Keeping a wedding dress after the big day has traditionally been very popular, but is it really a practical decision today? Perhaps not. There’s a definite trend lately for brides to shun the idea of storing their wedding dresses and sarees, opting instead to sell them to future brides. There are many advantages to doing this, such as preventing the house from becoming cluttered with things you won’t use, and recovering some of the cost of the wedding. India Today reports that 87 percent of modern brides are open to the idea of parting with their dress after the wedding. So what’s the best way to prepare your wedding dress or saree for sale?
- Determine the Size of the Dress
As you’ll know if you’ve ever been clothes shopping, sizes vary considerably between stores, and it’s difficult to give an accurate representation of size without specific measurements – what’s labelled as a ‘M’ in one store may be an ‘XXL’ in another! If you plan to sell your dress via an online forum where buyers can’t physically try the dress on, it’s always best to give accurate measurements, particularly if you’ve had any adjustments made. Measure the chest, waist, and hips, which should give potential buyers enough information to determine if the dress will fit them or not.
- Replace Lost Detailing
If there’s one thing Indian wedding Saris are known for, it’s their gorgeous embellishments. Whether it’s sequins, gems, or Swarovski crystals, wedding gowns in India are renowned for their shine and sparkle. During all the hustle and bustle of the wedding day – gathering for photos, hugging relatives, and letting your hair down on the dance floor – some detailing may become loose. To ensure the dress looks its best and continues to shine, try to replace any lost detailing before selling. If you don’t feel confident doing this, take the dress to a professional. It’s always best to secure detailing before washing the dress, as washing could cause any loose gems to fall off.
- Wash and Dry the Dress
Believe it or not, some wedding dresses today can easily and safely be washed in the washing machine (or hand washed, if you’d prefer), and don’t need to be taken to the dry cleaners. Many dresses are made from 100 percent polyester, or ‘poly-silk’ as its sometimes called, rather than real silk, which means they can be washed without hassle. However, if you’re doing your own laundry at home, just be sure to look after the dress well. Always read the directions on the label before washing. Use a laundry bag to protect the intricate detailing, keep the water temperature low to prevent shrinkage, and use a good quality laundry detergent that will remove any spills and sweat from the big day while still being gentle on the material.
- Store Well Until Sold
While you’re waiting to sell your wedding dress, it’s important to keep it safe and secure, and away from any areas where it can become dirty or damaged. If you anticipate selling quickly, it’s best to hang the dress in a dress bag. However, if you’re planning to store the dress for longer before selling, take extra precautions. To store properly, fold the dress loosely to avoid creases, placing acid-free tissue paper in between the folds to prevent the fabric from snagging on the embellishments. Place the dress in a plastic box, rather than cardboard or wood which could become damp and thus encourage the growth of mould and mildew on the dress.
- Selling Made Easy
By taking the time to prepare your wedding dress to be sold, you should find the process of selling your wedding dress quick, simple, and, most importantly, stress-free. Brides are always looking for a bargain – a way to save money on the cost of their big day – and many are seeking out second hand dresses that are in great condition that they can wear with pride without spending a fortune. There are plenty of ways to sell your dress, either in person or online, and you can enjoy all the benefits that come with selling a wedding dress, including a little extra cash to treat yourself with!
Author Bio: This guest blog was contributed by the experts from Surf Excel India.
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