Rhiannon Hendricks
There are several options available for selling a new wedding dress. You could sell it through a local consignment shop, which will take care of the entire selling process, or you could sell it online through a website that specializes in wedding gowns, such as Stillwhite or Nearly Newlywed. It is recommended that you have your dress professionally cleaned before selling it, as this can increase its resale value and make it sell twice as fast.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Websites | Stillwhite, Borrowing Magnolia, Nearly Newlywed, Sell My Wedding Dress, The Dress Warehouse |
| Cost to list | Borrowing Magnolia: $25, Sell My Wedding Dress: $0 |
| Commission | Stillwhite: no commission, you keep all profits |
| Payment handling | Stillwhite: yes, secure online payments |
| Communication with buyers | Stillwhite: yes, keep contact details private, Borrowing Magnolia: yes, safe online messaging system |
| Fraud monitoring | Stillwhite: yes, Borrowing Magnolia: implied by secure messaging system |
| Listing process | Borrowing Magnolia: 15 minutes, Stillwhite: mobile app available |
| Listing upgrades | Borrowing Magnolia: yes, for faster sales |
| Types of dresses | Stillwhite: new, used, pre-owned, sample, Borrowing Magnolia: new, used, pre-owned, sample, The Dress Warehouse: new, discount |
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What You'll Learn
Selling a wedding dress online
There are many online platforms that allow you to sell your wedding dress. Nearly Newlywed, for example, is a website that allows you to create a listing for your wedding dress, bridal party gowns, and more. The website also provides curated tips, insights, and articles for brides-to-be. Another similar platform is Stillwhite, which is the world's largest wedding dress marketplace. Stillwhite offers a mobile app that allows you to manage, chat, and accept sales from anywhere. Both platforms allow you to set your own price and charge a small one-off fee with no commission.
When creating a listing, it is important to include clear, full-length photos of the dress from every angle, as well as close-up shots of any intricate details such as antique buttons, beaded straps, or 3D floral embellishments. You may also want to include photos of yourself wearing the dress so that potential buyers can get an idea of how it fits. In addition to photos, it is crucial to provide a detailed description of the garment, including accurate measurements and information on any wear and tear. You should also include the designer and style name/number, as this is how potential buyers will find your listing.
If you are looking to sell your dress quickly and do not want to wait for an online listing, you may want to consider local bridal resale shops or other places that buy wedding dresses. You can also donate your dress to a local consignment salon, thrift store, or charity.
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Selling a wedding dress in-person
Selling a wedding dress in person can be a great way to recoup some of the costs of your big day. There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a successful sale.
First, it's important to ensure your dress is in pristine condition. Consider having it professionally cleaned immediately after your wedding to prevent any stains or marks from setting in. This will make your dress more appealing to potential buyers.
Next, research the resale value of your dress. Sites like Stillwhite offer a valuator tool to help you determine an appropriate asking price. You can also search for other listings of the same dress to get a sense of the market price. If no one else is selling your particular dress, you may want to start with a higher asking price.
When creating your listing, include clear and detailed photos that showcase the dress's features. Consider including a photo of someone wearing the dress to give buyers a better sense of what it looks like on. If possible, use bright lighting and allow buyers to zoom in to see the dress's details. You can also include a description of the dress, highlighting what made you choose it and what it was like to wear. If you have any accessories that complement the dress, you can offer them as part of the sale or list them separately for an additional fee.
Finally, choose a safe and secure location to meet with potential buyers. You may want to consider meeting in a public place and bringing a friend or family member with you for added security. Be prepared to answer any questions the buyer may have and be open to reasonable negotiations on the price.
By following these steps, you can successfully sell your wedding dress in person and give someone else the opportunity to feel special on their big day.
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Preparing a wedding dress for sale
Research the Market
Before putting your dress up for sale, it's essential to research the market and understand the demand for wedding dresses. Look for specialised websites or platforms that cater specifically to wedding dress sales, such as Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, or other bridal marketplaces. These platforms often provide valuable resources and tips for sellers.
Prepare the Dress
Ensure your wedding dress is in excellent condition and properly cleaned or preserved. Consider having it professionally cleaned or boxed to maintain its quality. If there are any minor repairs or alterations needed, address them beforehand. A well-maintained dress will attract more potential buyers and fetch a better price.
Take High-Quality Photos and Videos
Visual presentation is crucial when selling your wedding dress. Take multiple clear and well-lit photos from different angles to showcase the dress's details, fabric, and overall appearance. Consider including close-ups of any unique features, such as embroidery or beading. Additionally, a video can showcase the dress's movement and sparkle, providing a more dynamic representation for potential buyers.
Write a Detailed Description
Create a descriptive listing that highlights the essential features and details of your wedding dress. Include information such as the designer, style, fabric, colour, size, and any unique or custom elements. Be transparent about the dress's condition and any alterations made. Share your story and why you chose this particular dress to add a personal touch that potential buyers can connect with.
Set a Competitive Price
Research the market to determine a competitive and attractive price for your wedding dress. Consider the original price, the dress's condition, and any alterations or additions you've made. Be open to negotiation, as buyers often expect some flexibility in pricing. Remember that some platforms may charge a fee for listing or selling your dress, so factor that into your pricing strategy.
Choose a Secure Payment Method
Select a secure payment platform or method that protects both the buyer and seller. Consider using an escrow service or a platform that offers purchase protection to ensure the transaction is safe and secure for both parties. This will help build trust with potential buyers and provide peace of mind for everyone involved.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to successfully preparing your wedding dress for sale and finding a new owner who will cherish it as much as you did.
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Choosing a platform to sell on
There are several options available when it comes to choosing a platform to sell your wedding dress. Firstly, you should consider whether you want to sell your dress online or in person. Selling your dress in person can be a good option if you are not comfortable with the digital aspect of selling or do not want to deal with the shipping process. Local consignment shops or thrift stores are a great option for selling your dress in person, and they will also take care of the selling process, including dealing with buyers and haggling. You can also donate your dress to a local thrift store or charity, such as Brides for a Cause, which donates a portion of the profits to women-focused charities.
However, if you want to reach a wider audience and have more control over the selling process, selling your dress online is a better option. There are several online marketplaces and platforms that specialize in buying and selling wedding dresses, such as Nearly Newlywed and Stillwhite, which are popular destinations for brides-to-be looking for pre-loved dresses. These platforms usually charge a small one-off fee and allow you to set your own selling price. They also offer tools to help you showcase your dress, such as photo and video uploads, and some even have mobile apps that make it easy to manage your listing and communicate with buyers.
It is important to note that when selling your dress online, the presentation is key. You should take clear, full-length photos of your dress from different angles and highlight any unique details or features. Additionally, consider including a video to show how the dress moves and sparkles.
Another option for selling your dress online is to use a general resale platform such as eBay or Poshmark. These platforms may have a wider reach, but they may not offer the same specialized tools and features as wedding dress-specific platforms.
Finally, if your wedding dress is 20 years or older, you may be able to sell it to a vintage store or consign it with a vintage bridal boutique.
When deciding on a platform to sell your wedding dress, consider your priorities in terms of convenience, control over the selling process, and the potential reach of your listing.
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Donating a wedding dress
Donating your wedding dress is a great way to give your dress a second life and help others in need. There are several charitable organizations that accept wedding dress donations, which they then pass on to brides who cannot afford their dream dress.
One such organization is Brides for a Cause, a nonprofit with showrooms in Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, and Sacramento. They accept both new and once-worn dresses and have raised over $3,000,000 for various local and national women-focused charities since 2012. You can mail your dress to them or drop it off at one of their locations.
Another option is Wedding Dress for a Cause, which passes on donated wedding dresses to military and first responder brides at Operation Wedding Gown events twice a year. This nonprofit organization has outfitted over 28,000 women with donated wedding dresses since 2008.
If you're looking to support a different type of cause, Adorned in Grace in Oregon and Arizona uses profits from donated wedding dresses and other formal attire to support efforts to prevent and raise awareness of sex trafficking.
For those interested in supporting grieving families, The Emma and Evan Foundation accepts wedding dress donations year-round and transforms them into Angel Gowns, or burial gowns for infants. These memorial gowns are offered to hospitals, birthing centers, funeral homes, and directly to grieving families free of charge.
Donating your wedding dress is a wonderful way to give back and support those in need. Not only will you be helping others, but you'll also be gaining more closet space and potentially receiving a tax deduction!
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Frequently asked questions
Nearly Newlywed and Stillwhite are two of the top destinations for selling pre-loved wedding dresses. Both platforms allow you to sell your dress with just a few clicks. It is recommended to showcase your dress with clear, full-length photos from every angle, and close-ups of any intricate details.
It is important to ensure your dress is in pristine condition. While it may look good at first glance, most wedding dresses benefit from professional cleaning. This can help your dress sell twice as quickly.
According to Grace Richmond, co-founder of second-hand bridal platform The Loop, brides can expect to make back up to 60-70% of the retail price. A used wedding dress in great condition that's under two years old can typically sell for 50% of its original retail price.
If you're selling your wedding dress in person, you can consider giving your dress to a local consignment salon or thrift store, or donating it to charity. You can Google for wedding consignment shops in your area.
