Products are independently selected by our editors. We may earn an affiliate commission from links.
Traditionally, your wedding dress was something that you’d wear for one day only. But given the ever-growing popularity of resale, it’s no surprise that an increasing number of brides are choosing to sell their bridal gowns after their big day.
“The sheer size of my dress was the deciding factor—closet space is hard to find in London,” says Elle McPherson-Yoon, a Vogue bride, who resold her tulle gown by Viktor & Rolf following her 2020 wedding in the Scottish Highlands. “I had also purchased it as a sample and so had not made the same emotional or financial investment that one would with a custom gown.”
Still, financially speaking, reselling your wedding dress is definitely worth it. Brides can expect to make back up to “60 or even 70 percent of the retail price,” says Grace Richmond, co-founder of second-hand bridal platform The Loop.
Meanwhile, from a sustainability perspective, it’s a no-brainer: by allowing other brides to wear your wedding gown, you’re extending its lifespan—and offsetting the resources needed to make a brand-new dress.
Below, the experts share their top tips for how to sell your wedding dress after your big day.
Ensure your dress is in pristine condition
It goes without saying that ensuring your dress is in pristine condition will help it find a new home after your wedding day. “Have your dress professionally cleaned by a trusted dry cleaner immediately after your wedding—this ensures any stains or marks don’t become permanent,” says Jenny Palmer, business and commercial director at Brides Do Good, adding that you might even consider wearing a different dress for your wedding reception in order to keep your main gown in tip-top shape.
Packing your wedding dress away properly is essential, too. “Store your dress in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and in a breathable garment bag or acid-free box to prevent discoloration and maintain the shape,” Palmer adds.
Use good-quality photographs
As is the case when reselling anything online, it’s important to have plenty of high-quality photographs, so that potential buyers can see exactly what the dress looks like. “Make sure to include one photo of you wearing the item and show clear photos of the front and back, and of the condition—for example, if it is showing any signs of wear on the hem,” Richmond advises.
Give as much information as possible
In a similar vein, the more information you can give potential buyers, the better. “Make sure to include the sizing—this will help the potential customer know immediately if it is the right size,” Richmond continues. “Sometimes, if a customer has to keep digging for answers, they will give up.”
List your dress across multiple platforms
Given bridal resale tends to be slower than the usual market (there are only so many brides-to-be out there at a given time!), it pays to have your dress listed across multiple platforms, such as eBay, Vestiaire Collective, and Still White.
Get expert help
It might be beneficial to use a specialist service, such as The Loop, which will do the hard work for you in return for a commission. McPherson-Yoon turned to Teddington-based bridal store Gillian Million, which came highly recommended by friends. “It was very reassuring to have the sale handled by an experienced third party,” she says. “I did originally list the dress online, [but it] didn’t generate much serious interest.”
Donate your wedding dress
If you want to part ways with your wedding dress simply to ensure it gets a second life, it might be worth donating it. Brides Do Good donates a third of its profits to charities working to empower girls and end child marriage, such as Plan International, Huru International, and Sanitation First. Meanwhile, some charities, such as Oxfam and Red Cross, have specific bridal shops where you can donate your dress.