What do you do with that beautiful wedding dress hanging in your closet? It’s a piece filled with memories but often sits untouched after the big day. You might feel unsure about its fate—should it be stored away forever or transformed into something new?
Key Takeaways
- Donation is Noble: Consider donating your old wedding dress to organizations like Brides Across America or The Princess Project, helping brides in need while giving your gown a new purpose.
- Repurpose Creatively: Transform your dress into keepsake pillows, flower girl dresses, or even a trendy outfit, allowing you to cherish memories in new ways.
- Selling for Cash: Use online platforms such as Stillwhite or PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com to sell your dress, making some extra money while sharing your gown with someone else.
- Preservation for Longevity: Professional preservation services ensure your dress remains in excellent condition for years, employing gentle cleaning methods and safe storage solutions.
- Artistic Expressions: Create memorable art projects or keepsakes from your dress, such as framed shadow boxes or memory books, to celebrate your wedding in a unique way.
- Share Your Story: Host gatherings to share your wedding dress and its story, creating meaningful experiences with friends and family while inspiring future brides.
What To Do With An Old Wedding Dress
Your old wedding dress can serve many purposes beyond just hanging in the closet. You can choose from several options based on personal sentiment, practical use, or creative expression.
1. Donate It
Consider donating your dress to organizations that support brides in need. Look for local charities or national programs like Brides Across America or The Princess Project. These organizations accept wedding dresses and make them accessible to those who may not afford one.
2. Repurpose It
Transform the dress into new items. You might create:
- Flower girl dresses for future weddings.
- Keepsake pillows to cherish memories.
- Blankets made from the fabric, keeping a piece of your special day alive.
3. Sell It
Selling your dress can bring in extra cash. Use online platforms like Stillwhite or PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, which specialize in selling pre-owned wedding attire. Setting a reasonable price attracts buyers.
4. Preserve It
For those who want to keep the dress intact, consider professional preservation. This process involves cleaning, packing, and storing the dress in acid-free materials, protecting it from damage. Preservation services often offer guarantees for longevity.
5. Create Art
Utilize parts of the dress in art projects. You can create:
- Framed shadow boxes displaying lace or embellishments.
- Memory books, incorporating fabric swatches and photographs.
- Art installations as a personal expression of your wedding story.
6. Share the Story
Host a small gathering to pass down the dress. Share your wedding story with friends or family, allowing them to wear or try on the dress. This creates a memorable experience and can inspire someone else’s special day.
7. Upcycle With Fashion
Turn your wedding dress into something trendy. Work with a designer to upcycle the fabric into a stylish evening gown or a chic cocktail dress you can wear again. This modern twist allows you to enjoy your dress with new flair.
Consider these options when deciding what to do with your old wedding dress. Each choice can honor your memories while creating space for new experiences.
Repurposing Options
You can breathe new life into your old wedding dress by repurposing it in creative ways. Here are some options to consider.
Transforming Into a New Garment
Transforming your dress into a new garment is a practical choice. Consider making it into a cocktail dress, a stylish top, or even a chic skirt. Many tailors and seamstresses specialize in altering wedding dresses into fashionable pieces. Keep in mind your size and preference for style when discussing ideas with a professional.
If you’re handy with a sewing machine, you might take on the project yourself. Cutting the dress, adjusting the length, and adding new elements like lace or beads can create a completely unique look. Pinterest offers numerous tutorials if you’re looking for step-by-step guidance and inspiration.
Creating Accessories or Keepsakes
Creating accessories or keepsakes from your wedding dress allows you to cherish your memories in everyday life. Consider crafting items such as:
- Keepsake Pillows: Turn sections of your dress into decorative pillows for your home. They can serve as a beautiful reminder of your big day.
- Hair Accessories: Use fabric or lace from your dress to make headbands, hair clips, or veils for future events or for flower girls.
- Bags: Design a small purse or pouch that’s practical and sentimental. This item can be used regularly, keeping your wedding memories close.
You can explore DIY projects for these items, or consult local artisans who can turn your vision into a reality. Be sure to incorporate personal touches or elements that capture the essence of your wedding day.
Donating Your Dress
Donating your wedding dress provides a meaningful way to share your joy with others. Many organizations accept wedding dresses to support brides in need or those facing difficult circumstances.
Charities That Accept Wedding Dresses
- Brides Against Breast Cancer: This organization resells wedding dresses to fund programs that support cancer patients and their families.
- The I Do Foundation: This nonprofit facilitates wedding dress donations, with proceeds benefiting charities chosen by the bride and groom.
- Angel Gowns: This charity transforms donated wedding dresses into gowns for infants who have passed away, offering comfort to grieving families.
- Dress for Success: Some locations accept wedding dresses, transforming them into professional attire for women entering the workforce.
How Your Donation Can Help Others
Your donation supports various causes. Charitable organizations often use the funds from dresses to provide resources, services, or assistance to those in need. For example, Brides Against Breast Cancer allocates funds to programs that help individuals battling cancer. Every dress serves a purpose, creating a tangible impact on someone’s life. By donating, you honor your wedding memories while empowering others to create their own joyful moments.
Selling Your Old Wedding Dress
Selling your old wedding dress can breathe new life into it while putting some extra cash in your pocket. Several platforms allow you to connect with potential buyers who appreciate the sentimental value of a wedding gown.
Best Platforms for Resale
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay and Poshmark provide a broad audience for selling your dress. You can list your gown with photos and details to attract buyers.
- Wedding Dress Specific Sites: Platforms such as Stillwhite and Once Wed specialize in wedding attire, making it easier to reach those specifically looking for wedding dresses.
- Social Media: Utilize Facebook Marketplace or Instagram to sell directly to your community. Join local wedding groups where you can showcase your dress and connect with interested buyers.
- Consignment Shops: Local bridal consignment stores often take wedding dresses on consignment. They handle the selling process for you, although they typically take a percentage of the sale.
- Research Similar Dresses: Check comparable listings to gauge a fair price. Look for dresses of similar styles, conditions, and original retail prices.
- Set a Realistic Price: Consider depreciation when pricing. Aim for 30-50% of the original dress price, depending on its condition.
- Photograph Carefully: Take clear, well-lit photos from various angles. Include close-ups of intricate details and any flaws. High-quality images grab attention.
- Write a Detailed Description: Include brand, size, any alterations, and the original price. Describe the fabric and style to help buyers envision themselves in the dress.
- Be Flexible on Price: Be open to negotiations. Respond promptly to inquiries, and consider reasonable offers to facilitate a sale.
Utilizing these strategies enhances your chances of successfully selling your old wedding dress and helps you share a piece of your special day with someone else.
Preserving Your Wedding Dress
Preserving your wedding dress keeps those cherished memories intact. Proper cleaning and storage ensure your dress remains in excellent condition for years to come.
Cleaning and Storage Techniques
Start with cleaning your dress promptly after the wedding. Stains can set quickly, so act fast. Spot cleaning works for minor stains, but a professional dry cleaner specializes in wedding gowns for the best results. Choose a cleaner who uses a gentle, eco-friendly process.
For storage, use a breathable garment bag made of cotton or muslin, never plastic. Avoid cluttering the bag. Lay the dress flat if possible, ensuring it doesn’t get creased. Earmark a cool, dry place for storing your dress, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Consider adding acid-free tissue paper in folds to maintain its shape.
Professional Preservation Services
Select professional preservation services for long-term storage. These experts clean, treat, and package your dress using archival materials. They typically use acid-free boxes for storage to prevent yellowing and damage.
Research several preservation companies before choosing one. Look for reviews and check their experience with wedding dresses. Some companies even offer a guarantee for their services, giving you peace of mind. Additionally, consider cities or regions with specific expertise in wedding dress preservation.
Taking these steps helps protect your dress, ensuring it remains a beautiful reminder of your special day.
Conclusion
Deciding what to do with your old wedding dress doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Whether you choose to donate it sell it or transform it into something new you’re honoring the memories associated with that special day. Each option not only allows you to keep the spirit of your wedding alive but also opens up opportunities for creativity and connection.
So take a moment to reflect on what feels right for you. Your wedding dress can become a beautiful part of someone else’s story or a cherished keepsake that brings joy to your everyday life. Whatever path you choose it’s a chance to celebrate love in all its forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with my wedding dress after the wedding?
You have several options for your wedding dress. You can store it, donate it to help brides in need, repurpose it into new items like keepsake pillows or flower girl dresses, sell it online, or preserve it professionally. Each choice allows you to honor the memories of your special day.
Where can I donate my wedding dress?
You can donate your wedding dress to various organizations such as Brides Against Breast Cancer, The I Do Foundation, Angel Gowns, or Dress for Success. These charities use donations to help brides facing challenges, allowing your dress to create joyful moments for others.
How can I repurpose my wedding dress?
Repurposing your wedding dress can be fun and creative! Consider transforming it into a cocktail dress, decorative pillows, hair accessories, or a trendy new outfit. A tailor can help, or you can try DIY projects to breathe new life into the fabric and cherish the memories.
What are the best platforms to sell my old wedding dress?
To sell your old wedding dress, consider platforms like eBay, Poshmark, Stillwhite, Once Wed, Facebook Marketplace, and Instagram. These sites cater to secondhand fashion and bridal wear, making it easier to find interested buyers.
How should I preserve my wedding dress?
For preservation, clean your dress promptly, ideally with professional dry cleaning. Store it in a breathable garment bag, away from sunlight and humidity, in a cool, dry place. Professional preservation services use archival materials to protect the dress from damage and yellowing over time.
