Franklin Dean
Wedding dresses are traditionally only worn once, but many brides hold onto them long after their big day due to emotional attachment. However, with the ever-growing popularity of bridal resale, thousands of brides are now choosing to sell their gowns. There are several online platforms and consignment shops that specialise in buying and selling wedding dresses, such as Borrowing Magnolia, Nearly Newlywed, and Stillwhite. These sites allow brides to recoup a significant portion of their money, with dresses typically selling for 50-70% of their original retail price.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Online resale platforms | Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, eBay, Poshmark, Vestiaire Collective, The RealReal, Borrowing Magnolia, The Knot Vendor Marketplace |
| Commission fees | Stillwhite: one-off fee, no commission; eBay: 15% commission for items under $2000, 9% for pricier items; Vestiaire Collective: choose your own prices; Kleinfeld: no commission for dresses listed above $1000; The RealReal: steep commission rates |
| Payment security | Stillwhite, Borrowing Magnolia, and Vestiaire Collective offer secure online payment |
| Shipping | Stillwhite offers worldwide shipping |
| Dress condition | A professionally cleaned dress can sell twice as quickly as one that hasn't been cleaned |
| Dress type | Stillwhite accepts dresses of all shapes, sizes, and colors; Borrowing Magnolia offers dresses in sizes 00-20 |
| Additional services | Stillwhite and Borrowing Magnolia offer direct messaging with buyers; The RealReal offers a full concierge consignment experience |
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What You'll Learn
Online marketplaces for wedding dresses
There are several online marketplaces that can help you resell your wedding dress. These platforms offer a convenient and sustainable way to connect with buyers looking for pre-owned wedding dresses. Here are some popular options:
Stillwhite
Stillwhite is the largest global marketplace for pre-owned, used, and second-hand wedding dresses. It offers a wide selection of over 97,000 wedding gowns, including designer and custom-made options. You can browse through various designers and securely pay using PayPal. Stillwhite allows you to recoup most of your money by reselling your dress after your wedding.
Borrowing Magnolia
Borrowing Magnolia provides an environmentally conscious approach to wedding dress shopping. They offer a curated selection of pre-owned, used, new, and sample wedding dresses. Their dresses are chosen with care, ensuring they still have a lot of life left in them. Borrowing Magnolia prioritizes sustainability and aims to minimize the carbon footprint associated with wedding dress consumption.
Nearly Newlywed
Nearly Newlywed is a specialty online marketplace that connects brides with dresses. They make it easy for individuals or bridal salons to join their platform and sell single or multiple dresses. This platform is ideal for those looking to buy or sell a wedding dress sustainably.
Azazie
Azazie is a popular online retailer that offers a wide range of wedding dresses for various sizes and budgets. They are committed to body-positive fashion and reducing waste. Azazie provides a "try-at-home" option, allowing you to test up to three dresses for a small fee before making your final decision. They also offer a diverse selection of bridesmaid and wedding guest dresses.
Anthropologie
Anthropologie is another excellent option for buying wedding dresses online. They offer a range of bridal styles, including boho, classic, plus-size, and budget-friendly options. You can browse their collection online and then make an appointment to try on your favourite dresses at a local Anthropologie store. They also provide a variety of accessories to complete your wedding day look.
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Local bridal resale shops
If you're looking to resell your wedding dress locally, there are several bridal shops that you can consider. These shops typically offer a convenient and stress-free way to sell your dress, and they often have a wide range of sizes and styles to cater to different brides. Here are some options for local bridal resale shops:
- Blue Sky Bridal: With locations in Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco, Blue Sky Bridal offers a unique collection of new, sample, and once-wed wedding dresses at discounted prices. They accept wedding dresses on consignment within the past 3 years and in ready-to-wear condition. You can expect a safe, easy, and inexpensive process for reselling your dress, and they will send you 50% of the final sale price.
- Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal: Located in Hammonton, New Jersey, this shop serves brides in the New Jersey and Philadelphia areas. They offer a wide range of sizes, including plus-size options, and carry pre-owned wedding gowns from top designers. Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal sells dresses on consignment, and you can expect to find unique once-worn and never-worn gowns at affordable prices.
- Borrowing Magnolia: While they have an online presence, Borrowing Magnolia also allows you to buy and sell pre-owned, used, new, and sample wedding dresses. They focus on mindful and responsible consumption, ensuring that their dresses have a lot of life left in them while leaving a minimal carbon footprint. You can connect and chat securely with potential buyers through their online messaging system.
- Local Bridal Salons: Depending on your location, you may have local bridal salons in your area that accept wedding dress consignments. These salons often have a network of brides-to-be who are looking for their dream dress. Reach out to these salons to inquire about their consignment policies and procedures.
When considering local bridal resale shops, it's always a good idea to research their reputation, consignment terms, and customer service. Compare their policies, such as consignment percentages and upfront costs, to find the option that best suits your needs and helps you recoup a good portion of your money.
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Specialist consignment services
Great Couture Fashion, for example, offers a consignment service that includes carefully inspecting your wedding dress, setting a realistic and mutually agreed-upon asking price, and completing the consignment contract. They also offer alterations and repairs to make the dress unique to the new buyer.
Another example is the Teddington-based bridal store Gillian Million, which was recommended by a Vogue article for its experience in handling sales.
If you're looking for a consignment shop to sell your wedding dress, it's a good idea to look for ones in your area with a fashion focus, as they will be more likely to take your gown and attract customers who are searching for bridal wear.
Online consignment sites are also an option, such as Vestiare Collective, which allows you to message directly with buyers and choose your own prices for a small payment processing fee. The RealReal is another online consignment site that offers a full concierge service.
Finally, if your wedding dress is 20 years or older, you may be able to sell it or consign it with a vintage store.
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Auction sites
Choosing an Auction Site
Begin by choosing a reputable auction site that specializes in wedding dresses, such as Stillwhite, the largest global marketplace for pre-owned wedding dresses. Stillwhite does not charge any commission or monthly fees, and you can list your dress until it sells. Another option is Borrowing Magnolia, which is known for its environmentally conscious approach to buying and selling pre-owned wedding dresses.
Creating a Listing
When creating your listing, be sure to include clear and detailed photos of the dress from various angles. If possible, include a video to showcase the dress's movement and sparkle. Provide an accurate and detailed description of the dress, including any unique features or alterations you've made. Set a competitive price by researching similar dresses on the site and pricing yours accordingly.
Communicating with Buyers
Most auction sites provide a secure messaging system that allows you to connect and chat with potential buyers. Respond promptly to buyer inquiries and be transparent about the dress's condition and any flaws it may have. Keep your personal information private, and only provide payment information through secure channels as recommended by the auction site.
Completing the Sale
Once you've found a buyer and agreed on a price, it's time to finalize the sale. Follow the auction site's guidelines for accepting payments securely. Package the dress carefully and ship it to the buyer using a tracked and insured method. Retain proof of postage until you have confirmed that the buyer has received the dress and is satisfied with the transaction.
Remember to read the auction site's policies and guidelines carefully before listing your dress. Each site may have slightly different processes and requirements, so understanding these will help ensure a smooth and successful resale experience.
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Preparing your dress for resale
Next, it is important to document any alterations made to the dress. This will help you set the right price and manage buyer expectations. You should also consider the original price, condition, and any customizations when determining the resale price. Generally, you can expect to receive between 40-60% of the original retail price, though designer gowns can make closer to 60-70% of their retail value.
Before listing your dress, take high-quality photos from multiple angles, including close-ups of any unique details. These photos will be important for your listing, as they will help sell your dress to prospective buyers who cannot see the dress in person. It is also important to be mindful of the timing of your listing. The bridal industry has seasons, so listing during peak planning seasons (typically January to March) can increase your chances of a sale.
Finally, research the various platforms available to you for listing your dress. Each platform has its own customer demographics, rules, and fees, so it is important to choose one that suits your needs. You may also consider listing your dress on multiple platforms to increase your chances of a sale.
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Frequently asked questions
Some websites that specialize in buying and selling wedding gowns online include Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, Borrowing Magnolia, eBay, Poshmark, and Vestiaire Collective.
Stillwhite is the largest global marketplace for pre-owned wedding dresses, with over 97,000 wedding gowns for sale.
Stillwhite charges a one-off listing fee of $25 or a premium fee of $35. There are no commission or monthly fees.
Before selling your wedding dress, ensure it is in the best condition possible. Consider getting it professionally cleaned to make it more appealing to prospective buyers and help it sell twice as quickly.
If you're looking for a faster alternative to listing your wedding dress online, you can turn to local bridal resale shops and other places that buy wedding dresses, such as Happy Isles in Los Angeles and New York.
