After the Big Day: How to Sell Your Wedding Dress Part 1

   Your wedding has come and gone and now your dress is hanging in the closet. I get at least 2-3 calls a week asking our advice on where and how to sell a used gown.

   First off, let's talk about the gown itself. You really have to be realistic about what you can get out of the gown, price wise, according to the condition, the designer, age, and the means of selling it. Over the next couple weeks I will be breaking down each of the typical ways brides generally sell their gowns.

   Consignment: This is probably the best way to get the most money out of your gown, but can take the longest. If there is a reputable, consignment bridal salon in your area, this is the best way to go. Here are some things to consider about where to consign your dress.

• Don't leave your gown with a new business. According to NIBA (New Business Incubator Association), 80% of new businesses fail in the first year. I have heard of many people that have never gotten their items back after a store closed. 
• Don't leave your gown with a consignment shop that sells items other than formal wear. You could end up with people that have no interest in buying a wedding dress trying it on "just for fun." Not to mention, you want a shop that knows brands, what is in, and the best price for your dress.
• Read the contract carefully and ask for a copy! If there is no formal contract, don't use them; you'll have no proof that you even left the dress with the store.
• Ask any questions about the contract before signing it. Once your signature is on that dotted line, the deal is legally binding and "I didn't know that" or "I didn't understand that"  is not a valid excuse when you have a problem later. Most common issues:

1. Dress became damaged/dirty when being tried on - This, unfortunately, happens a lot and most shops will write into the contract that they can not be held responsible. 
2. Shop has a sale - Your dress may be included in that sale, lowering the final price you get from it.
3. Contract ends and your garment(s) is never picked up - This is the number one issue I read about on message boards both from the store and the customer. Most places will set a time limit that your dress is on their rack (usually 6 months to a year) and it is your responsibility to come and resign that contract or take the garment home. There is usually a grace period and then the item is treated as abandoned. It is really important to know if the contract states that they will remind you when the contract on your unsold item is going to expire or if it is your responsibility to know the date.

• Make sure the agreed upon price is written on the contract and you know what your cut is before signing.
• Check back in periodically and make sure your gown is still there and the price tag reflects the price you agreed on. Accidents can happen, but so can shady business dealings.

  The great thing about consignment is that you can leave your dress with a business that brings brides to your item instead of having to place ads and take pictures to get brides to contact you.
   Just make sure the shop you choose is knowledgeable, reputable, and gives you a copy of your contract! Good luck!

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