What a fair price looks like
Condition on WishThrift is described by the seller against five grades, and nobody inspects it on your behalf — so the description and the photographs are what you are buying on.
| Condition | Typical | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £90 (~$120) | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £76 (~$102) | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £58 (~$78) | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £40 (~$54) | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £22 (~$30) | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
Sterling guide ranges with an approximate US dollar equivalent at £1 ≈ $1.33 (July 2026). Sellers set their own asking price; these are a starting point for judging an offer. All five grades explained.
The checklist before you pay
Sizing, above everything. A garment that does not fit is the commonest reason a second-hand clothing purchase disappoints, and it is entirely avoidable by asking for flat measurements rather than trusting the label.
Run through these before money changes hands — they are the things that decide whether a bridesmaid dress is worth what is being asked:
- Hem marks and dirt from the day
- Alterations that cut fabric away
- Very distinctive colours tied to one wedding
- Broken zips and missing beading
And the things worth paying more for, because they hold their value:
- Worn once with no alterations cut in
- Popular colours that suit multiple weddings
- Designer and boutique bridal labels
- Original garment bag included
Common faults and fakes
Counterfeits concentrate in a handful of premium labels and are usually given away by the internal tags rather than the outside: font weight, stitch density on the label edge, and a care label that does not match the era of the design.
Ask for a photograph of the inner label and the garment laid flat with a tape measure across the chest and the length. Both are quick for an honest seller and awkward for anyone who does not have the item in front of them.
WishThrift does not authenticate, inspect or grade anything, and no marketplace check replaces your own. If a seller will not answer a direct question about condition or origin, that is the answer.
Questions to ask the seller
These are the three that get asked most often about a bridesmaid dress, and the answers tell you most of what you need:
Shoot in daylight without a flash and say so. Bridesmaid buyers are matching a specific shade and colour accuracy decides the sale.
Say what was done and how much allowance is left. Buyers plan their own alterations and need to know the limits.
If worn, get it cleaned and say so. It is expected in this category and reassures immediately.
Also worth establishing before you commit:
- Check the hem and underarms in daylight
- Note the size as altered rather than the label
- Photograph the colour accurately in natural light
Photographs to ask for
If the listing does not already show these, ask — a seller who has the item will send them in minutes:
- Full length on a hanger, front, in daylight for true colour
- The fabric close up in natural light, so the shade is accurate
- The label with brand and size
- The hem, zip and any mark or alteration
Details to confirm before you commit
- Colour by the maker’s name, and photographed in daylight
- Brand, size, and bust, waist, hip and length measurements
- Whether it has been altered, and how much seam allowance remains
- Fabric, whether lined, and whether it has been cleaned
Live bridesmaid dress listings
Nothing matching is listed at the moment. Browse clothing for what is live now, or everything on the site — stock changes daily and new listings are free to post, so it is worth checking back.
When to buy
Peaks from spring through summer with wedding season. Listing in winter usually means waiting.
Prices move against that cycle for a buyer: the cheapest time to buy is when sellers are listing most, not when demand peaks.
Paying and collecting safely
WishThrift does not process payments, hold funds or offer buyer protection — you agree the price and the method with the seller directly, which is what keeps the platform free on both sides. Meet somewhere public where you can, inspect before you pay, and keep the conversation on the site so there is a record of what was agreed. Be wary of any seller who wants to move the conversation elsewhere before you have agreed anything.
Selling one instead?
If you already have a bridesmaid dress sitting unused, it is free to list and there is no commission — the price you agree is the amount you keep. Read how to sell bridesmaid dress for what to photograph and how to price, or what bridesmaid dress is worth at each condition grade.
Frequently asked questions
What should I pay for a used bridesmaid dress?
Around £13 to £58 in good condition, more for barely-used examples and less for anything with a described fault. Compare against the seller’s photographs rather than the grade alone.
How do I check a bridesmaid dress before buying?
Ask for a photograph of the inner label and the garment laid flat with a tape measure across the chest and the length. Both are quick for an honest seller and awkward for anyone who does not have the item in front of them.
Is buying a bridesmaid dress second hand safe?
Yes, with the ordinary care any private sale needs. WishThrift does not authenticate, inspect or hold funds, so inspect before you pay where you can, meet somewhere public, and keep the conversation on the site. Sizing, above everything. A garment that does not fit is the commonest reason a second-hand clothing purchase disappoints, and it is entirely avoidable by asking for flat measurements rather than trusting the label.
See also: all buying guides · bridesmaid dress value guide · selling bridesmaid dress · Clothing · condition grades.