Last Updated on January 29, 2025 by Ruby And The Wolf
The wedding dress resale market is experiencing a significant surge as more brides embrace sustainable fashion choices and seek affordable luxury for their big day. This growing trend is reshaping the bridal industry, offering a win-win solution for both past and future brides.
The Rise of Wedding Dress Resale
In recent years, the concept of buying and selling pre-owned wedding dresses has gained tremendous popularity. According to industry data, a used wedding dress in great condition that’s under two years old can typically sell for 50 percent of its original retail price[2]. This financial incentive, coupled with increasing environmental awareness, has fueled the growth of the wedding dress resale market.
Platforms Driving the Trend
Several online platforms have emerged to facilitate the buying and selling of pre-owned wedding dresses:
- Stillwhite: Boasting over 60,000 listings, this platform offers a wide range of pre-owned wedding dresses from various designers[2].
- Nearly Newlywed: This site combines a used wedding dress boutique with an inspirational blog, offering a seamless experience for buyers and sellers[2].
- Borrowing Magnolia: Allows users to buy and sell both wedding and bridesmaid dresses, expanding the resale market beyond just bridal gowns[4].
Benefits of Wedding Dress Resale
1. Affordability
Pre-owned wedding dresses offer significant savings for budget-conscious brides. According to The Knot Real Weddings Study, the average wedding dress cost is about $2,000, while resale dresses can cost anywhere from 50–75% less than that[2].
2. Sustainability
By choosing a pre-owned dress, brides contribute to sustainable fashion practices, reducing waste and the demand for new production. This aligns with the growing trend of eco-conscious weddings.
3. Unique Styles
The resale market often includes vintage and designer dresses that may no longer be available in stores, allowing brides to find truly unique pieces for their special day.
Tips for Buying and Selling
For those looking to participate in the wedding dress resale market, consider these tips:
- Sellers: Have your dress professionally cleaned before listing it. According to data from Nearly Newlywed, preowned wedding dresses that have been professionally cleaned can sell twice as quickly as ones that have not[2].
- Buyers: Pay close attention to the condition of the dress and factor in potential alterations or cleaning costs.
The Future of Bridal Fashion
As the wedding dress resale market continues to grow, it’s likely to have a lasting impact on the bridal industry. This trend not only offers financial benefits but also promotes a more sustainable approach to wedding fashion, aligning with the values of many modern couples.
With platforms like ReBride, Stillwhite, and Borrowing Magnolia leading the way, the future of bridal fashion looks increasingly circular and sustainable. As more brides embrace this trend, we can expect to see further innovations in the wedding dress resale market, making dream dresses more accessible and environmentally friendly than ever before.
Sources
[1] https://rebride.ie
[2] https://www.theknot.com/content/used-wedding-dresses-buy-sell-online
[3] https://sellmyweddingdress.ie