Have you ever thought about selling your wedding dress? While it’s traditionally worn just once, many brides keep their gowns for years due to sentimental value. But with the rise of resale, more and more brides are choosing to sell their dresses after the big day.
“I decided to sell mine because it took up so much closet space—London apartments aren’t exactly roomy,” says Elle McPherson-Yoon, a Vogue bride who sold her Viktor & Rolf tulle gown after her 2020 wedding in the Scottish Highlands. “Since I bought it as a sample, I didn’t have the same emotional or financial attachment as I would with a custom-made dress.”
Financially, selling your wedding dress can be a smart move. Grace Richmond, co-founder of the secondhand bridal platform The Loop, says brides can recoup “60 to 70% of the retail price.” From a sustainability standpoint, it’s an easy choice—giving your dress a second life reduces waste and the need for new materials.
Below, experts share their best tips for selling your wedding dress.
### Is It Worth Selling?
The decision often comes down to sentimentality. Some brides save their gowns to pass down to future generations, but if that’s not your plan, selling could be a great option.
Another factor is wearability. A simple white slip dress might work for future events, but a dramatic ballgown? Probably not. If you don’t see yourself rewearing it, selling—or even dyeing it for another occasion—could be the way to go.
### Make Sure Your Dress Is in Perfect Condition
If you’re selling, your dress should look its best. “Get it professionally cleaned right after the wedding to prevent stains from setting,” advises Jenny Palmer of Brides Do Good. She also suggests changing into a different dress for the reception to keep your gown pristine.
Proper storage is key, too. “Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, in a breathable garment bag or acid-free box to avoid discoloration,” Palmer adds.
### Use High-Quality Photos
Good photos are essential for online sales. You can use the original listing images to show the dress in its brand-new state, but Grace Richmond recommends including a photo of yourself wearing it. “Show clear shots of the front, back, and any signs of wear, like the hem,” she says.
### Provide Detailed Information
The more details, the better. “Include sizing so buyers know right away if it fits,” Richmond advises. “If they have to dig for answers, they might lose interest.” Also, mention any alterations, like hem adjustments or added linings.
By following these tips, you’ll give your dress the best chance at finding a new home—and make some money in the process.# Selling Your Wedding Dress: A Guide to Multiple Platforms
Since bridal resale tends to move slower than other markets (after all, there are only so many brides-to-be at any given time!), listing your dress on multiple online platforms can help increase your chances of a sale. Each site has its own audience, fees, and policies, so it’s worth researching which one suits you best.
### Still White
One of the most popular wedding dress resale sites, Still White lets you list your dress for a $25 standard fee or a $35 premium option. If it sells, you can either ship it or arrange an in-person handoff with the buyer.
### eBay
For a more traditional approach, try selling your dress through eBay’s auction system. The platform takes a 15% commission on sales under $2,000 and 9% for higher-priced items.
### Vestiare Collective
This online consignment site allows direct messaging with buyers and lets you set your own price. Sellers only pay a 3% processing fee if the dress is from one of their 4,000 approved brands. They also offer a premium concierge service for an additional cost.
### Kleinfeld Again
Famous from Say Yes to the Dress, Kleinfeld offers a resale service where you can list your dress—even if you didn’t buy it from them. Their subscription model charges a monthly or flat fee, with no commission if your dress is priced above $1,000.
### The RealReal
If you prefer a hands-off, luxury consignment experience, The RealReal provides a white-glove service. While their commission rates are high, they handle everything from listing to shipping.
### Hiring an Expert
Using a specialist service can take the hassle out of selling. McPherson-Yoon, for example, worked with Gillian Million, a trusted bridal store in Teddington. “Having an experienced third party handle the sale was reassuring,” she said. “I initially listed the dress online, but it didn’t get much serious interest.”
### Local Consignment Shops
Bridal or fashion-focused consignment stores in your area can be a great option, especially if they cater to brides-to-be. If your dress is 20+ years old, a vintage store might also be interested.
### Donating Your Dress
If your main goal is giving your dress a second life, consider donating it. Organizations like Brides for a Cause support women’s charities with resale profits, while Goodwill and The Salvation Army also accept wedding dress donations.