Simple steps to selling your wedding dress

Selling your wedding dress after the wedding is an increasingly popular option.  Although some brides want to hold on to their gowns as a reminder of the special day, many feel it is much better to put the dress to a good use and sell it forward. Here are a few things you may need to know about selling your wedding dress:

Knowing you can sell your gown after the big day could be the difference between being able to opt for that fantastic but pricey designer dress you have your eye on, and having to settle for the cheaper alternative which just isn’t as special. If your dress is still in perfect condition after the wedding, you could make back around half of the original value by selling it.

Some wedding dresses sell more easily than others. Mid-priced dresses often sell very fast, while very expensive or relatively cheap dresses typically take longer. Medium sized dresses will often sell better than very large or very small sizes. If your gown is suitable for alteration, you can include this to your description.

If you have a modern dress that will go out of fashion soon, you will need to sell it as quick as possible after your special day. If you sell your gown while it is still fashionable, contemporary styles typically sell quickly; within three to six months. Timeless looks will always sell well, but might take a little longer, maybe six to twelve months.

Selling your wedding dress online is increasingly the most popular option for brides and will ensure your gown is visible to a wide audience. As well as that, you could also find a store that sells pre-loved wedding dresses; they will either purchase it from you and sell it on, or sell it on your behalf and receive a commission. The last option would be to sell your gown to a dress rental store.

Did you know you are able to sell your wedding gown right here on Easy Weddings? List your dress on the Pre-Loved Wedding Dress section.

Tips for marketing your wedding gown

To sell your wedding gown fast online, you must include high quality pictures. Try to take four or five great pictures; shots of you in the dress tend to be more effective than photos of the gown hanging up. Here are some pictures you might want to add:

• A full length photo of the front
• A full length photo of the back
• A photo with the veil and any extra accessories
• A close up picture of the bodice, clearly highlighting the straps or neckline
• A close up photo of the skirt
• A close up photo of any decorative detail

When you are creating a description of your gown, provide as much details as possible. To really attract to brides-to-be, try to provide a short description of how the gown feels, and how it moves when you are walking down the aisle or dancing your first dance. Provide the original purchase price, the designer, the size, the colour, the kind of waistline, neckline and skirt, the type of fastening, and detailed information of any decorative characteristics such as embroidery.

How to prepare your dress for sale

Any small marks caused by sweat or spilled drinks can create yellow stains and become irremovable very quickly so get your dress professionally cleaned as soon as possible after the special day. Let the cleaner know if you are aware of any specific stains or marks.

Store your gown carefully before you are able to sell it. Stay away from plastic bags which may trap humidity. The cleaner might be able to hermetically seal it for you, or you could utilise an heirloom box, which will protect it from dust.