How much can I sell my second hand wedding dress for?

Short answer

You can usually sell a wedding dress for 30 to 50 percent of its original price, depending on condition, designer, age and demand. Research similar dresses for sale online to set a realistic price. Be honest about any stains or alterations.

There is no fixed formula, but a good starting point is to look at what similar dresses are actually selling for, not just what people are asking. Search for your designer, style and size, and see what others have sold for recently. That gives you a realistic range.

Condition matters a lot. A dress that has been professionally cleaned and stored in a preservation box will sell for more than one with stains, rips or heavy alterations. Be upfront about any damage or changes, because buyers will ask and honesty builds trust.

Age and designer also play a part. A classic designer dress in a timeless style holds value better than a very trendy one. Dresses that are less than five years old tend to sell for more, but demand for vintage styles can be strong too.

Set your price slightly higher than what you hope to get, so you have room to negotiate. And remember, the goal is to find a new owner who loves the dress, not to make back what you spent. A fair price will sell faster than an optimistic one.