Where to sell a bunch of dresses?

[isisoflight]

I have been collecting wedding gowns intending to make costumes for family members. But I've gotten in WAY over my head. So I need to move these things out because I know I'm not going to be able to use them all. I've tried putting some on ebay but because they aren't "modern", no one is interested. These were supposed to be ren fest costumes or halloween costumes, so I know someone with some vision can see what I was going for. Are there any garb shops (online or local to houston) that buy gowns? Or any forums/classifieds where I could advertise them? Thanks for the help!

[Queen Bonnie]

 Try Craigslist?

[Anna Iram]

Isisoflight, if they are in good shape (no stains or rips) you might try a consignment shop. Perhaps there is a bridal consignement in your area.

[isisoflight]

Queen Bonnie: I tried craigslist but alas that did not end well. People would ask to meet with me and then offer me 1/16th of the agreed upon price OR just not show up! I still have ads up there though, just hoping for a normal person lol.

Anna Iram: Most of them are brand new dresses. I think a consignment shop may be the way I end up having to go. We have 2 local ones but the rumors about them are very very bad. This week I will have to look further into the actual city of Houston.

[Ragnhilde]

Have you tried etsy?  They do allow things you have not made yourself as long as you list them in the appropriate categories.  It could take longer than a consignment place but lots and lots of ladies are looking to etsy these days for their wedding gowns.

[Adriana Rose]

Maybe try a theater company? They might buy some off ya

[LadyStitch]

Depending on the style of the dresses you also might look into talking to the local jewish community.  I know you are giving me funny looks right now.  Why I say that is that there are organizations in the jewish community that take wedding dresses that meet jewish dress standards and rent them out to low income brides for the cost of getting them cleaned.  That way every bride is a princess on her wedding day.  I'm told this type of thing goes back to WW2.   Anyway that is an option. 

As for if theaters will buy them, it will depend on the theater.  Mine would love to take in maybe , 2, but pay for them?  Depends on the price. There is no way for us to pay more than goodwill prices for one of the dresses. However there are theaters in town who would be willing to pay resale shop prices for them.  It will be hit and miss.  Another option in the theater realm, is to contact the local costumers guild. The costumers might be willing to buy some of them for their pieces.  Worse case at least they know now much they are truly worth and could also point you in other directions.

Oh, something that just occured to me.  Maybe do a search on the web for used wedding dresses.  There maybe a site specifically out there for 2nd hand dresses. Otherwise I would say try etsy, ebay, or craigslist.

[Dinobabe]

Some Goodwill type stores will do consignment for higher price items.  We have one here that does wedding dresses.

If they are older dresses you may want to try an antique store.  Rent a booth or ask a booth owner to sell them for you.  They get a cut type of thing.

Craft fair or flea market.

Also try wedding rental/catering places.  We have a place that caters, rents a banquet room, and rents dresses!

Or just rent them out yourself!  That way if you ever get around to making the costumes you still have all of the dresses!

Good luck!


I typed "sell my wedding dress" into Google and a TON of stuff came up!

[isisoflight]

Thank you for the awesome ideas! I am going to look into used wedding gown sites and the jewish brides and theaters. I don't want to make any money off these dresses, just get back a portion of what I put in. I was thinking like $50 for the new ones and anything from $10 to $20 for ones that aren't new or I've already begun altering (i.e. you can't wear it till its finished lol). I've decided to keep my vintage gowns, as I just love them so much and keeping 3 dresses won't kill my husband lol! Hopefully consignment shops will understand my low pricing on the ones I do want to sell. I know the one shop I saw today was asking $200-400 for dresses similar to the ones I have. I don't want to ask that much because I want them gone, but this shop said THEY decide the prices not the seller. Well thank you again, I'm off to search!