Rhiannon Hendricks
There are many options for wedding dresses that are no longer wanted. One option is to sell the dress online or via a consignment shop. Websites such as Stillwhite allow dresses to be listed and sold directly to other brides. Another option is to donate the dress to a charitable organisation, such as Brides for a Cause, Brides Against Breast Cancer, or Brides Across America. These organisations pass on dresses to other brides for free or at a discount, or resell them to raise money for various causes. Alternatively, some people choose to upcycle their wedding dresses, transforming them into new items such as handbags, decorative pillows, or Christmas tree skirts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Keep the dress | For personal attachment, future use, or to pass on to family and friends |
| Sell the dress | Online, consignment shops, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Stillwhite, pre-owned wedding dress sites, yard sales |
| Donate the dress | Brides Across America, Cherie Sustainable Bridal, Brides for a Cause, Brides Against Breast Cancer, The Brides Project, Adorned in Grace, The Emma and Evan Foundation, NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown Program |
| Repurpose the dress | Upcycle into chic new items like handbags, baby shoes, decorative pillows, padded scrapbook slip covers, Christmas tree skirts, Halloween costumes, angel gowns for bereaved parents |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Sell it online
Selling your wedding dress online is a great way to recoup some of the costs of your wedding. There are several online marketplaces dedicated to preowned wedding dresses, such as Stillwhite and Nearly Newlywed, which provide a safe and easy way to sell your dress.
Stillwhite is the largest global marketplace for preowned wedding dresses, with over 97,000 gowns for sale. The site allows you to list your dress, set your selling price, and chat with buyers through their messaging platform. They also provide fraud monitoring and secure payment options. Stillwhite does not charge any commission, but typical transaction fees apply to PayPal payments.
Nearly Newlywed is another popular option for selling preowned wedding dresses. They provide a platform for sellers to create detailed listings, including descriptions, photos, and even videos, to showcase their dresses. They also offer guidance on optimizing listings for their internal search engine and external search engines like Google.
When creating your listing, it's important to include as many details as possible. Start with the designer and style name/number, as this is how most buyers will search for dresses. Include any alterations made to the dress, its current condition, and your measurements if you have them. You can also include any accessories you wish to sell with the dress, such as a veil or hairpiece, but be prepared for buyers to opt-out of purchasing them.
Selling your wedding dress online can be a great way to connect with other brides, recoup some of your costs, and give your dress a new life. With a little time and effort, you can find a new home for your dress and make some extra money in the process.
Sheath Wedding Dresses: Flattering for Every Bride?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Donate it to charity
Donating your wedding dress to charity is a great way to give back to the community. Brides Across America is a nonprofit that accepts wedding dress donations and passes them on for free to military and first responder brides at Operation Wedding Gown events twice a year. Brides Against Breast Cancer is another nonprofit that resells wedding dresses to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and early detection. Brides for a Cause is another bridal store that raises funds for women-focused charities by reselling donated wedding dresses.
If you're looking for a way to directly help those in need, consider donating your wedding dress to be made into Angel Gowns, or infant burial gowns, for babies that have passed away. The NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown program accepts wedding dress donations and distributes the remade gowns to bereaved parents. The Emma and Evan Foundation is another organization that provides Angel Gowns to hospitals, birthing centers, funeral homes, and directly to grieving families.
Donating your wedding dress to charity is a selfless and generous act that can provide much-needed support to those in need. It is a wonderful way to give back and make a difference in the world while also gaining more closet space and potentially a tax deduction.
Ryan and Walter Wedding Dresses: How Much Do They Cost?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$45.99
Upcycle it into something new
If you're looking for ways to upcycle your wedding dress, you're in luck! There are many ways to transform your wedding dress into something new and give it a sustainable second life. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Dye and Refashion
Dyeing and refashioning your wedding dress is a great way to transform it into something you can wear again. You can experiment with different colours and styles to create a formal dress or even a Halloween costume. Dyeing and refashioning allow you to be creative and give your dress a whole new look while still preserving the memories attached to it.
Transform it into Accessories
Another option is to upcycle your wedding dress into accessories. You can create clutch bags, handbags, or even a necklace or pendant featuring a piece of your wedding dress. This way, you can carry a piece of your wedding with you wherever you go. You can even make matching accessories for your bridal party, creating unique and meaningful gifts.
Home Decor
Your wedding dress can also find a new purpose in your home. Consider transforming it into decorative pillows, a wedding memory pillow, or even a Christmas tree skirt. You can also frame a piece of the dress as a keepsake or create a photo mat to display your wedding photos. A miniature replica of your wedding dress can also make a beautiful display piece and a reminder of your special day.
Baby Clothes
If you're feeling crafty, you can use your wedding dress to create something truly special for a newborn baby. You could make a baby girl outfit for a photo shoot or even angel gowns for grieving parents. Transforming your wedding dress into baby clothes is a heartfelt way to give your dress new life and bring comfort to others.
These are just a few ideas to inspire you to upcycle your wedding dress. Whether you choose to transform it into a new outfit, accessory, or a meaningful keepsake, you can give your wedding dress a second life and continue to cherish the memories it holds.
Sewing Cups into Your Wedding Dress: Is It Worth It?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$33.43 $35.19
$111.5
Give it to a bride-to-be
If you're looking to give your wedding dress to a bride-to-be, there are several options to consider. One option is to sell your dress online through websites such as Stillwhite, which allow you to list your dress, connect with potential buyers, and receive payment directly. This way, you can recoup some of your wedding costs while knowing that your dress will be worn and cherished by another bride.
Another option is to bring your dress to a consignment shop, where you can leave the management of the sale to the shop while still earning a profit. However, consignment shops typically charge a higher commission fee than online marketplaces, so keep that in mind when considering this option.
If you're not interested in selling your dress, you can also donate it to a bride-to-be directly or through an organization. Some organizations, like Brides Against Breast Cancer, accept donations of wedding dresses and use the proceeds to fund research and awareness for early breast cancer detection. You can also find individuals who are specifically looking for pre-owned wedding dresses, either through personal connections or online platforms, and offer your dress to them.
Remember, bridal trends are constantly evolving, and new designs are always coming out. So, if your dress is only a year or two old, it may still be in style and highly desirable to a bride-to-be. Additionally, don't be discouraged if your dress has been altered or is an older style—there may still be a bride out there who is the perfect height for your shortened gown or who loves the unique look of your older dress.
Giving your wedding dress to a bride-to-be is a wonderful way to pass on the joy and memories associated with your special day while also helping someone create their own magical moments.
Explore Nektaria's Wedding Dresses and Their Price Range
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Take it to a consignment shop
If you're looking to get rid of your wedding dress, taking it to a consignment shop is a great option. Consignment shops are an excellent choice for those who don't want to spend time managing online listings and negotiating with buyers. By consigning your dress, you can avoid the hassle of direct selling and let the shop handle the sale for you. However, it's important to keep in mind that consignment shops typically charge a higher commission fee than online marketplaces, so you may earn less money from the sale.
When choosing a consignment shop, it's advisable to opt for an established shop that offers purchase protection. This ensures that you're protected if you don't receive your gown or if it differs from the description. Additionally, knowing the shop's return policy is crucial in case you need to return the item. While consignment shops provide convenience, they usually have limits on how old a dress can be. Most shops won't accept a gown that is more than three to five years old or one that is discoloured or damaged.
One popular consignment shop specifically for wedding dresses is Stillwhite, which allows you to list your dress, connect with buyers, and receive payment. Stillwhite simplifies the selling process and provides a secure platform for transactions. Other options for consignment shops include PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com and Nearly Newlywed, which offer a wide selection of dresses and added protection for buyers and sellers. Nearly Newlywed also stands out for its five-day return policy.
If you're looking for a physical consignment shop, Luxe Redux Bridal is a well-regarded option. They have a dedicated team that provides excellent service and ensures your gown finds its "forever home". They also offer transparency and a positive experience throughout the consignment process. Their gowns are showcased across multiple channels, including their e-commerce site, to maximise exposure and increase the chances of a sale.
By taking your wedding dress to a consignment shop, you can benefit from their expertise, reach a wider audience, and save yourself time and effort in the selling process.
Tea-Length Wedding Dresses: A Guide for Brides
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Websites such as Stillwhite allow you to list your dress, chat with buyers, and get paid. Pre-owned wedding dress websites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace are also good options.
Brides Against Breast Cancer, Brides Across America, Cherie Sustainable Bridal, and Brides for a Cause are some charitable organizations that accept wedding dress donations.
You can repurpose your wedding dress into new items such as handbags, decorative pillows, or even a Christmas tree skirt. You can also pass it down to a family member or friend.
