7 brilliant tips to selling your wedding dress

For many brides, the wedding dress is one of the most emotional — and expensive — purchases they’ll make. But what happens after the big day? Many are choosing to pass it on, because selling your wedding dress is a practical, meaningful way to let it be loved again.

Whatever your reason, if you’re considering parting with your dress, there’s a growing market ready to embrace it. From choosing the right platform to understanding realistic price points, this guide covers everything you need to know about selling your wedding dress and ensuring it finds its next perfect moment.

But first, what’s the market like for pre-owned wedding dresses?

The second-hand bridal market is stronger than ever, fuelled by sustainability awareness, cost-conscious couples, and brides looking for discontinued or designer gowns at more affordable prices.

But what’s a realistic resale value when it comes to selling your wedding dress?

• Recent designer dresses in excellent condition: 50–70% of the original retail price
• Gowns older than 3–5 years: 30–50%, depending on style and demand
• Custom or non-label gowns: May fetch less, but simplicity and affordability can still attract buyers

High fashion pieces can occasionally sell for up to 75% of the original cost, but this is more the exception than the rule.

So, is your wedding dress a good candidate for resale?

Not every dress will resell easily — but many do, especially if they meet the following criteria:

• Purchased within the last 3–5 years
• In excellent condition (no permanent stains, holes, or damage)
• Professionally cleaned or preserved
• Popular style (think classic silhouettes)

Even if your dress isn’t from a well-known brand, don’t count it out. Simple, timeless designs often perform just as well as trending styles, and a great price point can attract the right buyer.

 

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When’s the best time to sell?

Ideally, within the first 6–12 months after your wedding. That’s when your dress is still current, more likely to match seasonal demand, and hasn’t aged out of trends.

But that doesn’t mean older dresses can’t sell, especially if they’re classic or have vintage appeal. Just know that the longer you wait, the more realistic you may need to be about your asking price.

Selling your wedding dress: which platform is best?

There are now more options than ever for reselling your wedding dress online, and the best platform for you depends on how involved you want to be in the sale process. Here are a few of the most popular options:

1. Facebook Marketplace & Buy/Sell/Swap Groups

• Pros: Free to list, easy to reach local buyers, quick turnaround, and no postage required if doing handover in person.
• Cons: No built-in protections for buyers or sellers, lots of negotiation, and less formal than dedicated resale platforms. You may need to weed through lowball offers or spam.
• Process: List with clear photos, full description, and your asking price. Be prepared to answer questions and arrange try-ons or pickups.

2. Stillwhite

• Pros: Australia-based, easy to use, and specifically designed for wedding dress resale. Brides can search by designer, size, silhouette, and price.
• Cons: One-off listing fee (usually under $50 AUD), and you’ll need to handle buyer comms and shipping.
• Process: Create a listing, upload professional-quality images, and respond to enquiries. Once sold, coordinate payment and delivery.

3. eBay, Depop, Poshmark

• Pros: Broad audience, especially for designer or minimalist styles. Helpful if you’re also selling other wedding items.
• Cons: Less focused on weddings, more competition, platform fees, and variable buyer intent.
• Process: Follow each platform’s listing requirements. Include measurements and clear return policies.

If you’re time-poor or want help, some bridal consignment stores offer to sell your dress on your behalf, taking a percentage in exchange for handling all the details.

 

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What to include in your listing

Be honest, descriptive, and professional. Think of your listing as a mini advert for the dress. A strong listing helps your dress stand out and builds buyer confidence. Here’s what to include:

• Designer, style name, and size (original and altered)
• Retail price and asking price
• Measurements after alterations
• Condition details (any flaws, dry cleaning status)
• Photos — include well-lit shots of the front, back, detail shots (lace, beading), and photos of you wearing it if you’re comfortable
• Any extras — veil, overskirt, original packaging

How to price your dress

Start by researching what similar dresses are selling for. Look for:

• The same designer and style
• Comparable condition (new, like-new, altered, etc.)
• Similar location or shipping region

Set your price based on condition, demand, and how quickly you want to sell. And always leave room for negotiation.

Should you sell locally or ship?

There are pros and cons to both.

Local buyers can inspect the dress, try it on, and collect it in person. It’s quick, easy, and avoids shipping stress.
National or international buyers open up your potential audience, but require careful packaging, postage tracking, and possibly covering fees.

If you’re open to shipping, make sure to:

• Use tracked and insured postage
• Pack the dress with care (acid-free tissue paper, garment bag, sturdy box)
• Confirm measurements and details clearly to avoid returns

Do you need to get it dry cleaned?

Yes. Even if the dress looks clean, dry cleaning removes invisible marks like sweat, oils, or makeup — all of which can damage the fabric over time and reduce its resale value. Most buyers will expect a recently cleaned dress, and you’ll be able to list it as “ready to wear,” which is a big plus.

Look for dry cleaners who specialise in bridal gowns to ensure delicate fabrics and embellishments are handled correctly.

What if my wedding dress doesn’t sell?

If your dress doesn’t sell right away, don’t panic. Wedding dresses can take several months to find the right buyer, especially if your dress is a less common style or size.

Try:

• Refreshing the listing photos
• Lowering the price slightly
• Offering local pickup or discounted shipping
• Relisting on another platform for more exposure

An alternative to selling your wedding dress: donating

If selling your gown isn’t the right fit — whether due to sentimental reasons or time constraints — donating it is a beautiful option that can give your dress new life and help others in the process. Donating allows you to clear space, skip the sales process, and know your dress may bring hope, dignity, or joy to someone else, even in difficult circumstances.

Several Australian charities and not-for-profit initiatives accept donated wedding gowns, including:

• Angel Gowns Australia: Transforms donated wedding dresses into burial gowns for babies born sleeping.
• Brides for a Cause: Offers affordable gowns to brides while supporting women-focused charities.
• Salvos Stores or Red Cross Shops: Some accept high-quality wedding attire — call ahead to confirm.

What’s the process like?

• Step 1: Contact the organisation first to confirm they’re currently accepting gowns and check any specific donation requirements.
• Step 2: Have your dress professionally cleaned before donating.
• Step 3: Package your dress carefully and include any accessories if desired (veil, belt, etc.).

Bottom line? Selling your wedding dress is a personal decision

There’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to what to do with your wedding dress. For some, it’s a deeply sentimental piece that’s meant to be tucked away and revisited years down the track. For others, it’s a beautiful garment that deserves to be worn again and loved by someone new.

If you do choose the option of selling your wedding dress, you’re giving another bride a chance to feel just as special. Now that the wedding’s behind you, have you sorted your paperwork? Read our guide to changing your name after marriage.