Lyla Dejesus
Wedding dresses are often one of the most expensive, delicate, and sentimental pieces of clothing a person will ever wear. As such, it can be difficult to decide what to do with a wedding dress after the big day. Some people choose to keep their wedding dress as a souvenir or a sentimental reminder of their wedding day, while others may decide to sell, donate, or repurpose their dress. For those who choose to keep their dress, proper cleaning and preservation are essential to ensure the dress stays in good condition. However, it's important to note that wedding dress preservation should be undertaken by a professional, and dresses should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark environment to prevent damage.
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What You'll Learn
Sentimental value
Wedding dresses are often considered to be one of the most expensive, delicate, and sentimental pieces of clothing a person will ever wear. For this reason, it can be difficult to part with your wedding dress after your wedding day.
Some people choose to keep their wedding dress as a souvenir or a lovely reminder of their wedding day. Some brides even opt for a "trash the dress" photoshoot, where they dive into a lake or set their dress on fire while taking photos. Others may choose to repurpose their dresses into lingerie or cocktail attire. However, it's important to note that wedding dresses are usually not small items and can take up a lot of space in a closet or a box.
If you're considering keeping your wedding dress, it's essential to take the proper precautions to ensure it stays in good condition. This includes cleaning the dress before storing it and choosing a reputable company specializing in wedding dress cleaning. Additionally, wedding dresses should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark environment, away from extreme temperatures, light, and humidity.
Another option for those wanting to keep their dress is to have it professionally preserved. This process involves an experienced specialist creating a unique treatment plan according to the dress's fabric, stitching, and details. However, it's important to note that preserved wedding dresses should not be stored in airtight boxes, as this can cause discolouration and trap moisture, leading to mildew. Instead, choose a box that can be opened and closed, allowing for airflow and examination of the dress.
For those who don't want to keep their wedding dress, there are other options available. Some people choose to sell their dresses, either online or to a bridal store, to make back some of the money spent. Others may opt to donate their dresses to charities or organisations like Brides Against Breast Cancer, where it can find new life and benefit someone who cannot afford a dress. Additionally, if you have children, you may consider repurposing your dress for a child's baptism gown or wrapping a portion of it around the base of their wedding bouquet.
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Storage
Storing a wedding dress can be tricky, but it isn't rocket science. The first step is to decide whether you want to keep the dress as a souvenir or memento, or whether you would prefer to donate or sell it. If you choose to keep your dress, it is important to take the right precautions to keep it in good condition.
Firstly, it is important to get your dress cleaned before storing it. Choose a reputable company that specializes in wedding dress cleaning, as they will be better at detecting marks and stains.
Secondly, when it comes to the storage location, keep your dress away from heat, dampness, and light. Store it in a dry room, especially one with no history of insects or mould buildup. Attics and basements are not ideal, as they are often too hot, damp, or prone to flooding. Many women choose to store their dresses under their bed or in a dry closet. If you don't have room, you can rent a self-storage unit to keep it cool, dry, and protected.
Thirdly, consider how you store the dress. While plastic bags can protect your dress from spills and dirt, they can also cause discolouration over time. The fumes emitted by plastic can cause a wedding dress to turn yellow. Post-wedding, it is best to store your gown in a breathable garment bag. If you must hang your dress, hang it by the loops inside to avoid stretching and sagging at the seams.
Finally, wedding dress preservation is an option for those who want to keep their dress in pristine condition. Preservation is different from dry cleaning and should be undertaken by a professional. A specialist will assess your dress and create a unique treatment plan according to the fabric, stitching, and details. They will be able to deal with any stains, visible or invisible. It is recommended that you open the box containing your preserved dress at least once a year.
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Selling
Wedding dresses are often tucked away in closets or stored in attics, basements, or garages, taking up space and serving no useful purpose. While some women keep their wedding dresses with the hope of passing them on to their daughters, this tradition has become less common as fashion trends change rapidly. If you're looking to part with your wedding dress, selling it is a great option. Here are some tips to help you through the process:
Deciding to Sell
Timing the Sale
When it comes to selling your wedding dress, timing is important. The sooner you sell it after your wedding, the more money you're likely to make, as the dress will still be considered "in style." Waiting too long might decrease its value, as fashion trends evolve quickly.
Choosing a Platform
There are several online platforms dedicated to buying and selling pre-owned wedding dresses, such as Stillwhite and Nearly Newlywed. These platforms offer a global marketplace, connecting you with potential buyers worldwide. They also provide safety features to protect your privacy and secure your transactions.
Creating the Listing
When creating your listing, think of it as an advertisement. Include as many details as possible, such as the designer, style name or number, alterations made, size, height, and any special features (like pockets!). Share your story about why you chose the dress and what made you fall in love with it. This will help your listing stand out and attract buyers who connect with your description.
Accessories and Add-ons
Consider including accessories like a veil, hairpiece, or slip with the sale of your dress. Note them in the description and add pictures, but be prepared for buyers to opt-out of purchasing them. Listing accessories separately can increase your chances of selling the dress and avoid inflating the price. However, it is generally not recommended to sell shoes with the dress due to sizing differences.
By following these steps, you can successfully sell your wedding dress and give it a new life while also benefiting from the financial gain and the sense of decluttering.
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Donating
There are several organizations that accept wedding dress donations and use them to support various causes. Brides Against Breast Cancer, for example, resells gently used wedding gowns to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and early detection. Similarly, The Brides Project in Michigan raises money for programs and services at the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor through the resale of donated wedding dresses. Brides Across America is another organization that accepts wedding dress donations and passes them on for free to military and first responder brides.
If you're looking for a way to directly support individuals in need, consider donating your wedding dress to a cause like Cherie Sustainable Bridal in Maryland. They support Success in Style, a nonprofit that provides professional clothing and interview skills to clients in crisis. The Emma and Evan Foundation accepts wedding dress donations and transforms them into angel gowns or burial gowns for infants who have passed away. These memorial gowns are offered to grieving families free of charge as a source of comfort.
Overall, donating your wedding dress is a thoughtful way to give back while also simplifying your life. It allows you to pass on the joy of your special day to others and ensure that your dress continues to hold meaningful value even after your wedding day.
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Repurposing
Wedding dresses are often tucked away in closets or stored in attics, basements, or garages, taking up a lot of space. While some women choose to keep their wedding dress as a reminder of their special day or with the hope of passing it on to their daughter, others may want to repurpose, sell, or donate their dress.
Transform it into a new garment
You can dye and refashion your wedding dress into a coloured formal dress, a cocktail dress, or lingerie that you can wear again. If the dress has a long tulle skirt, you can use the material to create a stylish tulle skirt that can be paired with a top for a more casual look.
Create keepsakes and accessories
Your wedding dress can be transformed into various accessories and keepsakes. You can create headbands, bracelets, bags, or even a pendant necklace with parts of the dress. You can also use the fabric to make a tree skirt or angel ornaments for the holidays, creating new traditions and memories.
Pass it on for special occasions
If you have a baby or are expecting one, consider transforming your wedding dress into a christening gown for your little one. This way, you can wrap your child in the love and memories of your wedding day. You can also create "princess" dresses for young girls in the family to wear and feel special.
Donate it for a good cause
There are charities and organisations that accept wedding dress donations and repurpose them for various causes. For example, your dress can be transformed into gowns for babies who have passed away, bringing comfort to grieving families. Alternatively, you can donate your dress to a costume rental shop, where it can be used for theatrical productions or Halloween.
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Frequently asked questions
Many brides choose to keep their wedding dress as a souvenir or memento of their special day. Brides Magazine reports that 46% of brides preserve their wedding dress for their children or grandchildren. Others may choose to repurpose their dresses into lingerie, cocktail attire, or a child's baptism gown.
A wedding dress is usually not a small item and takes up a fair amount of space, especially if it is puffy. It is also likely that you will never wear a wedding dress again, and if you remarry, you will probably want to wear a different dress.
You could choose to donate your dress to charity, or sell it online. You could also repurpose the dress for a photoshoot, such as a "trash the dress" session, where photos are taken of the bride diving into a lake or having paint thrown on the dress, for example.
