On the heels of Rent the Runway and looking to shake up the market for bridal gowns, founder Jacqueline Courtney launched Nearly Newlywed, a social media-powered online boutique that lists discounted bridal gowns from the world’s most popular designers, in 2012. The dresses offered through the site are guaranteed “nearly new” and available at a fraction of the price of a new designer gown.
After the ceremony, brides may keep the dress or sell it back to Nearly Newlywed for 30% of the sale price within eight months of the purchase date. Newlywed brides can also opt to place the dress on consignment with the site – provided the dress meets the company’s criteria – and receive 70% of the proceeds after the dress has been sold.
The Brooklyn-based Nearly Newlywed offers an extensive inventory and hosts several pages of wedding, bridal, and party dresses which can be filtered by size and length. Additionally, Courtney, a former fashion publicist, offers personal shopping consultations with new brides via Pinterest and answers their questions through Facebook and Twitter. “We are using social media to connect with brides and make the experience special and personal,” Courtney said in an interview with Mashable. “I think we are doing something unique.”
The company has netted a lot of press since early 2012 including spots in InStyle, Lucky, NBC, Marie Claire, and The Washington Post and appeared on ABC’s hit show “Shark Tank” in December of that same year. Courtney, whose own wedding dress hunt was the inspiration for the online boutique, hopes to expand into wedding accessory rentals in the future. “I wanted to elevate the experience,” Courtney said. “Even if the woman has a more modern approach, the experience shouldn’t be sacrificed.”
For more information on Nearly Newlywed or to browse their selection, visit www.nearlynewlywed.com.
I wish wedding dress rental was available when I had gotten married. My dress is hanging in my closet, where it’s been since I took it off on my wedding day almost 7 years ago. Seems like a waste of money. I could have saved so much if I would have rented my gown instead!
Great option for couples who have less budget in their wedding. Many couples would love this idea.
Interesting concept. I like it a bunch. Weddings are expensive!