Can bridal take off in resale?
Secondhand bridal is no longer a niche—it’s a movement. With rising wedding costs and growing demand for sustainability, resale platforms like Onceloved are reshaping how brides shop, offering style, savings, and purpose in every gown.
Bridal fashion is getting a sustainable makeover, as secondhand wedding dresses step into the spotlight. For Archive founder Emily Gittins, skipping a brand-new gown wasn’t just about cost—it was about waste. Her search for a pre-loved dress highlighted both the promise and challenges of bridal resale, a market that’s steadily gaining traction as modern brides embrace affordability, sustainability, and individuality.
Now, major players are helping to reshape the industry. Archive has partnered with boutique brands Anna Bé and A&Bé to launch Onceloved, a resale platform offering professionally cleaned, curated gowns alongside peer-to-peer listings. With gowns priced as low as $500 and supported by national logistics and digital infrastructure, Onceloved tackles the very problems that hindered past resale efforts. Rising wedding costs, long production lead times, and growing cultural cachet around secondhand fashion are driving this shift, making resale an increasingly appealing choice.
The movement goes beyond savings—it’s about access, immediacy, and values. From luxury names like Vivienne Westwood to indie designers, resale offers brides new possibilities for their big day, without compromising style or conscience. As sustainability becomes as important as sparkle, Onceloved and similar platforms are changing the way brides shop for their once-in-a-lifetime dress. Read more here!