Franklin Dean
There are many reasons why brides choose to resell their wedding dresses, from a lack of storage space to sustainability and financial reasons. If you're looking to sell your wedding dress, there are several online platforms and local shops that can help you do so. Some popular online platforms include Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, Tradesy, and eBay. These platforms offer a range of features, such as authentication processes, consignment options, and varying commission fees. Additionally, local consignment bridal boutiques and vintage bridal salons are worth considering for a more personalized selling experience. When selling your wedding dress, it's important to be honest about the condition of the dress, provide detailed descriptions and measurements, and include photographs or videos to showcase the dress's movement and sparkle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, Facebook, eBay, Craigslist, Tradesy, The Knot, local consignment bridal boutiques, vintageweddingdressguide.com |
| Commission | Stillwhite: no commission; Tradesy: 20% commission |
| Listing fee | The Knot: $20 listing fee |
| Percentage of final price | The Knot: 70% of the final price; consignment shops: 50% of the selling price |
| Authentication | The Knot: thorough authentication process |
| Payment | Tradesy: prompt payment, covers shipping and return costs, money-back guarantee if items are inauthentic |
| Other features | Stillwhite: monitored for fraud and suspicious behaviour, offers tools for business sellers, has a mobile app; Nearly Newlywed: sells accessories and bridal party gowns |
| Tips | Include photos, videos, measurements, and a personal anecdote in the listing; be honest about the flaws |
| Alternatives | Donate to the Emma & Eve Foundation |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Selling your wedding dress online
There are many reasons to sell your wedding dress. You might want to make some money back, or you may want to give your dress a second life from a sustainability perspective. Whatever your reason, there are many online platforms that can help you sell your wedding dress.
Popular online platforms
Stillwhite is a popular platform for selling wedding dresses. It has over 60,000 listings and does not charge any commission or monthly fees. You can list your dress for a small one-off fee and keep all of the profits. Tradesy is another option, although they take around 20% commission on sales. They do, however, cover shipping and return costs.
Tips for selling your wedding dress
It is important to be honest about the condition of your dress. Include photos, and even a video, so buyers can see how the dress moves and sparkles. If you can, include photos of yourself in the dress so buyers can see how it looks on a real person. It is also helpful to include your measurements at the time you wore the dress, such as waist, bust, height, and weight.
It is important to remember that you will not get back the full value of your dress. Brides can typically expect to make back around 60-70% of the retail price. You may need to be patient, as it can take several months to sell your dress.
Alternatives to selling
If you are unable to sell your dress, you could consider donating it to a charity such as the Emma & Eve Foundation. They use the dresses to make angel gowns and christening gowns, which are then donated to organisations that support parents who have lost a baby.
Wedding Dresses: How Long Before Yellowing Occurs?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Selling your wedding dress in-person
If you're looking to sell your wedding dress in person, there are a few options to consider. One option is to donate your dress to a local consignment salon, thrift store, or charity. You can also try selling it directly to a local buyer through online marketplaces or classified websites such as eBay, Facebook, or specialist sites like SellMyWeddingDress.org.
When selling your wedding dress in person, it's essential to present it well. Ensure the dress is clean and well-maintained, and consider including any accessories or additional items that can enhance its appeal. You can also style the dress with lace, tulle, or appliqué to cover any stains or imperfections that cannot be removed.
To find potential buyers for your wedding dress, you can utilize online platforms such as Nearly Newlywed, which connects buyers and sellers, saving them time and money. They handle all buyer interactions and shipping, making the process convenient for sellers. Another option is to connect with local bridal salons or boutiques that may be interested in purchasing or consigning your dress.
When meeting with potential buyers, it is important to take precautions for your safety. Consider meeting in a public place and bring a friend or family member with you. Be transparent about the condition of the dress and provide accurate descriptions and measurements to ensure the buyer is well-informed.
Lastly, when selling your wedding dress in person, you have the advantage of building a personal connection with the buyer. Share the story behind your dress, why you chose it, and any special memories associated with it. This can make the transaction more meaningful and appealing to the buyer, knowing they are carrying on the legacy of your special day.
Ugly Wedding Dresses: Why Do Some Brides Choose Them?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$60.99
$46.99
Preparing your dress for resale
Clean and Preserve Your Dress
It is recommended to have your wedding dress professionally cleaned before resale. A professional cleaner can remove any stains or marks that may be present, even if they are not visible to the naked eye. This will ensure your dress is in the best possible condition and can increase its resale value. The Knot, for example, offers a Wedding Dress Cleaning Only package to help prepare your gown for resale.
Timing is Key
The bridal industry has seasons, so timing can significantly impact your success in selling your dress. Consider listing your wedding gown during peak planning seasons, typically from January to March, to capitalize on post-holiday engagements. Avoid listing during the off-season, as the market can become oversaturated with dresses.
Research and Compare Platforms
There are various online platforms and consignment shops dedicated to reselling wedding dresses, each with its own rules and customer demographics. Research multiple platforms to determine which one best suits your needs and preferences. Consider factors such as fees, commission rates, shipping policies, and the overall selling experience you desire.
Document Alterations and Details
Before taking photos or listing your dress, document any alterations made to the dress, including any customizations or changes to the original design. These details will be important for creating an informative and appealing listing that attracts potential buyers.
Create a Compelling Listing
High-quality photos and videos are essential for showcasing your dress online. Capture images from multiple angles, including close-ups of details, to give potential buyers a comprehensive view of the dress. Consider using video to showcase the dress's movement and sparkle. Additionally, create an informative and SEO-friendly listing description, highlighting the dress's unique features and any relevant details.
By following these steps, you can effectively prepare your wedding dress for resale, maximizing its value and appeal to potential buyers.
The Cost of Dyeing Your Wedding Dress
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Choosing a platform to sell your dress
Choosing a platform to sell your wedding dress can be a tricky task. There are several factors to consider, such as the platform's popularity, the potential selling price, and the effort you want to put into the selling process. Here are some options to consider:
Online Marketplaces
The most popular online marketplaces for selling wedding dresses include Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Craigslist, and Etsy. These platforms offer a wide reach and the potential to sell your dress quickly. However, you may face more competition, and the selling price may be lower compared to specialised platforms. It's worth noting that you'll have to deal with the entire selling process, including communication with potential buyers, haggling, and shipping.
Dedicated Reselling Platforms
There are platforms specifically dedicated to reselling wedding dresses, such as Stillwhite and Nearly Newlywed. Stillwhite, for example, offers a straightforward process and a wide range of listings from various designers. They charge a small one-off fee and no commission, so you keep all the profits. These platforms can be great for reaching a targeted audience of brides-to-be.
Consignment Shops
If you prefer a more hands-off approach, you can consider local consignment bridal boutiques or shops. These stores will sell your dress on your behalf, handling all the interactions with buyers and taking care of the selling process. However, this convenience comes at a cost, as they typically take a percentage of the selling price as their fee.
Sustainable and Charitable Options
If you're environmentally conscious, you might want to explore sustainable options, such as donating your dress to organisations like the Emma & Eve Foundation. They use the donated dresses to create angel gowns and christening outfits, which are then provided to organisations supporting parents who have lost a baby. This option allows you to give your dress a second life and support a good cause.
Pricing and Condition
Regardless of the platform you choose, it's important to be realistic about the pricing of your wedding dress. Second-hand dresses typically sell for a fraction of their original price, and the level of tailoring can impact the resale value. Be sure to disclose any flaws or alterations made to the dress, and provide detailed photos and descriptions to potential buyers.
Beyonce's Wedding Dress: The Million-Dollar Gown
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$86.99
$38.99
What to do if your dress doesn't sell
There are many reasons why your wedding dress may not be selling. Firstly, it is important to consider the wearability of your wedding dress. A simple white slip dress is more likely to be purchased than a princess-like gown with a huge full skirt. If you are not willing to put in the effort of reworking it, selling it may be the best option.
Another factor to consider is the price. Buyers will consider your dress second-hand, and the price needs to be set well below retail. If you want to sell your dress quickly, you may have to slash the price. Brides can expect to make back up to 60-70% of the retail price.
You should also consider the competition. There are many dresses available on resale sites, and it can be overwhelming for buyers. To increase your chances of selling, list your dress on multiple platforms. Each platform has its own customer demographics and rules, so it is important to research which one will work best for you. Some popular wedding dress resale sites include Still White, PreownedWeddingDresses.com, and OnceWed. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are also free to post on and can help increase your reach.
If you are unable to sell your dress, you may consider using a specialist service or consignment shop that will do the work for you in return for a commission. If you want to ensure your dress gets a second life, you may also consider donating it.
Chinese Wedding Dresses: A Rainbow of Traditions
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Some websites where you can resell your wedding dress are Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist.
You can expect to make back up to 60% or 70% of the retail price of your wedding dress. However, it is important to keep in mind that people buying second-hand will not pay the same amount as you did.
It is important to be honest about the flaws in your dress and to disclose them accurately. Include photos of yourself in the dress so potential brides can see how it looks on a real person. If you can remember your measurements at the time you wore it, include those as well.
Yes, you can donate your wedding dress to organizations such as the Emma & Eve Foundation, which uses the dresses to make angel gowns and christening gowns.
