bridal shop in New Jersey that sells pre-owned wedding dresses. They offer a consignment option where they will sell your dress for approximately 30% less than its original retail price. Once sold, the sale is split 60/40 with the consignor, or 50/50 for older dresses. This shop serves brides-to-be in the Philadelphia and New Jersey area.
Bridal Maven
Bridal Maven is Pittsburgh's only wedding dress resale shop, offering new, used, consigned, and sample wedding gowns at discounted prices. Their gowns range from $500 to $6000, with a wide range of sizes and styles available. They also offer a small collection of affordable bridesmaids and mothers' gowns.
Stillwhite
Stillwhite is the largest global online marketplace for pre-owned wedding dresses. It offers a platform for brides to connect with sellers and chat safely before purchasing. The website features a wide range of designers and allows for PayPal payments.
Nearly Newlywed
Nearly Newlywed is another online marketplace that connects brides with pre-owned wedding dresses. They offer a range of new, used, and sample wedding dresses, providing an opportunity for brides to sell their dresses after their wedding.
ThredUp
ThredUp is an online consignment and thrift store that offers a range of previously rented wedding guest dresses.
These boutiques and online platforms provide sustainable and cost-effective options for consigning wedding dresses, allowing former brides to recoup some of their investment while giving other brides access to affordable, stylish, and sustainable options.
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Donating to a thrift store or charity
Donating your wedding dress to a thrift store or charity is a great way to give back to your community and help someone in need. Many brides struggle to afford their dream wedding, and your donation can help provide a dress for a bride experiencing financial hardship. Here are some things to keep in mind when considering donating your wedding dress to a thrift store or charity:
Find a Reputable Organization
Look for well-known organizations with a good track record of helping those in need. Some popular options include Goodwill, The Salvation Army, and Brides for a Cause. You can also search for local charities in your area that may accept wedding dress donations.
Check the Age and Condition of Your Dress
Most charities and thrift stores only accept wedding dresses that are less than five years old. This is to ensure that the dress is still in good condition and aligns with current styles. If your dress is older, you may need to consider other options, such as vintage dress shops or consignment stores.
Contact the Organization
Before donating, contact the organization to ask about their specific needs, donation schedule, and protocols. Some organizations may have specific requirements for the condition of the dress, so it's important to check before dropping off or shipping your donation.
Prepare Your Dress for Donation
Ensure your wedding dress is clean and in good condition before donating. Some charities may offer to clean your donation, but others may charge a fee for this service. If you're mailing your dress, carefully follow the organization's instructions for packing and shipping to ensure it arrives safely.
Tax Benefits
Donating your wedding dress to a qualified organization can provide tax benefits. In the United States, the IRS recognizes charitable contributions, and you may be able to claim a deduction when filing your taxes. Be sure to check the IRS guidelines to determine if your donation is eligible.
Donating your wedding dress to a thrift store or charity is a wonderful way to give back and support those in need. Your dress can bring joy to another bride while also helping to raise funds for various important causes.
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Selling directly to a bridal salon
If you're looking to sell your wedding dress, one option is to sell it directly to a bridal salon. This can be a great way to get your money's worth and ensure your dress goes to a good home.
There are a few things to keep in mind when considering this option. First, it's important to find a reputable bridal salon that specializes in consignment wedding dresses. You can browse online marketplaces or ask for recommendations from other brides to find a salon near you. Once you've found a few options, take the time to read reviews and compare their terms. Some salons may offer a higher percentage of the sale price, while others may have more experience and a larger customer base, potentially resulting in a faster sale.
When you've found a salon you're interested in, reach out to them to discuss the details. They may ask for photos of your dress or schedule an appointment to see it in person. Be prepared to provide as much information as possible about the dress, including the designer, style, and condition. This will help the salon accurately assess the resale value of your dress and determine their offer.
It's important to understand the consignment process and the terms of the sale before agreeing to anything. In most cases, the bridal salon will take a percentage of the sale price as their commission, and you will receive the remainder. Ask about their typical consignment terms, such as the expected timeframe for the sale, their marketing strategies, and any additional fees. This will help you set clear expectations and ensure a positive experience.
Selling your wedding dress directly to a bridal salon can be a great option if you're looking for a hassle-free and relatively quick sale. It allows you to recoup a portion of your investment while also knowing that your dress will be appreciated by another bride. By doing your research and choosing a reputable salon, you can feel confident in your decision and move forward with selling your dress.
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Frequently asked questions
You can consign your wedding dress at local bridal resale shops and consignment salons. You can also sell your wedding dress online on websites such as Stillwhite, Preowned Wedding Dresses, and Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal.
When consigning a wedding dress, the shop will sell the dress on your behalf. Once the dress is sold, you will receive a percentage of the selling price. The percentage varies depending on the shop and the age of the dress.
The selling price of your wedding dress will depend on its original retail price and its condition. Wedding dresses are typically sold for approximately 30% less than their original retail price.
Consigning your wedding dress allows you to recoup some of your investment while also getting your dress into the right hands. It also removes the hassle of dealing with buyers directly and can provide a faster sale compared to listing it online.
